Patent ID: 12256369

The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, generally, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a wireless communication system, a user equipment (UE) communicates with a base station (for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), or other base station) over a communication spectrum. To address the rapid increase of wireless data traffic demand in the upcoming years, the wireless industry has turned its attention to the unlicensed spectrum as a way to aggregate additional spectrum bands and improve the capacity of future cellular systems. The unlicensed spectrum having worldwide availability includes the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz bands. An unlicensed spectrum can be used for both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions. Moreover, an unlicensed spectrum may be shared between multiple UEs, and each UE performs listen before talk (LBT) procedure to access the unlicensed spectrum.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is currently in a full standardization process of New Radio (NR), the Radio Access Technology (RAT) for 5th Generation (5G) systems including ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). In order to address the stringent latency and reliability requirements for URLLC, more resources are used for signaling and retransmission, e.g., transmission of nominal repetitions of data. New Radio based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) has many problems to be solved, e.g., support of URLLC in the unlicensed spectrum.

Techniques to enable URLLC services may include small data payloads (e.g. 32 bytes) with short latency. In addition, mini-slot transmission time intervals are used instead of an entire slot so data of URLLC service can be transferred immediately without waiting for a slot boundary. A mini-slot is a part of a slot and a smallest scheduling unit in the wireless communication system.

A slot includes multiple symbols, where each symbol of the slot has a direction defined as a uplink (UL) symbol for UL transmission, a downlink (DL) symbol for DL transmission, or a flexible symbol to be used for either UL transmission or DL transmission. The directions of symbols of a slot may be defined by a subframe indicator (SFI). In some examples, the SFI has a semi-static configuration or a dynamic configuration.

In some examples, one or more nominal repetitions of data are transmitted over an unlicensed spectrum to improve the reliability, e.g., for URLLC services. Transmission of a nominal repetition of data is to re-send the same data that has been transmitted already. In some example, a nominal repetition of data is sent before receiving a feedback or a request. e.g., Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), from the base station. When a size of the data is larger than one symbol, a nominal repetition of data may be segmented into multiple actual repetitions by a slot boundary, a switching point within the slot next to a DL transmission symbol defined by a SFI, by the so-called Invalid Symbol Pattern, or by optionally dynamic signaling related to the Invalid Symbol Pattern that indicates reserved uplink symbol(s). In some examples, an actual repetition can be of a single symbol, which may be called an orphan symbol, while the nominal transmission containing the actual transmission is of more than one symbol.

In some current systems, an orphan symbol may be dropped or omitted in the UL transmission. As will be further discussed in reference toFIG.2, an orphan symbol is contained in an actual repetition having only one symbol. Dropping an orphan symbol of an actual repetition may not cause a problem in a licensed spectrum. However, dropping an orphan symbol of an actual repetition can be problematic in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum. An unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum may be shared by multiple nodes including UEs and base stations operated in a same operator's network or different operators' networks. When a first UE drops an orphan symbol of an actual repetition, a gap in the slot is created between otherwise continuous transmissions. If a second node, which may be a UE, a base station, or a node from other technologies such as a WiFi station sharing the unlicensed spectrum, is performing LBT procedure, the second node may incorrectly assume the channel is available and starts its transmission. The transmission from a second UE at, or shortly after, the gap created by the dropped orphan symbol may lead to collisions with the first UE's transmissions that resume after the gap.

Some aspects of this disclosure provide improved solutions to transmission of orphan symbols in actual repetitions. In detail, apparatuses and methods are presented for implementing transmissions of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum. Instead of dropping an orphan symbol, a filler symbol is included in the actual repetition to eliminate the potential gap in the slot. Hence, a second UE listening to the shared unlicensed spectrum would not assume the channel is available for transmission. As a result, there is no collision between the first UE and the second UE at the orphan symbol.

In some examples, the filler symbol is selected from a last symbol of a previous actual repetition of the data before the actual repetition, a first symbol of a next actual repetition of the data after the actual repetition, a cyclic prefix symbol, or a symbol determined by the UE. In addition, the filler symbol is transmitted at a frequency location that is the same as a frequency location for the last symbol of the previous actual repetition, or a frequency location for the first symbol of the next actual repetition. Furthermore, the filler symbol is transmitted having a transmission power that is the same as a transmission power for the last symbol of the previous actual repetition, or a transmission power for the first symbol of the next actual repetition.

In some examples, the unlicensed spectrum radio system is a standalone NR unlicensed spectrum radio system supporting URLLC with synchronized Frame Based Equipment (FBE) based sharing in controlled environments. In addition, other unlicensed spectrum radio systems from different operators may operate in the same geographical area, while some of them may also operate with the NR system with FBE based sharing. The unlicensed spectrum radio networks from different operators may have different timing setups, for example in terms of the start time of the fixed frame period, and the duration of the fixed frame period. In some other examples, the unlicensed spectrum may be a NR unlicensed spectrum supporting URLLC in uncontrolled environments. Even though techniques described herein are for unlicensed spectrum as an example, the techniques may be applicable to any other spectrum by multiple network nodes, e.g., UEs, base stations, operated by a same or different network operators.

Although some examples of the contents of transmissions of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum are provided above, the aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples and the transmissions of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum can include less, more, or other parameters, instructions, and/or information.

FIG.1illustrates an example wireless system100implementing designs for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum, according to some aspects of the disclosure. The wireless system100is provided for the purpose of illustration only and does not limit the disclosed aspects. The system100may include, but is not limited to, a network node (herein referred to as base station)101and electronic devices (hereinafter referred to as UE), e.g., an UE105, and an UE106.

According to some aspects, the base station101can include a node configured to operate based on a wide variety of wireless communication techniques such as, but not limited to, techniques based on 3GPP standards. For example, base station101can include a node configured to operate using Rel-16, Rel-17, or later, and may support URLLC services and applications. The base station101can be a fixed station, and may also be called a base transceiver system (BTS), an access point (AP), an access node (AN), a transmission/reception point (TRP), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), or some other equivalent terminology.

According to some aspects, the UE105or the UE106can include an electronic device configured to operate based on a wide variety of wireless communication techniques. These techniques can include, but are not limited to, techniques based on 3GPP standards. For example, the UE105or the UE106can include an electronic device configured to operate using Rel-16, Rel-17 or later, and may support URLLC services and applications. The UE105or the UE106can include, but is not limited to, a wireless communication device, a smart phone, a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, a personal assistant, a monitor, a television, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoTs), a vehicle's communication device, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a remote terminal, a wireless terminal, a user device, or the like.

According to some aspects, the UE105may include a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the base station101, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, as shown in more details inFIGS.6and7. The UE105can be connected to and can communicate with the base station101using one or more communication links, e.g., a downlink103and an uplink107. Similarly, the UE106may include a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the base station101, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, as shown in more details inFIGS.6and7. The UE106can be connected to and can communicate with the base station101using one or more communication links, e.g., a downlink113and an uplink117.

According to some aspects, the downlink103and the uplink107for the UE105, and the downlink113and the uplink117for the UE106may share the same unlicensed spectrum used for both UL and DL transmissions. The UE105and the UE106perform listen before talk (LBT) procedure before accessing the shared unlicensed spectrum to avoid collisions with other UEs occupying the shared unlicensed spectrum. In some examples, the unlicensed spectrum is a standalone NR unlicensed spectrum supporting URLLC with synchronized Frame Based Equipment (FBE) based sharing in a controlled environment110. In the following, function descriptions are provided for the UE105as an example, while the UE106may perform the same or similar functions.

According to some aspects, the base station101may use an UL transmission configuration104to configure the UE105to transmit one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE to the base station101. The UE105receives from the base station101a downlink message102including the UL transmission configuration104. In some examples, the UL transmission configuration104is based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signalling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling. In some examples, the UL transmission configuration104may be a Type 1 configured grant, and the RRC signaling alone is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE105. In addition, the UL transmission configuration104may be a Type 2 configured grant, and the RRC signaling together with the DCI activation is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE105. Furthermore, the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling may be used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE105. Additionally and alternatively, the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling and dynamic signaling from the DCI activation may be used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE105.

According to some aspects, based on the UL transmission configuration104, the UE105may transmit data121to the base station101. In some examples, the UE105may transmit data121over an unlicensed spectrum to the base station101in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) NR communication system. In order to improve the reliability of the transmission, the data121may be transmitted multiple times in nominal repetitions. In some examples, a nominal repetition123of the data121is generated and sent before receiving a feedback or a request, e.g., Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), from the base station101. The nominal repetition123of the data121may be segmented into multiple actual repetitions, e.g., an actual repetition125, and an actual repetition127. The actual repetitions may be transmitted UL in different time slots.

FIG.2illustrates examples of nominal repetitions, actual repetitions, and an orphan symbol, according to some aspects of the disclosure. According to some aspects, for the data121, the UE105generates one or more nominal repetitions to be transmitted over the unlicensed spectrum. e.g., a nominal repetition207and a nominal repetition209as shown inFIG.2. The one or more nominal repetitions are segmented into multiple actual transmissions.

As shown inFIG.2, a slot201or a slot203includes 14 symbols, where each symbol of the slot has a direction defined as an uplink (UL) symbol for UL transmission, a downlink (DL) symbol for DL transmission, or a flexible symbol to be used for either UL transmission or DL transmission. The directions (UL or DL or Flexible) of symbols of a slot are defined by a SFI205. In some examples, a SFI may have a semi-static configuration or a dynamic configuration. The SFI205as shown is a semi-static SFI. According to the SFI205, for the slot201or the slot203, symbol 0 to symbol 2 are DL symbols, symbol 3 to symbol 10 are flexible symbols, while symbol 11 to symbol 13 are UL symbols.

In some examples, the data121has 6 symbols, which has been transmitted prior to the slot201. According to the UL transmission configuration104, two addition nominal repetitions of the data121, e.g., the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209, are scheduled to be transmitted to the base station101. The nominal repetition207is transmitted by an actual repetition211during symbol 7 to symbol 12 of the slot201that is either a UL symbol or a flexible symbol. The actual repetition211has a last symbol221. The nominal repetition209is scheduled to be transmitted in consecutive slots, which should occupy symbol 13 of the slot201to symbol 4 of the slot203. However, the SFI205indicates that symbol 0 to symbol 2 of the slot203are DL symbols, and cannot be used for UL transmissions. Hence, symbol 0 to symbol 2 of the slot203segment the nominal repetition209into two actual repetitions, an actual repetition213and an actual repetition215that are non-adjacent and separated by DL symbols 0-2. The actual repetition213contains only one symbol223to be transmitted at symbol 13 of the slot201. The actual repetition215contains 2 symbols of the nominal repetition209, with a first symbol225.

Accordingly, the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209are segmented into three actual repetitions, the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215. The actual repetition211is a previous actual repetition of the data121before the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215is a next actual repetition of the data121after the actual repetition213.

According to some aspects, the UE105further identifies or determines an orphan symbol of an actual repetition. As shown in more details inFIG.2, the actual repetition213has only one symbol223occupying only one symbol, which is determined by a boundary of the slot201. In contrast, actual repetitions211and215, each have multiple symbols. Additionally and alternatively, the actual repetition213is determined by a switching point within the slot next to a DL transmission symbol defined by the SFI205, which is symbol 13 since it is next to a DL symbol 0 of the slot203. Hence, the symbol223is an orphan symbol of the actual repetition213. Accordingly, herein, an orphan symbol is contained in an actual repetition of size of one symbol, where the actual repetition is a part of a nominal repetition when the nominal repetition is segmented into multiple actual repetitions. Transmission of a nominal repetition of data is to re-send the same data that has been transmitted already for various purposes, e.g., to improve reliability. In some examples, the orphan symbol223may be a single symbol to be transmitted in a PUSCH repetition Type B transmission according to a nominal repetition configuration, or a single UL symbol to be omitted from transmission in the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission. In some examples, the orphan symbol223is determined by an Invalid Symbol Pattern. The Invalid Symbol Pattern may be a semi-static configuration or a semi-static configuration indicated by dynamic signaling, and a symbol of a bitmap from the Invalid Symbol Pattern marked in “1” is defined as a symbol unavailable for UL transmission.

Conventionally, the orphan symbol223may be dropped or omitted in the UL transmission. However, dropping an orphan symbol of an actual repetition can be problematic in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum. When the UE105drops the orphan symbol223, a gap is created in the slot201. A second node, e.g., the UE106, may be performing LBT procedure, and may incorrectly assume the channel is available and starts its transmission. The transmission from the UE106at symbol 13 of the slot201supposedly occupied by the dropped orphan symbol223and beyond symbol 13 may lead to collisions with transmissions from the UE105that resume after the gap.

According to some aspects, the UE105further determine a filler symbol333to replace the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition213, as shown in more details inFIG.3.FIG.3only shows part of the details ofFIG.2. Referring toFIG.3, the filler symbol333may be the same symbol as the last symbol221of the previous actual repetition211before the actual repetition213of the data121, or the first symbol225of the next actual repetition215after the actual repetition213of the data121. In addition, the filler symbol333is generated at a location in time that is the same as a location in time for the orphan symbol223.

In some examples, when the last symbol221of the previous actual repetition211before the actual repetition213is also an orphan symbol, the filler symbol333may be based on a last symbol of a latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols before the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission. Similarly, when the first symbol225of the next actual repetition215after the actual repetition213is also an orphan symbol, the filler symbol333may be based on a first symbol of an earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols after the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission. In some examples, the filler symbol333may be a cyclic prefix symbol, or a symbol determined by the UE105.

In addition, the filler symbol333may be transmitted at a frequency location that is the same as a frequency location for the last symbol221of the previous actual repetition211, a frequency location for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a frequency location for the first symbol225of the next actual repetition215, or a frequency location for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission. Furthermore, the filler symbol333may be transmitted having a transmission power that is the same as a repetition power for the last symbol221of the previous actual repetition211, a transmission power for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a transmission power for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a transmission power for the first symbol225of the next actual repetition215.

Afterwards, the UE105transmits the multiple actual repetitions, e.g., the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213including the filler symbol333instead of the orphan symbol223, and the actual repetition215to the base station101over the unlicensed spectrum. Together, the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215are equivalent to the transmission of the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209. The transmissions of the one or more nominal repetitions, e.g., the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209of the data121are physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmissions of the data.

FIG.4illustrates an example method400for a system (for example a UE) supporting mechanisms for implementing designs for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum, according to some aspects of the disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation,FIG.4may be described with regard to elements ofFIGS.1-3,6, and7. Method400may represent the operation of an electronic device (for example, UE105ofFIG.1) implementing mechanisms for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum. Method400may also be performed by system600ofFIG.6and/or computer system700ofFIG.7. But method400is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in those figures and other systems may be used to perform the method as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is to be appreciated that not all operations may be needed, and the operations may not be performed in the same order as shown inFIG.4.

At402, a UE receives from a base station a downlink message including an UL transmission configuration to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE. For example, the UE105receives from the base station101the downlink message102including the UL transmission configuration104to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE105, as described forFIG.1. In some examples, the UL transmissions may be PUSCH repetition Type B transmissions. The UL transmission configuration may be based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling. When the UL transmission configuration is a Type 1 configured grant, the RRC signaling alone is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE. Additionally and alternatively, when the UL transmission configuration is a Type 2 configured grant, the RRC signaling together with DCI activation is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE. Similarly, the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling may be used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE, or the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling and dynamic signaling from the DCI activation may be used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE.

At404, a UE transmits the data to the base station over an unlicensed spectrum, where the unlicensed spectrum is used for both UL and DL transmissions. For example, the UE105transmits the data121to the base station101over an unlicensed spectrum, where the unlicensed spectrum is used for both UL and DL transmissions, as described forFIG.1.

At406, a UE determines, based at least in part on the UL transmission configuration received from the base station, a symbol to be an orphan symbol of an actual repetition. The actual repetition is among multiple actual repetitions that form the one or more nominal repetitions configured by the UL transmission configuration. For example, as shown inFIG.2, based on the UL transmission configuration104received from the base station101, the UE105determines the symbol223to be an orphan symbol of the actual repetition213. The actual repetition213is among multiple actual repetitions, e.g., the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215, that form the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209. An orphan symbol is contained in an actual repetition of size of one symbol, where the actual repetition is a part of a nominal repetition when the nominal repetition is segmented into multiple actual repetitions. Transmission of a nominal repetition of data is to re-send the same data that has been transmitted already for various purposes, e.g., to improve reliability. For example, the UE105identifies the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition213, as described forFIG.2.

At408, a UE determine a filler symbol to replace the determined orphan symbol in the actual repetition. For example, the UE105determines the filler symbol333to replace the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition213, as described forFIG.3.

At410, a UE transmits the actual repetition including the filler symbol in replacement of the orphan symbol over the unlicensed spectrum to the base station. For example, the UE105transmits the actual repetition213including the filler symbol333in replacement of the orphan symbol223to the base station101over the unlicensed spectrum, as described forFIG.1. The actual repetition213includes the filler symbol333instead of the orphan symbol223.

FIG.5illustrates an example method500for a system (for example a base station) supporting mechanisms for implementing designs for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum, according to some aspects of the disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation,FIG.5may be described with regard to elements ofFIGS.1-3,6, and7. Method500may represent the operation of an electronic device (for example, base station101ofFIG.1) implementing mechanisms for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum. Method500may also be performed by system600ofFIG.6and/or computer system700ofFIG.7. But method500is not limited to the specific aspects depicted in those figures and other systems may be used to perform the method as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is to be appreciated that not all operations may be needed, and the operations may not be performed in the same order as shown inFIG.5.

At502, a base station transmits, using a transceiver and to a UE, a downlink message including an UL transmission configuration to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE over an unlicensed spectrum used for both UL and DL transmissions. For example, the base station101transmits, using a transceiver and to the UE105, the downlink message102including the UL transmission configuration104. The UL transmission configuration104is for the UE105to transmit UL the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209, as described forFIGS.1-2.

At504, a base station receives, using the transceiver and from the UE, an actual repetition including a filler symbol. The one or more nominal repetitions are segmented into multiple actual transmissions, e.g., and the filler symbol is a replacement of an orphan symbol of the actual repetition of the multiple actual transmissions. For example, as described forFIGS.1-3, the base station101receives from the UE105the actual repetition213including the filler symbol333. The nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209are segmented into multiple actual transmissions. e.g., the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215. The filler symbol333is a replacement of the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition213.

FIG.6illustrates a block diagram of an example system600of an electronic device implementing designs for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum, according to some aspects of the disclosure. System600may be any of the electronic devices (e.g., the base station101, the UE105) of system100. The system600includes a processor610, one or more transceivers620, communication infrastructure640, memory650, operating system652, application654, and one or more antenna660. Illustrated systems are provided as exemplary parts of system600, and system600can include other circuit(s) and subsystem(s). Also, although the systems of system600are illustrated as separate components, the aspects of this disclosure can include any combination of these, less, or more components.

Memory650may include random access memory (RAM) and/or cache, and may include control logic (e.g., computer software) and/or data. Memory650may include other storage devices or memory such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage device/unit. According to some examples, operating system652can be stored in memory650. Operating system652can manage transfer of data from memory650and/or one or more applications654to processor610and/or one or more transceivers620. In some examples, operating system652maintains one or more network protocol stacks (e.g., Internet protocol stack, cellular protocol stack, and the like) that can include a number of logical layers. At corresponding layers of the protocol stack, operating system652includes control mechanism and data structures to perform the functions associated with that layer.

According to some examples, application654can be stored in memory650. Application654can include applications (e.g., user applications) used by wireless system600and/or a user of wireless system600. The applications in application654can include applications such as, but not limited to, Siri™, FaceTime™, radio streaming, video streaming, remote control, and/or other user applications.

System600can also include communication infrastructure640. Communication infrastructure640provides communication between, for example, processor610, one or more transceivers620, and memory650. In some implementations, communication infrastructure640may be a bus. Processor610together with instructions stored in memory650performs operations enabling system600to implement mechanisms for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum, as described herein for the system100as shown inFIGS.1-3.

One or more transceivers620transmit and receive communications signals that support mechanisms for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum. According to some aspects, one or more transceivers620may be coupled to antenna660. Antenna660may include one or more antennas that may be the same or different types. One or more transceivers620allow system600to communicate with other devices that may be wired and/or wireless. In some examples, one or more transceivers620can include processors, controllers, radios, sockets, plugs, buffers, and like circuits/devices used for connecting to and communication on networks. According to some examples, one or more transceivers620include one or more circuits to connect to and communicate on wired and/or wireless networks.

According to some aspects of this disclosure, one or more transceivers620can include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and/or a Bluetooth™ subsystem, each including its own radio transceiver and protocol(s) as will be understood by those skilled arts based on the discussion provided herein. In some implementations, one or more transceivers620can include more or fewer systems for communicating with other devices.

In some examples, one or more transceivers620can include one or more circuits (including a WLAN transceiver) to enable connection(s) and communication over WLAN networks such as, but not limited to, networks based on standards described in IEEE 802.11.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more transceivers620can include one or more circuits (including a Bluetooth™ transceiver) to enable connection(s) and communication based on, for example, Bluetooth™ protocol, the Bluetooth™ Low Energy protocol, or the Bluetooth™ Low Energy Long Range protocol. For example, one or more transceivers transceiver620can include a Bluetooth™ transceiver.

Additionally, one or more transceivers620can include one or more circuits (including a cellular transceiver) for connecting to and communicating on cellular networks. The cellular networks can include, but are not limited to, 3G/4G/5G networks such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and the like. For example, one or more transceivers220can be configured to operate according to one or more of Rel-15, Rel-16, Rel-17, or later of 3GPP standard.

According to some aspects of this disclosure, processor610, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored within memory650, and/or one or more transceiver620, implements the methods and mechanisms discussed in this disclosure. For example, processor610, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored within memory650, and/or one or more transceiver620, implements mechanisms for transmission of nominal repetitions of data over an unlicensed spectrum. According to some aspects of this disclosure, processor610, alone or in combination with computer instructions stored within memory650, and/or one or more transceiver620, can receive from a base station (for example base station101ofFIG.1) the downlink message102including an UL transmission configuration104to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE105. The processor610can transmit the data121over the unlicensed spectrum to the base station101. Furthermore, the processor610can generate one or more nominal repetitions of the data, e.g., the nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209, to be transmitted over the unlicensed spectrum. The nominal repetition207and the nominal repetition209are segmented into multiple actual repetitions, e.g., the actual repetition211, the actual repetition213, and the actual repetition215. The processor610can identify the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition213, and determine the filler symbol333to replace the orphan symbol223of the actual repetition203. The processor610can further transmit the actual repetition211, the actual repetition215, and the actual repetition213including the filler symbol333instead of the orphan symbol223to the base station101over the unlicensed spectrum.

Various aspects can be implemented, for example, using one or more computer systems, such as computer system700shown inFIG.7. Computer system700can be any well-known computer capable of performing the functions described herein such as devices101,105ofFIG.1, or600ofFIG.6. Computer system700includes one or more processors (also called central processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor704. Processor704is connected to a communication infrastructure706(e.g., a bus). Computer system700also includes user input/output device(s)703, such as monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., that communicate with communication infrastructure706through user input/output interface(s)702. Computer system700also includes a main or primary memory708, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory708may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory708has stored therein control logic (e.g., computer software) and/or data.

Computer system700may also include one or more secondary storage devices or memory710. Secondary memory710may include, for example, a hard disk drive712and/or a removable storage device or drive714. Removable storage drive714may be a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, tape backup device, and/or any other storage device/drive.

Removable storage drive714may interact with a removable storage unit718. Removable storage unit718includes a computer usable or readable storage device having stored thereon computer software (control logic) and/or data. Removable storage unit718may be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, compact disk, DVD, optical storage disk, and/any other computer data storage device. Removable storage drive714reads from and/or writes to removable storage unit718in a well-known manner.

According to some aspects, secondary memory710may include other means, instrumentalities or other approaches for allowing computer programs and/or other instructions and/or data to be accessed by computer system700. Such means, instrumentalities or other approaches may include, for example, a removable storage unit722and an interface720. Examples of the removable storage unit722and the interface720may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and/or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

In some examples, main memory708, the removable storage unit718, the removable storage unit722can store instructions that, when executed by processor704, cause processor704to perform operations for a UE, e.g., the UE105, or a base station. e.g., the base station101. In some examples, the operations include receiving a downlink message including an UL transmission configuration from the base station101to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions of data from the UE105; transmitting the data to the base station over an unlicensed spectrum used for both UL and DL transmissions; generating the one or more nominal repetitions of the data to be transmitted over the unlicensed spectrum. The one or more nominal repetitions of the data are segmented into multiple actual repetitions. The operations further include identifying an orphan symbol of an actual repetition of a generated nominal repetition of the data; determining a filler symbol to replace the orphan symbol of the actual repetition; and transmitting the multiple actual repetitions including the filler symbol instead of the orphan symbol to the base station over the unlicensed spectrum.

Computer system700may further include a communication or network interface724. Communication interface724enables computer system700to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and collectively referenced by reference number728). For example, communication interface724may allow computer system700to communicate with remote devices728over communications path726, which may be wired and/or wireless, and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, the Internet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and from computer system700via communication path726.

The operations in the preceding aspects can be implemented in a wide variety of configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations in the preceding aspects may be performed in hardware, in software or both. In some aspects, a tangible, non-transitory apparatus or article of manufacture includes a tangible, non-transitory computer useable or readable medium having control logic (software) stored thereon is also referred to herein as a computer program product or program storage device. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system700, main memory708, secondary memory710and removable storage units718and722, as well as tangible articles of manufacture embodying any combination of the foregoing. Such control logic, when executed by one or more data processing devices (such as computer system700), causes such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) how to make and use aspects of the disclosure using data processing devices, computer systems and/or computer architectures other than that shown inFIG.7. In particular, aspects may operate with software, hardware, and/or operating system implementations other than those described herein.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary aspects of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

While the disclosure has been described herein with reference to exemplary aspects for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other aspects and modifications thereto are possible, and are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, aspects are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Further, aspects (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields and applications beyond the examples described herein.

Aspects have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. In addition, alternative aspects may perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderings different from those described herein.

References herein to “one embodiment.” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in the relevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other aspects whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein.

The breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

For one or more embodiments or examples, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and/or methods as set forth in the example section below. For example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth below in the example section.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 includes a user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with a base station; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: determine, based at least in part on a nominal repetition configuration received from the base station, a symbol is an orphan symbol in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmission in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) New Radio (NR) communication system; determine a filler symbol to replace the determined orphan symbol in the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission; and generate the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission including the filler symbol.

Example 2 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein the nominal repetition configuration is based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

Example 2 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein to generate the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission including the filler symbol is to generate the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission including the filler symbol at a location in time that is the same as a location in time for the orphan symbol.

Example 4 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the filler symbol based on a last symbol of a latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols before the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a first symbol of an earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols after the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a cyclic prefix symbol, or a symbol determined by the UE.

Example 5 includes the UE of example 4 and/or some other example herein, wherein the filler symbol is transmitted at a frequency location that is the same as a frequency location for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a frequency location for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission.

Example 6 includes the UE of example 4 and/or some other example herein, wherein the filler symbol is transmitted having a transmission power that is the same as a transmission power for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a transmission power for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission.

Example 7 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein to determine the symbol is the orphan symbol is to determine the symbol is a single symbol to be transmitted in the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission according to the nominal repetition configuration, or a single UL symbol to be omitted from transmission in the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission.

Example 8 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein the orphan symbol is determined by a boundary of a slot or a switching point within the slot next to a downlink (DL) transmission defined by a subframe indicator (SFI) or by an Invalid Symbol Pattern.

Example 9 includes the UE of example 8 and/or some other example herein, wherein the SFI is a semi-static configuration or a dynamic configuration, and wherein a symbol of the slot is defined as a UL symbol for UL transmission, a DL symbol for DL transmission, or a flexible symbol to be used for either UL transmission or DL transmission.

Example 10 includes the UE of example 8 and/or some other example herein, wherein the Invalid Symbol Pattern is a semi-static configuration or a semi-static configuration indicated by dynamic signaling, and wherein a symbol of a bitmap from the Invalid Symbol Pattern marked in “I” is defined as a symbol unavailable for UL transmission.

Example 11 includes the UE of example 1 and/or some other example herein, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission in an unlicensed spectrum, and wherein the unlicensed spectrum is a standalone NR unlicensed spectrum supporting ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) with synchronized Frame Based Equipment (FBE) based sharing in controlled environments.

Example 12 includes a method for a user equipment (UE), comprising: transmitting data over an unlicensed spectrum to a base station in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) New Radio (NR) communication system, wherein the unlicensed spectrum is used for both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions; determining, based at least in part on an UL transmission configuration received from the base station, a symbol to be an orphan symbol in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmission; determining a filler symbol to replace the determined orphan symbol in the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission; and generating the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission including the filler symbol.

Example 13 includes the method of example 12 and/or some other example herein, wherein the filler symbol is selected from a last symbol of a latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols before the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a first symbol of an earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols after the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a cyclic prefix symbol, or a symbol determined by the UE.

Example 14 includes the method of example 13 and/or some other example herein, wherein the filler symbol is transmitted at a frequency location that is the same as a frequency location for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a frequency location for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission.

Example 15 includes the method of example 13 and/or some other example herein, wherein the UL transmission configuration is based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

Example 16 includes the method of example 15 and/or some other example herein, wherein the UL transmission configuration is a Type 1 configured grant, and the RRC signaling alone is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE; wherein the UL transmission configuration is a Type 2 configured grant, and the RRC signaling together with the DCI activation is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE; wherein the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE; or wherein the RRC signaling together with the MAC CE signaling and dynamic signaling from the DCI activation is used to configure the time domain resource allocation for the UE.

Example 17 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), cause the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving, by the UE and from a base station, a downlink message including an uplink (UL) transmission configuration to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions from the UE; transmitting, by the UE over an unlicensed spectrum, data to the base station; determining, based at least in part on the UL transmission configuration received from the base station, a symbol to be an orphan symbol of an actual repetition; determining a filler symbol to replace the determined orphan symbol in the actual repetition, wherein the actual repetition is among multiple actual repetitions that form the one or more nominal repetitions configured by the UL transmission configuration; and transmitting, over the unlicensed spectrum and to the base station, the actual repetition including the filler symbol in replacement of the orphan symbol.

Example 18 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 17 and/or some other example herein, wherein transmission of the actual repetition from the UE is a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmission.

Example 19 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 17 and/or some other example herein, wherein the orphan symbol is determined by a boundary of the slot or a switching point within the slot next to a DL transmission defined by a subframe indicator (SFI) or by an Invalid Symbol Pattern.

Example 20 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of example 17 and/or some other example herein, wherein the unlicensed spectrum is a standalone new radio (NR) unlicensed spectrum supporting ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) with synchronized Frame Based Equipment (FBE) based sharing in controlled environments.

Example 21 includes a base station, comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: transmit, using the transceiver and to the UE, a downlink message including an uplink (UL) transmission configuration to transmit UL one or more nominal repetitions from the UE over an unlicensed spectrum in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) New Radio (NR) communication system; and receive, using the transceiver and from the UE, a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmission including a filler symbol, wherein the filler symbol is a replacement of an orphan symbol of the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, and the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission is among multiple PUSCH repetition Type B transmissions that form the one or more nominal repetitions configured by the UL transmission configuration.

Example 22 includes the base station of example 21 and/or some other example herein, wherein the UL transmission configuration is based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

Example 23 includes the base station of example 21 and/or some other example herein, wherein the filler symbol is selected from a last symbol of a latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols before the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a first symbol of an earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission that has more than one symbols after the PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, a cyclic prefix symbol, or a symbol determined by the UE; wherein the filler symbol is transmitted at a frequency location that is the same as a frequency location for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a frequency location for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission; and wherein the filler symbol is transmitted having a transmission power that is the same as a transmission power for the last symbol of the latest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission, or a transmission power for the first symbol of the earliest PUSCH repetition Type B transmission.

Example 24 includes a user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with a base station, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to: determine, based at least in part on an uplink (UL) transmission configuration from the base station, a symbol to be an orphan symbol of an actual repetition; determine a filler symbol to replace the determined orphan symbol in the actual repetition; and generate the actual repetition including the filler symbol.

Example 25 includes the UE of example 24 and/or some other example herein, wherein the UL transmission configuration is based at least in part on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to configure a time domain resource allocation for the UE, based at least in part on an activation downlink control information (DCI), or based at least in part on Medium access control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

Example 26 includes the UE of example 24 and/or some other example herein, wherein the transmission of the actual repetition from the UE is a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition Type B transmission in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) New Radio (NR) communication system.