Patent Description:
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release <NUM> prescribes standards and suggests newly added functions for the enhancement of <NUM> ("<NUM> new radio (NR)") mobile network technology. The newly added functions, however, may result in higher processing times for a UE to process a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and thereby cause unwanted delays. The PDSCH processing time of a UE is a factor determining the UE's capability, and such capability may be considered by a base station when determining whether or how to communicate with the UE.

<CIT> discloses: A method includes receiving a first PDSCH, receiving a second PDSCH that overlaps in time with the first PDSCH, determining a delay in processing time for a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARD)-acknowledgement (ACK) corresponding to the second PDSCH based on the overlapping time between the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH, and transmitting the HARQ-ACK corresponding to the second PDSCH.

<NPL>, discusses group scheduling for RRC_CONNECTED UEs.

<CIT> discloses: An apparatus may receive a downlink subframe from a serving base station. The downlink subframe may include interference associated with a second subframe transmitted by an intra-frequency neighboring cell (IFNC). The apparatus may detect whether there are interfering cell-specific reference signals (CRS) in one or more symbols of the second subframe. The apparatus may determine, based on whether interfering CRS are detected in the one or more symbols of the second subframe, a subframe type of the second subframe. The apparatus may cancel detected interfering CRS from the received downlink subframe based on the determined subframe type of the second subframe.

Specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a user equipment for improving communication capability by determining a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) processing time thereof, taking into account functions newly added to fifth-generation (<NUM>) mobile network technology, and an operating method thereof.

<FIG> is a diagram of a wireless communication system WCS according to an example embodiment. The wireless communication system WCS may include first to third base stations BS1, BS2, and BS3. The third base station BS3 may communicate with the first and second base stations BS1 and BS2, e.g., through at least one network <NUM> such as the Internet, a private Internet protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

The first base station BS1 may provide wireless broadband access to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) <NUM> to <NUM> in a coverage area <NUM>. For example, UE <NUM> may be located in a small business SB, UE <NUM> may be located in an enterprise E, UE <NUM> may be located in a WiFi hot spot HS, UE <NUM> may be located in a residence R, and UEs <NUM> and <NUM> may each correspond to a mobile device M such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop, or a wireless personal digital assistant (PDA). The second base station BS2 may provide wireless broadband access to UEs <NUM> and <NUM> in a coverage area <NUM> thereof. In an example embodiment, the first through third base stations BS1, BS2, and BS3 may communicate with one another or with the UEs <NUM> to <NUM> using fifth-generation (<NUM>), long-term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), wireless local area network (WLAN), or other wireless communication technology.

Hereinafter, to facilitate understanding of concepts taught herein, an example is presented in which the first base station BS1 supports <NUM> mobile network-based communication, and the second base station BS2 supports LTE mobile network-based communication. The example also assumes that UEs <NUM> and <NUM> are located in an overlapping area between the coverage area <NUM> of the first base station BS1 and the coverage area <NUM> of the second base station BS2, and the UEs <NUM> and <NUM> support <NUM> mobile network-based communication. Hereinafter, operations of the UE <NUM> are primarily described, but such operations may also be applied to UEs <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM>. Aspects of the inventive concept may be applied to next generation mobile network communication as well as <NUM> mobile network communication.

The first base station BS1 may transmit a control channel including downlink or uplink scheduling information to the UE <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may perform <NUM> mobile network-based communication with the first base station BS1 based on the control channel. For example, the UE <NUM> may identify a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), which is received from the first base station BS1, based on information included in the control channel, decode the PDSCH, and obtain data included in the PDSCH. A PDSCH is a downlink channel that may carry different types of data, including user data. Herein, when a UE "receives a PDSCH" from a base station, the UE receives data from the base station through the PDSCH.

In an example embodiment, a wireless system including the first base station BS1 and the UE <NUM> may support various functions of a <NUM> mobile network defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release <NUM> or the like. Some of the various functions of the <NUM> mobile network may influence the PDSCH processing time of the UE <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the functions may include multicast and broadcast services (MBS) and/or cancellation of interference by a cell-specific reference signal (CRS).

MBS may also be referred to as multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS). According to MBS, the same content may be transmitted to a plurality of UEs in an MBS service area. Point-to-multipoint wireless resources are allocated to base stations participating in transmission so that the same signal may be transmitted to the UEs of all users that have subscribed to the MBS.

Cancellation of interference by a CRS may refer to an operation, performed by a UE in communication with a first base station, of cancelling interference by a CRS received from a neighboring base station, e.g., UE <NUM> in communication with the base station BS1 canceling interference by a CRS from the second base station BS2.

Besides those mentioned above, there may be various <NUM> mobile network functions that may influence the PDSCH processing time of the UE <NUM>. When these functions are activated, the UE <NUM> may determine (e.g., by calculation) and allocate the PDSCH processing time, taking into account the activated functions. Hereinafter, operations performed by the UE <NUM> when the functions of MBS and / or the cancellation of interference by a CRS is activated are mainly described.

In an example embodiment, the UE <NUM> may set the value of at least one time parameter based on an activated function in a <NUM> mobile network. The time parameter may be referred to as a time relaxation parameter. The term "activated function" as used herein may refer to a function selected by the first base station BS1 and supported by both the first base station BS1 and the UE <NUM>. For example, a function that is not selected by the first base station BS1 or is not supported by either the first base station BS1 or the UE <NUM> may be referred to as an inactivated function. The time parameter corresponds to an activated function, and the UE <NUM> may set the time parameter to a predetermined value according to the activated function or to a variable value according to a network state. "Network state" as used herein may refer to a state concerning heterogeneous signals overlapping a "data frequency region" allocated to the PDSCH of a UE. The details thereof are described below.

In an example embodiment, the UE <NUM> may determine a processing time for a PDSCH, which is received from the first base station BS1, based on a value of at least one time parameter. Equations related to the processing time may be defined in 3GPP TS <NUM> or the like, as described in detail below.

In an example embodiment, the UE <NUM> may compare a PDSCH processing time with a reference time and determine the capability thereof. For example, the reference time may vary with an activated function. When the activated function is expected to increase the PDSCH processing time, the reference time may be increased compared to before, and vice versa (the reference time is positively correlated with the determined PDSCH processing time). In other words, the capability of a UE may not be accurately determined when an increased PDSCH processing time (due to an activated function) is compared to a reference time used before the function was activated. Accordingly, the reference time may be changed according to the activated function according to embodiments herein.

In an example embodiment, the UE <NUM> may transmit information including the capability thereof to the first base station BS1. The first base station BS1 may recognize the capability of the UE <NUM> by referring to the information received from the UE <NUM> and determine the hybrid automatic repeat and request (HARQ) Ack/Nack timing of the UE <NUM>. The details thereof are described below.

According to an example embodiment, a UE may accurately determine a PDSCH processing time, taking into account a <NUM> mobile network function influencing the PDSCH processing time, such that a base station may effectively configure a network for communication with the UE. As a result, the communication capability between the base station and the UE may be enhanced.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an implementation of a base station <NUM> according to an example embodiment. The implementation of the base station <NUM> is just an example, and thus, embodiments are not limited thereto. The implementation of the base station <NUM> may be applied to the first base station BS1 in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the base station <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a processing circuit <NUM>, a plurality of radio frequency (RF) transceivers 142_1 to 142_n, and a plurality of antennas 144_1 to 144_n. Each of the RF transceivers 142_1 to 142_n may receive an RF signal from a UE in a network through a corresponding one of the antennas 144_1 to 144_n. Each of the RF transceivers 142_1 to 142_n may generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or a baseband signal by performing frequency down-conversion on the received RF signal. The processing circuit <NUM> may generate data signals by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing IF or baseband signals. The controller <NUM> may additionally process the data signals.

The processing circuit <NUM> may receive data signals from the controller <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may encode, multiplex, and/or convert into analog the data signals. The RF transceivers 142_1 to 142_n may perform frequency up-conversion on IF or baseband signals output from the processing circuit <NUM> and transmit RF signals to the antennas 144_1 to 144_n. In some embodiments, the processing circuit <NUM> may be referred to as an RF integrated circuit.

In an example embodiment, the controller <NUM> may perform general communication control operations of the base station <NUM> for <NUM> mobile network-based communication and may include a scheduler <NUM> that schedules the uplink and downlink to a UE. In an example embodiment, the scheduler <NUM> may perform scheduling based on the capability received from a UE, taking into account the MBS and/or the cancellation of interference by a CRS (i.e., CRS-interference cancellation (IC)). In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be referred to as a baseband processor.

The controller <NUM> may execute a program and/or a process stored in the scheduler <NUM> to perform general communication control of the base station <NUM>. In some embodiments, the scheduler <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as program code, and the controller <NUM> perform the operation of the scheduler <NUM> by accessing the memory <NUM> and executing the program code.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an implementation of a UE <NUM> according to an example embodiment. The implementation of the UE <NUM> is just an example, and embodiments are not limited thereto. The implementation of the UE <NUM> may be applied to the UE <NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a processing circuit <NUM>, an RF transceiver <NUM>, and a plurality of antennas 194_1 to 194_m. Although not shown, the UE <NUM> may further include an element such as a speaker, an input/output interface, a touch screen, or a display.

The RF transceiver <NUM> may receive RF signals from a base station through the antennas 194_1 to 194_m. The RF transceiver <NUM> may down-convert the RF signals into IF or baseband signals. The processing circuit <NUM> may generate data signals by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing IF or baseband signals. The controller <NUM> may additionally process the data signals. In some embodiments, the processing circuit <NUM> may be referred to as an RF integrated circuit.

The processing circuit <NUM> may receive data signals from the controller <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> may encode, multiplex, and/or convert into analog the data signals. The RF transceiver <NUM> may perform frequency up-conversion on IF or baseband signals output from the processing circuit <NUM> and transmit RF signals to the antennas 194_1 to 194_m.

In an example embodiment, the controller <NUM> may perform general communication control operations for <NUM> mobile network-based communication and may include an information circuit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be referred to as a baseband processor.

In an example embodiment, the information circuit <NUM> may determine a processing time for a received PDSCH, taking into account MBS and/or CSR-IC when one or both of these functions is activated. In detail, when MBS are activated, the information circuit <NUM> may determine a value of at least one time parameter based on an overlap pattern between a common frequency region allocated to an MBS PDSCH and a data frequency region allocated to a unicast (or group cast) PDSCH. When CRS-IC is activated, the information circuit <NUM> may determine a value of at least one time parameter based on the slot configuration of a PDSCH and/or the number of LTE mobile network-based CRSs, which overlap with a data frequency region allocated to the PDSCH and are received from another base station. Here, the number of CRSs overlapping with the data frequency region may be interpreted as the number of symbols, to which a CRS is allocated among symbols included in the data frequency region.

In an example embodiment, the information circuit <NUM> may determine a PDSCH processing time using at least one time parameter, which is determined, taking into account MBS or CRS-IC, and determine the capability thereof. The information circuit <NUM> may generate information including the capability thereof and transmit the information to a base station through the processing circuit <NUM>, the RF transceiver <NUM>, and the antennas 194_1 to 194_m.

The controller <NUM> may execute a program and/or a process stored in the memory <NUM> to perform general communication control operations of the UE <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the information circuit <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as program code, and the controller <NUM> may perform the operations of the information circuit <NUM> by accessing the memory <NUM> and executing the program code. The memory <NUM> may also store a table utilized to determine a PDSCH processing time, where the table may contain values of time parameters described below and may be consistent with standards such as <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the basic structure of a time-frequency domain, which is a wireless resource domain in a wireless communication system, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the slot structure of a wireless system according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the horizontal axis is a time domain and the vertical axis is a frequency domain. A minimum transmission unit in the time domain is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and Nsymb OFDM symbols <NUM> may constitute a single slot <NUM>. Two slots may constitute a single subframe <NUM>. For example, the length of the slot <NUM> may be <NUM>, and the length of the subframe <NUM> may be <NUM>. However, this is just an example embodiment, and the length of the slot <NUM> may vary with the configuration thereof. The subframe <NUM> is based on an LTE mobile network, and the time-frequency domain may be defined based on the slot <NUM> in a <NUM> mobile network. A radio frame <NUM> may correspond to a time-domain unit including ten subframes <NUM>.

A minimum transmission unit in the frequency domain is a subcarrier, and a total system transmission bandwidth may include NBW subcarriers <NUM>. A basic unit of a resource in the time-frequency domain may be a resource element (RE) <NUM> and may be represented by an OFDM symbol index and a subcarrier index. A resource block (RB) <NUM> may be defined by Nsymb OFDM symbols <NUM> consecutive in the time domain and NRB subcarriers <NUM> consecutive in the frequency domain. Accordingly, one RB <NUM> may include Nsymb*NRB REs <NUM>. An RB pair may correspond to a unit of two RBs <NUM> consecutive along the time axis and include 2Nsymb*NRB REs <NUM>.

A PDSCH allocated to resources in the time-frequency domain in <FIG> may be transmitted from a base station to a UE in a wireless communication system. In an example embodiment, when MSB is activated, a PDSCH may include a first PDSCH for the MBS and a second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast). An overlap pattern between a common frequency region allocated to the first PDSCH and a data frequency region allocated to the second PDSCH may vary, as described in detail below. In an example embodiment, when CRS-IC is activated, a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH may overlap with a CRS based on an LTE mobile network. This will be described in detail below.

According to an example embodiment, a UE may take into account signals overlapping with a PDSCH according to an activated function when generating a processing time for the PDSCH. The PDSCH processing time may vary with an overlap state.

Referring further to <FIG>, a frame or a radio frame <NUM> may be defined to be <NUM>, and a subframe <NUM> may be defined to be <NUM>. The radio frame <NUM> may include a total of ten subframes <NUM>. A slot <NUM> and a slot <NUM> may be defined to be <NUM> OFDM symbols (i.e., the number of symbols per slot <MAT>). The subframe <NUM> may include one slot <NUM> or a plurality of slots <NUM>. The number of slots <NUM> or <NUM> per one subframe <NUM> may vary with a subcarrier interval set value µ or the number of symbols included in the slot <NUM> or <NUM>. <FIG> shows a case <NUM> where the subcarrier interval set value µ = <NUM> and a case <NUM> where the subcarrier interval set value µ = <NUM>. In the case <NUM> where the subcarrier interval set value µ = <NUM>, the subframe <NUM> may include one slot <NUM>. In the case <NUM> where the subcarrier interval set value µ = <NUM>, the subframe <NUM> may include two slots <NUM>.

As described above, the number of slots per subframe may vary with the subcarrier interval set value µ, and accordingly, the number of slots per frame may be changed. The number of slots per subframe according to the subcarrier interval set value µ, <MAT>, and the number of slots per frame according to the subcarrier interval set value µ, <MAT>, may be defined as shown in Table <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the number of slots per subframe may vary with the number of symbols included in one slot.

In an example embodiment, when CRS-IC is activated, a UE may determine a PDSCH processing time based on a slot configuration. In other words, because a CRS is transmitted by a subframe having a fixed format (e.g., a subcarrier interval of <NUM>) of an LTE mobile network while a slot configuration for a PDSCH based on a <NUM> mobile network is variable, CRS-IC may need to be performed using different methods according to slot configurations. A time taken for CRS-IC may vary with the different methods. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, a UE may select a method consistent with a slot configuration, perform CRS-IC based on the selected method, and determine a PDSCH processing time, taking into account a time for the selected method.

<FIG> illustrates examples of managing a bandwidth part (BWP) in a wireless system, according to various embodiments. When a UE performs communication using only a part of a system frequency bandwidth of a base station, BWP may be used in a wireless system. BWP may be used for reduction in UE manufacturing cost or UE power saving. BWP may be set by a base station for only UEs that support BWP.

Referring to <FIG>, there may be three main BWP management scenarios. In the first scenario, BWP is used for a UE that supports only a frequency bandwidth <NUM> that is narrower than a system frequency bandwidth <NUM> used by a cell. To save manufacturing cost, a UE may be developed to support a limited frequency bandwidth. The UE needs to report to a base station that the UE supports only the limited frequency bandwidth, and the base station may set, according to the report, a maximum bandwidth supported by the UE or a BWP that is narrower than the maximum bandwidth.

In the second scenario, BWP is used for UE power saving. For example, although a UE is capable of communicating using a system bandwidth <NUM> used by a base station or a part (e.g., a BWP2 <NUM>) of the system bandwidth <NUM>, the base station may set a narrower frequency bandwidth (e.g., a BWP1 <NUM>) for power saving.

In the third scenario, individual BWPs are used in correspondence to different numerologies. Numerology refers to diversification of physical layer configuration to realize optimal data transmission in accordance with various service requirements. For example, a subcarrier interval in an OFDM access (OFDMA) structure including a plurality of subcarriers may be variably adjusted according to a certain requirement. A UE may perform communication based on a plurality of numerologies at a time. in <FIG>, because physical layer configurations corresponding to the respective numerologies may differ, the numerologies may be classified into a BWP1 <NUM> and a BWP2 <NUM>.

When a UE transitions from an RRC_IDLE state or an RRC_INACTIVE state to an RRC_CONNECTED state, a BWP used by the UE to try to access a network is referred to as an initial BWP. When the UE successfully accesses a base station and enters the RRC_CONNECTED state, the base station may set an additional BWP for the UE.

In the three scenarios described above, a plurality of BWPs may be set for a UE, and thereafter, a certain one of the BWPs may be activated by a base station. For example, in the third scenario, the BWP1 <NUM> and the BWP2 <NUM> may be set for a UE, and one of the BWP1 <NUM> and the BWP2 <NUM> may be activated by a base station. Accordingly, the UE may transmit and receive data using a BWP that is activated for downlink or uplink.

When a plurality of BWPs are set for a UE, the UE may change the activated BWP. This change is referred to as BWP switching. This may be performed by allocating resources to a desired BWP in a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmitted by a base station.

The same numerology may be used in an unlicensed band in the third scenario. For example, because equipment such as a WLAN operates at a bandwidth of <NUM> in the unlicensed band, a base station may set multiple <NUM>-MHz BWPs, such as the BWP1 <NUM> and the BWP2 <NUM>, and change each BWP for a UE or UEs according to the congestion of the unlicensed band.

Here, BWPs in <FIG> may be applied to a data frequency region, to which a PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast) is allocated. In an example embodiment, an activated BWP may be changed, and accordingly, there may be various overlap patterns between a common frequency region allocated to an MBS PDSCH and a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast). A UE may consider the overlap pattern when generating a PDSCH processing time. However, in some embodiments, the BWPs in <FIG> may also be applied to the common frequency region allocated an MBS PDSCH.

<FIG> is a diagram of a wireless system, in which MBS is activated, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of a method of calculating a PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM>, taking into account the MBS, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a table of first and second time parameters in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wireless system may include a base station BS and first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2. MBS may be activated in the wireless system, and the base station BS may transmit a first PDSCH for the MBS to each of the first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2 (the same first PDSCH is transmitted, with the same data or content, to each of UE1 and UE2). In an example to explain concepts taught herein, the base station BS may transmit, to the first user equipment UE1, a second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast) separately from the MBS.

In an example embodiment, the first user equipment UE1 may receive a PDSCH, interchangeably hereafter, a "global PDSCH", including the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH and perform decoding on the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH. In other words, a global PDSCH processing time of the first user equipment UE1 may include a processing time for the first PDSCH and a processing time for the second PDSCH. Here, the processing time for the first PDSCH may be defined as a time required to process data related to MBS. Hereinafter, a method of calculating a PDSCH processing time is described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the base station BS may determine an Ack/Nack timing K<NUM> and a symbol reference time gap Tgap_symb based on a PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM> of the first user equipment UE1. The PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM> may be set as a difference between a second time t21, at which transmission of a PDSCH is completed, and a fourth time t41, at which PDSCH processing is completed and transmission of an Ack/Nack signal is ready. The Ack/Nack timing K<NUM> may be defined as the time gap between the transmission of the PDSCH by the base station BS and the reception of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) including the Ack/Nack signal by the base station BS. The Ack/Nack timing K<NUM> may indicate the time delay between a PDSCH slot and an uplink control information (UCI) slot including the Ack/Nack signal. For example, the Ack/Nack timing K<NUM> may be set as the difference between a first time t11 and a fifth time t51. The symbol reference time gap Tgap_symb may be set as the difference between the second time t21, at which PDSCH transmission is completed, and a sixth time t61, at which PUCCH reception starts.

In an example embodiment, the PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM> of the first user equipment UE1 may be calculated using Equation <NUM>.

Tproc,<NUM> is described in detail in section <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>. Hereinafter, first and second time parameters according to example embodiments are mainly described.

In an example embodiment, at least one time parameter is set to at least one value corresponding to a time required to process MBS-related data. When the at least one time parameter is a plurality of time parameters, it includes a first time parameter and a second time parameter. The first time parameter may be TMBS, and the second time parameter may be Y added to d<NUM>,<NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one time parameter includes only one of the first and second time parameters TMBS and Y. In this regard, Tproc,<NUM> may be calculated using Equation <NUM> or Equation <NUM>. <MAT>
<MAT>.

Equation <NUM> corresponds to an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account only the first time parameter TMBS, and Equation <NUM> corresponds to an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account only the second time parameter Y. Hereinafter, an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account the first and second time parameters TMBS and Y, is mainly described, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The processing time may be calculated taking into account only one of the first and second time parameters TMBS and Y, and/or other time parameters.

Referring further to <FIG>, the first time parameter TMBS may be set to a value X1, and the second time parameter Y may be set to a value Y1. In an example embodiment, the values X1 and Y1 may be fixed values set in advance. In other words, when MBS is activated, the first user equipment UE1 may set, in response to the activation of the MBS, the first time parameter TMBS to the value X1 and the second time parameter Y to the value Y1 and calculate the processing time Tproc,<NUM> using Equation <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the values X1 and Y1 may be variable. For instance, a UE may adjust the values X1 and Y1 based on an overlap pattern between a common frequency region allocated to the first PDSCH for MBS and a data frequency region allocated to the second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast). The overlap pattern is a factor that determines the PDSCH processing time of the UE. As the complexity of the overlap pattern increases, the PDSCH processing time of the UE may increase. For example, the complexity of the overlap pattern may be determined by the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region, the number of overlapping regions, or the like. Example embodiments thereof are described below.

In an example embodiment, a plurality of UEs may process an overlapping region using different methods, and the values X1 and Y1 may vary with the UEs according to the processing methods. For example, a UE may process the second PDSCH first and then process the first PDSCH. Another UE may process the first PDSCH in an overlapping region first during processing of the second PDSCH and resume the processing of the second PDSCH after completing the processing of the first PDSCH.

As described above, the values X1 and Y1 used to determine a PDSCH processing time may vary.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE, according to an example embodiment. In the method, the UE may determine a (global) PDSCH processing time, taking into account a time required to process MBS-related data, in operation S100. The UE may determine the PDSCH processing time, taking into account a time required to process the first PDSCH for the MBS and a time required to process the second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast). The UE may compare the PDSCH processing time with a first reference time in operation S110. The first reference time when the MBS is activated may have a predetermined value (e.g., obtained from the base station) and may be different from a first reference time when the MBS are inactivated. For example, the first reference time when the MBS is activated may be longer than the first reference time when the MBS is inactivated. The UE may determine the capability thereof based on a comparison result in operation S120. For example, the UE may determine that the capability thereof is a first capability level (e.g., satisfactory or good) when the PDSCH processing time is shorter than the first reference time and set the capability thereof to a first value indicating a first level capability. The UE may determine that the capability thereof is a second capability level (e.g., unsatisfactory or poor) when the PDSCH processing time is longer than or equal to the first reference time and set the capability thereof to a second value indicating second level capability. The UE may transmit information including the capability thereof to a base station in operation S130. The base station may perform scheduling on the downlink and uplink to the UE based on the capability of the UE included in the received information.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams of an example of an overlap pattern between a common frequency region and a data frequency region, according to an example embodiment. A common frequency region may be a frequency band within a global PDSCH allocated for MBS, in which the same data is transmitted to a plurality of UEs such as UE1 and UE2 as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. A data frequency region may be a frequency band (used for unicast or group cast) within a global PDSCH allocated for a single UE or only some (a group less than all) of a plurality of UEs in communication with a base station, as explained further below. Thus, different data frequency regions may be received by different respective UEs.

Referring to <FIG>, the first PDSCH for MBS, which is transmitted to the first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2, may be allocated to a common frequency region CFR11. The second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast), which is transmitted to the first user equipment UE1, may be allocated to a first data frequency region DFR11, and the second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast), which is transmitted to the second user equipment UE2, may be allocated to a second data frequency region DFR21.

For example, each of the first and second data frequency regions DFR11 and DFR21 may not overlap with the common frequency region CFR11. The first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2 may respectively determine a PDSCH processing time, taking into account that the first and second data frequency regions DFR11 and DFR21, respectively, do not overlap with the common frequency region CFR11.

Referring to <FIG>, differently from <FIG>, each of the first and second data frequency regions DFR11 and DFR21 may overlap with the common frequency region CFR11. The first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2 may determine a PDSCH processing time, taking into account that the first and second data frequency regions DFR11 and DFR21 overlap with the common frequency region CFR11. (In <FIG>, DFR11 extends from the bottom to the top of the rectangle aligned with the frequency axis for UE1, and CFR21 occupies frequencies in a central portion of the rectangle; thus, DFR11 overlaps CFR21. Likewise, DFR21 extends from the bottom to the top of the rectangle for UE2 and thereby overlaps CFR21.

In an example embodiment, a PDSCH processing time with respect to the overlap pattern in <FIG> may be shorter than a PDSCH processing time with respect to the overlap pattern in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a detailed flowchart of an example operation S100 in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE may identify an overlap pattern between a common frequency region and a data frequency region in operation S101. The UE may determine at least one value of at least one time parameter related to MBS based on the overlap pattern in operation S102. For example, the at least one time parameter value may have been obtained in advance according to the complexity of the overlap pattern or may be determined by a certain equation. The UE may calculate the PDSCH processing time using the time parameter value related to MBS in operation S103. Accordingly, the processing time calculated by the UE may vary with the overlap pattern.

<FIG> is a diagram of an example of an overlap pattern between a common frequency region and a data frequency region, according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first PDSCH for MBS, which is transmitted to the first and second user equipments UE1 and UE2, may be allocated to a first common frequency region CFR12, and the first PDSCH for MBS, which is transmitted to second and third user equipments UE2 and UE3, may be allocated to a second common frequency region CFR22. Second PDSCHs based on unicast (or group cast), which are respectively transmitted to the first to third user equipments UE1, UE2, and UE3, may be allocated to first to third data frequency regions DFR12, DFR22, and DFR32. The first data frequency region DFR12 may correspond to a first BWP, the second frequency region DFR22 may correspond to a second BWP, and the third frequency region DFR32 may correspond to a third BWP.

For example, the first data frequency region DFR12 may overlap with the first common frequency region CFR12, and the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region therebetween may correspond to a first width W11. The second data frequency region DFR22 may overlap with the first and second common frequency regions CFR12 and CFR22. The frequency-axis width of an overlapping region between the second data frequency region DFR22 and the first common frequency region CFR12 may correspond to the first width W11, and the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region between the second data frequency region DFR22 and the second common frequency region CFR22 may correspond to a second width W21. For example, the first width may be different from or the same as the second width W21.

As described above, the overlap pattern may be defined by the number of overlapping regions, the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region, or the like. For example, the second user equipment UE2 has an overlap pattern including two overlapping regions and may thus determine a longer PDSCH processing time than the first and third user equipments UE1 and UE3. When the first width W11 is different from the second width W21, the first and third user equipments UE1 and UE3 may determine different PDSCH processing times. This will be described in detail below.

However, the embodiment of the overlap pattern in <FIG> is just an example, and embodiments are not limited thereto. There may be various overlap patterns. Accordingly, time parameter values with respect to complexities of overlap patterns may be defined.

<FIG> is a table showing first and second time parameters with respect to the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of an example of an overlap pattern between a common frequency region and a data frequency region, according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the values of the first and second time parameters may vary with the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region between a common frequency region and a data frequency region. The table of <FIG> may be obtained in advance. In an example embodiment, when the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region is in a first range RG1, the first and second time parameters may be respectively set to values X11 and Y11. When the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region is in a second range RG2, the first and second time parameters may be respectively set to values X21 and Y21. When the frequency-axis width of an overlapping region is in a third range RG3, the first and second time parameters may be respectively set to values X31 and Y31. As described above, the values of the first and second time parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of ranges may be obtained in advance.

Referring to <FIG>, the first PDSCH for MBS, which is transmitted to the first user equipment UE1, may be allocated to first to third common frequency regions CFR13, CFR23, and CFR33. The second PDSCH based on unicast (or group cast), which is transmitted to the first user equipment UE1, may be allocated to a data frequency region DFR13. The data frequency region DFR13 may correspond to a certain BWP.

In an example embodiment, the first user equipment UE1 may determine a PDSCH processing time based on an overlap pattern between the data frequency region DFR13 and the first to third common frequency regions CFR13, CFR23, and CFR33. The first user equipment UE1 may determine the PDSCH processing time based on the fact that there are three overlapping regions and on first to third widths W13, W23, and W33 of the respective overlapping regions along the frequency axis. For example, the first user equipment UE1 may identify in the table of <FIG> a range corresponding to the first width W13 that is the greatest among the first to third widths W13, W23, and W33 and set the values of the first and second time parameters. Thereafter, the first user equipment UE1 may set the final value of each of the first and second time parameters by multiplying each of the values of the first and second time parameters by three, corresponding to the number of overlapping regions. For example, when the values of the first and second time parameters corresponding to the first width W13 are the values X31 and Y31 in the third range RG3, the first user equipment UE1 may set the first and second time parameters to triple the value of X31 and triple the value of Y31, respectively. However, this is just an example, and embodiments are not limited thereto. The first user equipment UE1 may sum the values of the first time parameter, which respectively correspond to the first to third widths W13, W23, and W33, and sum the values of the second time parameter, which respectively correspond to the first to third widths W13, W23, and W33, and respectively set the first and second time parameters to the sum values.

<FIG> is a diagram of a wireless system, in which CRS-IC is activated, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of a method of calculating a PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM>, taking into account the CRS-IC, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a table of third and fourth time parameters in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wireless system may include the first user equipment UE1 and the first and second base stations BS1 and BS2. CRS-IC may be activated in the wireless system, the first base station BS1 may transmit a <NUM> mobile network-based PDSCH to the first user equipment UE1, and the second base station BS2 may transmit an LTE mobile network-based CRS to the first user equipment UE1. The first user equipment UE1 may communicate with the first base station BS1 based on a <NUM> mobile network. At this time, for the first user equipment UE1, a CRS received from the second base station BS2 may be noise that should be removed.

In an example embodiment, the first user equipment UE1 may cancel interference by the CRS and decode a received PDSCH. In other words, the PDSCH processing time of the first user equipment UE1 may include a time required to cancel the interference by the CRS and a time required to decode the PDSCH.

Referring further to <FIG>, the first base station BS1 may determine the Ack/Nack timing K<NUM> and the symbol reference time gap Tgap_symb based on a PDSCH processing time Tproc,<NUM> of the first user equipment UE1. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of <FIG> are omitted.

Tproc,<NUM> is described in detail in section <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>. Hereinafter, third and fourth time parameters according to example embodiments are mainly described.

In an example embodiment, at least one time parameter is set to at least one value corresponding to a time required to cancel interference by a CRS and may include a third time parameter and a fourth time parameter. The third time parameter may be TCRSIC and the fourth time parameter may be Y added to d<NUM>,<NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one time parameter may include only one of the third and fourth time parameters TCRSIC and Y. In this regard, Tproc,<NUM> may be calculated using Equation <NUM> or Equation <NUM>. <MAT>
<MAT>.

Equation <NUM> corresponds to an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account only the third time parameter TCRSIC, and Equation <NUM> corresponds to an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account only the fourth time parameter Y. Hereinafter, an embodiment of calculating a processing time, taking into account the third and fourth time parameters TCRSIC and Y, is mainly described, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The processing time may be calculated taking into account only one of the third and fourth time parameters TCRSIC and Y.

Referring to <FIG>, the third time parameter TCRSIC may be set to a value X2, and the second time parameter Y may be set to a value Y2. In an example embodiment, the values X2 and Y2 may be fixed values obtained in advance. In other words, when CRS-IC is activated, the first user equipment UE1 may set, in response to the activation of CRS-IC, the third time parameter TCRSIC to the value X2 and the second time parameter Y to the value Y2 and calculate the processing time Tproc,<NUM> using Equation <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the values X2 and Y2 may be variable. For example, a UE may adjust the values X2 and Y2 based on a slot configuration. The UE may adjust the values X2 and Y2 based on a subcarrier interval or the number of symbols included in a slot. For example, the UE may adjust the values X2 and Y2 based on the number of CRSs overlapping with a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH. As the number of CRSs overlapping with the data frequency region increases, the PDSCH processing time of the UE may also increase. The values X2 and Y2 used to determine a PDSCH processing time may vary with a slot configuration. The details thereof may be defined as standards in 3GPP TS <NUM> or the like.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE, according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE may determine a PDSCH processing time, taking into account a time required for CRS-IC, in operation S200. The UE may determine the PDSCH processing time, taking into account a time required for CRS-IC and a time required to decode a PDSCH. The UE may compare the PDSCH processing time with a second reference time in operation S210. The second reference time when the CRS-IC is activated may have a predetermined value and may be different from a second reference time when the CRS-IC is inactivated. For example, the second reference time when the CRS-IC is activated may be longer than the second reference time when the CRS-IC is inactivated. The UE may determine the capability thereof based on a comparison result in operation S220. For example, the UE may determine that the capability thereof is a first level capability, e.g., satisfactory or good, when the PDSCH processing time is shorter than the second reference time and set the capability thereof to a first value indicating the first level capability. The UE may determine that the capability thereof is a second level capability, e.g., poor or unsatisfactory when the PDSCH processing time is longer than or equal to the second reference time and set the capability thereof to a second value indicating the second level capability. The UE may transmit information including the capability thereof to a base station in operation S230. The base station may perform scheduling on the downlink and uplink to the UE based on the capability of the UE included in the received information.

<FIG> is a detailed flowchart of operation S200 in <FIG>. <FIG> is a table showing third and fourth time parameters with respect to a slot configuration, according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE may identify a slot configuration in <NUM> mobile network-based communication in operation S201a. The slot configuration may be defined by a subcarrier interval and/or the number of symbols included in a slot. The UE may determine a value of at least one time parameter related to the CRS-IC based on the slot configuration in operation S202a.

Referring to <FIG>, the time parameter related to the CRS-IC may include third and fourth time parameters, and respective values of the third and fourth time parameters may be differently set according to the slot configuration. The table of <FIG> may be obtained in advance and defined as a standard. In an example embodiment, when the slot configuration corresponds to a first slot configuration CONFIG1, the third and fourth time parameters may be respectively set to values X12 and Y12. When the slot configuration corresponds to a second slot configuration CONFIG2, the third and fourth time parameters may be respectively set to values X22 and Y22. When the slot configuration corresponds to a third slot configuration CONFIG3, the third and fourth time parameters may be respectively set to values X32 and Y32. As described above, the values of the third and fourth time parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of slot configurations may be obtained in advance.

Returning to <FIG>, the UE may determine, based on the table of <FIG>, the values of the third and fourth time parameters related to the CRS-IC in operation S202a. The UE may calculate the PDSCH processing time using the value of the time parameter related to the CRS-IC in operation S203a. Thereafter, operation S210 (in <FIG>) is performed.

<FIG> is a detailed flowchart of operation S200 in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE may identify the number of CRS symbols overlapping with a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH in operation S201b. In an example embodiment, the UE may identify the number of overlapping CRS symbols based on the number of antenna ports related to a CRS and the type of a frame including the CRS. The UE may determine a value of at least one time parameter related to the CRS-IC based on the number of overlapping CRS symbols in operation S202b. The UE may calculate the PDSCH processing time using the value of the time parameter related to the CRS-IC in operation S203b. Thereafter, operation S210 (in <FIG>) is performed.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operating method of a UE, according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram of the numbers of overlapping CRSs with respect to the numbers of antenna ports. <FIG> is described assuming a single physical resource block (PRB) including <NUM> subcarriers and <NUM> OFDM symbols. However, this is just an example, and embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, a UE may identify the number of antenna ports related to a CRS in operation S300a. The number of CRSs overlapping with a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH of the UE may vary with the number of antenna ports related to a CRS. Accordingly, the UE may substantially identify the number of CRSs overlapping with the data frequency region based on the number of antenna ports related to a CRS.

Referring further to <FIG>, when the number of antenna ports is <NUM>, eight CRSs AP0 may be allocated to a single PRB and transmitted to the UE. When the number of antenna ports is <NUM>, eight CRSs AP1 may be allocated to a single PRB and transmitted to the UE. When the number of antenna ports is <NUM>, four CRSs AP2 may be allocated to a single PRB and transmitted to the UE. When the number of antenna ports is <NUM>, four CRSs AP3 may be allocated to a single PRB and transmitted to the UE. In other words, the number of CRSs allocated to a single PRB may vary with the number of antenna ports. This may be related to the number of CRSs overlapping with the data frequency region.

Returning to <FIG>, the UE may determine at least one value of at least one time parameter related to the CRS-IC based on the number of antenna ports in operation S310a. For example, the at least one value of the at least one time parameter when the number of antenna ports is <NUM> or <NUM> may be less than the value of the time parameter when the number of antenna ports is <NUM> or <NUM>, or vice versa. The UE may calculate the PDSCH processing time using the value of the time parameter related to the CRS-IC in operation S320a.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an example of the operating method of <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams of the numbers of overlapping CRSs with respect to frame types. <FIG> is described assuming that a single PRB includes <NUM> subcarriers and <NUM> OFDM symbols and that the length of a slot is equal to the length of a subframe. However, this is just an example, and embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, the UE may identify the type of a frame including a CRS in operation S300b. For example, the type of a frame including a CRS may be classified as a normal frame or a multimedia broadcast multicast service single frequency network (MBSFN) frame. The number of CRSs overlapping with a data frequency region allocated to a PDSCH of the UE may vary with a frame type. Accordingly, the UE may substantially identify the number of CRSs overlapping with the data frequency region based on the frame type.

Referring further to <FIG>, when the type of a frame including a CRS corresponds to an MBSFN frame, eight LTE mobile network-based CRSs (i.e. eight LTE CRSs) may be allocated to first two symbols.

Referring further to <FIG>, when the type of a frame including a CRS corresponds to a normal frame, <NUM> LTE CRSs may be allocated to symbols at certain symbol intervals. In other words, the number of CRSs included in a single PRB of an MBSFN frame may be less than the number of CRSs included in a single PRB of a normal frame. That is, the number of CRSs allocated to a single PRB may vary with a frame type, and this fact may be related to the number of CRSs overlapping with a data frequency region.

Returning to <FIG>, the UE may determine whether the frame type corresponds to an MBSFN frame in operation S310b. In case of YES in operation S310b, the UE may set at least one time parameter related to CRS-IC to a first value in operation S320b. In case of NO in operation S310b, the UE may set the time parameter related to CRS-IC to a second value in operation S330b. For example, the first value may be less than the second value. The UE may calculate the PDSCH processing time using the time parameter having the set value in operation S340b. Thereafter, operation S210 in <FIG> may be performed.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus <NUM> according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic apparatus <NUM> may include a memory <NUM>, a processor unit <NUM>, an input/output controller <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, and a communication processor <NUM>. There may be a plurality of memories <NUM>. Each element will be described below.

The memory <NUM> may include a program storage <NUM>, which stores a program for controlling an operation of the electronic apparatus <NUM>, and a data storage <NUM>, which stores data generated during execution of the program. The data storage <NUM> may store data necessary for the operation of an application program <NUM> and the operation of a processing time generation program <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the data storage <NUM> may store a table TB of values of time parameters necessary to determine a PDSCH processing time. For example, the table TB may comply with standards disclosed in 3GPP TS <NUM> or the like.

The program storage <NUM> may include the application program <NUM> and the processing time generation program <NUM>. At this time, a program included in the program storage <NUM> may be a set of instructions and expressed as an instruction set. The application program <NUM> may include program code for executing various applications run by the electronic apparatus <NUM>. In other words, the application program <NUM> may include code (or commands) related to various applications run by the processor <NUM>. The processing time generation program <NUM> may include control code for generating a PDSCH processing time, according to example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the processor <NUM> may set at least one value of at least one time parameter based on a function activated in a <NUM> mobile network and determine a PDSCH processing time using the value, by executing the processing time generation program <NUM>.

The communication processor <NUM> of the electronic apparatus <NUM> may perform communication functions for voice communication and data communication. The processor <NUM> may receive a <NUM> mobile network-based PDSCH and an MBS-related PDSCH or an LTE mobile network-based CRS from a base station through the communication processor <NUM>.

A peripheral device interface <NUM> may control connection among the input/output controller <NUM>, the communication processor <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and a memory interface <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may control a plurality of base stations to provide a service using at least one software program. At this time, the processor <NUM> may execute at least one program stored in the memory <NUM> to provide a service corresponding to the program.

The input/output controller <NUM> may provide an interface between an input/output device, such as the display unit <NUM> or the input device <NUM>, and the peripheral device interface <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> displays status information, input text, a moving picture, and/or a still picture. For example, the display unit <NUM> may display information about an application program run by the processor <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may provide input data, which is generated by the selection of the electronic apparatus <NUM>, to the processor unit <NUM> through the input/output controller <NUM>. At this time, the input device <NUM> may include a keypad, which includes at least one hardware button, and/or a touch pad sensing touch information. For example, the input device <NUM> may provide touch information, such as a touch, a movement of the touch, or the release of the touch, which is detected through a touch pad, to the processor <NUM> through the input/output controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram of communication equipments generating a PDSCH processing time, according to an example embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, home gadgets <NUM>, home appliances <NUM>, entertainment equipments <NUM>, and an access point (AP) <NUM> may each determine a PDSCH processing time and determine the capability thereof, according to embodiments. The determined capability may be used to configure a communication network. In some embodiments, the home gadgets <NUM>, the home appliances <NUM>, the entertainment equipments <NUM>, and the AP <NUM> may constitute an Internet of things (IoT) network. The communication equipments illustrated in <FIG> are just examples, and example embodiments may also applied to other communication equipments than those illustrated in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An operating method of a user equipment (<NUM>) communicating with a base station (<NUM>) in a fifth-generation, <NUM>, mobile network, the operating method comprising:
setting at least one variable value of at least one time parameter based on at least one activated function in the <NUM> mobile network and a network state, wherein the network state concerns an overlap pattern of heterogeneous signals and a data frequency region allocated to a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH,
determining (S100, S200) a processing time for the PDSCH from the base station (<NUM>) based on the at least one value of at least one time parameter;
determining (S110, S120, S210, S220) a capability of the user equipment (<NUM>) by comparing the processing time with a reference time, the reference time varying with an activated function and positively correlated with the determined processing time; and
transmitting (S130, S230) information including the capability of the user equipment (<NUM>) to the base station (<NUM>).