Display of transmission settings instruction status

Abstract

The present invention is a method including receiving a first information element, where the first information element indicates at least one transmission setting indication state, receiving a second information element, and determining, based on the second information element, an association between at least one transmission setting indication state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following exemplary embodiments relate to indicating resources related to wireless communication and data transmission.

Background Art

[0002] In a wireless network such as a cellular communication network, for example, a control channel is used to indicate control information. With such control information, resources can be allocated so that data communication becomes possible. Also, it is desirable to use resources as optimally as possible.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection required by various embodiments of the present invention is defined by independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are construed as useful examples for understanding the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting indication state, means for receiving a second information element, and means for determining, based on the second information element, the association between at least one transmission setting indication state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments according to the first aspect, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the at least one processor to perform the functions of the apparatus.

[0006] According to a second embodiment, a device is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the device, by at least one processor, to receive a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state, receive a second information element, and, based on the second information element, determine a relationship between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0007] A third embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state; receiving a second information element; and determining, based on the second information element, the association between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a computer program that causes the device to perform at least the following actions: receive a first information element, wherein the first information element indicates at least one transmit setting instruction state; receive a second information element; and determine, based on the second information element, the association between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0009] A fifth aspect provides a computer program that stores instructions for at least receiving a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state; receiving a second information element; and determining, based on the second information element, a relationship between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided which includes a computer instruction causing the device to perform at least the following: receiving a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state; receiving a second information element; and determining, based on the second information element, a relationship between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided which stores program instructions for at least receiving a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state, receiving a second information element, and determining, based on the second information element, the association between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0012] According to the eighth aspect, a device is provided comprising: means for transmitting a first information element to a terminal device, wherein the first information element indicates at least one transmission setting instruction state; and means for transmitting a second information element to a terminal device, wherein the second information element is for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0013] According to some exemplary embodiments of the eighth aspect, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to enable the performance of the device by the at least one processor.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect, a device is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code cause the device to perform the following actions by the at least one processor: transmit a first information element to a terminal device, the first information element indicating at least one transmit setting instruction state; and transmit a second information element to the terminal device, the second information element determining a relationship between at least one transmit setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0015] A method is provided which includes transmitting a first information element to a terminal device, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting instruction state, and transmitting a second information element to the terminal device, the second information element for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0016] According to the eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided that causes a device to perform at least the following actions: transmit a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting instruction state; and transmit a second information element, the second information element for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0017] According to the twelfth aspect, a computer program is provided which stores instructions for a device to perform at least the following actions: transmit a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting instruction state; and transmit a second information element, the second information element for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0018] According to the 13th aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided which includes a program instruction causing a device to perform at least the following actions: transmit a first information element, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting instruction state; and transmit a second information element, the second information element for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group.

[0019] According to the 14th aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided which stores program instructions for at least transmitting a first information element to a terminal device, the first information element indicating at least one transmission setting instruction state, and transmitting a second information element to a terminal device, the second information element for determining a relationship between at least one transmission setting instruction state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireless access network. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows an exemplary embodiment relating to determining the relationship between at least one TCI state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an exemplary embodiment relating to determining the relationship between at least one TCI state and at least one physical uplink control channel resource group. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The following embodiments are illustrative. While this specification may refer to “a certain,” “one,” or “several” embodiments in several places, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment, or that certain features apply to only one embodiment. Other embodiments may also be provided by combining single features from different embodiments.

[0022] As used in this application, the term "circuit" refers to all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation such as an implementation of only analog and / or digital circuits, and (b) a combination of a circuit and software (and / or firmware) (where applicable), such as (i) a combination of one or more processors, or (ii) a part of a processor / software that includes one or more digital signal processors, software, and one or more memories, and that cooperate to cause the device to perform various functions, (c) a circuit such as one or more microprocessors or a part of one or more microprocessors that requires software or firmware for operation even when the software or firmware does not physically exist. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, the term "circuit" in this embodiment also covers simply a processor (or a plurality of processors) or a part of a processor and an implementation of the software and / or firmware associated therewith (or therewith). Also, the term "circuit" covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or an application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device, if applicable to a particular element. The above-described circuit embodiments can also be considered as embodiments that provide means for implementing the method or process embodiments described herein.

[0023] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. In the case of hardware implementation, the devices of the embodiments may be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. In the case of firmware or software, implementation can be carried out through at least one chipset module (e.g., procedure, function, etc.) that performs the functions described herein. Software code can be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or outside the processor. In the latter case, it can be communicated with the processor via any suitable means. Furthermore, the components of the system described herein may be rearranged and / or complemented by additional components to facilitate the achievement of various embodiments, etc., described herein, and these are not limited to the exact configuration shown in the given figures, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification can be implemented in at least one communication system among a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or other second-generation cellular communication systems, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, a system based on the IEEE 802.11 specification, a system based on the IEEE 802.15 specification, and / or a fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system or cellular communication system. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the systems given as examples, and those skilled in the art can apply the solutions to other communication systems with the necessary characteristics.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an example of a simplified system architecture showing some elements and functional entities, all of which are logical units. The connections shown in Figure 1 are logical connections, and the actual physical connections may be different. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the system can also be composed of functions and structures other than those shown in Figure 1. The example of Figure 1 shows a part of an exemplary radio access network.

[0026] Figure 1 shows access nodes (e.g., Node B, etc.) 104 that provide cells and terminal devices 100 and 102 configured to wirelessly connect with one or more communication channels within the cell. The access node 104 can also be referred to as a node. The wireless link from the terminal device to, for example, Node B is called an uplink or reverse link, and the wireless link from, for example, Node B to the terminal device is called a downlink or forward link. It should be understood that, for example, the functions of Node B or its functions can be implemented using entities such as any node, host, server, access point, etc. suitable for such applications. Although this exemplary embodiment describes one cell, it should be noted that for simplicity of explanation, in some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cells may be provided by one access node.

[0027] A communication system may comprise, for example, one or more Node B units, in which case the Node B units may be configured to communicate with each other via wired or wireless links designed for that purpose. These links can be used for signaling. For example, a Node B unit is a computing device configured to control the wireless resources of the communication system to which it is coupled. For example, a Node B unit may also be referred to as a base station, access point, or other type of interface device, including a relay station that can operate in a wireless environment. For example, a Node B unit may include or be connected to a transceiver. For example, a connection is provided from the transceiver of a Node B unit to an antenna unit that establishes a bidirectional wireless link to user equipment. The antenna unit comprises multiple antennas or antenna elements. For example, a Node B unit may further be connected to a core network 110 (CN, or next-generation core NGC). Depending on the system, the counterpart on the CN side may be a serving gateway (S-GW, for routing and forwarding user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) for providing connectivity of terminal equipment (UE) to an external packet data network, or a mobile management entity (MME).

[0028] Terminal equipment (also called UE, user equipment, user terminal, user device, etc.) refers to one type of device to which resources on an air interface are allocated and assigned, and therefore any functions described herein in conjunction with terminal equipment may be implemented in conjunction with corresponding devices such as relay nodes. An example of such a relay node is a Layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) toward a base station. Another example of such a relay node is a Layer 2 relay. Such a relay node may include a terminal equipment section and a distributed unit (DU) section. A CU (centralized unit) can coordinate the operation of the DU, for example, via an F1AP interface.

[0029] Terminal devices may refer to portable computing devices that include a subscriber identification module (SIM), or wireless mobile communication equipment that operates with or without an embedded SIM or eSIM, and include, but are not limited to, mobile stations (cell phones), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices that use wireless modems (such as alarm or measuring devices), laptops and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, game consoles, notebooks, and multimedia devices. User devices may also be exclusive or near-exclusive uplink-only devices, such as cameras or video cameras that load images or video clips onto the network. Terminal devices may also be devices that have the ability to operate on an Internet of Things (IoT) network. An IoT network is a scenario in which things are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Terminal devices can also utilize the cloud. In some applications, terminal devices include small portable devices with wireless components (such as watches, earphones, or glasses), and computing is performed in the cloud. The terminal device (or, in some embodiments, a Layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more user device functions.

[0030] The various technologies described herein can also be applied to cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems of collaborative computing elements that control physical entities). CPS can enable the implementation and use of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects located in different places. Mobile cyber-physical systems are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems in which the physical system has its own mobility. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices carried by humans or animals.

[0031] Furthermore, while the device has been depicted as a single entity, it can also implement different units, processors, and / or memory units (not all of which are shown in Figure 1).

[0032] 5G utilizes multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) antennas, allowing for the use of more base stations or nodes (the so-called small cell concept) than LTE. 5G mobile communications support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, various data sharing methods, vehicle safety, various sensors, and various forms of mechanical applications such as (large-scale) mechanical communication (mMTC), including real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces, including sub-6GHz, centimeter wave, and millimeter wave, and to be integrable with existing legacy radio access technologies such as LTE. Integration with LTE, at least in its initial stages, could be implemented as a system where macro coverage is provided by LTE, and 5G radio interface access is provided from small cells through aggregation into LTE. In other words, 5G is expected to support both RAT-to-RAT operability (LTE-5G, etc.) and RI-to-RI operability (radio interface operability, sub-6GHz-centimeter wave, sub-6GHz-centimeter wave-millimeter wave, etc.). One concept expected to be used in 5G networks is network slicing. This slicing method allows for the creation of multiple independent, dedicated virtual subnets (network instances) within the same infrastructure to run services with different latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility requirements.

[0033] The current architecture of LTE networks is fully distributed wirelessly and fully centralized in the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G require content to be brought closer to the wireless, which could lead to local breakout and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G will enable analysis and knowledge creation at the data source. This approach requires leveraging resources that are not always connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for hosting applications and services. It can also reduce response times by storing and processing content closer to the mobile subscriber. Edge computing covers a wide range of technologies, including wireless sensor networks, mobile data collection, mobile signature analysis, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer ad-hoc networking and processing, local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing, due computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (where large-scale connectivity and latency are critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, and healthcare applications).

[0034] The communication system can also communicate with and / or utilize services provided by other networks, such as the public switched telephone network and the Internet 112. The communication network can also support the use of cloud services, for example, by implementing at least a portion of its core network operations as a cloud service (illustrated as “cloud” 114 in this embodiment). The communication system may also include a central control entity and provide facilities for different operators’ networks to cooperate, for example, in spectrum sharing.

[0035] Edge clouds can be integrated into radio access networks (RANs) by utilizing network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). Using an edge cloud may mean that access node operations are performed, at least partially, on servers, hosts, or nodes operationally connected to remote radio heads or base stations that constitute the radio portion. Node operations may also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. The application of a cloudRAN architecture allows real-time functions of the RAN to be performed on the RAN side (in the distributed unit DU104), while non-real-time functions are performed centrally (in the centralized unit CU108).

[0036] Furthermore, it should be understood that the division of roles between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even be nonexistent in, LTE. Several other technologies that may be used include, for example, big data and all-IP, which could change how networks are built and managed. 5G (or New Radio, NR) networks are designed to support multiple layers, and MEC servers can be placed between the core and base stations or node B (gNB). It should also be understood that MEC can be applied to 4G networks as well.

[0037] 5G can also utilize satellite communications to enhance or complement the coverage of 5G services. For example, it can provide backhaul and service availability in areas without terrestrial coverage. Satellite communications can utilize not only geostationary (GEO) satellite systems but also low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, such as megaconstellations. Satellite 106 included in the constellation may carry a gNB that creates a ground cell, or at least a portion of a gNB. Alternatively, satellite 106 may be used to relay signals from one or more cells to Earth. The ground cells may be transmitted via a ground relay node 104, or by a gNB located on the ground or on satellite, or part of the gNB may be on a satellite, for example, a DU, and part of the gNB may be on the ground, for example, a CU. Furthermore, or alternatively, a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) system can also be utilized.

[0038] It should be noted that the system described is an example of a wireless access system, and the system may include, for example, multiple Node Bs, terminal equipment may have access to multiple wireless cells, and the system may include other devices such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements. For example, at least one of the Node Bs may be, for example, a Home Node B. Furthermore, multiple different types of wireless cells may be provided in the geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system, as well as multiple wireless cells. Wireless cells may be macrocells (or umbrella cells), which are large cells with a diameter typically up to tens of kilometers, or they may be small cells such as microcells, femtocells, picocells, etc. For example, Node B in Figure 1 may provide these cells. A cellular wireless system can be implemented as a multi-layer network including multiple types of cells. In some exemplary embodiments, in a multi-layer network, one access node provides one type of cell or cell, and therefore, for example, multiple Node Bs are required to provide such a network structure.

[0039] Uplink control information (UCI) may be provided using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), for example, in NR. PUCCH may have different formats, such as formats 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and each format may have its own format configuration in the PUCCH configuration. Different UCI may use different formats; for example, PUCCH formats 0 and 1 may be used for scheduling requests (SR) and / or up to two hybrid automatic retransmission request acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) bits. Other examples include PUCCH formats 2, 3, and 4, which may be used for HARQ-ACK, SR, and / or channel status information (CSI). Terminal equipment may include numerous PUCCH resources according to a PUCCH configuration, such as a PUCCH configuration in accordance with the 3GPP® specification.

[0040] Determining the resource of a PUCCH may be based on at least one of the following UCI configurations: the PUCCH Resource Indicator (PRI), Downlink Control Information (DCI), UCI payload size, the Control Channel Element (CCE) index of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carrying the DCI, the total number of CCEs in the Control Resource Set (CORESET) from which the PDCCH carrying the DCI was sent, the SR configuration, the CSI configuration, and / or the Persistent Scheduling (SPS) HARQ-ACK configuration. For example, determining the resource of a PUCCH is performed according to the procedures defined in the 3GPP® specification.

[0041] The operation of signaling spatial relation information for PUCCH can be described as allowing a number of spatial relation information, such as PUCCH-SpatialRelationInfo, to be configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC), and a selection of one spatial relation to be performed via Media Access Control (MAC) CE. This can also be understood as a PUCCH spatial relation activation / deactivation MAC CE. Spatial relation updates using MAC CE, e.g., beam switching, may be signaled, for example, per PUCCH resource. Furthermore, it is also possible to perform simultaneous updates of spatial relations for each group of PUCCH resources using a single MAC CE, which can also be understood as an enhanced PUCCH spatial relation activation / deactivation MAC CE. For example, there may be up to four PUCCH resource groups configured per bandwidth part (BWP). For example, if a designated PUCCH resource ID is included in a PUCCH resource group of a designated UL BWP, other PUCCH resources within the same PUCCH resource group may not be designated in the MAC CE, and the MAC CE in this embodiment may apply to all PUCCH resources within the PUCCH resource group. Furthermore, the spatial relationships of multiple PUCCH resources may be updated / displayed in the same MAC CE.

[0042] Furthermore, a single PUCCH resource can be used for the operation of multiple transmit / receive points (TRPs). Thus, a single PUCCH resource can be used for different time-division multiplexing iterations directed to different TRPs. In addition, information regarding up to two spatial relationships may be instructed and / or activated to the PUCCH resource via MAC CE, for example in frequency range 2 (FR2). Furthermore, up to two sets of power control parameters may be instructed and / or activated to the PUCCH resource via MAC CE, for example in frequency range 1 (FR1). The set of power control parameters may include, for example, parameters such as p0, path loss reference signal (RS) ID, and closed-loop index.

[0043] Transmit-Set-Instruction (TCI) states are used to provide homolocation assumptions for the reception of DL signals and channels, and can also be used to provide spatial sources for the transmission of UL signals and channels. This is achieved by using a unified TCI framework, which is also used to define the indicated TCI states. An indicated TCI state may be, for example, a joint TCI state for DL ​​and UL, or separate TCI states for DL ​​and UL. An indicated TCI state for DL ​​may provide a QCL source for a set of downlink signals and channels, and an indicated TCI state for UL may provide a spatial source for a set of uplink signals and channels.

[0044] A unified TCI framework can be used for different functions. For example, to provide a designated TCI state, also understood as a joint TCI state, for a pair of signals and channels at a time. TCI states are set using RRC, and up to eight TCI states can be invoked via MAC CE. DCI can designate one of the activated TCI states as a designated TCI state. In a unified TCI framework, there may also be multiple designated DL and / or UL TCI states to cover multi-TRP use cases. Furthermore, both single-TRP and multi-TRP PUCCH repeat and / or transmit operations may coexist in a unified TCI framework.

[0045] Therefore, it is beneficial if the terminal equipment can determine the relationship between at least one, for example, one or two TCI states and at least one PUCCH resource group. A PUCCH resource group can be understood as containing at least one PUCCH resource. On the other hand, a TCI state may enable the terminal equipment to receive multiple DL channels and / or signals and / or transmit multiple UL channels and / or signals using a common beam. The common beam is indicated by the TCI state. It should also be noted that beams, such as UL beams, may also refer to spatial relation information, UL TCI states which may be separate UL TCI states, joint TCI states, spatial filters, power control information or set power control parameters, antenna panels, quasi-position information Type-D, or other types such as Type A, B, or C. Furthermore, it should be noted that antenna panels may be identified by an index in the corresponding terminal equipment capability value set or by an antenna panel ID. Alternatively or additionally, antenna panels may be identified by or associated with at least one reference signal (RS) or UL beam.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. This flowchart may be executed by a device such as a computing unit which may be included in a terminal device. In this exemplary embodiment, first, in block S1, a first information element (IE) is received, which indicates at least one TCI state. In this embodiment, the first IE is received by a terminal device, and the first indication can indicate, for example, one or two TCI states. Furthermore, the first indication may be received from an access node such as a gNB via DL DCI using, for example, format 1_1 or 1_2. The one or two TCI states may be a UL TCI state and / or a joint TCI state.

[0047] Next, in block S2, the second IE is received by the terminal device from the access node. In the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment, the second IE allows the terminal device to derive at least one PUCCH resource group to which at least one TCI state is applicable. The second IE may optionally indicate at least one PUCCH resource group. The second IE is provided by the access node and received by the terminal device. For example, if the first IE is received via DCI, the second IE may be received within the same DCI, and one IE within the DCI may be dedicated as the second IE. Optionally, the second IE may include a bitmap, which may indicate at least one PUCCH resource group to which at least one TCI state is applicable.

[0048] Alternatively, the second IE may be received within the same DCI as the first IE, and the second IE may be an IE of a DCI specialized for a different purpose (in other words, a purpose other than explicitly encoding a PUCCH resource group to which at least one TCI state applies). .exampleFor example, the second IE may be a DCI IE that enables the terminal device to derive at least one PUCCH resource group to which at least one TCI state applies. For example, the second IE may indicate at least one PUCCH resource indicator (PRI), and at least partially based thereon, the terminal device may determine that at least one PUCCH resource group is at least one PUCCH resource group to which at least one PUCCH resource (identified by at least one indicated PRI) belongs. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device may determine at least one PUCCH resource group based on the PUCCH resource ID for PUCCH that does not have a corresponding PDCCH. If the terminal device implicitly determines at least one PUCCH resource group, the terminal device may configure, for example using RRC, whether at least one PUCCH resource group follows a particular indicated TCI state(s). A specific TCI state is, for example, either both indicated TCI states (e.g., in the case of a PUCCH repetition), the first TCI state, or the second TCI state. Alternatively, if the terminal device implicitly determines at least one PUCCH resource group, the terminal device can associate at least one indicated TCI state with this at least one PUCCH resource group; that is, if there is one indicated TCI state or two indicated TCI states, each of the one indicated TCI state or the two indicated TCI states can be associated with at least one PUCCH resource group.

[0049] Another option in block S2 is that the second indication may be received via dynamic signaling other than DCI, from which the first IE was received.

[0050] In block S3 of the flowchart of this exemplary embodiment, the association between at least one TCI state and at least one PUCCH resource group is determined by the terminal device. This association is determined at least in part based on a second IE, so that a second IE can determine such an association. If one TCI state is indicated by the first IE, determining the association includes determining whether the TCI state applies to at least one PUCCH resource group. If two TCI states are indicated, determining the association includes determining at least which of the two indicated TCI states applies to which of the at least one PUCCH resource group. For example, if two TCI states are indicated and at least two PUCCH resource groups exist, the determined association may be that one TCI state is applicable to the first PUCCH resource group and the other TCI state is applicable to the second PUCCH resource group, and so on. Thus, generally, determining the association may include determining various combinations of TCI states that are applicable to various PUCCH resource groups, depending on the number of indicated TCI states and the number of PUCCH resource groups.

[0051] Figure 3A shows an exemplary embodiment, which is also applicable to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2. The second IE in this embodiment is configured using a bitmap, which can determine the association between at least one indicated TCI state and at least one PUCCH resource group. Note that in some exemplary embodiments, the second IE can also indicate at least one resource group. The bitmap may be transmitted from the access node to the terminal device. In the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment, there are three PUCCH resource groups, which may be indexed as #0, #1, and #2, respectively, to point to the first, second, and third PUCCH resource groups. In this embodiment, DCI 310 is used with PDCCH 315 to transmit a first IE indicating two TCI states 332 and 334 (also referred to as TCI state #0 and TCI state #1, respectively, in Figure 3A) from the access node to the terminal device. DCI310 is also used to transmit a second IE that constitutes a bitmap in which the association between the indicated TCI states 332 and 334 and three PUCCH resource groups #0, #1, and #2 can be determined. The first bit of the bitmap corresponds to PUCCH resource group #0, which in the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment may be considered a first configured PUCCH resource group. The second bit of the bitmap corresponds to PUCCH resource group #1, which may be considered a configured second PUCCH resource group, and the third bit of the bitmap may correspond to PUCCH resource group #2, which may be considered a configured third PUCCH resource group. If the bitmap shows a single "1" and all other bits are "0", the terminal device can determine from the bitmap that the association between two TCI states and PUCCH resource groups is such that the two indicated TCI states should apply to the same PUCCH resource group, and the terminal device can determine the PUCCH resource group based on the index of the "1" bit of the bitmap.For example, if the instruction bitmap corresponding to the index [index#0, index#1, index#2] in this embodiment is

[0010] , then if two TCI states are indicated, both indicated TCI states should be applied to the second PUCCH resource group corresponding to PUCCH resource group #1. Based on the bitmap, PUCCH iterations 302 and 304, also referred to as PUCCH rep#0 and PUCCH rep#1 in Figure 3A, respectively, which use the PUCCH resources belonging to PUCCH resource group #1, are then executed in the multi-TRP use case using both indicated TCI states.

[0052] Alternatively, or additionally, the DCI320 using the PDCCH325 can be used by the access node to send to the terminal device a first IE indicating two TCI states 332 and 334, and a second IE containing other different bitmaps to allow for the determination of other associations. In this alternative, the bitmap shows two "1"s and the other bits of the bitmap are "0", so the terminal device can determine that the association between the two TCI states 332 and 334 and PUCCH resource groups #0, #1 and #2 is that the two indicated TCI states should apply to the two PUCCH resource groups. The terminal device can then determine the two PUCCH resource groups based on the index of the "1" bits in the bitmap. For example, if the indicated bitmap is

[0101] corresponding to index [index#0, index#1, index#2], and two TCI states are indicated, then the indicated first and second TCI states 332 and 334 should be applied to the first PUCCH resource group corresponding to PUCCH resource group #0, and the third PUCCH resource group corresponding to PUCCH resource group #2, respectively. Subsequently, a PUCCH transmission 306 using a PUCCH resource belonging to PUCCH resource group #2 may be transmitted using the second TCI state 334.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment of this example, two TCI states are shown, but instead, there may be one TCI state shown using the first IE. Next, when a bitmap is used to determine the association between a TCI state and a PUCCH resource group, the PUCCH resource group associated with a TCI state is the one that has an index corresponding to bit "1" in the bitmap. Thus, generally, bits in a bitmap can correspond to both TCI states and PUCCH resource groups, and the terminal device can determine that if the bit has a predetermined value, for example, a value of 1, the TCI state is applicable to the PUCCH resource group, and if the bit has a predetermined value, for example, a value of 0, the TCI is not applicable to the PUCCH resource group. However, it should be noted that a single bit may correspond to multiple TCI states and / or multiple PUCCH resource groups, and the value of the bit may determine the association between a TCI state and a PUCCH resource group.

[0054] Furthermore, please note that the size of the bitmap may be equal to the total number of PUCCH resource groups configured, or it may be less than the total number of PUCCH resource groups configured. This is the case, for example, when fewer PUCCH resource groups are selected than the total number of PUCCH resource groups configured.

[0055] Figure 3B shows an exemplary embodiment, which is also applicable to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2. This exemplary embodiment involves using an implicit representation of at least one PUCCH resource group, of which there are three PUCCH resource groups in this embodiment, which are indexed as #0, #1 and #2 and can refer to the first, second and third PUCCH resource groups, respectively. DCI340 in this embodiment is used with PDCCH345 to send a first IE from the access node to the terminal device, indicating two TCI states 372 and 374, also referred to as TCI state #0 and TCI state #1 in Figure 3B, respectively. A second IE in this embodiment allows the terminal device to determine the relationship between the two indicated TCI states 372 and 374 and PUCCH resource groups #0, #1 and #2.

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment, the terminal device may be configured, for example using RRC, to determine that PUCCH resource groups #0, #1, and #2 follow a specific TCI state indicated. The specific TCI state may be any of the two indicated TCI states 372 and 374 in this exemplary embodiment, the first indicated TCI state 372, or the second indicated TCI state 374. This configuration, received by the terminal device via RRC, can be understood as a preconfiguration. In the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment, the terminal device is preconfigured to follow a specific TCI state in which PUCCH resource group #0 follows two TCI states indicated by DCI. However, it should be noted that when the preconfiguration is received by the terminal device, the TCI state identifiers may not be known to the terminal device, as the terminal device has not yet received the first IE indicating the TCI state identifiers. Therefore, if a first IE transmitted using DCI340 indicates two TCI states 372 and 374 for UL transmission, the terminal equipment determines the relationship between the two indicated TCI states and PUCCH resource group #0 such that both TCI states 372 and 374 apply to PUCCH resource group #0.

[0057] Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, PUCCH iterations 362 and 364, also referred to as PUCCH rep#0 and PUCCH rep#1 in Figure 3B, respectively, which use the PUCCH resource belonging to PUCCH resource group #0, are subsequently executed in the multi-TRP use case using the indicated first and second TCI states.

[0058] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the terminal device is pre-configured to follow a specific TCI state, which is the first of two TCI states indicated by the DCI. However, it should be noted again that the TCI state identifier may not be known to the terminal device, as it has not yet received the first IE indicating the TCI state identifier when the pre-configuration is received by the terminal device. Therefore, if the first IE transmitted using DCI 340 indicates two TCI states 372 and 374 for UL transmission, the terminal device determines that the relationship between the two indicated TCI states 372 and 374 and PUCCH resource group #1 is such that the first TCI state 372 applies to PUCCH resource group #1. Thus, the second TCI state 374 of the two indicated TCI states does not apply to resource group #1 in this embodiment.

[0059] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the terminal device is pre-configured to follow a specific TCI state, which is the second of two TCI states indicated by the DCI. However, it should be noted again that when the pre-configuration is received by the terminal device, the terminal device may not know the TCI state identifier, as it has not yet received the first IE indicating the TCI state identifier. Therefore, if the first IE transmitted using DCI 340 indicates two TCI states 372 and 374 for UL transmission, the terminal device determines that the relationship between the two indicated TCI states 372 and 374 and PUCCH resource group #2 is that the second TCI state 374 applies to PUCCH resource group #2. Thus, the first TCI state 372 of the two TCI states in this embodiment does not apply to resource group #2.

[0060] Alternatively, or additionally, DCI350 using PDCCH355 may be used by the access node to send a first IE to the terminal device instructing it to use one TCI state for UL transmission. The one TCI state in this embodiment is TCI state 376, also referred to as TCI state #3 in Figure 3B. The terminal device can then determine the association between the three PUCCH resource groups #0, #1, and #2 and TCI state 376, at least in part based on the received preconfiguration. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of this embodiment, for PUCCH resource group #0, the terminal device can determine the association such that TCI state 376 is applicable to PUCCH resource group #0 or not applicable to PUCCH resource group #0. Similarly, for PUCCH resource group #1, the terminal device can determine the association such that TCI state 376 is applicable to PUCCH resource group #1 or not applicable to PUCCH resource group #1. Next, the terminal device can determine the relevance of TCI state 376 to PUCCH resource group #2, either by determining whether it is applicable to PUCCH resource group #2 or not. It should be noted that if the terminal device determines it is applicable, it then applies the TCI state to the PUCCH resource group. Therefore, in the PUCCH transmission 366 in this embodiment, the PUCCH resources configured in PUCCH resource group #1 are used with TCI state 376.

[0061] Generally, once a terminal device determines the relationship between a specified TCI state and a PUCCH resource group, it determines which TCI states and how many TCI states, e.g., one or two, are associated with the PUCCH resource group. Therefore, the terminal device can utilize one or two TCI states associated with the PUCCH resource group for PUCCH transmission or repetition. The specified TCI state may also be a UL TCI state or a joint TCI state.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be noted that determining associations in the exemplary embodiments described above can also be applied to CORESETs on a per-PUCCH resource group basis, for example, so that a PUCCH resource group can be identified using a specific CORESETPool index. For example, one or more PUCCH resources that may be comprised of one or more PUCCH resource groups may be associated with different TRPs and / or different CORESETPool indices and / or different PCIs (physical cell IDs), such as CORESETPool index #0 and CORESETPool index #1. Thus, when a terminal device receives instructions for one or more TCI states, such as UL and / or joint TCI states, from an access node via an IE in a DCI transmitted using a PDCCH transmitted on a CORESET belonging to one CORESETPool index, for example, CORESETPool index #0, the terminal device can apply or restrict the above behavior to the group of PUCCH resources associated with this CORESETPool index.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, if one (UL or joint) TCI state is indicated or applied to a given CORESET group or PCI, the terminal device may decide to apply one TCI state to a PUCCH transmission operation scheduled by a PDCCH transmitted on a resource belonging to that CORESET group. On the other hand, in some other embodiments, if two (UL and / or joint) TCI states are indicated or applicable to a given CORESET group or PCI for a multi-TRP PUCCH transmission / repetition operation scheduled by a PDCCH transmitted on a resource belonging to that CORESET group, the terminal device may decide to apply two TCI states to this PUCCH transmission / repetition operation. Furthermore, whether it is a single TRP or a multi-TRP, if the PUCCH transmission operation is scheduled by repeated PDCCHs using two PDCCH candidates belonging to different CORESETs or CORESET groups or CORESETPool Indexes or PCIs, it should be noted that, in the embodiments described above, the user device may assume that the PDCCH candidate corresponds to the CORESET or CORESET group or CORESETPool Index or PCI, or that the search space configured with a lower / higher index is the reference PDCCH candidate. In this case, the TCI state determination described in the exemplary embodiments above may be based on the CORESET group or PCI corresponding to the reference PDCCH candidate.

[0064] Furthermore, note that one or more PUCCH resource groups may be associated with capability value sets and / or antenna panels. Once at least one capability value set is applicable, the terminal equipment can apply the corresponding indicated one or more TCI states to the associated one or more PUCCH resource groups. Additionally, note that multi-TRP operations such as PUCCH iteration and / or transmission using two TCI states, which may be UL TCI states, may be simultaneous, parallel, or time-division multiplexed PUCCH transmission and / or iteration.

[0065] The exemplary embodiments described above may have advantages such as enabling support for multi-TRP PUCCH iteration and / or transmission operations considering a unified TCI framework, and allowing both single-TRP and multi-TRP PUCCH iteration and / or transmission operations to coexist under the TCI framework. Downlink DCI can provide terminal equipment with information that can be used, for example, to determine the relationship between one or more indicated TCI states and one or more PUCCH resource groups, thereby enabling the TCI framework to support both s-TRP and m-TRP UL operations without requiring complex signaling.

[0066] Figure 4 shows a device 400, such as a terminal device or one that may be included in a terminal device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 400 may include a processor 410. The processor 410 interprets computer program instructions and processes data. The processor 410 may include one or more programmable processors. The processor 410 may include programmable hardware with embedded firmware, and may, alternatively or additionally, include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0067] The processor 410 is coupled to the memory 420. The processor is configured to read and write data to and from the memory 420. The memory 420 comprises one or more memory units. The memory units may be volatile or non-volatile. Note that in some exemplary embodiments, there may be one or more non-volatile memory units and one or more volatile memory units, or one or more non-volatile memory units or one or more volatile memory units. Volatile memory is, for example, RAM, DRAM, or SDRAM. Non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, flash® memory, optical memory, or magnetic memory. In general, memory is sometimes referred to as a non-transient computer-readable medium. The memory 420 stores computer-readable instructions executed by the processor 410. For example, non-volatile memory stores computer-readable instructions, and the processor 410 uses volatile memory for temporary storage of data and / or instructions to execute the instructions.

[0068] Computer-readable instructions may be pre-stored in memory 420, or alternatively or additionally, received by the device via electromagnetic carrier signals and / or copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. By executing computer-readable instructions, the device 400 performs the functions described above.

[0069] In this specification, “memory” or “computer-readable medium” means any non-transient medium or means that can store, store, communicate, propagate or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer.

[0070] The device 400 further includes or is connected to an input unit 430. The input unit 430 includes one or more interfaces for receiving user input. The one or more interfaces may include, for example, one or more motion sensors and / or orientation sensors, one or more cameras, one or more accelerometers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons, and one or more touch detection units. Furthermore, the input unit 430 can be configured to include interfaces to which external devices can be connected.

[0071] The device 400 also includes an output unit 440. The output unit comprises one or more displays capable of rendering visual content, such as light-emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) displays, or is connected to such displays. The output unit 440 further comprises one or more audio outputs. One or more audio outputs may be, for example, loudspeakers or headphones.

[0072] The device 400 may further comprise a connection unit 450. The connection unit 450 enables wired and / or wireless connectivity to an external network. The connection unit 450 may comprise one or more antennas and one or more receivers, which may be integrated with the device 400 or to which the device 400 may be connected. The connection unit 450 may comprise an integrated circuit or set of integrated circuits that provide wireless communication functionality to the device 400. Alternatively, the wireless connectivity functionality may be a hardwired ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0073] It should be noted that the device 400 may further include various components not shown in Figure 4. These components may be hardware components and / or software components.

[0074] The device 500 in Figure 5 may be an access node, or it may be an exemplary embodiment of a device configured within an access node. The device may be a circuit or chipset applicable to an access node for realizing the exemplary embodiment. The device 500 may be an electronic device comprising one or more electronic circuits. The device 500 may comprise a communication control circuit 510, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 520 containing computer program code (software) 522, the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) 522 together with at least one processor, which are configured to cause the device 500 to execute any one of the exemplary embodiments of the access node described above.

[0075] Memory 520 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash® memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The memory can configure a configuration database for storing configuration data. For example, the configuration database can store the current list of adjacent cells and, in some exemplary embodiments, the structure of the frames used by the detected adjacent cells.

[0076] The device 500 may further include a communication interface 530 which includes hardware and / or software for achieving communication connectivity according to one or more communication protocols. The communication interface 530 can provide the device with wireless communication capabilities for communication in a cellular communication system. The communication interface can, for example, provide a wireless interface to terminal equipment. The device 500 may further include other interfaces that go to a core network, such as a network coordinator device, and / or to access nodes in a cellular communication system. The device 500 may further include a scheduler 540 configured to allocate resources.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments shown in the attached drawings, it is clear that the present invention is not limited thereto, and several modifications are possible within the scope of the attached claims. Accordingly, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting to embodiments. With advances in the art, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described can be combined with other embodiments in various ways, although this is not necessary.

Claims

1. At least one processor, An apparatus comprising at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are processed by the at least one processor into the apparatus, Receive pre-configurations, In the downlink control information, a first information element indicating two transmission setting instruction states is received. In accordance with the above pre-configuration, it is determined which of the following relationships is the relationship between the two transmission setting instruction states and the physical uplink control channel resource group. It is configured to cause this to happen; Both of the above two transmission setting instruction states are applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. The first of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group, or The second of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. Device.

2. The aforementioned device further, In accordance with the determined relationship between the two transmission setting instruction states and the physical uplink control channel resource group, a physical uplink control channel transmission is transmitted. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be such as.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the preset is received via RRC.

4. At least one processor, An apparatus comprising at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are processed by the at least one processor into the apparatus, Send pre-configured settings to the terminal device. The terminal device is transmitted a first information element in the downlink control information that indicates two transmission setting instruction states. It is configured to do so, The aforementioned pre-configuration determines which of the following relationships is the relationship between the two transmission setting instruction states and the physical uplink control channel resource group in the terminal device. It is intended to make that happen; Both of the above two transmission setting instruction states are applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. The first of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group, or The second of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. Device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pre-settings are transmitted via RRC.

6. Upon receiving the pre-configuration, In the downlink control information, a first information element indicating two transmission setting instruction states is received. In accordance with the above pre-configuration, it is determined which of the following relationships is the relationship between the two transmission setting instruction states and the physical uplink control channel resource group. Including; Both of the above two transmission setting instruction states are applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. The first of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group, or The second of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. method.

7. Send pre-configurations to the terminal device, The terminal device is given a first information element in the downlink control information that indicates two transmission setting instruction states. This includes, The aforementioned pre-configuration determines which of the following relationships is the relationship between the two transmission setting instruction states and the physical uplink control channel resource group in the terminal device. It is intended to make that happen; Both of the above two transmission setting instruction states are applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. The first of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group, or The second of the two transmission setting instruction states is applicable to the physical uplink control channel resource group. method.

8. A computer program that includes instructions for causing a device to perform the method described in Claim 6.

9. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform the method described in Claim 7.

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