Patent ID: 12232120

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the present disclosure, “A or B” may mean “only A”, “only B” or “both A and B.” In other words, in the present disclosure, “A or B” may be interpreted as “A and/or B”. For example, in the present disclosure, “A, B, or C” may mean “only A”, “only B”, “only C”, or “any combination of A, B, C”.

A slash (/) or comma used in the present disclosure may mean “and/or”. For example, “A/B” may mean “A and/or B”. Accordingly, “A/B” may mean “only A”, “only B”, or “both A and B”. For example, “A, B, C” may mean “A, B, or C”.

In the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A”, “only B”, or “both A and B”. In addition, in the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and/or B” may be interpreted as “at least one of A and B”.

In addition, in the present disclosure, “at least one of A, B, and C” may mean “only A”, “only B”, “only C”, or “any combination of A, B, and C”. In addition, “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and/or C” may mean “at least one of A, B, and C”.

In addition, a parenthesis used in the present disclosure may mean “for example”. Specifically, when indicated as “control information (PDCCH)”, it may mean that “PDCCH” is proposed as an example of the “control information”. In other words, the “control information” of the present disclosure is not limited to “PDCCH”, and “PDCCH” may be proposed as an example of the “control information”. In addition, when indicated as “control information (i.e., PDCCH)”, it may also mean that “PDCCH” is proposed as an example of the “control information”.

A technical feature described individually in one figure in the present disclosure may be individually implemented, or may be simultaneously implemented.

The technology described below may be used in various wireless communication systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and so on. The CDMA may be implemented with a radio technology, such as universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA) or CDMA-2000. The TDMA may be implemented with a radio technology, such as global system for mobile communications (GSM)/general packet ratio service (GPRS)/enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE). The OFDMA may be implemented with a radio technology, such as institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), and so on. IEEE 802.16m is an evolved version of IEEE 802.16e and provides backward compatibility with a system based on the IEEE 802.16e. The UTRA is part of a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS). 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) is part of an evolved UMTS (E-UMTS) using the E-UTRA. The 3GPP LTE uses the OFDMA in a downlink and uses the SC-FDMA in an uplink. LTE-advanced (LTE-A) is an evolution of the LTE.

5G NR is a successive technology of LTE-A corresponding to a new Clean-slate type mobile communication system having the characteristics of high performance, low latency, high availability, and so on. 5G NR may use resources of all spectrum available for usage including low frequency bands of less than 1 GHz, middle frequency bands ranging from 1 GHz to 10 GHz, high frequency (millimeter waves) of 24 GHz or more, and so on.

For clarity in the description, the following description will mostly focus on LTE-A or 5G NR. However, technical features according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will not be limited only to this.

FIG.2shows a structure of an NR system, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.2may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2, a next generation-radio access network (NG-RAN) may include a BS20providing a UE10with a user plane and control plane protocol termination. For example, the BS20may include a next generation-Node B (gNB) and/or an evolved-NodeB (eNB). For example, the UE10may be fixed or mobile and may be referred to as other terms, such as a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a subscriber station (SS), a mobile terminal (MT), wireless device, and so on. For example, the BS may be referred to as a fixed station which communicates with the UE10and may be referred to as other terms, such as a base transceiver system (BTS), an access point (AP), and so on.

The embodiment ofFIG.2exemplifies a case where only the gNB is included. The BSs20may be connected to one another via Xn interface. The BS20may be connected to one another via 5th generation (5G) core network (5GC) and NG interface. More specifically, the BSs20may be connected to an access and mobility management function (AMF)30via NG-C interface, and may be connected to a user plane function (UPF)30via NG-U interface.

FIG.3shows a functional division between an NG-RAN and a 5GC, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.3may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, the gNB may provide functions, such as Inter Cell Radio Resource Management (RRM), Radio Bearer (RB) control, Connection Mobility Control, Radio Admission Control, Measurement Configuration & Provision, Dynamic Resource Allocation, and so on. An AMF may provide functions, such as Non Access Stratum (NAS) security, idle state mobility processing, and so on. A UPF may provide functions, such as Mobility Anchoring, Protocol Data Unit (PDU) processing, and so on. A Session Management Function (SMF) may provide functions, such as user equipment (UE) Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, PDU session control, and so on.

Layers of a radio interface protocol between the UE and the network can be classified into a first layer (L1), a second layer (L2), and a third layer (L3) based on the lower three layers of the open system interconnection (OSI) model that is well-known in the communication system. Among them, a physical (PHY) layer belonging to the first layer provides an information transfer service by using a physical channel, and a radio resource control (RRC) layer belonging to the third layer serves to control a radio resource between the UE and the network. For this, the RRC layer exchanges an RRC message between the UE and the BS.

FIG.4shows a radio protocol architecture, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.4may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG.4(a)shows a radio protocol architecture for a user plane, andFIG.4(b)shows a radio protocol architecture for a control plane. The user plane corresponds to a protocol stack for user data transmission, and the control plane corresponds to a protocol stack for control signal transmission.

Referring toFIG.4, a physical layer provides an upper layer with an information transfer service through a physical channel. The physical layer is connected to a medium access control (MAC) layer which is an upper layer of the physical layer through a transport channel. Data is transferred between the MAC layer and the physical layer through the transport channel. The transport channel is classified according to how and with what characteristics data is transmitted through a radio interface.

Between different physical layers, i.e., a physical layer of a transmitter and a physical layer of a receiver, data are transferred through the physical channel. The physical channel is modulated using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, and utilizes time and frequency as a radio resource.

The MAC layer provides services to a radio link control (RLC) layer, which is a higher layer of the MAC layer, via a logical channel. The MAC layer provides a function of mapping multiple logical channels to multiple transport channels. The MAC layer also provides a function of logical channel multiplexing by mapping multiple logical channels to a single transport channel. The MAC layer provides data transfer services over logical channels.

The RLC layer performs concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of Radio Link Control Service Data Unit (RLC SDU). In order to ensure diverse quality of service (QoS) required by a radio bearer (RB), the RLC layer provides three types of operation modes, i.e., a transparent mode (TM), an unacknowledged mode (UM), and an acknowledged mode (AM). An AM RLC provides error correction through an automatic repeat request (ARQ).

A radio resource control (RRC) layer is defined only in the control plane. The RRC layer serves to control the logical channel, the transport channel, and the physical channel in association with configuration, reconfiguration and release of RBs. The RB is a logical path provided by the first layer (i.e., the physical layer or the PHY layer) and the second layer (i.e., the MAC layer, the RLC layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer) for data delivery between the UE and the network.

Functions of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the user plane include user data delivery, header compression, and ciphering. Functions of a PDCP layer in the control plane include control-plane data delivery and ciphering/integrity protection.

A service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer is defined only in a user plane. The SDAP layer performs mapping between a Quality of Service (QoS) flow and a data radio bearer (DRB) and QoS flow ID (QFI) marking in both DL and UL packets.

The configuration of the RB implies a process for specifying a radio protocol layer and channel properties to provide a particular service and for determining respective detailed parameters and operations. The RB can be classified into two types, i.e., a signaling RB (SRB) and a data RB (DRB). The SRB is used as a path for transmitting an RRC message in the control plane. The DRB is used as a path for transmitting user data in the user plane.

When an RRC connection is established between an RRC layer of the UE and an RRC layer of the E-UTRAN, the UE is in an RRC_CONNECTED state, and, otherwise, the UE may be in an RRC_IDLE state. In case of the NR, an RRC_INACTIVE state is additionally defined, and a UE being in the RRC_INACTIVE state may maintain its connection with a core network whereas its connection with the BS is released.

Data is transmitted from the network to the UE through a downlink transport channel. Examples of the downlink transport channel include a broadcast channel (BCH) for transmitting system information and a downlink-shared channel (SCH) for transmitting user traffic or control messages. Traffic of downlink multicast or broadcast services or the control messages can be transmitted on the downlink-SCH or an additional downlink multicast channel (MCH). Data is transmitted from the UE to the network through an uplink transport channel. Examples of the uplink transport channel include a random access channel (RACH) for transmitting an initial control message and an uplink SCH for transmitting user traffic or control messages.

Examples of logical channels belonging to a higher channel of the transport channel and mapped onto the transport channels include a broadcast channel (BCCH), a paging control channel (PCCH), a common control channel (CCCH), a multicast control channel (MCCH), a multicast traffic channel (MTCH), etc.

The physical channel includes several OFDM symbols in a time domain and several sub-carriers in a frequency domain. One sub-frame includes a plurality of OFDM symbols in the time domain. A resource block is a unit of resource allocation, and consists of a plurality of OFDM symbols and a plurality of sub-carriers. Further, each subframe may use specific sub-carriers of specific OFDM symbols (e.g., a first OFDM symbol) of a corresponding subframe for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), i.e., an L1/L2 control channel. A transmission time interval (TTI) is a unit time of subframe transmission.

FIG.5shows a structure of an NR system, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.5may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5, in the NR, a radio frame may be used for performing uplink and downlink transmission. A radio frame has a length of 10 ms and may be defined to be configured of two half-frames (HFs). A half-frame may include five 1 ms subframes (SFs). A subframe (SF) may be divided into one or more slots, and the number of slots within a subframe may be determined based on subcarrier spacing (SCS). Each slot may include 12 or 14 OFDM(A) symbols according to a cyclic prefix (CP).

In case of using a normal CP, each slot may include 14 symbols. In case of using an extended CP, each slot may include 12 symbols. Herein, a symbol may include an OFDM symbol (or CP-OFDM symbol) and a Single Carrier-FDMA (SC-FDMA) symbol (or Discrete Fourier Transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol).

Table 1 shown below represents an example of a number of symbols per slot (Nslotsymb), a number slots per frame (Nframe,uslot), and a number of slots per subframe (Nsubframe,uslot) based on an SCS configuration (u), in a case where a normal CP is used.

TABLE 1SCS (15*2u)NslotsymbNframe,uslotNsubframe,uslot15 KHz (u = 0)1410130 KHz (u = 1)1420260 KHz (u = 2)14404120 KHz (u = 3)14808240 KHz (u = 4)1416016

Table 2 shows an example of a number of symbols per slot, a number of slots per frame, and a number of slots per subframe based on the SCS, in a case where an extended CP is used.

TABLE 2SCS (15*2u)NslotsymbNframe,uslotNsubframe,uslot60 KHz (u = 2)12404

In an NR system, OFDM(A) numerologies (e.g., SCS, CP length, and so on) between multiple cells being integrate to one UE may be differently configured. Accordingly, a (absolute time) duration (or section) of a time resource (e.g., subframe, slot or TTI) (collectively referred to as a time unit (TU) for simplicity) being configured of the same number of symbols may be differently configured in the integrated cells.

In the NR, multiple numerologies or SCSs for supporting diverse 5G services may be supported. For example, in case an SCS is 15 kHz, a wide area of the conventional cellular bands may be supported, and, in case an SCS is 30 kHz/60 kHz a dense-urban, lower latency, wider carrier bandwidth may be supported. In case the SCS is 60 kHz or higher, a bandwidth that is greater than 24.25 GHz may be used in order to overcome phase noise.

An NR frequency band may be defined as two different types of frequency ranges. The two different types of frequency ranges may be FR1 and FR2. The values of the frequency ranges may be changed (or varied), and, for example, the two different types of frequency ranges may be as shown below in Table 3. Among the frequency ranges that are used in an NR system, FR1 may mean a “sub 6 GHz range”, and FR2 may mean an “above 6 GHz range” and may also be referred to as a millimeter wave (mmW).

TABLE 3Frequency RangeCorrespondingSubcarrierdesignationfrequency rangeSpacing (SCS)FR1450 MHz-6000 MHz15, 30, 60 kHzFR224250 MHz-52600 MHz60, 120, 240 kHz

As described above, the values of the frequency ranges in the NR system may be changed (or varied). For example, as shown below in Table 4, FR1 may include a band within a range of 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. More specifically, FR1 may include a frequency band of 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, and so on) and higher. For example, a frequency band of 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, and so on) and higher being included in FR1 mat include an unlicensed band. The unlicensed band may be used for diverse purposes, e.g., the unlicensed band for vehicle-specific communication (e.g., automated driving).

TABLE 4Frequency RangeCorrespondingSubcarrierdesignationfrequency rangeSpacing (SCS)FR1410 MHz-7125 MHz15, 30, 60 kHzFR224250 MHz-52600 MHz60, 120, 240 kHz

FIG.6shows a structure of a slot of an NR frame, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.6may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, a slot includes a plurality of symbols in a time domain. For example, in case of a normal CP, one slot may include 14 symbols. However, in case of an extended CP, one slot may include 12 symbols. Alternatively, in case of a normal CP, one slot may include 7 symbols. However, in case of an extended CP, one slot may include 6 symbols.

A carrier includes a plurality of subcarriers in a frequency domain. A Resource Block (RB) may be defined as a plurality of consecutive subcarriers (e.g., 12 subcarriers) in the frequency domain. A Bandwidth Part (BWP) may be defined as a plurality of consecutive (Physical) Resource Blocks ((P)RBs) in the frequency domain, and the BWP may correspond to one numerology (e.g., SCS, CP length, and so on). A carrier may include a maximum of N number BWPs (e.g., 5 BWPs). Data communication may be performed via an activated BWP. Each element may be referred to as a Resource Element (RE) within a resource grid and one complex symbol may be mapped to each element.

Meanwhile, a radio interface between a UE and another UE or a radio interface between the UE and a network may consist of an L1 layer, an L2 layer, and an L3 layer. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the L1 layer may imply a physical layer. In addition, for example, the L2 layer may imply at least one of a MAC layer, an RLC layer, a PDCP layer, and an SDAP layer. In addition, for example, the L3 layer may imply an RRC layer.

Hereinafter, a bandwidth part (BWP) and a carrier will be described.

The BWP may be a set of consecutive physical resource blocks (PRBs) in a given numerology. The PRB may be selected from consecutive sub-sets of common resource blocks (CRBs) for the given numerology on a given carrier.

When using bandwidth adaptation (BA), a reception bandwidth and transmission bandwidth of a UE are not necessarily as large as a bandwidth of a cell, and the reception bandwidth and transmission bandwidth of the BS may be adjusted. For example, a network/BS may inform the UE of bandwidth adjustment. For example, the UE receive information/configuration for bandwidth adjustment from the network/BS. In this case, the UE may perform bandwidth adjustment based on the received information/configuration. For example, the bandwidth adjustment may include an increase/decrease of the bandwidth, a position change of the bandwidth, or a change in subcarrier spacing of the bandwidth.

For example, the bandwidth may be decreased during a period in which activity is low to save power. For example, the position of the bandwidth may move in a frequency domain. For example, the position of the bandwidth may move in the frequency domain to increase scheduling flexibility. For example, the subcarrier spacing of the bandwidth may be changed. For example, the subcarrier spacing of the bandwidth may be changed to allow a different service. A subset of a total cell bandwidth of a cell may be called a bandwidth part (BWP). The BA may be performed when the BS/network configures the BWP to the UE and the BS/network informs the UE of the BWP currently in an active state among the configured BWPs.

For example, the BWP may be at least any one of an active BWP, an initial BWP, and/or a default BWP. For example, the UE may not monitor downlink radio link quality in a DL BWP other than an active DL BWP on a primary cell (PCell). For example, the UE may not receive PDCCH, physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) (excluding RRM) outside the active DL BWP. For example, the UE may not trigger a channel state information (CSI) report for the inactive DL BWP. For example, the UE may not transmit physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) outside an active UL BWP. For example, in a downlink case, the initial BWP may be given as a consecutive RB set for a remaining minimum system information (RMSI) control resource set (CORESET) (configured by physical broadcast channel (PBCH)). For example, in an uplink case, the initial BWP may be given by system information block (SIB) for a random access procedure. For example, the default BWP may be configured by a higher layer. For example, an initial value of the default BWP may be an initial DL BWP. For energy saving, if the UE fails to detect downlink control information (DCI) during a specific period, the UE may switch the active BWP of the UE to the default BWP.

Meanwhile, the BWP may be defined for SL. The same SL BWP may be used in transmission and reception. For example, a transmitting UE may transmit a SL channel or a SL signal on a specific BWP, and a receiving UE may receive the SL channel or the SL signal on the specific BWP. In a licensed carrier, the SL BWP may be defined separately from a Uu BWP, and the SL BWP may have configuration signaling separate from the Uu BWP. For example, the UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network. The SL BWP may be (pre-)configured in a carrier with respect to an out-of-coverage NR V2X UE and an RRC_IDLE UE. For the UE in the RRC_CONNECTED mode, at least one SL BWP may be activated in the carrier.

FIG.7shows an example of a BWP, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.7may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is assumed in the embodiment ofFIG.7that the number of BWPs is 3.

Referring toFIG.7, a common resource block (CRB) may be a carrier resource block numbered from one end of a carrier band to the other end thereof. In addition, the PRB may be a resource block numbered within each BWP. A point A may indicate a common reference point for a resource block grid.

The BWP may be configured by a point A, an offset NstartBWPfrom the point A, and a bandwidth NsizeBWP. For example, the point A may be an external reference point of a PRB of a carrier in which a subcarrier 0 of all numerologies (e.g., all numerologies supported by a network on that carrier) is aligned. For example, the offset may be a PRB interval between a lowest subcarrier and the point A in a given numerology. For example, the bandwidth may be the number of PRBs in the given numerology.

Hereinafter, V2X or SL communication will be described.

FIG.8shows a radio protocol architecture for a SL communication, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.8may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,FIG.8(a)shows a user plane protocol stack, andFIG.8(b)shows a control plane protocol stack.

Hereinafter, a sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) and synchronization information will be described.

The SLSS may include a primary sidelink synchronization signal (PSSS) and a secondary sidelink synchronization signal (SSSS), as a SL-specific sequence. The PSSS may be referred to as a sidelink primary synchronization signal (S-PSS), and the SSSS may be referred to as a sidelink secondary synchronization signal (S-SSS). For example, length-127 M-sequences may be used for the S-PSS, and length-127 gold sequences may be used for the S-SSS. For example, a UE may use the S-PSS for initial signal detection and for synchronization acquisition. For example, the UE may use the S-PSS and the S-SSS for acquisition of detailed synchronization and for detection of a synchronization signal ID.

A physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) may be a (broadcast) channel for transmitting default (system) information which must be first known by the UE before SL signal transmission/reception. For example, the default information may be information related to SLSS, a duplex mode (DM), a time division duplex (TDD) uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration, information related to a resource pool, a type of an application related to the SLSS, a subframe offset, broadcast information, or the like. For example, for evaluation of PSBCH performance, in NR V2X, a payload size of the PSBCH may be 56 bits including 24-bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC).

The S-PSS, the S-SSS, and the PSBCH may be included in a block format (e.g., SL synchronization signal (SS)/PSBCH block, hereinafter, sidelink-synchronization signal block (S-SSB)) supporting periodical transmission. The S-SSB may have the same numerology (i.e., SCS and CP length) as a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH)/physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) in a carrier, and a transmission bandwidth may exist within a (pre-)configured sidelink (SL) BWP. For example, the S-SSB may have a bandwidth of 11 resource blocks (RBs). For example, the PSBCH may exist across 11 RBs. In addition, a frequency position of the S-SSB may be (pre-)configured. Accordingly, the UE does not have to perform hypothesis detection at frequency to discover the S-SSB in the carrier.

FIG.9shows a UE performing V2X or SL communication, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.9may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, in V2X or SL communication, the term ‘UE’ may generally imply a UE of a user. However, if a network equipment such as a BS transmits/receives a signal according to a communication scheme between UEs, the BS may also be regarded as a sort of the UE. For example, a UE 1 may be a first apparatus100, and a UE 2 may be a second apparatus200.

For example, the UE 1 may select a resource unit corresponding to a specific resource in a resource pool which implies a set of series of resources. In addition, the UE 1 may transmit a SL signal by using the resource unit. For example, a resource pool in which the UE 1 is capable of transmitting a signal may be configured to the UE 2 which is a receiving UE, and the signal of the UE 1 may be detected in the resource pool.

Herein, if the UE 1 is within a connectivity range of the BS, the BS may inform the UE 1 of the resource pool. Otherwise, if the UE 1 is out of the connectivity range of the BS, another UE may inform the UE 1 of the resource pool, or the UE 1 may use a pre-configured resource pool.

In general, the resource pool may be configured in unit of a plurality of resources, and each UE may select a unit of one or a plurality of resources to use it in SL signal transmission thereof.

Hereinafter, resource allocation in SL will be described.

FIG.10shows a procedure of performing V2X or SL communication by a UE based on a transmission mode, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.10may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmission mode may be called a mode or a resource allocation mode. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in LTE, the transmission mode may be called an LTE transmission mode. In NR, the transmission mode may be called an NR resource allocation mode.

For example,FIG.10(a)shows a UE operation related to an LTE transmission mode 1 or an LTE transmission mode 3. Alternatively, for example,FIG.10(a)shows a UE operation related to an NR resource allocation mode 1. For example, the LTE transmission mode 1 may be applied to general SL communication, and the LTE transmission mode 3 may be applied to V2X communication.

For example,FIG.10(b)shows a UE operation related to an LTE transmission mode 2 or an LTE transmission mode 4. Alternatively, for example,FIG.10(b)shows a UE operation related to an NR resource allocation mode 2.

Referring toFIG.10(a), in the LTE transmission mode 1, the LTE transmission mode 3, or the NR resource allocation mode 1, a BS may schedule a SL resource to be used by the UE for SL transmission. For example, the BS may perform resource scheduling to a UE 1 through a PDCCH (more specifically, downlink control information (DCI)), and the UE 1 may perform V2X or SL communication with respect to a UE 2 according to the resource scheduling. For example, the UE 1 may transmit a sidelink control information (SCI) to the UE 2 through a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and thereafter transmit data based on the SCI to the UE 2 through a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

Referring toFIG.10(b), in the LTE transmission mode 2, the LTE transmission mode 4, or the NR resource allocation mode 2, the UE may determine a SL transmission resource within a SL resource configured by a BS/network or a pre-configured SL resource. For example, the configured SL resource or the pre-configured SL resource may be a resource pool. For example, the UE may autonomously select or schedule a resource for SL transmission. For example, the UE may perform SL communication by autonomously selecting a resource within a configured resource pool. For example, the UE may autonomously select a resource within a selective window by performing a sensing and resource (re)selection procedure. For example, the sensing may be performed in unit of subchannels. In addition, the UE 1 which has autonomously selected the resource within the resource pool may transmit the SCI to the UE 2 through a PSCCH, and thereafter may transmit data based on the SCI to the UE 2 through a PSSCH.

FIG.11shows three cast types, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.11may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG.11(a)shows broadcast-type SL communication,FIG.11(b)shows unicast type-SL communication, andFIG.11(c)shows groupcast-type SL communication. In case of the unicast-type SL communication, a UE may perform one-to-one communication with respect to another UE. In case of the groupcast-type SL transmission, the UE may perform SL communication with respect to one or more UEs in a group to which the UE belongs. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, SL groupcast communication may be replaced with SL multicast communication, SL one-to-many communication, or the like.

Meanwhile, in NR sidelink, at least from the viewpoint of transmission of a UE in carrier(s), time division multiplexing (TDM) between a PSCCH/PSSCH and a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) is allowed for transmission of PSFCH format for sidelink in slots. In addition, in unicast sidelink communication, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback transmission of UE(s) may be supported. In addition, in groupcast sidelink communication, HARQ feedback transmission of UE(s) may be supported. That is, in the unicast sidelink communication or the groupcast sidelink communication, a receiving UE may transmit HARQ feedback corresponding to a PSCCH and/or a PSSCH received from a transmitting UE to the transmitting UE. Furthermore, when HARQ feedback is enabled for the groupcast sidelink communication, the HARQ feedback option 1 or the HARQ feedback option 2 may be supported.

According to the HARQ feedback option 1, a receiving UE may transmit only HARQ negative acknowledgement (NACK) to a transmitting UE. That is, the receiving UE may not transmit HARQ acknowledgement (ACK) to the transmitting UE. If the HARQ feedback option 1 is used for sidelink groupcast transmission, a plurality of receiving UEs (e.g., all receiving UEs or some receiving UEs in a group) may share a PSFCH resource to transmit HARQ feedback.

On the other hand, according to the HARQ feedback option 2, a receiving UE may transmit HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK to a transmitting UE. If the HARQ feedback option 2 is used for sidelink groupcast transmission, a plurality of receiving UEs (e.g., each receiving UEs in a group) transmits HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK by using separate PSFCH resources. For example, each of PSFCH resources may be mapped to a time resource, a frequency resource, and a code resource.

In slots associated with a resource pool, PSFCH resources may be periodically (pre-)configured with a period of N slots. For example, N may be a positive integer. For example, N may be 2 or 4.

Meanwhile, in NR sidelink, a sequence-based PSFCH format having one symbol may be supported. The one symbol does not include an automatic gain control (AGC) training period. The sequence-based PSFCH format having the one symbol may be applicable to HARQ feedback in unicast. In addition, the sequence-based PSFCH format having one symbol may be applicable to HARQ feedback in groupcast including the HARQ feedback option 1 and the HARQ feedback option 2. The sequence-based PSFCH format sequence having one symbol may be generated similarly to the sequence of a PUCCH format 0.

In the case of the HARQ feedback option 1 based on TX-RX distance-based HARQ feedback for groupcast, if the TX-RX distance is less than or equal to the communication range requirement, a receiving UE may transmit HARQ feedback for a PSSCH. Otherwise, the receiving UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PSSCH. For example, the location of the transmitting UE may be indicated by a SCI related to the PSSCH.

Meanwhile, for PSSCH transmission in the last symbol of slot n, HARQ feedback related to the PSSCH transmission is expected to be in slot n+a. Herein, a may be the smallest integer greater than or equal to K under the condition that slot n+a includes PSFCH resource(s). In addition, if at least a PSFCH in the slot is a response to a single PSSCH, the implicit mechanism may be used to determine at least a frequency domain resource and/or a code domain resource of the PSFCH within the configured resource pool.

Meanwhile, in case a base station allocates resource(s) for sidelink transmission to a transmitting UE, if the transmitting UE that has performed sidelink transmission through the resource(s) receives HARQ feedback for the sidelink transmission from a receiving UE, the transmitting UE needs to report information on the HARQ feedback to the base station.

For example, it is assumed that a base station allocates a first PSSCH and/or a first PSCCH for initial transmission to a transmitting UE and allocates a second PSSCH and/or a second PSCCH for sidelink HARQ feedback-based retransmission to the transmitting UE. In this case, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to a receiving UE through the first PSSCH and/or the first PSCCH. In the present disclosure, the sidelink information may include at least one of sidelink data, sidelink control information, a sidelink service, or a sidelink packet. Thereafter, if the transmitting UE receives HARQ NACK from the receiving UE, the transmitting UE may report information on HARQ feedback related to the HARQ NACK to the base station through a PUCCH, and the transmitting UE may retransmit the sidelink information to the receiving UE through the second PSSCH and/or the second PSCCH. Thereafter, if the transmitting UE receives HARQ NACK from the receiving UE, the transmitting UE may report information on HARQ feedback related to the HARQ NACK to the base station through a PUCCH. In this case, the base station may allocate additional sidelink transmission resource(s) to the transmitting UE.

For example, it is assumed that a base station allocates a first PSSCH and/or a first PSCCH for initial transmission to a transmitting UE and allocates a second PSSCH and/or a second PSCCH for sidelink HARQ feedback-based retransmission to the transmitting UE. In this case, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to a receiving UE through the first PSSCH and/or the first PSCCH. Thereafter, if the transmitting UE receives HARQ ACK from the receiving UE, the transmitting UE may report information on HARQ feedback related to the HARQ ACK to the base station through a PUCCH. In this case, it may be unnecessary for the transmitting UE to perform sidelink HARQ feedback-based retransmission through the second PSSCH and/or the second PSCCH. Accordingly, for example, the base station may allocate resource(s) related to the second PSSCH and/or the second PSCCH to another UE or may allocate it for uplink transmission of the transmitting UE.

As described above, in the case of LTE sidelink mode 1 or mode 3 operation, or in the case of NR sidelink mode 1 operation in which a base station allocates sidelink transmission resource(s) to UE(s), it may be necessary for a transmitting UE to report information on received HARQ feedback, in order for the base station to efficiently manage sidelink resource(s). In addition, as described above, the transmitting UE may transmit information on HARQ feedback corresponding to the PSSCH and/or the PSCCH to the base station through the PUCCH. In the present disclosure, the PUCCH for the transmitting UE to transmit information on HARQ feedback corresponding to the PSSCH and/or the PSCCH to the base station may be referred to as a PUCCH for SL HARQ feedback report.

Meanwhile, a base station may transmit a PDSCH to a transmitting UE, and the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback corresponding to the PDSCH to the base station through a PUCCH. In the present disclosure, the PUCCH for the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback corresponding to the PDSCH to the base station may be referred to as a PUCCH for HARQ feedback. In this case, the transmitting UE needs to perform different operations according to how the base station allocates PUCCH resource(s) for SL HARQ feedback report and PUCCH resource(s) for HARQ feedback. Hereinafter, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for a transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback and/or SL HARQ feedback report to a base station, and an apparatus supporting the same, will be described. In the present disclosure, SL HARQ feedback report may be that the transmitting UE reports or transmits information on SL HARQ feedback received from a receiving UE to the base station.

FIG.12shows a procedure for a transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to a base station, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.12may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, in step S1010, the base station may allocate resource(s) for the transmitting UE to report information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station to the transmitting UE. In the present disclosure, the resource for the transmitting UE to report information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station may be referred to as a SL HARQ feedback report resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback report resource may be a PUCCH resource for SL HARQ feedback report. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, for convenience of description, a PUCCH resource for SL HARQ feedback report may be referred to as a first PUCCH resource. For example, SL HARQ feedback report resource(s) may be allocated to the transmitting UE through a SL DCI. In the present disclosure, the SL DCI may be a DCI for scheduling sidelink transmission-related resource(s). For example, the SL DCI may include information related to SL frequency resource allocation and/or information related to SL time resource allocation.

In step S1020, the base station may allocate resource(s) for the transmitting UE to report HARQ feedback corresponding to a PDSCH to the base station to the transmitting UE. In the present disclosure, the resource for the transmitting UE to report HARQ feedback to the base station may be referred to as a HARQ feedback resource. For example, the HARQ feedback resource may be a PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the PUCCH resource for HARQ feedback may be referred to as a second PUCCH resource. For example, the HARQ feedback resource may be allocated to the transmitting UE through a DCI. For example, the DCI may include information related to DL frequency resource allocation and/or information related to DL time resource allocation.

Alternatively, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may allocate a common PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. In the present disclosure, the common PUCCH resource may be a PUCCH resource for the transmitting UE to transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for a PDSCH and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. In the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the common PUCCH resource may be referred to as a third PUCCH resource. For example, the third PUCCH resource may be allocated through the DCI and/or the SL DCI.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of steps S1010and S1020may be changed. For example, the base station may transmit the SL DCI to the transmitting UE and then transmit the DCI to the transmitting UE. For example, the base station may transmit the DCI to the transmitting UE and then transmit the SL DCI to the transmitting UE. For example, the base station may transmit the SL DCI and the DCI to the transmitting UE in the same time resource. For example, the same time resource may be the same slot, the same subframe, or the like.

In step S1030, the transmitting UE may receive downlink data from the base station. For example, the downlink data may be received by using a PDSCH resource.

In step S1040, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to the receiving UE. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to the receiving UE by using a PSSCH resource and/or a PSCCH resource allocated through the SL DCI. In addition, in step S1050, the transmitting UE may receive SL HARQ feedback for the sidelink information from the receiving UE. For example, SL HARQ feedback for the sidelink information may be received through a PSFCH.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of steps S1030and S1040may be changed. For example, after the transmitting UE receives the PDSCH from the base station, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to the receiving UE. For example, after the transmitting UE transmits sidelink information to the receiving UE, the transmitting UE may receive the PDSCH from the base station.

Therefore, the transmitting UE needs to transmit HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH to the base station through the HARQ feedback resource (i.e., the second PUCCH resource), and the transmitting UE needs to transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station through the SL HARQ feedback report resource (i.e., the first PUCCH resource). Alternatively, the transmitting UE needs to transmit HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH and/or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station through the common resource (i.e., the third PUCCH resource). Hereinafter, a method for the base station to allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and/or the third PUCCH resource, and operations of the transmitting UE accordingly, will be described in detail.

1) In the Case of Allocating the First PUCCH Resource and the Second PUCCH Resource Independently

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may independently allocate the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE.

For example, if the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource are independently allocated, the base station may independently allocate the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for initial transmission and the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for retransmission to the transmitting UE, respectively.

For example, if the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource are independently allocated, the base station may allocate only the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for initial transmission to the transmitting UE. In this case, in order for the transmitting UE to transmit SL HARQ feedback report related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for retransmission to the base station, the transmitting UE may reuse a frequency domain resource of the first PUCCH resource related to the initial transmission.

FIG.13shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource and a second PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.13may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, in step S1060, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. In addition, in step S1070, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource.

FIG.14shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource and a second PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.14may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Meanwhile, even if the base station independently allocates the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource, as in the embodiment ofFIG.14, all or part of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped. In this case, the transmitting UE may not be able to transmit either HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

FIG.15shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource and a second PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.15may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, even if the base station independently allocates the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource, as in the embodiment ofFIG.15, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be allocated adjacently on a frequency axis. In this case, depending on the capability of the transmitting UE, the transmitting UE may not be able to transmit either HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

In the case of the embodiment ofFIG.14orFIG.15, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS, and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast, or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS, and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast, or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.14orFIG.15, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, in the case of all or part of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource being overlapped, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH with priority over information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.14orFIG.15, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback by using the first PUCCH resource. Alternatively, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback by using the second PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.14orFIG.15, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit the sum of the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a short PUCCH format. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a long PUCCH format. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be defined in the system. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be configured or pre-configured for the UE. Table 5 shows an example of a PUCCH format.

TABLE 5PUCCH formatLength in OFDM symbolsNumber of bits01-2≤214-14≤221-2>234-14>244-14>2

Referring to Table 5, for example, PUCCH formats 0 and 2 may be referred to as short PUCCH formats, and PUCCH formats 1, 3 and 4 may be referred to as long PUCCH formats. The short PUCCH and the long PUCCH may be classified based on the number of information bits and the number of allocated symbols.

Alternatively, as in the embodiment ofFIG.15, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be allocated adjacently on a frequency axis, and according to the capability of the transmitting UE, the transmitting UE may transmit both HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station. In this case, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback and HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource.

2) In the Case of Allocating the Third PUCCH Resource

FIG.16shows an example in which a base station allocates a third PUCCH resource to a transmitting UE, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.16may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource as in the embodiment ofFIG.16, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS, and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast, or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS, and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast, or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH with priority over information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback by using the third PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit the sum of the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the third PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a short PUCCH format. For example, if the sum of the size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the size of information on SL HARQ feedback is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the third PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a long PUCCH format. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be defined in the system. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be configured or pre-configured for the UE.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, the base station may determine/decide (in advance) whether a transmission time of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH of the transmitting UE is overlapped with a transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback of the transmitting UE. Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, the base station may determine/decide (in advance) whether a time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE and a time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE are overlapped. For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH of the transmitting UE and the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE and the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may allocate an independent PUCCH resource (e.g., the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource) to the transmitting UE. For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH of the transmitting UE and the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE and the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may separately allocate the first PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. Accordingly, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH of the transmitting UE and the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE and the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may separately allocate the second PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. Accordingly, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource.

3) In the Case of Allocating the First PUCCH Resource and the Second PUCCH Resource in the Form of Multiplexing

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may allocate a PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE so that HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback is transmitted by being multiplexed.

For example, according to the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using a short PUCCH resource or a long PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station by using a short PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station by using a long PUCCH resource. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be defined in the system. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be configured or pre-configured for the UE.

For example, the base station may allocate the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource to be adjacent on a frequency axis. In this case, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be allocated in the form of frequency division multiplexing (FDM). Accordingly, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource.

Meanwhile, the base station may transmit a plurality of PDSCHs to the transmitting UE within one slot, and the UE may transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using a bitmap. In this case, the bitmap may include bit fields corresponding to HARQ feedback for each PDSCH. For example, if a value of the bit field included in the bitmap is 1, ACK for a PDSCH may be indicated, and if 0, NACK for a PDSCH may be indicated.

For example, if the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may allocate or use a specific bit field of the bitmap for SL HARQ feedback report. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may allocate or use a specific bit field of the bitmap for SL HARQ feedback report. Accordingly, the transmitting UE may report information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using a specific bit field of the bitmap. For example, if a value of the specific bit field is 1, information on SL HARQ ACK may be indicated, and if a value of the specific field is 0, information on SL HARQ NACK may be indicated. Alternatively, for example, if a value of the specific bit field is 0 or 1, only information on SL HARQ NACK may be indicated. For example, a value of the specific bit field may be determined as a different bit value for each slot based on a slot index. For example, a value of the specific bit field may be reset to a value of 0 at the start of the frame, and the value of the specific bit field may be sequentially determined when a corresponding event occurs based on a bitmap counter that increases by 1 for every slot in the frame.

Alternatively, for example, in case the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station.

Alternatively, for example, in case the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH with priority over information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

FIG.17shows a procedure in which a transmitting UE transmits HARQ feedback, information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or HARQ feedback for a SL SPS DCI to a base station, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.17may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.17, in step S1110, the base station may allocate the first PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. For example, the first PUCCH resource may be allocated to the transmitting UE through the SL DCI.

In step S1120, the base station may allocate a resource for the transmitting UE to transmit confirmation HARQ feedback corresponding to the SL SPS DCI to the transmitting UE. In the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the resource for the transmitting UE to transmit confirmation HARQ feedback corresponding to the SL SPS DCI may be referred to as a fourth PUCCH resource. For example, the fourth PUCCH resource may be allocated to the transmitting UE through the SL SPS DCI. In the present disclosure, the SL SPS DCI may be a DCI for activating or releasing sidelink transmission-related semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), sidelink transmission-related SPS resources or configured SL grant resources. Alternatively, SL HARQ feedback report for sidelink information periodically transmitted through SL SPS resources may be transmitted through the first PUCCH resource. In the present disclosure, HARQ feedback report related to the SL DCI and HARQ feedback report related to the SL SPS DCI may be referred to as SL HARQ feedback report.

In step S1130, the base station may allocate the second PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. For example, the second PUCCH resource may be allocated to the transmitting UE through the DCI.

Alternatively, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may allocate the common PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. In the present disclosure, the common PUCCH resource may be a PUCCH resource for the transmitting UE to transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. In the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the common PUCCH resource may be referred to as a third PUCCH resource. For example, the third PUCCH resource may be allocated through the DCI, the SL SPS DCI and/or the SL DCI.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of steps S1110to S1130may be changed.

In step S1140, the transmitting UE may receive downlink data from the base station. For example, the downlink data may be received by using a PDSCH resource.

In step S1150, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to the receiving UE. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit sidelink information to the receiving UE by using a PSSCH resource and/or a PSCCH resource allocated through the SL DCI and/or the SL SPS DCI. In addition, in step S1160, the transmitting UE may receive SL HARQ feedback for the sidelink information from the receiving UE. For example, SL HARQ feedback for the sidelink information may be received through a PSFCH. Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the order of steps S1140and S1150may be changed.

Therefore, the transmitting UE needs to transmit HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE needs to transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. Additionally, in case confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI is transmitted by using a PUCCH resource, the transmitting UE needs to transmit confirmation HARQ feedback related to the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the fourth PUCCH resource. Alternatively, the transmitting UE needs to transmit HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback related to the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station through the common resource (i.e., the third PUCCH resource). Hereinafter, a method for the base station to allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH, the third PUCCH resource, and/or the fourth PUCCH resource, and operations of the transmitting UE accordingly, will be described in detail. Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is assumed that confirmation HARQ feedback related to the SL SPS DCI is transmitted based on a PUCCH resource.

1) In the Case of Allocating the First PUCCH Resource, the Second PUCCH Resource and the Fourth PUCCH Resource Independently

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may independently allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE.

For example, if the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource are independently allocated, the base station may independently allocate the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for initial transmission and the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for retransmission to the transmitting UE, respectively.

For example, if the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource are independently allocated, the base station may allocate only the first PUCCH resource related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for initial transmission to the transmitting UE. In this case, in order for the transmitting UE to transmit SL HARQ feedback report related to one or more PSCCHs and/or one or more PSSCHs for retransmission to the base station, the transmitting UE may reuse a frequency domain resource of the first PUCCH resource related to the initial transmission.

FIG.18shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource, a second PUCCH resource, and a fourth PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.18may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.17and18, in step S1170, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. In addition, in step S1180, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. In addition, in step S1190, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the fourth PUCCH resource.

FIG.19shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource, a second PUCCH resource, and a fourth PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.19may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Meanwhile, even if the base station independently allocates the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource, as in the embodiment ofFIG.19, all or part of the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, or the fourth PUCCH may be overlapped. In this case, the transmitting UE may not be able to transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

FIG.20shows an example in which a base station independently allocates a first PUCCH resource, a second PUCCH resource, and a fourth PUCCH resource, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.20may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, even if the base station independently allocates the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource, as in the embodiment ofFIG.20, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource may be allocated adjacently on a frequency axis. In this case, depending on the capability of the transmitting UE, the transmitting UE may not be able to transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station.

In the case of the embodiment ofFIG.19orFIG.20, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.19orFIG.20, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, in the case of all or part of the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and/or the fourth PUCCH resource being overlapped, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH with priority over confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.19orFIG.20, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI together with information on SL HARQ feedback by using the first PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and/or information on SL HARQ feedback together with HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by using the second PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or information on SL HARQ feedback together with confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by using the fourth PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of the embodiment ofFIG.19orFIG.20, the transmitting UE may transmit the sum of the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit the sum of the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback, and the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, or the fourth PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload sizes is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH, or the fourth PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a short PUCCH format. For example, if the sum of the payload sizes is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH, or the fourth PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a long PUCCH format.

Alternatively, as in the embodiment ofFIG.20, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource may be allocated adjacently on a frequency axis, and according to the capability of the transmitting UE, the transmitting UE can transmit all of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station. In this case, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback, HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station, by using the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource.

2) In the Case of Allocating the Third PUCCH Resource

FIG.21shows an example in which a base station allocates a third PUCCH resource to a transmitting UE, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.21may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource as in the embodiment ofFIG.21, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH with priority over confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to information on SL HARQ feedback and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI together with information on SL HARQ feedback by using the third PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and/or information on SL HARQ feedback together with HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by using the third PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and transmit it to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may piggyback information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH together with confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by using the third PUCCH resource.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH resource, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and transmit it to the base station. For example, the transmitting UE may transmit the sum of the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload sizes is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the third PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a short PUCCH format. For example, if the sum of the payload sizes is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the third PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a long PUCCH format. The specific value or the threshold value may be defined in the system, or configured for the UE, or pre-configured for the UE.

Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, the base station may determine/decide (in advance) whether a transmission time of HARQ feedback, a transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or a transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are overlapped. Alternatively, in the case of allocating the third PUCCH, the base station may determine/decide (in advance) whether a time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, a time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or a time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are overlapped. For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback, the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or the transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or the time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may allocate an independent PUCCH resource (e.g., the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource or the fourth PUCCH resource) to the transmitting UE.

For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback, the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or the transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or the time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may separately allocate the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. Therefore, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource.

For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback, the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or the transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or the time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may separately allocate the second PUCCH resource and the fourth PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. Therefore, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the fourth PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the third PUCCH resource.

For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback, the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or the transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or the time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are overlapped, the base station may separately allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and the fourth PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE. Therefore, the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the fourth PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource.

For example, if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the transmission time of HARQ feedback, the transmission time of information on SL HARQ feedback and/or the transmission time of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI of the transmitting UE are not overlapped, or if the base station determines/decides (in advance) that the time resource for transmitting HARQ feedback for the PDSCH by the transmitting UE, the time resource for transmitting information on SL HARQ feedback by the transmitting UE and/or the time resource for transmitting confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI by the transmitting UE are not overlapped, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback, SL SPS DCI confirmation HARQ feedback, and SL HARQ feedback by sharing the third PUCCH resource.

3) In the Case of Allocating the First PUCCH Resource, the Second PUCCH Resource and/or the Fourth PUCCH Resource in the Form of Multiplexing

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may allocate a PUCCH resource to the transmitting UE so that the transmitting UE multiplexes and transmits HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI.

For example, based on the payload size of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload size of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and/or the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using a short PUCCH resource or a long PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for PDSCH, the payload size of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and/or the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is less than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback, and transmit it to the base station by using a short PUCCH resource. For example, if the sum of the payload size of HARQ feedback for PDSCH, the payload size of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and/or the payload size of information on SL HARQ feedback is greater than (or equal to) a specific value or a threshold value, the transmitting UE may add the payload of HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, the payload of confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or the payload of information on SL HARQ feedback, and transmit it to the base station by using a long PUCCH resource. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be defined in the system. For example, the specific value or the threshold value may be configured or pre-configured for the UE.

For example, the base station may allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, and/or the fourth PUCCH resource to be adjacent on a frequency axis. In this case, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource and/or the fourth PUCCH resource may be allocated in the form of frequency division multiplexing (FDM). Accordingly, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource, and the transmitting UE may transmit confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using the fourth PUCCH resource.

Meanwhile, the base station may transmit a plurality of PDSCHs to the transmitting UE within one slot, and the UE may transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using a bitmap. In this case, the bitmap may include bit fields corresponding to HARQ feedback for each PDSCH. For example, if a value of the bit field included in the bitmap is 1, ACK for a PDSCH may be indicated, and if 0, NACK for a PDSCH may be indicated.

For example, if the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may allocate or use a specific bit field of the bitmap for SL HARQ feedback report and/or confirmation HARQ feedback report for the SL SPS DCI. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may allocate or use a specific bit field of the bitmap for SL HARQ feedback report and/or confirmation HARQ feedback report for the SL SPS DCI. Accordingly, the transmitting UE may report information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE and/or confirmation HARQ feedback report for the SL SPS DCI to the base station by using a specific bit field of the bitmap. For example, if a value of the specific bit field is 1, information on SL HARQ ACK may be indicated, and if a value of the specific field is 0, information on SL HARQ NACK may be indicated. Alternatively, for example, if a value of the specific bit field is 0 or 1, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI may be indicated. For example, a value of the specific bit field may be determined as a different bit value for each slot based on a slot index. For example, a value of the specific bit field may be reset to a value of 0 at the start of the frame, and the value of the specific bit field may be sequentially determined when a corresponding event occurs based on a bitmap counter that increases by 1 for every slot in the frame.

Alternatively, for example, in case the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station, based on a service priority, QoS and/or a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast or broadcast). For example, if a priority of sidelink information transmitted by the transmitting UE is higher than a pre-configured priority, the transmitting UE may transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE to the base station by using the first PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Alternatively, for example, in case the UE transmits HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the bitmap, according to a rule configured or received by RRC signaling or a MAC CE, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. Alternatively, according to a rule signaled by the DCI or the SL DCI, the transmitting UE may transmit at least one of HARQ feedback for each PDSCH, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to the base station. For example, if the base station configures the transmitting UE to transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH with priority over confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI and information on SL HARQ feedback, the transmitting UE may transmit HARQ feedback for each PDSCH to the base station by using the second PUCCH resource. On the other hand, the transmitting UE may not transmit information on SL HARQ feedback received from the receiving UE and confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the base station.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitting UE may efficiently report information on SL HARQ feedback and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station. In addition, the transmitting UE may efficiently report information on SL HARQ feedback, confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI, and/or HARQ feedback for the PDSCH to the base station.

FIG.22shows a method for a first device to transmit HARQ feedback for a PDSCH and/or information on SL HARQ feedback to a second device, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.22may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.22, in step S2210, the first device may receive at least one of information on the first PUCCH resource, information on the second PUCCH resource, information on the third PUCCH resource, and/or information on the fourth PUCCH resource from the second device. For example, the second device may determine/allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, the third PUCCH resource, and/or the fourth PUCCH resource based on various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure. For example, the second device may be a base station. In step S2220, the first device may receive the PDSCH from the second device. In step S2230, the first device may receive SL HARQ feedback from a third device. For example, the third device may be at least one of the devices100,200,100a,100b,100c,100d,100e, and100fdescribed in the present disclosure. In step S2240, the first device may transmit HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI to the second device based on various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure.

FIG.23shows a method for a second device to receive HARQ feedback for a PDSCH and/or information on SL HARQ feedback from a first device, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.23may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.23, in step S2310, the second device may transmit at least one of information on the first PUCCH resource, information on the second PUCCH resource, information on the third PUCCH resource, and/or information on the fourth PUCCH resource to the first device. For example, the second device may determine/allocate the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, the third PUCCH resource, and/or the fourth PUCCH resource based on various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure. For example, the second device may be abase station. In step S2320, the second device may transmit the PDSCH to the first device. In step S2330, the second device may receive HARQ feedback for the PDSCH, information on SL HARQ feedback, and/or confirmation HARQ feedback for the SL SPS DCI from the first device based on various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure.

FIG.24shows a method for a first device to perform wireless communication, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.24may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.24, in step S2410, the first device may receive, from a base station through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to sidelink (SL) resource allocation. In step S2420, the first device may transmit, to a second device, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the information related to the SL resource allocation. In step S2430, the first device may receive, from the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH, SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback. In step S2440, the first device may receive, from the base station through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation. In step S2450, the first device may receive, from the base station, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation. In step S2460, the first device may transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH on at least one of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the first PUCCH resource and the HARQ feedback is not transmitted, based on a priority related to the PSSCH being higher than a pre-configured priority. For example, the priority related to the PSSCH may be included in a sidelink control information (SCI) on the PSCCH.

For example, one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH may be transmitted based on a priority between the HARQ feedback and the SL HARQ feedback. For example, the first device may not have a capability to simultaneously transmit the SL HARQ feedback and the HARQ feedback. For example, a priority of the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH may be a priority related to a service or a packet transmitted through the PDSCH, and a priority of the SL HARQ feedback may be a priority related to a service or a packet transmitted through the PSSCH, and feedback with a higher priority among the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback may be transmitted, and feedback with a lower priority among the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback may not be transmitted, and the first device may not have a capability to simultaneously transmit the SL HARQ feedback and the HARQ feedback.

Additionally, for example, the first device may receive, from the base station, information informing that the HARQ feedback is prioritized over the SL HARQ feedback. For example, based on the information informing that the HARQ feedback is prioritized over the SL HARQ feedback, the HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the second PUCCH resource and the SL HARQ feedback may not be transmitted.

For example, the SL HARQ feedback and the HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the first PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback and the HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the second PUCCH resource. For example, the second PUCCH resource may be a resource related to a long PUCCH format, based on a sum of a payload size of the SL HARQ feedback and a payload size of the HARQ feedback being greater than a threshold.

Additionally, for example, the first device may transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback on a third PUCCH resource. For example, information related to the third PUCCH resource may be included in the first DCI or the second DCI.

Additionally, for example, the first device may receive, from the base station through a third PDCCH, a third DCI including information related to a fourth PUCCH resource and information related to activation or release of a configured grant resource. For example, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback, the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, or confirmation HARQ feedback related to the third DCI may be transmitted to the base station on at least one of the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource, or the fourth PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource, the second PUCCH resource and the fourth PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain. For example, based on a priority related to the PSSCH being higher than a pre-configured priority, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the first PUCCH resource and the HARQ feedback and the confirmation HARQ feedback may not be transmitted.

For example, the SL HARQ feedback and the HARQ feedback may be transmitted on the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource, and the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be allocated adjacently in a frequency domain.

For example, based on the PDSCH being a plurality of PDSCHs received on one slot, the HARQ feedback may include a plurality of bits representing HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK for each of the plurality of PDSCHs. For example, based on the SL HARQ feedback not being transmitted on the first PUCCH resource, a specific bit among the plurality of bits included in the HARQ feedback transmitted on the second PUCCH resource may represent HARQ ACK or HARQ NACK for the PSSCH. For example, a value of the specific bit may be determined based on an index of a slot. For example, the value of the specific bit may be determined based on a priority related to the PSSCH related to the first PUCCH and a priority related to the PDSCH related to the second PUCCH.

The proposed method can be applied to the device(s) described below. First, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to receive, from a base station through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to sidelink (SL) resource allocation. In addition, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to transmit, to a second device, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the information related to the SL resource allocation. In addition, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to receive, from the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH, SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback. In addition, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to receive, from the base station through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation. In addition, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to receive, from the base station, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation. In addition, the processor (102) of the first device (100) may control the transceiver (106) to transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH on at least one of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device configured to perform wireless communication may be provided. For example, the first device may comprise: one or more memories storing instructions; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors connected to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers. For example, the one or more processors may execute the instructions to: receive, from a base station through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to a second device, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the information related to the SL resource allocation; receive, from the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH, SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback; receive, from the base station through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; receive, from the base station, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH on at least one of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus configured to control a first user equipment (UE) may be provided. For example, the apparatus may comprise: one or more processors; and one or more memories operably connected to the one or more processors and storing instructions. For example, the one or more processors may execute the instructions to: receive, from a base station through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to a second user equipment (UE), a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the information related to the SL resource allocation; receive, from the second UE through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH, SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback; receive, from the base station through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; receive, from the base station, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH on at least one of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions may be provided. For example, the instructions, when executed, may cause a first device to: receive, from a base station through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to a second device, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the information related to the SL resource allocation; receive, from the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH, SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback; receive, from the base station through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; receive, from the base station, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and transmit, to the base station, at least one of the SL HARQ feedback or the HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH on at least one of the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

FIG.25shows a method for a base station to perform wireless communication, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG.25may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.25, in step S2510, the base station may transmit, to a first device through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to a sidelink (SL) resource allocation. In step S2520, the base station may transmit, to the first device through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation. In step S2530, the base station may transmit, to the first device, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation. In step S2540, the base station may receive, from the first device, at least one of SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback received from a second device or HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, on at least one of the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted, in response to a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) transmitted by the first device based on the information related to the SL resource allocation, by the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

The proposed method can be applied to the device(s) described below. First, the processor (202) of the base station (200) may control the transceiver (206) to transmit, to a first device through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to a sidelink (SL) resource allocation. In addition, the processor (202) of the base station (200) may control the transceiver (206) to transmit, to the first device through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation. In addition, the processor (202) of the base station (200) may control the transceiver (206) to transmit, to the first device, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation. In addition, the processor (202) of the base station (200) may control the transceiver (206) to receive, from the first device, at least one of SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback received from a second device or HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, on at least one of the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted, in response to a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) transmitted by the first device based on the information related to the SL resource allocation, by the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, a base station configured to perform wireless communication may be provided. For example, the base station may comprise: one or more memories storing instructions; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors connected to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers. For example, the one or more processors may execute the instructions to: transmit, to a first device through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to a sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first device through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first device, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and receive, from the first device, at least one of SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback received from a second device or HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, on at least one of the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted, in response to a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) transmitted by the first device based on the information related to the SL resource allocation, by the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus configured to control a base station may be provided. For example, the apparatus may comprise: one or more processors; and one or more memories operably connected to the one or more processors and storing instructions. For example, the one or more processors may execute the instructions to: transmit, to a first user equipment (UE) through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to a sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first UE through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first UE, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and receive, from the first UE, at least one of SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback received from a second UE or HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, on at least one of the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted, in response to a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) transmitted by the first UE based on the information related to the SL resource allocation, by the second UE through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions may be provided. For example, the instructions, when executed, may cause a base station to: transmit, to a first device through a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first downlink control information (DCI) including information related to a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and information related to a sidelink (SL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first device through a second PDCCH, a second DCI including information related to a second PUCCH resource and information related to a downlink (DL) resource allocation; transmit, to the first device, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) related to the second PDCCH based on the information related to the DL resource allocation; and receive, from the first device, at least one of SL hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback received from a second device or HARQ feedback related to the PDSCH, on at least one of the first PUCCH resource or the second PUCCH resource. For example, the SL HARQ feedback may be transmitted, in response to a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) and a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) transmitted by the first device based on the information related to the SL resource allocation, by the second device through a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) related to the PSSCH. For example, the first PUCCH resource and the second PUCCH resource may be overlapped in a time domain.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other.

Hereinafter, device(s) to which various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied will be described.

The various descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts of the present disclosure described in this document may be applied to, without being limited to, a variety of fields requiring wireless communication/connection (e.g., 5G) between devices.

Hereinafter, a description will be given in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings/description, the same reference symbols may denote the same or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks, or functional blocks unless described otherwise.

FIG.26shows a communication system1, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.26, a communication system1to which various embodiments of the present disclosure are applied includes wireless devices, Base Stations (BSs), and a network. Herein, the wireless devices represent devices performing communication using Radio Access Technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G New RAT (NR)) or Long-Term Evolution (LTE)) and may be referred to as communication/radio/5G devices. The wireless devices may include, without being limited to, a robot100a, vehicles100b-1and100b-2, an eXtended Reality (XR) device100c, a hand-held device100d, a home appliance100e, an Internet of Things (IoT) device100f, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) device/server400. For example, the vehicles may include a vehicle having a wireless communication function, an autonomous vehicle, and a vehicle capable of performing communication between vehicles. Herein, the vehicles may include an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device may include an Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR) device and may be implemented in the form of a Head-Mounted Device (HMD), a Head-Up Display (HUD) mounted in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance device, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The hand-held device may include a smartphone, a smartpad, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch or a smartglasses), and a computer (e.g., a notebook). The home appliance may include a TV, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. The IoT device may include a sensor and a smartmeter. For example, the BSs and the network may be implemented as wireless devices and a specific wireless device200amay operate as a BS/network node with respect to other wireless devices.

Here, wireless communication technology implemented in wireless devices100ato100fof the present disclosure may include Narrowband Internet of Things for low-power communication in addition to LTE, NR, and 6G. In this case, for example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology and may be implemented as standards such as LTE Cat NB1, and/or LTE Cat NB2, and is not limited to the name described above. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless devices100ato100fof the present disclosure may perform communication based on LTE-M technology. In this case, as an example, the LTE-M technology may be an example of the LPWAN and may be called by various names including enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC), and the like. For example, the LTE-M technology may be implemented as at least any one of various standards such as 1) LTE CAT 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-Bandwidth Limited (non-BL), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE Machine Type Communication, and/or 7) LTE M, and is not limited to the name described above. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless devices100ato100fof the present disclosure may include at least one of Bluetooth, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), and ZigBee considering the low-power communication, and is not limited to the name described above. As an example, the ZigBee technology may generate personal area networks (PAN) related to small/low-power digital communication based on various standards including IEEE 802.15.4, and the like, and may be called by various names.

The wireless devices100ato100fmay be connected to the network300via the BSs200. An AI technology may be applied to the wireless devices100ato100fand the wireless devices100ato100fmay be connected to the AI server400via the network300. The network300may be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, or a 5G (e.g., NR) network. Although the wireless devices100ato100fmay communicate with each other through the BSs200/network300, the wireless devices100ato100fmay perform direct communication (e.g., sidelink communication) with each other without passing through the BSs/network. For example, the vehicles100b-1and100b-2may perform direct communication (e.g. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)/Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). The IoT device (e.g., a sensor) may perform direct communication with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices100ato100f.

Wireless communication/connections150a,150b, or150cmay be established between the wireless devices100ato100f/BS200, or BS200/BS200. Herein, the wireless communication/connections may be established through various RATs (e.g., 5G NR) such as uplink/downlink communication150a, sidelink communication150b(or, D2D communication), or inter BS communication (e.g., relay, Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB)). The wireless devices and the BSs/the wireless devices may transmit/receive radio signals to/from each other through the wireless communication/connections150aand150b. For example, the wireless communication/connections150aand150bmay transmit/receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, at least a part of various configuration information configuring processes, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, and resource mapping/demapping), and resource allocating processes, for transmitting/receiving radio signals, may be performed based on the various proposals of the present disclosure.

FIG.27shows wireless devices, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.27, a first wireless device100and a second wireless device200may transmit radio signals through a variety of RATs (e.g., LTE and NR). Herein, {the first wireless device100and the second wireless device200} may correspond to {the wireless device100xand the BS200} and/or {the wireless device100xand the wireless device100x} ofFIG.26.

The first wireless device100may include one or more processors102and one or more memories104and additionally further include one or more transceivers106and/or one or more antennas108. The processor(s)102may control the memory(s)104and/or the transceiver(s)106and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor(s)102may process information within the memory(s)104to generate first information/signals and then transmit radio signals including the first information/signals through the transceiver(s)106. The processor(s)102may receive radio signals including second information/signals through the transceiver106and then store information obtained by processing the second information/signals in the memory(s)104. The memory(s)104may be connected to the processor(s)102and may store a variety of information related to operations of the processor(s)102. For example, the memory(s)104may store software code including commands for performing a part or the entirety of processes controlled by the processor(s)102or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. Herein, the processor(s)102and the memory(s)104may be a part of a communication modem/circuit/chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). The transceiver(s)106may be connected to the processor(s)102and transmit and/or receive radio signals through one or more antennas108. Each of the transceiver(s)106may include a transmitter and/or a receiver. The transceiver(s)106may be interchangeably used with Radio Frequency (RF) unit(s). In the present disclosure, the wireless device may represent a communication modem/circuit/chip.

The second wireless device200may include one or more processors202and one or more memories204and additionally further include one or more transceivers206and/or one or more antennas208. The processor(s)202may control the memory(s)204and/or the transceiver(s)206and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor(s)202may process information within the memory(s)204to generate third information/signals and then transmit radio signals including the third information/signals through the transceiver(s)206. The processor(s)202may receive radio signals including fourth information/signals through the transceiver(s)106and then store information obtained by processing the fourth information/signals in the memory(s)204. The memory(s)204may be connected to the processor(s)202and may store a variety of information related to operations of the processor(s)202. For example, the memory(s)204may store software code including commands for performing a part or the entirety of processes controlled by the processor(s)202or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. Herein, the processor(s)202and the memory(s)204may be a part of a communication modem/circuit/chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). The transceiver(s)206may be connected to the processor(s)202and transmit and/or receive radio signals through one or more antennas208. Each of the transceiver(s)206may include a transmitter and/or a receiver. The transceiver(s)206may be interchangeably used with RF unit(s). In the present disclosure, the wireless device may represent a communication modem/circuit/chip.

Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless devices100and200will be described more specifically. One or more protocol layers may be implemented by, without being limited to, one or more processors102and202. For example, the one or more processors102and202may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and SDAP). The one or more processors102and202may generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and/or one or more Service Data Unit (SDUs) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. The one or more processors102and202may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. The one or more processors102and202may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers106and206. The one or more processors102and202may receive the signals (e.g., baseband signals) from the one or more transceivers106and206and acquire the PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document.

The one or more processors102and202may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. The one or more processors102and202may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. As an example, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be included in the one or more processors102and202. The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software and the firmware or software may be configured to include the modules, procedures, or functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document may be included in the one or more processors102and202or stored in the one or more memories104and204so as to be driven by the one or more processors102and202. The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, commands, and/or a set of commands.

The one or more memories104and204may be connected to the one or more processors102and202and store various types of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and/or commands. The one or more memories104and204may be configured by Read-Only Memories (ROMs), Random Access Memories (RAMs), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs), flash memories, hard drives, registers, cash memories, computer-readable storage media, and/or combinations thereof. The one or more memories104and204may be located at the interior and/or exterior of the one or more processors102and202. The one or more memories104and204may be connected to the one or more processors102and202through various technologies such as wired or wireless connection.

The one or more transceivers106and206may transmit user data, control information, and/or radio signals/channels, mentioned in the methods and/or operational flowcharts of this document, to one or more other devices. The one or more transceivers106and206may receive user data, control information, and/or radio signals/channels, mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document, from one or more other devices. For example, the one or more transceivers106and206may be connected to the one or more processors102and202and transmit and receive radio signals. For example, the one or more processors102and202may perform control so that the one or more transceivers106and206may transmit user data, control information, or radio signals to one or more other devices. The one or more processors102and202may perform control so that the one or more transceivers106and206may receive user data, control information, or radio signals from one or more other devices. The one or more transceivers106and206may be connected to the one or more antennas108and208and the one or more transceivers106and206may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, and/or radio signals/channels, mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document, through the one or more antennas108and208. In this document, the one or more antennas may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). The one or more transceivers106and206may convert received radio signals/channels etc. from RF band signals into baseband signals in order to process received user data, control information, radio signals/channels, etc. using the one or more processors102and202. The one or more transceivers106and206may convert the user data, control information, radio signals/channels, etc. processed using the one or more processors102and202from the base band signals into the RF band signals. To this end, the one or more transceivers106and206may include (analog) oscillators and/or filters.

FIG.28shows a signal process circuit for a transmission signal, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.28, a signal processing circuit1000may include scramblers1010, modulators1020, a layer mapper1030, a precoder1040, resource mappers1050, and signal generators1060. An operation/function ofFIG.28may be performed, without being limited to, the processors102and202and/or the transceivers106and206ofFIG.27. Hardware elements ofFIG.28may be implemented by the processors102and202and/or the transceivers106and206ofFIG.27. For example, blocks1010to1060may be implemented by the processors102and202ofFIG.27. Alternatively, the blocks1010to1050may be implemented by the processors102and202ofFIG.27and the block1060may be implemented by the transceivers106and206ofFIG.27.

Codewords may be converted into radio signals via the signal processing circuit1000ofFIG.28. Herein, the codewords are encoded bit sequences of information blocks. The information blocks may include transport blocks (e.g., a UL-SCH transport block, a DL-SCH transport block). The radio signals may be transmitted through various physical channels (e.g., a PUSCH and a PDSCH).

Specifically, the codewords may be converted into scrambled bit sequences by the scramblers1010. Scramble sequences used for scrambling may be generated based on an initialization value, and the initialization value may include ID information of a wireless device. The scrambled bit sequences may be modulated to modulation symbol sequences by the modulators1020. A modulation scheme may include pi/2-Binary Phase Shift Keying (pi/2-BPSK), m-Phase Shift Keying (m-PSK), and m-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (m-QAM). Complex modulation symbol sequences may be mapped to one or more transport layers by the layer mapper1030. Modulation symbols of each transport layer may be mapped (precoded) to corresponding antenna port(s) by the precoder1040. Outputs z of the precoder1040may be obtained by multiplying outputs y of the layer mapper1030by an N*M precoding matrix W. Herein, N is the number of antenna ports and M is the number of transport layers. The precoder1040may perform precoding after performing transform precoding (e.g., DFT) for complex modulation symbols. Alternatively, the precoder1040may perform precoding without performing transform precoding.

The resource mappers1050may map modulation symbols of each antenna port to time-frequency resources. The time-frequency resources may include a plurality of symbols (e.g., a CP-OFDMA symbols and DFT-s-OFDMA symbols) in the time domain and a plurality of subcarriers in the frequency domain. The signal generators1060may generate radio signals from the mapped modulation symbols and the generated radio signals may be transmitted to other devices through each antenna. For this purpose, the signal generators1060may include Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) modules, Cyclic Prefix (CP) inserters, Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), and frequency up-converters.

Signal processing procedures for a signal received in the wireless device may be configured in a reverse manner of the signal processing procedures1010to1060ofFIG.28. For example, the wireless devices (e.g.,100and200ofFIG.27) may receive radio signals from the exterior through the antenna ports/transceivers. The received radio signals may be converted into baseband signals through signal restorers. To this end, the signal restorers may include frequency downlink converters, Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), CP remover, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules. Next, the baseband signals may be restored to codewords through a resource demapping procedure, a postcoding procedure, a demodulation processor, and a descrambling procedure. The codewords may be restored to original information blocks through decoding. Therefore, a signal processing circuit (not illustrated) for a reception signal may include signal restorers, resource demappers, a postcoder, demodulators, descramblers, and decoders.

FIG.29shows another example of a wireless device, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless device may be implemented in various forms according to a use-case/service (refer toFIG.26).

Referring toFIG.29, wireless devices100and200may correspond to the wireless devices100and200ofFIG.27and may be configured by various elements, components, units/portions, and/or modules. For example, each of the wireless devices100and200may include a communication unit110, a control unit120, a memory unit130, and additional components140. The communication unit may include a communication circuit112and transceiver(s)114. For example, the communication circuit112may include the one or more processors102and202and/or the one or more memories104and204ofFIG.27. For example, the transceiver(s)114may include the one or more transceivers106and206and/or the one or more antennas108and208ofFIG.27. The control unit120is electrically connected to the communication unit110, the memory130, and the additional components140and controls overall operation of the wireless devices. For example, the control unit120may control an electric/mechanical operation of the wireless device based on programs/code/commands/information stored in the memory unit130. The control unit120may transmit the information stored in the memory unit130to the exterior (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication unit110through a wireless/wired interface or store, in the memory unit130, information received through the wireless/wired interface from the exterior (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication unit110.

The additional components140may be variously configured according to types of wireless devices. For example, the additional components140may include at least one of a power unit/battery, input/output (I/O) unit, a driving unit, and a computing unit. The wireless device may be implemented in the form of, without being limited to, the robot (100aofFIG.26), the vehicles (100b-1and100b-2ofFIG.26), the XR device (100cofFIG.26), the hand-held device (100dofFIG.26), the home appliance (100eofFIG.26), the IoT device (100fofFIG.26), a digital broadcast terminal, a hologram device, a public safety device, an MTC device, a medicine device, a fintech device (or a finance device), a security device, a climate/environment device, the AI server/device (400ofFIG.26), the BSs (200ofFIG.26), a network node, etc. The wireless device may be used in a mobile or fixed place according to a use-example/service.

InFIG.29, the entirety of the various elements, components, units/portions, and/or modules in the wireless devices100and200may be connected to each other through a wired interface or at least a part thereof may be wirelessly connected through the communication unit110. For example, in each of the wireless devices100and200, the control unit120and the communication unit110may be connected by wire and the control unit120and first units (e.g.,130and140) may be wirelessly connected through the communication unit110. Each element, component, unit/portion, and/or module within the wireless devices100and200may further include one or more elements. For example, the control unit120may be configured by a set of one or more processors. As an example, the control unit120may be configured by a set of a communication control processor, an application processor, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a graphical processing unit, and a memory control processor. As another example, the memory130may be configured by a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM)), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and/or a combination thereof.

Hereinafter, an example of implementingFIG.29will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.30shows a hand-held device, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hand-held device may include a smartphone, a smartpad, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch or a smartglasses), or a portable computer (e.g., a notebook). The hand-held device may be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS), a Subscriber Station (SS), an Advanced Mobile Station (AMS), or a Wireless Terminal (WT).

Referring toFIG.30, a hand-held device100may include an antenna unit108, a communication unit110, a control unit120, a memory unit130, a power supply unit140a, an interface unit140b, and an I/O unit140c. The antenna unit108may be configured as a part of the communication unit110. Blocks110to130/140ato140ccorrespond to the blocks110to130/140ofFIG.29, respectively.

The communication unit110may transmit and receive signals (e.g., data and control signals) to and from other wireless devices or BSs. The control unit120may perform various operations by controlling constituent elements of the hand-held device100. The control unit120may include an Application Processor (AP). The memory unit130may store data/parameters/programs/code/commands needed to drive the hand-held device100. The memory unit130may store input/output data/information. The power supply unit140amay supply power to the hand-held device100and include a wired/wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. The interface unit140bmay support connection of the hand-held device100to other external devices. The interface unit140bmay include various ports (e.g., an audio I/O port and a video I/O port) for connection with external devices. The I/O unit140cmay input or output video information/signals, audio information/signals, data, and/or information input by a user. The I/O unit140cmay include a camera, a microphone, a user input unit, a display unit140d, a speaker, and/or a haptic module.

As an example, in the case of data communication, the I/O unit140cmay acquire information/signals (e.g., touch, text, voice, images, or video) input by a user and the acquired information/signals may be stored in the memory unit130. The communication unit110may convert the information/signals stored in the memory into radio signals and transmit the converted radio signals to other wireless devices directly or to a BS. The communication unit110may receive radio signals from other wireless devices or the BS and then restore the received radio signals into original information/signals. The restored information/signals may be stored in the memory unit130and may be output as various types (e.g., text, voice, images, video, or haptic) through the I/O unit140c.

FIG.31shows a vehicle or an autonomous vehicle, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle or autonomous vehicle may be implemented by a mobile robot, a car, a train, a manned/unmanned Aerial Vehicle (AV), a ship, etc.

Referring toFIG.31, a vehicle or autonomous vehicle100may include an antenna unit108, a communication unit110, a control unit120, a driving unit140a, a power supply unit140b, a sensor unit140c, and an autonomous driving unit140d. The antenna unit108may be configured as a part of the communication unit110. The blocks110/130/140ato140dcorrespond to the blocks110/130/140ofFIG.29, respectively.

The communication unit110may transmit and receive signals (e.g., data and control signals) to and from external devices such as other vehicles, BSs (e.g., gNBs and road side units), and servers. The control unit120may perform various operations by controlling elements of the vehicle or the autonomous vehicle100. The control unit120may include an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The driving unit140amay cause the vehicle or the autonomous vehicle100to drive on a road. The driving unit140amay include an engine, a motor, a powertrain, a wheel, a brake, a steering device, etc. The power supply unit140bmay supply power to the vehicle or the autonomous vehicle100and include a wired/wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. The sensor unit140cmay acquire a vehicle state, ambient environment information, user information, etc. The sensor unit140cmay include an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor, a collision sensor, a wheel sensor, a speed sensor, a slope sensor, a weight sensor, a heading sensor, a position module, a vehicle forward/backward sensor, a battery sensor, a fuel sensor, a tire sensor, a steering sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illumination sensor, a pedal position sensor, etc. The autonomous driving unit140dmay implement technology for maintaining a lane on which a vehicle is driving, technology for automatically adjusting speed, such as adaptive cruise control, technology for autonomously driving along a determined path, technology for driving by automatically setting a path if a destination is set, and the like.

For example, the communication unit110may receive map data, traffic information data, etc. from an external server. The autonomous driving unit140dmay generate an autonomous driving path and a driving plan from the obtained data. The control unit120may control the driving unit140asuch that the vehicle or the autonomous vehicle100may move along the autonomous driving path according to the driving plan (e.g., speed/direction control). In the middle of autonomous driving, the communication unit110may aperiodically/periodically acquire recent traffic information data from the external server and acquire surrounding traffic information data from neighboring vehicles. In the middle of autonomous driving, the sensor unit140cmay obtain a vehicle state and/or surrounding environment information. The autonomous driving unit140dmay update the autonomous driving path and the driving plan based on the newly obtained data/information. The communication unit110may transfer information about a vehicle position, the autonomous driving path, and/or the driving plan to the external server. The external server may predict traffic information data using AI technology, etc., based on the information collected from vehicles or autonomous vehicles and provide the predicted traffic information data to the vehicles or the autonomous vehicles.

Claims in the present description can be combined in a various way. For instance, technical features in method claims of the present description can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus, and technical features in apparatus claims can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method. Further, technical features in method claim(s) and apparatus claim(s) can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus. Further, technical features in method claim(s) and apparatus claim(s) can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method.