EARLY FEEDBACK IN TRANSPORT BLOCK SCHEDULING

FIELD:

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for early feedback in transport block scheduling.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E- UTRAN), LTE- Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and/or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit/s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the loT.

SUMMARY:

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving a downlink control information scheduling multitransport block transmission. The method may also include determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The method may further include determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the method may include determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the method may include transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also be configured to determine, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The apparatus may further be configured to determine a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may be configured to determine at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the apparatus may be configured to transmit the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The apparatus may further include means for determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may include means for determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may include means for transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0006] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include receiving a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The method may further include determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the method may include determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the method may include transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The method may further include determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the method may include determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the method may include transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to determine, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to determine determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to transmit the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0009] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The method may further include scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The apparatus may further be caused to schedule resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The apparatus may further include means for scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0012] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The method may further include scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The method may further include scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to schedule resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0015] For proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of another transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a further transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0022] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for early feedback in transport block scheduling. For instance, certain example embodiments may be directed to early hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) feedback in multi- physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) scheduling with a single downlink control information (DCI).

[0023] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combmed in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0024] As used herein, “at least one of the following: <a list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of <a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0025] The technical specifications of 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) describes extended reality (XR) as referring to real-and- virtual combined environments and associated human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. XR may include various forms such as, for example, augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR), and the areas interpolated among them. As discussed herein, certain example embodiments may be focused on achieving faster HARQ feedback for sub-groups of PDSCH transmission that belong to the same single-DCI multiple-PDSCH transmission. As such, certain example embodiments may minimize the HARQ-roundtrip time when using multi- PDSCH scheduling.

[0026] With the consideration of the characteristics of XR data traffic with large payloads, the retransmission of the entire TB when there is an error may not be the best solution. Thus, a CBG-based Re-Tx may be considered as an alternative option for XR use cases. Moreover, in some cases, one video frame may be conveyed via multiple slots due to its large frame size. Thus, multi- PDSCH scheduling with a single DO may be considered as a viable approach since it may reduce the DCI overhead, and decrease the power consumption due to reduced PDCCH monitoring occasions.

[0027] It may be assumed that the HARQ feedback may come after all the PDSCH transmission that are scheduled with the same DCI. In a case with 8 PDSCH slot transmissions with 15 kHz sub-carrier spacing (supporting this SCS for multi-PDSCH scheduling with single DCI is under discussion in Rell8), this may correspond to at least an 8 ms delay from the first PDSCH transmission until the HARQ feedback is sent. Given the typical packet delay budget (PDB) of 10 ms for XR application, the 8 ms HARQ delay is much too long, which prevents use of HARQ. For time division duplex (TDD) cases, the HARQ feedback latency may be longer depending on the uplink/downlink (UL/DL) frame configuration. Thus certain example embodiments described herein may address this problem by achieving faster HARQ feedback for single-DCI multi-PDSCH transmissions such that it may still be beneficial from HARQ without violating the PDB constraints used for XR use cases (or other latency constrained services).

[0028] 3GPP specifications also describe multi-PDSCH scheduling with a single DCI. For instance, multi-physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)/PDSCH scheduling with a single DCI may involve a single DCI that schedules multiple consecutive PDSCHs/PUSCH. The time domain resources may be indicated with a row of a preconfigured set of multiple start symbol and allocation length indicator value (SLIV) allocations. Further, a new data indicator (NDI) and redundancy version (RV) ( 1 bit) may be signaled per transmission time interval (TTI). In some cases, both slot/mini-slot allocations may be supported with multi-PUSCH/PDSCH scheduling with a single DCI, and subcarrier spacing (SCS) may be supported for multi- PDSCH/PUSCH scheduling at 120 kHz (FR-1/2), 480 kHz (FR2-2), and 960 kHz (FR2-2). For multi-PUSCH scheduling SCS scheduling, SCSs 15 kHz, 30 kHz, and 60 kHz may also be supported in FR1.

[0029] According to certain example embodiments, HARQ feedback may be provided for sub-groups of PDSCH transmission that belong to the same single-DCI multi-PDSCH transmission (i.e., scheduled with the same DCI), even before the transmission of all the PDSCHs scheduled with a single multi- PDSCH-DCI is fully completed. Thus, certain example embodiments may provide a solution where the sub-groups of PDSCH transmissions for which HARQ feedback is sent to may be a direct function of the TDD frame configuration. Additionally, other example embodiments may provide solutions that may include the serving cell gNB being able to provide more explicit signaling of PDSCH sub-groups for which to send HARQ feedback. The latter case may include both cases with dynamic Layer- 1 signaling, and cases with semi-static Layer-2 signaling. As described herein, certain example embodiments may involve both gNB-to-UE signaling aspects, user equipment (UE; terminal) behavior/procedures, and UE transmissions of HARQ feedback.

[0030] According to certain example embodiments, the network (NW, i.e., gNB) and the UE may rely on an implicit agreement (e.g., rule) for determining which slots to transmit HARQ feedback for the multiple PDSCH TBs. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates an example transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a TDD frame configuration/structure (DDDSU) of UL slots for HARQ feedback of further PDSCH TBs. As illustrated in FIG. 1, Kl=4, and the UL slots may be determined based on the TDD UL/DL configuration (i.e., location of UL slots), the number of scheduled PDSCHs, and/or the PDSCH processing time Nl. The “D”, “U”, and “S” symbols shown in FIG. 1 respectively refer to DL, UL, and special (flexible, switching, or mix of DL and UL symbols) slots. For this case, 3 DL slots appear before an S and a U slot. Assuming that there is a single-DCI scheduling multiple PDSCH transmissions with 8 slots of PDSCH, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the UE would then be sending HARQ feedback for PDSCH transmissions (TBs) #1, 2, 3 in the first U slot, HARQ feedback for PDSCH slots #4, 5, 6 in the next S/U slot, and so forth. Thus, according to certain example embodiments, sending the HARQ feedback for sub-groups of PDSCH transmissions that belong to the same single-DCI multi-PDSCH transmission may depend on the starting time of the single-DCI transmission and the applied TDD configuration. Thus, a change in the TDD radio frame configuration may have an impact on which sub-groups of PDSCH transmissions separate HARQ feedbacks are sent.

[0031] In certain example embodiments, the first UL slot where HARQ feedback for some of the PDSCH TBs scheduled by a single DCI may be indicated with a “PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator” field in the DCI (i.e., delay between PDSCH and PUCCH, and also denoted as KI). According to certain example embodiments, feedback for as many PDSCHs as the UE’s PDSCH processing time capability Nl permits may be reported in that slot. With reference to FIG. 1, Kl=4 and N 1=2 slots. In certain example embodiments, Nl may be defined in terms of slots. However, Nl may generally be defined in terms of symbols such as, for example, 8, 10, 17, or 20 symbols. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one extra parameter in RRC (e.g., Early HARQ Jeedbackjnulti PDSCH - on/ off) may also be included to help distinguish between conventional PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator used to indicate only one feedback, not the start of the consecutive feedbacks in case of multi-PDSCHs.

[0032] According to certain example embodiments, the UL slots for HARQ feedback of further TBs (i.e., TBs after the first TB) may be determined based on the TDD UL/DL configuration of the frame (i.e., location of UL slots), the number of scheduled PDSCHs, and/or the PDSCH processing time Nl. According to some example embodiments, the candidate slots for HARQ feedback of further PDSCH TBs after the first PDSCH TB may be, for example all UL slots, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0033] In other example embodiments, the feedback timing for the remaining PDSCH TBs may be all the UL and S slots, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of another transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments. For instance, FIG.

2 illustrates a frame where the candidate slots for HARQ feedback of further PDSCH TBs correspond to all the UL and S slots, assuming Kl=3 slots and Nl=20 symbols (i.e., about 1.5 slots). In some example embodiments, when there are consecutive UL slots of different TDD configurations, the feedback may be sent over those with a possible indication of “PDSCH-to- HARQ_feedback timing indicator” indicating the start of the first U, a number of consecutive UL slots Ml (or U and S slots) for feedback, and/or a period M2 over which the feedback may be continued to be transmitted in case of a large number of PDSCHs being scheduled (e.g., 8 DL slots as maximum number of slots per Rel-17).

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a further transmission slot configuration, according to certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG.

3 illustrates a frame where the candidate slots for HARQ feedback of further PDSCH TBs are every Nth UL (or S) slot, where N may be fixed (e.g., 1, 2, or 3), or configure via radio resource control (RRC) signaling). In the example of FIG. 3, Kl=4 and N=2, assuming only UL slots are candidate slots for HARQ feedback (and not S slots).

[0035] According to other example embodiments, the “PDSCH-to- HARQ feedback timing indicator” may indicate the first U slot where the first feedback is sent, and a new parameter M may indicate the total number of U slots to send the feedback. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, Kl=4, M2=3 means that the first feedback is sent at the first U slot, and there is a total of 3 U slots used to send the feedback.

[0036] In certain example embodiments, the locations of the UL slots for HARQ feedback of further PDSCH TBs (relative to the first UL slot for HARQ feedback indicated with “PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator”) may be indicated with the multi-PDSCH DCI. The indication may be in the form of, for example, a bitmap, or a periodicity parameter, indicating the interval between the slots is used for HARQ feedback. According to some example embodiments, the contents of the feedback (i.e., for which PDSCHs HARQ feedback is provided in which slot) may be determined based on the UE’s PDSCH processing time capability Nl.

[0037] According to certain example embodiments, the serving cell gNB may provide explicit signaling of PDSCH sub-groups for which to send HARQ feedback. For instance, in some example embodiments, the gNB may inform the UE after which slots, or transmission time intervals that the UE should send HARQ feedback. According to some example embodiments, a possible configuration may be to inform the UE to send HARQ feedback for every two or four PDSCH transmissions, or any other settings. This may be realized in the form of an RRC configuration, where certain rules or masks are signaled to the UE that express when the UE should send HARQ feedback for single- DCI multiple PDSCH transmissions.

[0038] In other example embodiments, another configuration of which slots, or transmission time intervals the UE should send HARQ feedback may be that the gNB informs the UE to transmit HARQ feedback after PDSCH transmission x, y, z. Additionally, the single-DCI format for multi-PDSCH transmissions may be expanded to include explicit information of when the UE may send HARQ feedback for a multi-PDSCH transmission. In the latter option, where this is included in the Layer- 1 DO, it may be more dynamic as compared to the case with RRC signaling, but may come at a cost of higher signaling overhead.

[0039] According to certain example embodiments, for cases where HARQ feedback is sent for sub-groups of PDSCH transmissions, such HARQ feedback may be sent by adopting HARQ compression techniques. This may result in a per-sub-group of PDSCH compression method. For instance, if the sub-group has 3 PDSCH transmissions, then the compression method may take 3 as an input to generate the compressed HARQ feedback codewords.

[0040] In view of the various example embodiments described above, the UE may operate by receiving, from the gNB, a configuration of multi-PDSCH transmission. In certain example embodiments, the configuration may include one or more of: the higher layer parameter PDSCH- TimeDomainResourceAllocationListFortMultiPDSCH, which defines the list of combinations of PDSCHs that the gNB can schedule; the higher layer parameter Early HARQ Jeedback multi PDSCH that indicates the feedback is sent earlier than all slots are received; configuration of the PUCCH resources (frequency/code domain) used for HARQ-feedback; the value of parameter N (as shown in the example of FIG. 3); or the value of parameters Ml and M2 (number of consecutive/non-consecutive UL slots where the feedback is sent).

[0041] In certain example embodiments, the UE may also receive, on the PDCCH, a DCI format scheduling multi-PDSCH transmission. In other example embodiments, based on the DCI format scheduling multi-PDSCH transmission, the UE may determine the PDSCHs that are scheduled, and attempt to decode those scheduled PDSCHs. In further example embodiments, the UE may determine when to provide HARQ feedback for the PDSCH TBs scheduled with the DCI format scheduling multi-PDSCH transmission. In certain example embodiments, this determination may be performed based on the “PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator” in the DCI, which indicates the first slot where HARQ feedback is provided for at least some of the scheduled PDSCH TBs. In some example embodiments, the scheduled PDSCH TBs that satisfy the UE’s PDSCH processing time condition (i.e., PDSCH ending at least N1 symbols before the PUCCH where the HARQ feedback is transmitted). Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the determination of when to provide HARQ feedback for the PDSCH TBs may be performed based on the feedback timing for the remaining PDSCH TBs. Further, in some example embodiments, the UE may transmit HARQ feedback to the gNB at the time instances determined by the UE of when to provide HARQ feedback for the PDSCH TBs.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by a UE similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0043] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 4 may include, at 400, receiving a downlink control information scheduling multitransport block transmission. The method may also include, at 405, determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The method may further include, at 410, determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the method may include, at 415, determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. Further, the method may include, at 420, transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, the transport blocks in the second set do not belong to the first set of transport blocks. According to some example embodiments, the determination of the first timing may be based on at least one of a timing indicator included in the downlink control information that indicates a first slot where the first feedback message is provided, or a feedback timing indicator for scheduled transport blocks received after the first feedback message. According to other example embodiments, the transport blocks belonging to the first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information may be determined based on the first timing of when to provide the first feedback message, and/or a physical downlink shared channel processing time capability.

[0045] In certain example embodiments, the determination of the second timing is based on at least one of the first timing of when to provide the first feedback message for the first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information, uplink or flexible slots provided in a time division duplex or a downlink configuration, and/or receiving via a radio resource control configuration message that early feedback is on. In some example embodiments, the downlink control information may include a parameter indicating a total number of uplink slots to transmit the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message. In other example embodiments, the downlink control information may be received in the form of a bitmap or a periodicity parameter or a number of uplink slots, and the bitmap or the periodicity parameter may indicate an interval between slots used for transmission of the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3 GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 5 may be performed by a network, cell, gNB, or any other device similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0047] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 5 may include, at 500, transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The method may also include, at 505, receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The method may further include, at 510, scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0048] According to certain example embodiments, the downlink control information may be transmitted in the form of a bitmap or a periodicity parameter or a number of uplink slots, and the bitmap or the periodicity parameter may indicate an interval between slots used for transmission of the feedback message. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include informing the user equipment via a radio resource control configuration message of which slots transmission intervals that the user equipment should transmit the feedback message. According to other example embodiments, the downlink control information comprises at least one of a timing indicator included in the downlink control information that indicates a first slot where the first feedback message is provided, or a feedback timing indicator for scheduled transport blocks received after the first feedback message.

[0049] In certain example embodiments, for the timing indicator, the at least one of the scheduled transport blocks may satisfy a processing time condition, and the processing time condition may include a number of slots before transmission of the feedback message. In some example embodiments, the feedback timing indicator is configured based on at least one of a time division duplex uplink or downlink configuration, a number of scheduled transport blocks, or a transport block processing time, all uplink and downlink slots in a transmission frame, or candidate slots for the feedback message at a fixed number of uplink slots or a fixed number of special slots. In other example embodiments, the timing indicator may include a parameter indicating a total number of uplink slots in which the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message are received.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be an element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, stationary device, loT device, or other device. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and/or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and/or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinaiy skill in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, apparatus 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 maybe any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processor 12 may include one or more of general- purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 6, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0053] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 10, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5.

[0054] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 14 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable the apparatus 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0055] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 12 and/or apparatus 10 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5.

[0056] In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL.

[0057] For instance, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen.

[0058] In certain example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 10. The components of apparatus 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with apparatus 20 via a wireless or wired communications link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0059] According to certain example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry.

[0060] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, apparatus 10 maybe controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0061] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, apparatus 20 may be a network, core network element, or element in a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a NW or gNB. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatus 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 6.

[0062] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, apparatus 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include one or more of general- purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 6, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. In certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0063] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain/phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatus 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5.

[0064] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22, for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and/or removable memory. For example, memory 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable the apparatus 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0065] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processor 22 and/or apparatus 20 to perform the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-5.

[0066] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and/or data to and from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, NB- loT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interface may include components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to- analog converters and the like), mappers, a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module, and the like, to generate symbols for a transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (for example, via an UL).

[0067] As such, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a earner waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include an input and/or output device (I/O device).

[0068] In certain example embodiment, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0069] According to some example embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry. [0070] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to hardware-only circuitry implementations (e.g., analog and/or digital circuity), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and/or digital hardware circuits with software/firmware, any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to cause an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and/or hardware circuit(s) and/or processor(s), or portions thereof, that use software for operation but where the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0071] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to schedule resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0072] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and/or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and/or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations.

[0073] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for receiving a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based on the downlink control information, transport blocks that are scheduled for transmission. The apparatus may further include means for determining a first timing of when to provide a first feedback message for a first set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may include means for determining at least one second timing of when to provide a second feedback message for a second set of transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information. In addition, the apparatus may include means for transmitting the first feedback message and the at least one second feedback message to the network element based on the determination of the first timing and the second timing.

[0074] Certain example embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus that includes means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a downlink control information scheduling multi-transport block transmission. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, a first feedback message and at least one second feedback message based on the downlink control information. The apparatus may further include means for scheduling resources for reception or transmission based on the feedback message. According to certain example embodiments, the feedback message may correspond to transport blocks scheduled with the downlink control information.

[0075] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and /or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to reduce delay for receiving HARQ ACK/NACK feedback. As such, it may be possible to achieve more degrees of freedom for benefitting from HARQ for latency critical applications such as XR.

[0076] Certain example embodiments are also advantageous over current specifications at least because current specifications do not allow the ability to send the HARQ feedback before all scheduled PDSCH have been received. Late HARQ feedback increases the delay that a packet experiences when it needs to be retransmitted. The retransmission may lead to exceeding the packet delay budget of a packet. In that case, a packet may be considered to be lost, which decreases the UE satisfaction and, as a result, decreases the number of supported users (capacity).

[0077] A computer program product may include one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus.

[0078] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0079] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0080] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation.

[0081] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and/or fourth generation (4G) technology.

[0082] Partial Glossary:

[0083] 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0084] 5G 5th Generation

[0085] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0086] 5GS 5G System [0087] ACK Acknowledgment

[0088] AOA Angle of Arrival

[0089] AR Augmented Reality

[0090] BLER Block Error Rate

[0091] BS Base Station

[0092] CB Code Block

[0093] CBG Code Block Group

[0094] CBGTI Code Block Group Transmit Indicator

[0095] CSS Common Search Space

[0096] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0097] DL Downlink

[0098] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0099] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0100] FPS Frames Per Second

[0101] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0102] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0103] KPI Key Performance Indicator

[0104] LA Link Adaptation

[0105] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0106] MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme

[0107] MR Mixed Reality

[0108] NACK Negative Acknowledgment

[0109] NDI New Data Indicator

[0110] NR New Radio

[0111]NW Network

[0112] PDB Packet Delay Budget

[0113] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0114] QoS Quality of Service

[0115] RRC Radio Resource Control [0116] RV Redundancy Version

[0117] SI Study Item

[0118] SID Study Item Description

[0119] SCS Subcarrier Spacing

[0120] SPS Semi-persistent Scheduling

[0121] SSSG Search Space Group

[0122] TB Transmission Block

[0123] UE User Equipment

[0124] UL Uplink

[0125] USS UE Specific Search Space

[0126] VR Virtual Reality

[0127] WI Work Item

[0128] XR Extended Reality