Methods, devices and computer storage media for communication

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable media for communication. A method of communication comprises receiving, at a first device, control information from a second device; determining a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint from the control information, the TCI codepoint indicating at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the second device over a physical shared channel; in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, determining a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the second device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data; and communicating, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the second device over the physical shared channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/CN2019/089060, filed May 29, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication, and in particular, to methods, devices and computer storage media for communication.

BACKGROUND

In New Radio access (NR), a network device (for example, a next generation NodeB (gNB)) may be equipped with multiple Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) or antenna panels. That is, the network device can communicate with a terminal device (for example, a user equipment (UE)) via one or more of the multiple TRPs or antenna panels, which is also referred to as “multi-TRP communication”.

In some Multi-TRP communication schemes, single downlink control information (DCI) can be used to schedule a number of Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) repetitions to achieve better performance. Different versions of redundancy can be included in the number of repetitions. The DCI may include a field indicating a sequence of redundancy versions (also referred to as a “RV sequence” or “sequence of RVs” in the following) to be applied to the number of repetitions. Moreover, the DCI may also include a transmission configuration indication (TCI) filed, which may indicate at least two TCI states. A TCI state may indicate one Reference Signal (RS) set as well as parameters that configure quasi co-location (QCL) relationship between RSs within the RS set and Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) ports for a PDSCH or a PUSCH. In this event, how to assign the TCI states and/or a RV sequence to the number of repetitions needs to be specified.

SUMMARY

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices and computer storage media for communication.

In a first aspect, there is provided a method of communication. The method comprises: receiving, at a first device, control information from a second device; determining a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint from the control information, the TCI codepoint indicating at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the second device over a physical shared channel; in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, determining a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the second device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data; and communicating, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the second device over the physical shared channel.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of communication. The method comprises: transmitting, from a second device, control information to a first device, the control information comprising a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint and the TCI codepoint indicating at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the first device over a physical shared channel; in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, determining a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the first device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data; and communicating, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the first device over the physical shared channel.

In a third aspect, there is provided a device of communication. The device comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores instructions thereon. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform actions comprising: receiving, at a first device, control information from a second device; determining a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint from the control information, the TCI codepoint indicating at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the second device over a physical shared channel; in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, determining a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the second device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data; and communicating, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the second device over the physical shared channel.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a device of communication. The device comprises a processor and a memory. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores instructions thereon. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform actions comprising: transmitting, from a second device, control information to a first device, the control information comprising a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint and the TCI codepoint indicating at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the first device over a physical shared channel; in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, determining a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the first device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data; and communicating, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the first device over the physical shared channel.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to.” The term “based on” is to be read as “at least in part based on.” The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment.” The terms “first,” “second,” and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “minimum,” “maximum,” or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many used functional alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

FIG.1illustrates an example communication network100in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown inFIG.1, the network100includes a network device110, which is coupled with two TRPs/panels120-1and120-2(collectively referred to as TRPs120or individually referred to as TRP120). The network100also includes a terminal device130served by the network device110. It is to be understood that the number of network devices, terminal devices and TRPs as shown inFIG.1is only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations. The network200may include any suitable number of devices adapted for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to any device having wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of the terminal device include, but not limited to, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, or Internet appliances enabling wireless or wired Internet access and browsing and the like. For the purpose of discussion, in the following, some embodiments will be described with reference to UE as an example of the terminal device130.

As used herein, the term “network device” or “base station” (BS) refers to a device which is capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage where terminal devices can communicate. Examples of a network device include, but not limited to, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an Evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a low power node such as a femto node, a pico node, and the like.

As used herein, the term “TRP” refers to an antenna array (with one or more antenna elements) available to the network device located at a specific geographical location. For example, a network device may be coupled with multiple TRPs in different geographical locations to achieve better coverage. It is to be understood that the TRP can also be referred to as a “panel”, which also refers to an antenna array (with one or more antenna elements) or a group of antennas.

As shown inFIG.1, the network device110may communicate with the terminal device130via the TRPs120-1and120-2. In the following text, the TRP120-1may be also referred to as the first TRP, while the TRP120-2may be also referred to as the second TRP. Each of the TRPs120may provide a plurality of beams for communication with the terminal device130.

The communications in the network100may conform to any suitable standards including, but not limited to, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and the like. Furthermore, the communications may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols.

As described above, in some Multi-TRP communication schemes, single DCI can be used to schedule a number of PDSCH or PUSCH repetitions to achieve better performance. Different versions of redundancy can be included in the number of repetitions. The DCI may include a field indicating a sequence of RVs to be applied to the number of repetitions. Moreover, the DCI may also include a TCI filed, which may indicate at least two TCI states. A TCI state may indicate one RS set as well as parameters that configure QCL relationship between RSs within the RS set and DMRS ports for a PDSCH or a PUSCH. In this event, how to assign the TCI states and/or a RV sequence to the number of repetitions needs to be specified.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for multi-TRP communication. This solution can assign TCI states and/or a RV sequence to a number of PDSCH or PUSCH repetitions so as to achieve better decoding performance of the PDSCH or PUSCH.

FIG.2illustrates an example signaling chart showing an example process200in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, the process200may involve a first device201and a second device202. In some embodiments, for example, the first device201may be the terminal device130as shown inFIG.1. In some embodiments, for example, the second device202may be the network device110or the TRP120as shown inFIG.1. It is to be understood that the process200may include additional acts not shown and/or may omit some acts as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

As shown inFIG.2, the second device202may transmit210control information (such as, DCI) to the first device201. The control information may schedule a number of repetitions of a PDSCH or a PUSCH. The control information may include information for scheduling the PDSCH (such as, the repetitions of the PDSCH) or the PUSCH (such as, the repetitions of the PUSCH). In response to receiving the control information from the second device202, the first device201may determine220the information for scheduling the PDSCH or the PUSCH from the control information. The first device201may determine230one or more configurations for receiving the one or more repetitions of the PDSCH from the second device or transmitting the one or more repetitions of the PUSCH to the second device based on the information. Correspondingly, the second device202can also determine240the information for scheduling the PDSCH or the PUSCH which is included in the control information. The second device202may likewise determine250one or more configurations for transmitting the one or more repetitions of the PDSCH to the first device201or receiving the one or more repetitions of the PUSCH from the first device201based on the information. It is to be understood that, the second device202can determine the one or more configurations in a same way as the first device201.

As shown inFIG.2, the second device202may communicate260the repetitions with the first device201based on the determined one or more configurations. For example, the second device202may transmit the repetitions of the PDSCH to the first device201based on the determined one or more configurations. Correspondingly, the first device201may receive the repetitions of the PDSCH from the second device202based on the determined one or more configurations. Alternatively, the first device201may transmit the repetitions of the PUSCH to the second device202based on the determined one or more configurations. Correspondingly, the second device202may receive the repetitions of the PUSCH from the first device201based on the determined one or more configurations.

In the following, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to PDSCH. It is to be understood that this is merely for the purpose of illustration, without suggesting any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applicable to PUSCH.

In some embodiments, the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201may include a TCI field. For example, the TCI field may include 3 bits, and a value of the TCI field may be referred to as a “TCI codepoint”. In some embodiments, at least one TCI codepoint may be configured with K TCI states, where K is an integer and K>1. In some embodiments, for example, K=2. In some embodiments, prior to transmitting the control information to the first device201, the second device202may firstly configure a plurality of TCI states to the first device201, for example, via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The second device202may then configure, for each TCI codepoint, K TCI states that are selected from the plurality of TCI states to the first device201, for example, via Medium Access Control (MAC) layer signaling.

In some embodiments, the first device201may be configured with a parameter N (where N is an integer and N≥1) about a number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information. For example, the second device202may configure the parameter N to the first device201via RRC signaling, MAC layer signaling or physical layer signaling. In response to being configured with the parameter N, the first device201can determine the number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information. In some embodiments, the parameter N is configured for one TCI state. That is, the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information may be N*K. For example, if N=1 and K=2, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 2. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the parameter N is configured for all of the K TCI states. That is, the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information may be N, while for each TCI state, the number of PDSCH repetitions may be N/K. For example, if N=2 and K=2, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 2 and the number of PDSCH repetitions for each TCI state is 1.

In some embodiments, the value of N should be equal to or greater than the value of K. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the parameter N is configured for all of the K TCI states. That is, the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information may be N. For example, for the first M TCI states (where M is an integer and 1≤M<N), the number of PDSCH repetitions may be ceil(N/K), while for the remaining N−M TCI states, the number of PDSCH repetitions may be (N−M*ceil(V/K))/(N−M) or floor (N/K). For example, if N=4 and K=3, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 4, the number of PDSCH repetitions for the first TCI state is 2 and the number of PDSCH repetitions for the remaining two TCI states is 1. For another example, if N=8 and K=3, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 8, the number of PDSCH repetitions for the first two TCI states is 3 and the number of PDSCH repetitions for the last TCI state is 2.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the parameter N is configured for all of the K TCI states. That is, the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information may be N. For example, for the first M TCI states (where M is an integer and 1≤M<N), the number of PDSCH repetitions may be floor(N/K), while for the remaining N−M TCI states, the number of PDSCH repetitions may be (N−M*floor(N/K))/(N−M) or ceil(N/K). For example, if N=4 and K=3, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 4, the number of PDSCH repetitions for the first two TCI states is 1 and the number of PDSCH repetitions for the last TCI states is 1. For another example, if N=8 and K=3, then the total number of PDSCH repetitions to be scheduled by the control information is 8, the number of PDSCH repetitions for the first TCI states is 2 and the number of PDSCH repetitions for the remaining two TCI states is 3.

In some embodiments, if the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicates a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with K TCI states (where K is an integer and K>1), the first device201may determine a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and remaining K−1 TCI states to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, if the first device201is configured with the number of PDSCH repetitions, the first TCI state (that is, TCI A) may be used for a starting one of the number of PDSCH repetitions. That is, the second device202may transmit the starting PDSCH repetition to the first device201based on the first TCI state. The first device201may receive the starting PDSCH repetition from the second device202based on the first TCI state.

In some embodiments, if the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicates a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with K TCI states (where K is an integer and K>1), the first device201may determine at least a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and a second TCI state (represented as “TCI B” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. Additionally, if K>2, the first device201may further determine a third TCI state (represented as “TCI C” in the following) and/or a fourth TCI state (represented as “TCI D” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, if the first device201is configured with the total number of PDSCH repetitions N (where N is an integer and N>=K), the first TCI state (that is, TCI A) may be used for the first to N/K times PDSCH repetitions and the second TCI state (that is TCI B) may be used for the N/K+1 to N/K*2 times PDSCH repetitions. Alternatively, or in addition, if the third TCI state is determined, the third TCI state (that is, TCI C) may be used for the N/K*2+1 to N/K*3 times PDSCH repetitions, and/or if the fourth TCI state is determined, the fourth TCI state (that is TCI D) may be used for the N/K*3+1 to N/K*4 times PDSCH repetitions.

For example, if K=2 and N=2, then the first TCI state may be used for the first PDSCH repetition, and the second TCI state may be used for the second PDSCH repetition. For another example, if K=2 and N=4, then the first TCI state may be used for the first and second PDSCH repetitions, and the second TCI state may be used for the third and fourth PDSCH repetitions. For another example, if K=2 and N=8, then the first TCI state may be used for the first to fourth PDSCH repetitions, and the second TCI state may be used for the fifth to eighth PDSCH repetitions. For another example, if K=4 and N=4, then the first TCI state may be used for the first PDSCH repetition, the second TCI state may be used for the second PDSCH repetition, the third TCI state may be used for the third PDSCH repetition, and the fourth TCI state may be used for the fourth PDSCH repetition. For another example, if K=4 and N=8, then the first TCI state may be used for the first and second PDSCH repetitions, the second TCI state may be used for the third and fourth PDSCH repetitions, and the third TCI state may be used for the fifth and sixth PDSCH repetitions, and the fourth TCI state may be used for the seventh and eighth PDSCH repetitions. For another example, if K=3 and N=4, then the first TCI state may be used for the first PDSCH repetition, the second TCI state may be used for the second PDSCH repetition, and the third TCI state may be used for the third and fourth PDSCH repetitions. For another example, if K=3 and N=4, then the first TCI state may be used for the first and second PDSCH repetitions, the second TCI state may be used for the third PDSCH repetition, and the third TCI state may be used for the fourth PDSCH repetition. For another example, if K=3 and N=8, then the first TCI state may be used for the first to third PDSCH repetitions, the second TCI state may be used for the fourth to sixth PDSCH repetitions, and the third TCI state may be used for the seventh and eighth PDSCH repetitions. For another example, if K=3 and N=8, then the first TCI state may be used for the first and second PDSCH repetitions, the second TCI state may be used for the third to fifth PDSCH repetitions, and the third TCI state may be used for the sixth to eighth PDSCH repetitions.

In some embodiments, if the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicates a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with K TCI states (where K=2), the first device201may determine a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and a second TCI state (represented as “TCI B” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, if the first device201is configured with the number of PDSCH repetitions, the first TCI state (that is, TCI A) may be used for a starting one of the number of PDSCH repetitions. That is, the second device202may transmit the starting PDSCH repetition to the first device201based on the first TCI state. The first device201may receive the starting PDSCH repetition from the second device202based on the first TCI state.

In some embodiments, different time and/or frequency resources may be configured for the number of PDSCH repetitions. In some embodiments, in the case of Time Domain Multiplexing (TDM), different time resources (for example, different slots or sub-slots) may be configured for the number of PDSCH repetitions. The starting PDSCH repetition may be transmitted/received based on the earliest one of the time resources. Alternatively, in some embodiments, in the case of Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM), different frequency resources may be configured for the number of PDSCH repetitions. The starting PDSCH repetition may be transmitted/received based on the lowest or highest one of the frequency resources and/or based on a frequency resource indicated firstly in a resource allocation field of a configuration for allocating the frequency resources.

In some embodiments, in response to the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicating a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with K TCI states (where K=2), the first device201may determine a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and a second TCI state (represented as “TCI B” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, in response to a number of PDSCH repetitions being configured to be scheduled by the control information, the first device201may determine a first configuration for receiving the number of PDSCH repetitions from the second device202. In some embodiments, the first configuration may assign the first and second TCI states to the number of PDSCH repetitions. In some embodiments, the first configuration for assigning TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions may be determined at least based on a multiplexing scheme associated with resource allocations for the different PDSCH repetitions. A multiplexing scheme is also referred to as a “repetition scheme” in the following, including but not limited to, TDM, FDM, or FDM in combination with TDM. For example,FIGS.3A-3Cillustrates example diagrams for assigning TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions under different repetition schemes.

FIG.3Ashows an example in the case of TDM. InFIG.3A, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 4. For example, as shown inFIG.3A, 4 PDSCH transmission occasions310,320,330and340are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.3A, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3A, the first two PDSCH repetitions310and320may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining two PDSCH repetitions330and340may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

FIG.3Bshows an example in the case of FDM combined with TDM. InFIG.3B, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 4. For example, as shown inFIG.3B, 4 PDSCH transmission occasions310,320,330and340are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.3B, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3B, the PDSCH repetitions310and330associated with one frequency resource (such as, the higher one of two frequency resources) may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining PDSCH repetitions320and340associated with another frequency resource (such as, the lower one of the two frequency resources) may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

FIG.3Cshows an example in the case of FDM combined with TDM. InFIG.3C, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 4. For example, as shown inFIG.3C, 4 PDSCH transmission occasions310,320,330and340are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.3B, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. Additionally, inFIG.3C, frequency hopping may be enabled, for example, resource allocations for different frequency ranges may be the same, and/or Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs) for different frequency ranges may be the same. In this case, as shown inFIG.3C, the PDSCH repetitions310and340with different frequency ranges associated with the same resource allocation or the same MCS may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining PDSCH repetitions320and330with different frequency ranges associated with the same resource allocation or the same MCS may be transmitted/received based on TCI B. In some embodiments, in the case of FDM combined with TDM, whether the frequency hopping is enabled or not can be configured by the second device202to the first device201, for example, via RRC signaling or DCI.

In some embodiments, for different repetition schemes, the order of the PDSCH repetitions may be different. In some embodiments, by default, the starting PDSCH repetition may be transmitted/received based on the first TCI state (such as, TCI A). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the order of the PDSCH repetitions and the assignment of different TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions can be dynamically indicated by the second device202to the first device201, for example, via DCI.

In some embodiments, the order of the PDSCH repetitions may depend on a slot format configuration. For example, in case that the total number of PDSCH repetitions is configured, the slot format configuration may only enable a part of the PDSCH repetitions. In some embodiments, in this case, the first configuration for assigning TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions may be determined such that the same TCI state is assigned to adjacent PDSCH repetitions that are enabled and different TCI state are evenly distributed among the enabled PDSCH repetitions.

In some embodiments, assuming that TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions is M and P PDSCH repetitions of the total M PDSCH repetitions are disabled by the slot format configuration, then TCI A will be used for ceil ((M−P)/2) times, while TCI B will be used for floor ((M−P)/2) times.FIGS.4A and4Bshow examples of such embodiments.

In some embodiments, assuming that TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions is M and P PDSCH repetitions of the total M PDSCH repetitions are disabled by the slot format configuration, then TCI A will be used for floor ((M−P)/2) times, while TCI B will be used for ceil ((M−P)/2) times.

FIG.4Ashows a normal scenario where no PDSCH repetition is disabled. InFIG.4A, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 8. For example, as shown inFIG.4A, 8 PDSCH transmission occasions410,420,430,440,450,460,470and480are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.4A, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.4A, the first four PDSCH repetitions410-440may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining four PDSCH repetitions450-480may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.FIG.4Bshows another scenario where the PDSCH repetitions450,460and470inFIG.4Aare disabled by the slot format configuration. In this case, as shown inFIG.4B, the PDSCH repetitions410-430may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the PDSCH repetitions440and480may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

In some embodiments, in response to the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicating a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with K TCI states (where K=2), the first device201may determine a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and a second TCI state (represented as “TCI B” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, in response to a number of PDSCH repetitions being configured to be scheduled by the control information, the first device201may determine a first configuration for receiving the number of PDSCH repetitions from the second device202. For example, the first configuration may assign the first and second TCI states to the number of PDSCH repetitions. In some embodiments, the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201may further include a RV indication field (represented as “RVid” in the following), which may indicate a sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions. For example, the RV field may use 2 bits. In some embodiments, the first device201may determine, from the control information, an indication of the sequence of RVs and determine, at least based on the indication, a second configuration for receiving the PDSCH repetitions from the second device202. For example, the second configuration may indicate a sequence of RVs to be applied to the number of PDSCH repetitions. As such, the first device201may receive the PDSCH repetitions based on the first and second configurations.

In some embodiments, in different cases (for example, different values of K, different total repetition numbers, and/or different values of RVid), the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions may be different. In some embodiments, a configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions may be configured at both the first device201and the second device202. As such, when the first device201receives the control information from the second device202and determines the value of RVidfrom the control information, the first device201can determine the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions based on the value of RVidand/or other information (such as, the total repetition number, the value of K and so on).

In some embodiments, the second configuration which indicates the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions can be determined such that, for adjacent PDSCH repetitions, RVs are able to form a complete set {0, 2, 3, 1} as much as possible. In the following, if a RV is 0, the RV is also represented as “RV-0”; if a RV is 2, the RV is also represented as “RV-2”; if a RV is 3, the RV is also represented as “RV-3”; and if a RV is 1, the RV is also represented as “RV-1”. Since RV-0 and RV-3 usually have better self-decoding performance, in some embodiments, the second configuration which indicates the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions can be determined such that the sequence of RVs applied to the PDSCH repetitions can achieve good self-decoding performance.

It is assumed that the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicates a TCI codepoint, the TCI codepoint is configured with 2 TCI states, and the total number of PDSCH repetitions is 2. In some embodiments, in this case, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, RV-0 may be used for the first PDSCH repetition and RV-3 may be used for the second PDSCH repetition. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, RV-2 may be used for the first PDSCH repetition and RV-1 may be used for the second PDSCH repetition. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 3, RV-3 may be used for the first PDSCH repetition and RV-0 may be used for the second PDSCH repetition. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 1, RV-1 may be used for the first PDSCH repetition and RV-2 may be used for the second PDSCH repetition. In some embodiments, the size of the RV field in the control information for indicating the RVidmay be only 1, and the value of RVidmay be either 0 or 1. In some embodiments, the RV field in the control information for indicating the RVidmay be not used, and RV-0 may be used for the first PDSCH repetition and RV-3 may be used for the second PDSCH repetition.

FIGS.5A-5Gillustrate example diagrams of different RV sequences applied to the PDSCH repetitions in different cases.

FIG.5Ashows an example in the case of TDM. InFIG.5A, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 2. For example, as shown inFIG.5A, 2 PDSCH transmission occasions510and520are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5A, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510and RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520.FIG.5Bshows another example in the case of FDM. InFIG.5B, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 2. For example, as shown inFIG.5B, 2 PDSCH transmission occasions510and520are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5B, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510and RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520.

In some embodiments, inFIGS.5A and/or5B, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510and RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520. If the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 3, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510and RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520. Alternatively, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 1, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510and RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520. For example, Table 1 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

TABLE 1Configuration Table for Indicating RV SequenceRVidto be applied to thenthtransmission occasionRVidindicated by the control(where n = 0 or 1)information scheduling the PDSCHn mode 2 = 0n mode 2 = 1003221330112

FIG.5Cshows another example of such embodiments. InFIG.5C, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 4. For example, as shown inFIG.5C, 4 PDSCH transmission occasions510,520,530and540are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.5C, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5C, the first two PDSCH repetitions510and520may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining two PDSCH repetitions530and540may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, as shown inFIG.5C, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 3, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. Alternatively, in some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 1, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. For example, Table 2 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

FIG.5Dshows yet another example of such embodiments. InFIG.5D, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 4. For example, as shown inFIG.5D, 4 PDSCH transmission occasions510,520,530and540are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.5D, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5D, the PDSCH repetitions510and530may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining PDSCH repetitions520and540may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, as shown inFIG.5D, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 3, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. Alternatively, in some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 1, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530and RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540. For example, Table 3 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

FIG.5Eshows yet another example of such embodiments. InFIG.5E, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 8. For example, as shown inFIG.5E, 8 PDSCH transmission occasions510,520,530,540,550,560,570and580are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.5E, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5E, the first four PDSCH repetitions510-540may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining four PDSCH repetitions550-580may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, as shown inFIG.5E, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition550, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition560, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition570and RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition580. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, 3, or 1, the sequence of RVs to be applied to the 8 PDSCH repetitions can be determined similarly. For example, Table 4 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

FIG.5Fshows a further example of such embodiments. InFIG.5F, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 8. For example, as shown inFIG.5F, 8 PDSCH transmission occasions510,520,530,540,550,560,570and580are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. InFIG.5F, it is also assumed that K=2. For example, TCI A and TCI B are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5F, the PDSCH repetitions510,530,550and570may be transmitted/received based on TCI A, while the remaining PDSCH repetitions520,540,560and580may be transmitted/received based on TCI B.

In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, as shown inFIG.5F, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition550, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition560, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition570and RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition580. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, 3, or 1, the sequence of RVs to be applied to the 8 PDSCH repetitions can be determined similarly. For example, Table 5 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

FIG.5Gshows an example in the case of FDM combined with TDM. InFIG.5G, it is assumed that the total number of PDSCH repetitions scheduled by single DCI is 8. For example, as shown inFIG.5G, 8 PDSCH transmission occasions510,520,530,540,550,560,570and580are configured to be scheduled by single DCI. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 0, as shown inFIG.5G, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition510, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition520, RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition530, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition540, RV-3 may be used for the PDSCH repetition550, RV-0 may be used for the PDSCH repetition560, RV-1 may be used for the PDSCH repetition570and RV-2 may be used for the PDSCH repetition580. In some embodiments, if the value of RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH is 2, 3, or 1, the sequence of RVs to be applied to the 8 PDSCH repetitions can be determined similarly. For example, Table 6 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

In some embodiments, if at least the first and second TCI states (such as, TCI A and TCI B) are to be used for PDSCH transmission/reception, the RVidindicated in the control information scheduling the PDSCH may only be applied to the first TCI state (such as, TCI A). In some embodiments, the RV sequence for the second TCI state (such as, TCI B) may be predefined or fixed. For example, the predefined or fixed RV sequence for the second TCI state (such as, TCI B) may be {0, 2, 3, 1}. For example, Table 7 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below.

In some embodiments, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions exceeds a threshold X, there may be no need to indicate the RVidin the control information. For example, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions is 4 or 8, the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions can be determined based on a complete set 10, 2, 3, 11, and thus the RV field in the control information can be omitted. In some embodiments, in this case, the RV field in the control information can be used for other purposes, such as, indicating the number of TCI states or an order for assigning the TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions.

In some embodiments, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions is 4 or 8, the RV field in the control information for indicating the RVidmay use only 1 bit. For example, Table 8 shows an example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below, where the total number of PDSCH repetitions is 8. Table 9 shows another example configuration table for indicating the sequence of RVs to be applied to the PDSCH repetitions as below, where the total number of PDSCH repetitions is 4.

In some embodiments, the RV field in combination with other information (such as, DMRS indication table and/or TCI states) can be used to jointly indicate at least one of the following: TCI states, an order for assigning the TCI states to different PDSCH repetitions, a sequence of RVs, or an indication about DMRS. In some embodiments, a size of the RV field in the control information for indicating the RVidmay depend on the number of TCI states and/or the total number of PDSCH repetitions. For example, if there is only 1 TCI state, the RV field may use 2 bits. For another example, if there are two or more TCI states, the RV field may use only 1 bit. For another example, if there are three or four TCI states, the TCI states and the the RVidcan be jointly indicated. In some embodiments, for a RV configuration table, the RVidto be applied to the nth transmission occasion for the second TCI state can be determined based on a formula: (n mod M+L) mod M, where, for example, L=3 and M represent the total number of PDSCH repetitions.

In some embodiments, if the control information transmitted from the second device202to the first device201indicates a TCI codepoint and the TCI codepoint is configured with 2 TCI states, the first device201may determine a first TCI state (represented as “TCI A” in the following) and a second TCI state (represented as “TCI B” in the following) to be used for PDSCH reception. In some embodiments, if the total number of PDSCH repetitions is N (where N is an integer and N>=2), the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI A may be different from the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI B. In some embodiments, if the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI A is {a, b, c, d}, then the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI B is {((a+3) mod 4), ((b+3) mod 4), ((c+3) mod 4), ((d+3) mod 4)}, where a, b, c and d each can be selected from the set {0, 2, 3, 1} and the values of a, b, c and d are different from each other. For example, if the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI A is {0, 2, 3, 1} or {0, 2}, then the RV sequence for the PDSCH repetitions associated with TCI B is {3, 1, 0, 2} or {3, 1}.

It is to be understood that, embodiments of the present disclosure as described above with reference toFIGS.3A-3C,4A-4B and5A-5Gare also applicable to PUSCH. It can be seen that, embodiments of the present disclosure can assign TCI states and/or RVs to a number of PDSCH or PUSCH repetitions so as to achieve better decoding performance of the PDSCH or PUSCH.

FIG.6illustrates an example method600in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the method600may be performed at the first device201as shown inFIG.2. It is to be understood that the method600may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block610, the first device201receives control information from the second device202.

At block620, the first device201determines a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint from the control information. The TCI codepoint indicates at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the second device over a physical shared channel.

At block630, in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, the first device201determines a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the second device, the first configuration assigning the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data.

At block640, the first device201communicates, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the second device202over the physical shared channel.

In some embodiments, the first device201determines, from the control information, an indication of redundancy versions for the repetitions of the data. Then, the first device201determines, at least based on the indication, a second configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the second device202. The second configuration indicates a redundancy version to be used by one of the repetitions of the data.

In some embodiments, the first device201communicates, based on the first and second configurations, the repetitions of the data with the second device over the physical shared channel.

In some embodiments, the physical shared channel is a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and the first device201communicates the repetitions of the data with the second device202by transmitting, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data to the second device202over the PUSCH.

In some embodiments, the physical shared channel is a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and the first device201communicates the repetitions of the data with the second device202by receiving, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data from the second device over the PDSCH.

In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is one of the following: 1, 2, 4 or 8.

In some embodiments, the redundancy version to be used by one of the repetitions of the data is one of the following: 0, 2, 3 or 1.

In some embodiments, the first device201is a terminal device (such as, the terminal device130inFIG.1) and the second device202is a network device (such as, the network device110inFIG.1) serving the terminal device or a TRP (such as, the network TRP120inFIG.1) coupled to the network device.

FIG.7illustrates an example method700in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the method700may be performed at the second device202as shown inFIG.2. It is to be understood that the method700may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block710, the second device202transmits control information to the first device201. The control information comprises a transmission control indication (TCI) codepoint and the TCI codepoint indicates at least a first TCI state and a second TCI state to be used for communicating data with the first device over a physical shared channel.

At block720, in response to a number of repetitions of the data being configured to be scheduled by the control information, the second device202determines a first configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the first device201. The first configuration assigns the first and second TCI states to the repetitions of the data.

At block730, the second device202communicates, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data with the first device201over the physical shared channel.

In some embodiments, the control information further comprises an indication of redundancy versions for the repetitions of the data. In some embodiments, the second device202determines, at least based on the indication, a second configuration for communicating the repetitions of the data with the first device201. The second configuration indicates a redundancy version to be used by one of the repetitions of the data.

In some embodiments, the second device202communicates, based on the first and second configurations, the repetitions of the data with the first device201over the physical shared channel.

In some embodiments, the physical shared channel is a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and the second device202communicates the repetitions of the data with the first device201by receiving, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data from the first device201over the PUSCH.

In some embodiments, the physical shared channel is a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and the second device202communicates the repetitions of the data with the first device201by transmitting, at least based on the first configuration, the repetitions of the data to the first device over the PDSCH.

In some embodiments, the number of repetitions is one of the following: 1, 2, 4 or 8.

In some embodiments, the redundancy version to be used by one of the repetitions of the data is one of the following: 0, 2, 3 or 1.

In some embodiments, the first device201is a terminal device (such as, the terminal device130inFIG.1) and the second device202is a network device (such as, the network device110inFIG.1) serving the terminal device or a TRP (such as, the network TRP120inFIG.1) coupled to the network device.

FIG.8is a simplified block diagram of a device800that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device800can be considered as a further example implementation of the network device110, the TRP120or the terminal device130as shown inFIG.1. Accordingly, the device800can be implemented at or as at least a part of the network device110, the TRP120or the terminal device130.

As shown, the device800includes a processor810, a memory820coupled to the processor810, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX)840coupled to the processor810, and a communication interface coupled to the TX/RX840. The memory810stores at least a part of a program830. The TX/RX840is for bidirectional communications. The TX/RX840has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, though in practice an Access Node mentioned in this application may have several ones. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements, such as X2 interface for bidirectional communications between eNBs, S1 interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME)/Serving Gateway (S-GW) and the eNB, Un interface for communication between the eNB and a relay node (RN), or Uu interface for communication between the eNB and a terminal device.

The program830is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor810, enable the device800to operate in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1to7. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor810of the device800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor810may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of the processor810and memory820may form processing means850adapted to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The memory820may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. While only one memory820is shown in the device800, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in the device800. The processor810may be of any type suitable to the local technical network, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device800may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.