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Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTER-BAND CARRIER AGGREGATION SUPPORT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/063807
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to dynamically con-ect UL and DL interference in inter-band TDD CA. In this regard, a method is provided that includes determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe, The method further includes determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The method also includes causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

Inventors:
HAN JING (CN)
WANG HAIMING (CN)
GAO CHUNYAN (CN)
ZENG ERLIN (CN)
BAI WEI (CN)
HONG WEI (CN)
Application Number:
PCT/CN2011/081832
Publication Date:
May 10, 2013
Filing Date:
November 04, 2011
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
RENESAS MOBILE CORP (JP)
HAN JING (CN)
WANG HAIMING (CN)
GAO CHUNYAN (CN)
ZENG ERLIN (CN)
BAI WEI (CN)
HONG WEI (CN)
International Classes:
H04L1/18
Foreign References:
CN101908954A2010-12-08
CN101800633A2010-08-11
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
KING & WOOD MALLESONS (East Tower World Financial Centre,No.1 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 0, CN)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is Claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe;

determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe, wherein the prioritized subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe; and

causing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein the first subframe is in a first time division duplex (TDD) configuration and the second subframe is in a second TDD configuration and wherein the HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe is related to the first TDD configuration or the second TDD configuration that contains prioritized subframe. 3. A method according to any one of Claims 1 or 2 further comprising causing a uplink

(UL) subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has been scheduled for a UL transmission by a UL grant, wherein the UL subframe is one of the first subframe or the second subframe.

4. A method according to any one of Claims 1-3 further comprising causing a UL subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has been scheduled for UL feedback.

5. A method according to any one of Claims 1-4 further comprising causing a downlink (DL) subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has not been scheduled for UL feedback and has not been scheduled for a UL transmission by a UL grant, wherein the DL subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1-5 further comprising receiving HARQ timing instructions in control signaling received from an access point for the prioritized subframe; and causing HARQ timing to be adjusted based on received HARQ timing instructions.

7. A method according to any one of Claims 1-5 further comprising determining whether the selected HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe causes a corresponding subframe to be omitted; and causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using at least one of a predetermined offset or predefined rule in an instance in which it is determined that the selected HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe causes a corresponding subframe to be omitted.

8. A method comprising:

determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe;

determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe, wherein the prioritized subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe; and

causing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using at least one of a predetermined offset or predefined rale.

9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein the first subframe is in a first time division duplex (TDD) configuration and the second subframe is in a second TDD configuration.

10. A method according to any one of Claims 8 or 9 wherein a predefined rule further comprises causing HARQ timing to be adjusted so as to select a first available subframe preceding or a first available subframe following the determined conflict.

11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least;

determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe;

determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe, wherein the prioritized subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe; and

cause hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

12. An apparatus according to Claim 1 1 wherein the first subframe is in a first time division duplex (TDD) configuration and the second subframe is in a second TDD configuration and wherein the HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe is related to the first TDD configuration or the second TDD configuration that contains prioritized subframe. 13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 1 or 12 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause a uplink (UL) subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has been scheduled for a UL transmission by a UL grant, wherein the UL subframe is one of the first subframe or the second subframe. 14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 1-13 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause a UL subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has been scheduled for UL feedback.

15. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11-14 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause a downlink (DL) subframe to be selected in an instance in which the first subframe or the second subframe has not been scheduled for UL feedback and has not been scheduled for a UL transmission by a UL grant, wherein the DL subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe.

16. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 1-15 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive HARQ timing instructions in control signaling received from an access point for the prioritized subframe; and cause HARQ timing to be adjusted based on received HARQ timing instructions.

17. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 11-15 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine whether the selected HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe causes a corresponding subframe to be omitted; and cause HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using at least one of a predetermined offset or predefined rule in an instance in which it is determined that the selected HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe causes a corresponding subframe to be omitted.

18. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe;

determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe, wherein the prioritized subframe is at least one of the first subframe or the second subframe; and cause hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using at least one of a predetermined offset or predefined rule.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 18 wherein the first subframe is in a first time division duplex (TDD) configuration and the second subframe is in a second TDD configuration.

20. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 18 or 19 wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause HARQ timing to be adjusted so as to select a first available subframe preceding or a first available subframe following the determined conflict.

Description:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTER-BAND

CARRIER AGGREGATION SUPPORT TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to communications technology and, more particularly, to intra-band carrier aggregation (CA) support.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Transmission and reception of radio signals from an example access point to a mobile terminal may be multiplexed in a time domain, such as by using time division duplex (TDD). In TDD, downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmission take place in different, non-overlapping time slots. Thus, in some cases TDD may function in an unpaired frequency spectrum. When TDD is used in long term evolution (LTE) and/or LTE advanced (LTE-A), a transmitted signal may be organized into a frame structure, for example, ten equally-sized subframes 0-9 of length 1 millisecond (ms) per radio frame.

[0003] In the case of TDD operation there is only one single carrier frequency and thus uplink and downlink transmissions in the cell are always separated in time. Thus, a subframe is either a UL subframe or a DL subframe. In LTE, there are seven different TDD configurations and cover a plurality of UL DL ratios. These TDD configurations are referenced by

configuration number throughout the draft. (See for example 3 GPP TS 36.213 which is hereby incorporated by reference).

[0004] In some cases, for example in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 1 1 (Rel-1 1), carrier frequency aggregation allows for different TDD configurations to be aggregated on inter-bands. In Rel- 1 1 , this is done to allow for the co-existence of a legacy Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) system in adjacent bands.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided according to an example embodiment in order to dynamically correct UL and DL overlap for half duplex mode TDD mobile terminals with inter-band TDD CA. In particular and in some example embodiments, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing may be selectable and/or adjustable so as to remove and/or solve subframe overlap between TDD configurations. For example and according to some embodiments, in an instance in which a DL or UL subframe is prioritized, then HARQ timing for the overlapped subframe may follow the HARQ timing of the prioritized DL or UL subframe. Alternatively or additionally in some example embodiments, HARQ timing may be redefined in an instance of an overlap. The redefined HARQ timing may include a predetermined offset and/or may use the first available subframe preceding or first available subfranie following the overlap. In other example embodiments, a mobile terminal may receive HARQ timing instructions in the case of a subframe overlap.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The method of this embodiment may also include determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The method of this embodiment may also include causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

[0007] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The at least one memoiy and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

[0008] In the further embodiment, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer- readable program instruction stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The computer-readable program instructions of this embodiment may also include program instructions configured to determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The computer-readable program instructions of this embodiment may also include program instructions configured to cause HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be selected,

[0010] In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The method of this embodiment may also include determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The method of this embodiment may also include causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using a predetermined offset.

[0011] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code with the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The at least one memory and computer program code may also be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to cause HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using a predetermined offset.

[0012] In the further embodiment, a computer program product may be provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer- readable program instruction stored therein with the computer-readable program instructions including program instructions configured to determine whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to determine a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The computer-readable program instructions may also include program instructions configured to cause HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using a predetermined offset. [0013] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining whether a first subframe conflicts with a second subframe. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for determining a prioritized subframe in an instance in which the first subframe conflicts with the second subframe. The apparatus of this embodiment may also include means for causing HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe to be adjusted using a predetermined offset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Having thus described the example embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system having a mobile terminal that may experience resource allocation modification and that may benefit from an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be embodied by a mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating operations performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] Figures 4, 5a and 5b illustrate example TDD configurations and example operations performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0020] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following:

(a)hard ware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

(c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that

require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not

physically present.

[0021] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or application specific integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0022] A method, apparatus and computer program product of an example embodiment of the present invention are configured to determine instances in which there is an overlap between subframes in a radio frame, for example in different TDD configurations. An example subframe conflict exists between subframe 3 of TDD configuration # 2 which is a DL subframe and subframe 3 of TDD configuration # 4 which is a UL subframe, See for example Figure 4.

[0023] In cases, where a conflict is determined to exist between two subframes in a radio frame, the systems and methods as disclosed herein may be configured to determine whether the overlapping subframes should be interpreted as a UL or DL subframe. In some example embodiments, an overlap may be reconciled by selecting the UL or DL subframe that is prioritized and applying the HARQ timing that applies to the selected subframe based on its TDD configuration. For example, in an instance in which UL data scheduling or UL feedback is requested, then the UL subframe would be prioritized over an overlapping DL subframe.

Otherwise, the DL subframe is prioritized. If either a UL or DL subframe is prioritized, then HARQ timing for the prioritized subframe may be used to overcome the overlap. For example, the HARQ timing for the selected subframe may follow a particular TDD configurations timing. Referring to Figure 4, in subframe 3, the UL subframe in configuration #4 is prioritized and thus the HARQ timing for configuration #4 is used (e.g. the corresponding UL grant will be transmitted in DL subframe 9 in previous frame, and corresponding Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) will be transmitted in subframe 9).

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, in an instance of overlapping subframes, new HARQ timing may be defined that is different from the defined HARQ timing of the TDD

configurations in current specifications. For example, the HARQ timing may be adjusted based on a predetermined offset and/or may be selected based on a next available subframe or available preceding subframe. Alternatively or additionally, HARQ timing instructions may be received from a network entity, such as from an access point.

[0025] Although the method, apparatus and computer program product may be implemented in a variety of different systems, one example of such a system is shown in Figure 1 , which includes a first communication device (e.g., mobile terminal 10) that is capable of

communication via an access point 12, such as a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), serving cell or other access point, with a network 14 (e.g., a core network). While the network may be configured in accordance with LTE or LTE-A, other networks may support the method, apparatus and computer program product of embodiments of the present invention including those configured in accordance with wideband code division multiple access (W- CDMA), CDMA2000, global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS) and/or the like.

[0026] The network 14 may include a collection of various different nodes, devices or functions that may be in communication with each other via corresponding wired and/or wireless interfaces. For example, the network may include one or more cells, including access point 12, each of which may serve a respective coverage area. The serving cell and the neighbor cells could be, for example, part of one or more cellular or mobile networks or public land mobile networks (PLMNs). In turn, other devices such as processing devices (e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the mobile terminal 10 and/or other

communication devices via the network.

[0027] A communication device, such as the mobile terminal 10 (also known as user equipment (UE)), may be in communication with other communication devices or other devices via the access point 12 and, in turn, the network 14. In some cases, the communication device may include an antenna for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a serving cell. [0028] When referred to herein, a serving cell includes, but is not limited to a primary serving cell (PCell) and other serving cells such as secondary serving cells (SCell) that may be operating on an access point, such as access point 12. A candidate cell, target cell, neighbor cell and/or the like may also be used herein, and that includes a cell that is not currently a serving cell, but may become a serving cell in the future. A PCell, which may be embodied by an access point, generally includes, but is not limited to, a cell that is configured to perform initial establishment procedures, security procedures, system information (SI) acquisition and change monitoring procedures on the broadcast channel (BCCH) or data channel (PDCCH), and paging. The SCell, which may be embodied by a remote radio head (RRH) and is configured to provide additional radio resources to the PCell. In an embodiment, a "primary band" is the band that is indicated by the serving cell as the band of a serving carrier frequency. The secondary band is the band that is indicated by the serving cell as an additional band (e.g. in addition to primary band), that allows a mobile terminal radio frequency that is supported by the secondary band to also camp on the cell.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the mobile terminal 10 may be a mobile

communication device such as, for example, a mobile telephone, portable digital assistant (PDA), pager, laptop computer, or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, or combinations thereof. As such, the mobile terminal 10 may include one or more processors that may define processing circuitry either alone or in combination with one or more memories. The processing circuitry may utilize instructions stored in the memory to cause the mobile terminal 10 to operate in a particular way or execute specific functionality when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors. The mobile terminal 10 may also include communication circuitry and corresponding hardware/software to enable communication with other devices and/or the network 14.

[0030] In one embodiment, for example, the mobile terminal 10 and/or the access point 12 may be embodied as or otherwise include an apparatus 20 as generically represented by the block diagram of Figure 2. While the apparatus 20 may be employed, for example, by a mobile terminal 10 or an access point 12, it should be noted that the components, devices or elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 20 may include or otherwise be in

communication with processing circuitry 22 that is configurable to perform actions in accordance with example embodiments described herein, The processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, application execution and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 22 may include a processor 24 and memory 28 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a communication interface 26 and, in some cases, a user interface 30. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments taken in the context of the mobile terminal 10, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a portion of a mobile computing device or other mobile terminal.

[0033] The user interface 30 (if implemented) may be in communication with the processing circuitry 22 to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. As such, the user interface may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. The apparatus 20 need not always include a user interface. For example, in instances in which the apparatus is embodied as an access point 12, the apparatus may not include a user interface. As such, the user interface is shown in dashed lines in Figure 2. [0034] The communication interface 26 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In some cases, the communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network 14 and/or any other device or module in communication with the processing circuitry 22, such as between the mobile terminal 10 and the access point 12. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless

communication network and/or a communication modem or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or other methods.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the memory 28 may include one or more non-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus 20 to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of a plurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents or data sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be stored for execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory may be in communication with the processor via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus.

[0036] The processor 24 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a

microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 28 or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry - in the form of processing circuitry 22) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein.

Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0037] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product, such as apparatus 20 of Figure 2, from the perspective of a mobile terminal 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry and/or other device associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 28 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 24 in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer- implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). As such, the operations of Figure 3, when executed, convert a computer or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the operations of Figure 3 define an algorithm for configuring a computer or processing circuitry 22, e.g., processor, to perform an example embodiment. In some cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the algorithm of Figure 3 to transform the general purpose computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment.

[0038] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0039] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included (an example of which is shown in dashed lines in Figure 3). It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features " described herein,

[0040] Referring now to Figure 3, the operations of a method, apparatus and computer program product are configured to determine HARQ timing for an overlapped subframe. As shown in operation 32, the apparatus 20 that is embodied, for example, by the mobile terminal 10 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for determining whether a subframe in a first TDD configuration conflicts with a subframe in a second TDD configuration. A conflict exists in an instance in which a first subframe is a UL subframe and a second subframe is a DL subframe. By way of example and as shown in Figure 4, conflicts exist in subframes 3 and 7 between TDD configuration #2 and TDD configuration #4.

[0041] As shown in operation 34, the apparatus 20 that is embodied, for example, by the mobile terminal 10 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for determining whether a subframe in the first TDD configuration or a subframe in a second TDD configuration is prioritized on a component carrier (CC), for example any of the seven TDD configurations may be compared in operation 34. In some example embodiments and in an instance in which a UL subframe in an overlapped subframe has been scheduled for a UL transmission by a UL grant in a previous DL subframe or there is a UL feedback transmission for a received DL data transmission in previous DL subframe, then the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, will regard the overlapped subframe as UL subframe. In other words the TDD configuration with the UL subframe may be prioritized. Otherwise, the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, may determine an overlapped subframe to be a DL subframe and in some example embodiments may monitor DL control signaling. As is used herein, conflict, overlap or the like may be used to indicate a first subframe and a second subframe that somehow differ, for example with one being a UL subframe and the other being a DL subframe.

[0042] For example and referring to Figure 5a, in an instance in which a UL grant for subframe 8 is received in subframe 4, then the UL subframe, which is the prioritized subframe, of configuration #1 in subframe 8 is considered prioritized. Similarly, if the UL feedback for subframe 4 is configured to be transmitted in subframe 8, then UL subframe in subframe 8 of configuration #1 may also be considered to be prioritized. In either case the UL subframe is the prioritized subframe. Otherwise, if there is no UL transmission in subframe 8, the DL subframe in subframe 8 then is the prioritized subframe.

[0043] In an instance in which a conflict is determined, as is described with reference to operation 32, one or more operations 36, 38 and/or 40 may be used to address the conflict and/or overlap. As is shown in operation 36, the apparatus 20 that is embodied, for example, by the mobile terminal 10 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for causing HARQ timing to follow the TDD configuration of the subframe that is prioritized. HARQ timing may include, but is not limited to the timing between UL grant and Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH); timing between Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) feedback; timing between PUSCH and PHICH feedback

[0044] For example, as is shown in Figure 4 and referring to the conflict found with respect to subframe 3, assuming the UL subframe of configuration #4 is prioritized; the UL grant timing and DL feedback timing of UL subframe then would be configured to depend on the

corresponding HARQ timing of TDD configuration 4. More specifically, the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, may check the UL grant for the UL subframe in subframe 3 according to UL grant timing of subframe 3 in TDD configuration 4 to determine if there is corresponding UL scheduling in subframe 3. The mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like may also check DL feedback timing for UL subframe in subframe 3 according to UL feedback timing of subframe 3 in TDD configuration 4.

[0045] By way of further example, the UL feedback timing of DL subframe in subframe 3 of configuration # 2 as a result may depend on the corresponding timing of TDD configuration 2, More specifically, the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like may check UL feedback for DL subframe in subframe 3 according to UL feedback timing of subframe 3 in TDD configuration 2. Thus allowing for the UL feedback that may have been received in subframe 3 to be received at a later subframe.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, as is shown in operation 38, the apparatus 20 that is embodied, for example, by the mobile terminal 10 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for causing HARQ timing for the subframe that is prioritized to be adjusted using a predetermined offset. For example, the HARQ timing may use a predetermined offset such as a 5ms offset and/or may use the first available subframe preceding or first available subframe following the overlap. Alternatively or additionally, HARQ timing might be adjusted when a UL grant and/or DL feedback is missing because of

corresponding UL subframe is prioritized but not a DL subframe.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the HARQ timing of prioritized subframe may be redefined if existing HARQ timing may not be reused because of a conflict. For example and with reference to Figure 5a, in an instance in which the UL subframe of subframe 3 is prioritized, then, by definition, there would not be UL grant in subframe 3. Thus to schedule subframe 7, a new UL grant timing may be determined. For example, a UL grant could be sent in subframe 1 instead of subframe 3, which is the first DL subframe before subframe 3.

[0048] The mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like may be triggered implicitly, e.g., based on the detection of an UL grant for the corresponding overlapped DL subframe. In another example and with reference to Figure 5b, if there is UL PUSCH in subframe 2 and in subframe 4, another UL grant for subframe 8 is detected, then this may trigger cause an alternate HARQ timing for UL, for example, the mobile terminal 10, may try to detect the PHICH in subframe 9 instead of subframe 8 as originally indicated. [0049] Alternatively or additionally, as is shown in operation 40, the apparatus 20 that is embodied, for example, by the mobile terminal 10 may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like, for causing HARQ timing to be adjusted based on received HARQ timing instructions. For example, HARQ timing could be explicitly indicated in control signaling (e.g. L1/L2/L3) received from a network entity such as access point 12. By way of further example and referring to Figure 5b, PHICH timing of UL subframe 2 in TDD configuration#3 may be indicated in UL grant in DL subframe #4. In some example

embodiments, the PHICH timing may be 5ms. In further example embodiments, an indication that the PHICH will be delayed to a next available subframe may be received. In such an instance, the PHICH timing of UL subframe 2 may follow the 5ms or if that is not possible following the predefined delaying rule, the nearest DL subframe may be used, for example transmit in DL subframe 8.

[0050] In some example embodiments, either of operation 36 or operation 38 may be selected to address a conflict. However in example alternate embodiments, both of operation 36 and 38 may be used. In such example alternate embodiments, the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like may determine a preferred operation based on a number of conflicts, timing or the like and then may apply operation 36 and in instances in which applying operation causes a conflict operation 38 may be invoked.

[0051] In some example embodiments, either of operations 36, 38 or 40 may be selected to address a conflict. However in alternate embodiments, a combination of some or all of operations 36, 38 and/or 40 may be selected to address a conflict. The combinations include, but are not limited to the combination of: operation 36 (e.g. reuse HARQ timing of TDD configuration that contains a prioritized subframe) and operation 38 (e.g. adjust HARQ timing according to offset or rule). For example, operation 36 may be used to determine the HARQ timing according to corresponding TDD configuration. Then, the mobile terminal 10, such as by the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24 or the like may determine that the HARQ timing could not be used since as a result, a corresponding subframe is omitted. In such an instance, the mobile terminal 10 may then use operation 38.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally operations 36 and 40 may be combined. For example in an instance in which a HARQ timing is not received from a network entity, such as access point 12, then operation 36 may be used. Otherwise if HARQ timing indication is received, then operation 40 is selected.

[0053] Advantageously, for example, the systems and methods as described herein may be configured to be used with all TDD DL/UL configurations combinations, which for example may advantageously provide a universal solution. Such solutions described herein may also be used in related inter-frequency CA support with regard to other communications methods such as frequency division duplex.

[0054] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.