Uplink control signaling on a shared communication medium

[Cross-reference of related applications]

[0001] This patent application was filed on November 4, 2015, entitled "UPLINK CONTROL SIGNALING ON A SHARED COMMUNICATION MEDIUM", which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Claims the interests of US Provisional Application Nos. 62/250, 977.

[introduction]

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to telecommunications, and more specifically to operations on shared communication media and the like.

[0003] Wireless communication systems have been widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, data, multimedia and the like. A typical wireless communication system is a multiple access system that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (eg, bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access systems are code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and others. Including things. These systems are Long Term Evolution (LTE®) provided by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) provided by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). ) And EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), often deployed in compliance with specifications such as 802.11 provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

[0004] In cellular networks, "macrocell" access points provide connectivity and coverage to a large number of users across a particular geographic area. Macro network deployments are carefully planned, designed and implemented to provide good coverage across geographic areas. Additional "small cells", typically low power access points, complement traditional macro networks to improve indoor or other specific geographic coverage, such as for residential homes and office buildings. Recently started to be deployed to (supplement). Small cell access points can also provide gradual capacity growth, a richer user experience, and so on.

[0005] Small cell LTE operation has been extended to unlicensed frequency spectra, such as the U-NII (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure) band used by wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. This extension of LTE operation for small cells is designed to increase spectral efficiency and thereby increase the capacity of LTE systems. However, it can also violate the operation of other wireless access technologies (RATs), typically utilizing the same unlicensed band, most notably the IEEE 802.11x WLAN technology commonly referred to as "Wi-Fi". ..

[0006] The following provides a simplified overview of one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, the following outline should not be considered as a broad appearance for all considered aspects, and the following outline may identify the major or important factors associated with all considered aspects. It should not be considered in detail to describe the scope associated with any particular aspect. Therefore, the following overview presents in a simplified form a particular concept relating to one or more aspects relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein prior to the detailed description presented below. The only purpose is to do.

[0007] In one aspect, a method for contending for access to a shared communication medium is to have a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes on the shared communication medium. Communicating according to the defined Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure, with each uplink subframe having a transmission gap period, contention-exempt period, and contention-compliant. Based on the results of the contention procedure, which is divided into periods) to communicate and to implement a contention procedure to compete for access to the shared communication medium during the transmission gap period. And one or more during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure and the selective transmission of one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period. Or including transmitting multiple contention exemption uplink control signals.

[0008] A method for scheduling acquisitions on a shared communication medium is on the shared communication medium according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes by the access terminal. To communicate with the access point, receive the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point at the access terminal, and uplink the communication medium shared to the access point by the access terminal. By transmitting the acknowledgement of the downlink subframe during the subframe, the uplink subframe occurs after at least a predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframe, or from the downlink subframe. Includes transmission, which occurs at least after a predetermined amount of time, or in any combination thereof.

[0009] In one aspect, a device for competing for access to a shared communication medium comprises a transceiver and at least one processor, the at least one processor having the transceiver set of downlink subframes. And to communicate on a shared communication medium according to the TDD frame structure that defines a set of uplink subframes, each uplink subframe has a transmit gap period, a contention exemption period, and a contention compliance period. Based on the results of the contention procedure, the communication is divided into, and the contention procedure for competing for access to the shared communication medium is performed during the transmission gap period. Selective transmission of one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period and one or more during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure. The contention exemption of the uplink control signal is transmitted and is configured to be performed.

[0010] A device for scheduling knowledge on a shared communication medium includes an access terminal transceiver and at least one processor of the access terminal, the at least one processor being in the transceiver of a downlink subframe. Communicating with the access point on the shared communication medium and receiving the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point according to the TDD frame structure that defines the set and the set of uplink subframes. And to send the access point the knowledge of the downlink subframe between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium, the uplink subframe is at least predetermined from the downlink subframe. It is configured to occur after a number of subframes, at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof, to transmit.

[0011] In one aspect, devices for competing for access to a shared communication medium follow a shared communication according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes. and means for communicating on a medium, each uplink sub subframe is the transmission gap period, a contention exemption, and is divided into a contention-compliant period, and means for communicating, the transmission gap period During the contention compliance period, one or more, based on the means for implementing the contention procedure to compete for access to the shared communication medium and the result of the contention procedure. A means for selectively transmitting contention-compliant uplink control signals and one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure. Means for doing so, including.

[0012] A device for scheduling acknowledgement on a shared communication medium is on the shared communication medium according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes by the access terminal. The means for communicating with the access point, the means for receiving the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point at the access terminal, and the communication shared to the access point by the access terminal. A means for transmitting the acknowledgment of a downlink subframe between the uplink subframes of the medium, and does the uplink subframe occur after at least a predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframe? , Includes means for transmission, which occur at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof.

[0013] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium for competing for access to a shared communication medium defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes TDD. Communicating and transmitting, each uplink subframe being divided into a transmission gap period, a contention exemption period, and a contention compliance period, according to the frame structure, to communicate on a shared communication medium. During the gap period, one or more during the contention compliance period, based on the implementation of the contention procedure for competing for access to the shared communication medium and the result of the contention procedure. Selectively send multiple contention-compliant uplink control signals and send one or more contention-free uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure. Includes at least one instruction to do that.

[0014] A non-temporary computer-readable medium for scheduling recognition on a shared communication medium is a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes at the access terminal. According to, at least one instruction for communicating with the access point on the shared communication medium and at least one instruction for causing the access terminal to receive the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point. And, at least one instruction for the access terminal to transmit the knowledge of the downlink subframe to the access point during the uplink subframe of the shared communication medium, and the uplink subframe is the downlink. Occurs at least after a predetermined number of subframes from a subframe, at least after a predetermined amount of time from a downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof, at least one for transmission. Includes one instruction.

Other objectives and advantages related to the embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of the various aspects of the present disclosure and are provided for illustration purposes only, not to limit those aspects.<figref num="1">[0017] FIG. 1 is a system level diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless network environment.</figref><figref num="2">[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="3">[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary uplink subframe structure by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="4">[0020] Figure 4 illustrates another exemplary uplink subframe structure by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="5">[0021] Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary uplink subframe structure by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="6">[0022] FIG. 6 is a multiplexing diagram illustrating an exemplary access terminal multiplexing scheme by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="7">[0023] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing diagram with the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="8">[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary HARQ timing diagram according to the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="9">[0025] Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary HARQ timing diagram with the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="10">[0026] Figure 10 illustrates an example of conflict resolution between two access terminals using the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="11">[0027] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of communication by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="12">[0028] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method of communication by the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="13">[0029] FIG. 13 is a device-level diagram illustrating, in more detail, exemplary components of access points and access terminals.</figref><figref num="14">[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary device represented as a series of interrelated functional modules according to the techniques described herein.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary device represented as a series of interrelated functional modules according to the techniques described herein.</figref>

Detailed explanation

[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to the management of uplink control signaling on a shared communication medium. Uplinks such as physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) defined for long term evolution (LTE) systems to better harmonize with various contention procedures that can be implemented on such shared communication media. One or more subframes of the control channel may be configured to distinguish contention exempt signaling from contention compliant signaling. In this way, transmission gap periods can be introduced that facilitate contention processing for contention-compliant signaling without interference from contention exemption signaling or interference with contention exemption signaling. To improve control channel scheduling for acknowledgement procedures such as hybrid automatic repeat requests (HARQs), the uplink subframe to which acknowledgement signaling will be sent is at least from the downlink subframe that is about to be acknowledged. It can be specified to occur after a predetermined number of subframes, at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframes that are about to be acknowledged, or in combination thereof.

[0033] More specific embodiments of the present disclosure are provided in the following description and related diagrams, which cover various examples provided for exemplary purposes. Alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, well-known aspects of the present disclosure may not be described in detail or may be omitted in order not to obscure the more relevant details.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the information and signals described below may be represented using any of a wide variety of different techniques and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned through the following description may be partly tailored to a particular application, partly to a desired design, or partly. It may be represented by a voltage, current, electromagnetic wave, magnetic field or magnetic particle, light field or light particle, or any combination thereof, depending on the corresponding technique.

[0035] Further, many aspects are described, for example, in terms of a series of actions performed by elements of a computing device. The various actions described herein are performed by specific circuits (eg, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. It will be recognized that it can be done. In addition, for each of the aspects described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspect can be implemented, for example, as "logic configured to" perform the described actions.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a system level diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless network environment, which is shown to include, by way of example, a "primary" radio access technology (RAT) system 100 and a "competing" RAT system 150. Each system can generally receive and / or transmit over wireless links, including information related to various types of communications (eg, voice, data, multimedia services, related control signaling, etc.). It can consist of multiple different wireless nodes. The primary RAT system 100 is shown to include an access point 110 and an access terminal 120 communicating with each other over a wireless link 130. The competing RAT system 150 is shown to include two competing nodes 152 communicating with each other via separate wireless links 132, and also one or more. It may include access points, access terminals, or other types of wireless nodes. As an example, the access point 110 and access terminal 120 of the primary RAT system 100 may communicate over the wireless link 130 according to long term evolution (LTE) technology, while competing (competing) RAT system 150 (competing). competing) Node 152 may communicate over wireless link 132 according to Wi-Fi technology. The illustrated entities are shown for illustrative purposes only, and it will be recognized that each system can support any number of wireless nodes distributed across geographic areas.

[0037] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "access terminal" and "access point" are not intended to be limited or specific to any particular RAT. In general, an access terminal is any wireless communication device (eg, a mobile phone, router, personal computer, server, entertainment device, IOT (Internet of Things) / IOE (Internet) that allows a user to communicate over a communication network. of (Everything) compatible device, in-vehicle communication device, etc.), and in different RAT environments, alternative user device (UD), mobile station (MS), subscriber station (STA), user device (UE), etc. Can be called. Similarly, an access point may operate according to one or several RATs communicating with the access terminal, depending on the network on which the access point is deployed, and instead a base station (BS), network node. , Node B, Evolved Node B (eNB), etc. Such an access point may correspond to, for example, a small cell access point. "Small cells" generally include femtocells, picocells, microcells, wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, other small coverage area access points, etc., or otherwise referred to as low power. Refers to the access point class of. Small cells can be deployed to complement macrocell coverage, which can cover a few blocks in the neighborhood or a few square miles in a rural environment, thereby improving signaling, gradual capacity increase, and more. Brings a rich user experience.

Returning to FIG. 1, the wireless link 130 used by the primary RAT system 100 and the wireless link 132 used by the competing RAT system 150 may operate via the shared communication medium 140. .. This type of communication medium can consist of one or more frequency, temporal, and / or spatial communication resources (eg, including one or more channels across one or more carriers). As an example, the shared communication medium 140 may correspond to at least a portion of the unlicensed frequency band. Different licensed frequency bands are reserved for certain communications (eg, by governmental entities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), but some systems, especially small cell access points. The system using U-NII (the Unlicensed National Information) used by WLAN technology including Wi-Fi Infrastructure) Has extended operation to unlicensed frequency bands such as the band.

[0039] Due to the shared use of the shared communication medium 140, there is a possibility of cross-link interference between the wireless link 130 and the wireless link 132. In addition, some RATs and some jurisdictions may require contention or "listen before talk (LBT)" to access the shared communication medium 140. As an example, medium detects the absence of other traffic on a shared communication medium before each device acquires (and in some cases reserves) a communication medium for its own transmission. A clear channel assessment (CCA) protocol, validated by sensing), may be used. In some designs, the CCA protocol may include different CCA preamble detection (CCA-PD) and CCA energy detection (CCA-ED) mechanisms for yielding intra-RAT and inter-RAT traffic, respectively. .. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) mandates all devices, for example, on certain communication media, such as unlicensed frequency bands, regardless of their RAT.

[0040] As will be described in more detail below, the access point 110 and / or the access terminal 120 will provide or otherwise support the uplink control signaling techniques briefly described above. It can be configured in various ways according to the teachings herein. For example, the access point 110 may include a control channel manager 112 and the access terminal 120 may include a control channel manager 122. The control channel manager 112 and / or the control channel manager 122 can be configured in various ways to manage the uplink control signaling on the shared communication medium 140.

[0041] FIG. 2 is an exemplary Time Division Duplex (TDD) that can be implemented for the primary RAT system 100 in FIG. 1 to facilitate contention-based access to the shared communication medium 140. Illustrate the frame structure.

[0042] The illustrated frame structure is numbered according to the system frame number (SFN) numerology (SFN N, N + 1, N + 2, etc.) and is referenced (eg, SF0, SF1, etc.). Includes a series of radio frames (RF), divided into subframes (SF), which can also be numbered for this purpose. Each respective subframe can be further subdivided into multiple slots (not shown in FIG. 2), which can be further subdivided into multiple symbol periods. As an example, the LTE frame structure is numbered 1024, each consisting of 10 subframes that collectively make up one SFN cycle (eg, lasting 10.24s for a 10ms radio frame with 1ms subframes). Includes system frames that are split into radio frames. Each subframe can have two slots, and each slot can have six or seven symbol periods. The use of frame structures can provide a more natural and efficient coordination between devices compared to ad hoc signaling techniques.

[0043] The exemplary frame structure of FIG. 2 is a TDD in which each subframe can be variously operated as a downlink (D), uplink (U), or special (S) subframe at different times. Generally, the downlink subframe is reserved for transmitting downlink information from the access point 110 to the access terminal 120, and the uplink subframe is reserved for transmitting the uplink information from the access terminal 120 to the access point 110. The special subframe may include downlink and uplink portions separated by a guard period. Different arrangements of downlinks, uplinks, and special subframes can be referred to as different TDD configurations. Returning to the LTE example above, the TDD variant of the LTE frame structure is a 7 (7) TDD configuration (TDD Config0 ~ TDD) where each configuration has a different array of downlinks, uplinks, and special subframes. Includes Config6). For example, some TDD configurations may have more downlink subframes and some may have more uplink subframes to adapt to different traffic scenarios. In the illustrated example in Figure 2, LTE uses a TDD configuration similar to TDD Config 3.

[0044] In some designs, the frame structure of FIG. 2 can be "fixed" in the sense that the position of each frame / subframe can be predetermined with respect to absolute time, but a shared communication medium 140. Due to the contention procedure for accessing the, it may or may not be occupied by the primary RAT signaling in any given instance. For example, if the access point 110 or access terminal 120 fails to win the contention for a given subframe, that subframe can be silent. However, in other designs, the frame structure of FIG. 2 is "flowing" in the sense that the position of each frame / subframe can be dynamically determined with respect to the point where access to the shared communication medium 140 is secured. Can be "floating". For example, the start of a given frame (eg, SFN N) can be delayed in absolute time until the access point 110 or access terminal 120 can win the contention.

[0045] One or more of the uplink subframes to better support uplink control signaling within the primary RAT system 100 on the shared communication medium 140, as described in more detail below. Can be configured in whole or in part to provide an uplink control channel structure that separates contention exempt signaling from contention compliant signaling. Some control signaling may be exempt from contention requirements, for example due to special exemptions for short transmission durations, while other control signaling may be required to comply with the contention rules used. As an example, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) defined for LTE to carry acknowledgement messages, channel quality indicators, scheduling requests, etc. can be modified to separate CCA exempt signaling from CCA compliant signaling. Introduced a transmit gap period that facilitates contention processing for contention-compliant signaling by separating signaling based on contention requirements, without interference from contention exemption signaling or interference with contention exemption signaling. obtain.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary uplink subframe structure that can be implemented for the primary RAT system 100 in FIG. In this design, the uplink subframe or part thereof may include a contention exemption period 302 separated by an intervening transmit (TX) gap period 304 and a separate contention compliance period 306. This design can be referred to as a "pre-affixed" design because the subframe is affixed with a contention exemption period 302 prior to the contention compliance period 306. The configuration of one uplink subframe is shown for illustrative purposes only. Similar configurations can be used for only some of the uplink subframes, for multiple uplink subframes, for other subframes that have a segment dedicated to uplink signaling (eg, special subframes), and for others. For example, it will be recognized that it can be applied.

[0047] During the contention exemption period 302, the access terminal 120 has access to the shared communication medium 140, for example, with any other wireless node in the primary RAT system 100 scheduled for transmission of uplink control signaling. Any such signaling exempted from contention requirements may be sent (eg, short, CCA exempt PUCCH transmission) without conflict for seeking.

[0048] During the transmission gap period 304, transmission by the access point 110, access terminal 120, and any other wireless node in the primary RAT system 100 can be silent. It was shared with any other wireless node in the primary RAT system 100 scheduled, for example, for the transmission of uplink control signaling subject to contention requirements (eg, long, CCA compliant PUCCH transmission). It provides the access terminal 120 with an opportunity to compete with the competing RAT system 150 for access to the communication medium 140. As an example, the access terminal 120 is the size within the transmit gap period 304 (for example, N is bounded by a randomly generated number q as spanning several slots between [1..q]). Signaling can be monitored on the shared communication medium 140 against the CCA backoff threshold across N contention windows (CW).

[0049] In the contention compliance period 306, any of the access terminals 120 and / or other wireless nodes in the primary RAT system 100 that win the contention during the transmission gap period 304 appear to be scheduled. The remaining uplink control signaling may be transmitted to. Otherwise, they may refrain from sending and a suitable retransmission scheduling procedure may be initiated.

[0050] In general, the lengths of the contention exemption period 302, the transmission gap period 304, and the contention compliance period 306 can be fixed or dynamically determined and transmitted (eg, Radio Resource Control (RRC)). (Through signaling). For example, access point 110 may set the length of the transmit gap period 304 to a nominal duration (eg, on the order of tens of microseconds) that is generally sufficient for contention, or conflict (for example). competing) The length of the transmit gap period 304 can be periodically adapted based on the predominant traffic conditions of the RAT system 150. As another example, the access point 110 may extend or reduce the length of the contention exemption period 302 based on the expected number of such transmissions. Therefore, in some cases, the access point 110 can reduce the length of the contention exemption period 302 to zero when no single contention exemption transmission is expected, and the transmission gap period within the uplink subframe. Efficiently move up the position of 304. To protect the silence of transmission gap period 304, its start time and duration can be synchronized across the primary RAT system 100.

[0051] The relative positions of the contention exemption period 302, the transmission gap period 304, and the contention compliance period 306 with respect to the subframe boundary are as described below with reference to FIGS. 4-5. , Can vary in different designs.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary uplink subframe structure that can be implemented for the primary RAT system 100 in FIG. This design is similar to the design in FIG. 3 above, except for the relative position of the contention exemption period 302. This design can be referred to as a "post-affixed" design, as the contention compliance period 306 is followed by a contention exemption period 302 on the subframe.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary uplink subframe structure that can be implemented for the primary RAT system 100 in FIG. This design is also similar to the design in FIG. 3 described above, except for the relative position of the contention exemption period 302. Similar to the design in Figure 4, this design is another example of a "post-affixed" design in that the contention compliance period 306 is followed by a contention exemption period 302 on the subframe. is there. However, in contrast to the design of FIG. 4, the transmission gap period 304 is placed at the end of the subframe after the contention compliance period 306 and the contention exemption period 302. Here, the transmission gap period 304 of the preceding subframe (eg, SF3) provides a contention opportunity for the contention compliance period 306 of the next subframe (eg, SF4).

[0054] Regardless of the particular design used, each of the contention exemption period 302, transmission gap period 304, and contention compliance period 306 is to adapt to the access terminal according to the access terminal multiplexing scheme (eg, for example). It can be subdivided (in frequency or code space across resource elements).

[0055] FIG. 6 is a multiplexing diagram illustrating an exemplary access terminal multiplexing scheme for the uplink subframe structure of FIG. It will be recognized that a similar access terminal multiplexing scheme can be implemented for the uplink subframe structure of FIGS. 4-5.

As shown, each of the contention exemption period 302, transmission gap period 304, and contention compliance period 306 is subdivided across access terminal resources labeled AT-0 to AT-5, for example. Can be done. Specifically, the contention exemption period 302 can be subdivided across the access terminal resources AT-0, AT-1, AT-2, and AT-3, and the transmission gap period 304 and the contention compliance period 306 are access. Can be subdivided across terminal resources AT-4 and AT-5. It will be appreciated that the different access terminal resources presented herein can be utilized by different access terminals or by the same access terminal with multiple transmissions to be sent. For example, access terminal 120 may occupy both access terminal resource AT-0 for its contention-free transmission and access terminal resource AT-4 for its contention-compliant transmission.

[0057] As will be described in more detail below, certain control signaling positions (eg, specific uplink subframes that will be used for a given signal) are shared. It may be scheduled for an acknowledgment (ACK) procedure such as a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a way that better supports its operation on the communication medium 140.

The HARQ timeline is between the time when the access terminal 120 receives a grant of access from access point 110 to PUCCH on the downlink and the time when it sends an ACK to access point 110 on the uplink. Represents a relationship.

[0059] There are some considerations regarding the downlink HARQ timeline. As a first consideration, the access terminal 120 may require some subframes of processing time (eg 4ms in legacy LTE) before it can send an ACK over PUCCH. In addition, the access terminal 120 may need to perform a CCA before transmitting on the PUCCH, such as when it will transmit a long PUCCH. In addition, the access point 110 may provide access terminal 120 with a downlink grant that is valid for multiple TTIs over a variable number of transmission time intervals (TTIs). In this case, the access point 110 may need to determine which grant the access terminal 120 is acknowledging. Yet another consideration is that the access terminal 120 may acknowledge multiple downlink subframes per uplink subframe.

[0060] The present disclosure provides several approaches (exemplified in FIGS. 7-9) to address the considerations mentioned above. Each of the proposed approaches has certain characteristics in common. For example, access terminal 120 can voluntarily send a CCA exemption ACK / NACK (negative knowledge), as defined by a particular approach. In the case of lost ACK / NACK in a CCA exempt transmission (s), the access point 110 can poll the access terminal 120 specifically to send the lost ACK / NACK. The access terminal 120 may send a response to such poll (a poll) via a scheduled CCA compliant ACK / NACK at the location (s) scheduled by the access point 110.

Another common feature relates to the fluid frame structure described above. Attempts can now be made to fit all ACK / NACK responses within the same transmission opportunity (TxOP). When this is not possible with the HARQ timeline (for example, if eight downlink frames are followed by two uplink frames and the processing time of the access terminal 120 is limited to 2ms), then the polling-based method described above The ACK / NACK scheme can be used as a supplement during subsequent TxOPs.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary HARQ timing diagram based on the number of subframes according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. HARQ timing diagram 710 exemplifies a HARQ timeline having a fluid frame structure, and HARQ timing diagram 720 exemplifies a HARQ timeline having a fixed frame structure. Each HARQ timing diagram 710 and 720 illustrates an exemplary pattern in which five downlink subframes are followed by five uplink subframes. However, as will be recognized, depending on the implementation, more or less downlink subframes than 5 downlink subframes, and more or less uplink subframes than 5 uplink subframes. There can be frames.

[0063] As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 2, in the implementation of a fluid frame structure, such as that shown as 710 in FIG. 7, the frame is a frame on which the access point 110 is a medium (eg, a shared communication medium 140). It starts only when you win the contention. Thus, access point 110 may win media contention at 712, the point at which the frame begins, with a scheduling of five downlink subframes followed by five uplink subframes. At the end of the frame, there may be periods during which the medium can be used by other devices or other RATs. During this intervening "don't care" period (from the point of view of access point 110), when access point 110 wins the media contention again at 714, it has five downlink subframes. There is no scheduling of any subframes so that they can start immediately with a frame pattern of 5 uplink subframes following.

[0064] In a fixed frame structure as shown as 720 in FIG. 7, the radio frame is fixed and continuous regardless of whether the access point 110 has control of the medium (eg, the shared communication medium 140). Has a pattern. In such cases, the access point 110 follows the underlying downlink / uplink configuration of the radio frame when it has access to the medium. For example, the radio frame in the 720 consists of 5 downlink subframes followed by 5 uplink subframes, so that the pattern of 5 downlinks and 5 uplink subframes is repeated one after another in time. It is continuous. Although the basic frame structure is fixed in time, the access point 110 may not always beat the media contention in the first downlink subframe of the wireless frame. In the example shown, access point 110 wins media contention at 726. Therefore, the access point 110 will start LBT frame 722, which starts at the fourth subframe (SF3) of the first radio frame and ends after the third subframe (SF2) of the next radio frame. The LBT frame 722 follows the basic radio frame subframe pattern. After the LBT frame 722 concludes, the access point 110 may relinquish control of the medium, but the basic frame structure remains intact and the pattern continues. When the access point 110 regains access to the medium at 728, it adopts the basic configuration of the radio frame for the next LBT frame 724. Therefore, LBT frame 724 begins at the 9th subframe (SF8) of one radio frame and ends at the 8th subframe (SF7) of the next radio frame.

[0065] In both HARQ timing diagrams 710 and 720, the access terminal 120 is the earliest uplink (U) at least after the X subframe from the scheduled downlink subframe, which is counted within the TxOP of the access point 110. ) Attempts to send a CCA exempt ACK for a scheduled downlink (D) subframe in a subframe. For example, if the legacy LTE time lag between receiving a scheduled downlink subframe and sending an ACK about the subframe on the uplink is maintained, then X would be 4 subframes. However, X can be more or less subframes than 4 subframes.

[0066] HARQ Timing In FIG. 710, the access terminal 120 (represented as UE0 in FIG. 7) receives the downlink subframe SF0 from the access point 110 at 712. The access terminal 120 may be ready to ACK the downlink subframe SF0 at subframe SF4 (ie, after 4 subframes from subframe SF0 if X is "4"), however, subframe SF4. Is a downlink subframe, so the access terminal 120 waits until the next uplink subframe, here subframe SF5. At that time, the access terminal 120 can transmit an ACK to the access point 110.

[0067] In HARQ timing diagram 720, the exemplary LBT frame 722 is equal to one TxOP, and another exemplary LBT frame 724 is also equal to one TxOP. As illustrated in HARQ timing diagram 720, the access terminal 120 receives the downlink subframes SF3 and SF4 from the access point 110 during the LBT frame 722. The access terminal 120 may ACK these downlink subframes in the uplink subframes SF7 and SF8 of the LBT frame 722 after 4 subframes. After the uplink subframe, the access terminal 120 receives three more downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 during the LBT frame 722. However, the access terminal 120 cannot ACK these subframes after 4 subframes because the LBT frame 722 has ended. Therefore, the access terminal 120 waits until the next LBT frame, the LBT frame 724, to ACK the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 722. Here, the uplink subframe SF8 in LBT frame 724 is more than 4 subframes later than the downlink subframe SF0 in LBT frame 722, but when the access point 110 clears the shared communication medium 140 (clears). ) Depending on, additional latency can be imposed (however, while additional latency can be imposed, the advantage is that collisions are minimized because the count is based on the number of subframes. Note that there is). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the access terminal 120 ACKs the downlink subframe SF0 in the LBT frame 722 in the uplink subframe SF9 in the LBT frame 724. The access terminal 120 then ACKs the downlink subframes SF1 and SF2 in the LBT frame 722, the LBT frame. Wait until after the downlink subframes SF0 to SF4 in 724. Specifically, the access terminal 120 ACKs the downlink subframe SF1 in the LBT frame 722 in the uplink subframe SF5 in the LBT frame 724, and updates the downlink subframe SF2 in the LBT frame 722 in the LBT frame 724. ACK in link subframe SF6.

[0068] In a further aspect, HARQ bundling can be used when the number of uplink subframes (not illustrated in FIG. 7) is less than the number of downlink subframes. This minimizes access terminal collisions, but can impose increased latency due to the fixed frame structure.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary HARQ timing diagram based on absolute time according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. HARQ timing diagram 810 exemplifies a HARQ timeline having a fluid frame structure, and HARQ timing diagram 820 exemplifies a HARQ timeline having a fixed frame structure. Each HARQ timing diagram 810 and 820 illustrates an exemplary pattern in which five downlink subframes are followed by five uplink subframes. However, as will be recognized, depending on the implementation, more or less downlink subframes than 5 downlink subframes, and more or less uplink subframes than 5 uplink subframes. There can be frames.

[0070] In both HARQ timing diagrams 810 and 820, the access terminal 120 is the earliest up, at least X milliseconds (ms) after the scheduled downlink subframe, which is counted within the TxOP of access point 110. Attempts to send a CCA exemption ACK for the scheduled downlink (D) subframe in the link (U) subframe. For example, if the legacy LTE time lag is maintained, then X would be 4 milliseconds. However, X can be longer or shorter than 4 milliseconds.

[0071] In HARQ timing FIG. 810, the access terminal 120 (represented as UE0 in FIG. 8) receives the downlink subframe SF0 from the access point 110 at 812. The access terminal 120 may be ready to ACK the downlink subframe SF0 at subframe SF4 (ie, at least 4 ms after subframe SF0), however, because subframe SF4 is a downlink subframe. Therefore, the access terminal 120 waits until the next uplink subframe, here subframe SF5. At that time, the access terminal 120 can transmit an ACK to the access point 110.

[0072] In HARQ timing diagram 820, the exemplary LBT frame 822 is equal to one TxOP, and another exemplary LBT frame 824 is also equal to one TxOP. As illustrated in HARQ timing diagram 820, the access terminal 120 receives the downlink subframes SF3 and SF4 from the access point 110 during the LBT frame 822. The access terminal 120 ACKs each of these downlink subframes in the uplink subframes SF7 and SF8 of the LBT frame 822, respectively, after at least 4 milliseconds. After the uplink subframe, the access terminal 120 receives three more downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 during the LBT frame 822. However, the access terminal 120 cannot ACK these subframes after 4 milliseconds because the LBT frame 822 has ended. Therefore, the access terminal 120 waits until the next LBT frame, the LBT frame 824, to ACK the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 822. The access terminal 120 then ACKs the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 822 in the first uplink subframe of the LBT frame 824, that is, the uplink subframe SF8, because of the reason that the LBT frame 822 This is because at least 4 milliseconds after each of the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 is received.

[0073] The access terminal 120 ACKs the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 822 in the first uplink subframe of the LBT frame 824 after at least 4 milliseconds, so that the latency is minimized. Please note. However, due to the reduced latency, there is the potential for greater collisions, at least for the fixed frame structure of the HARQ timeline illustrated in HARQ timing diagram 820. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the ACKs for the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 822 collide in the uplink subframe SF3 of the LBT frame 824, because the uplink subframe SF3 of the LBT frame 824. This is because the access terminal 120 is the next opportunity to send an ACK, and at least 4 milliseconds after each of the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 822.

[0074] In a further aspect, HARQ bundling is used when the number of uplink subframes is less than the number of downlink subframes (not illustrated in FIG. 8), as in the example in Figure 7. Can be done.

[0075] FIG. 9 is an exemplary based on a mixture of the subframe number approach illustrated in FIG. 7 and the absolute time approach illustrated in FIG. 8 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The HARQ timing diagram is illustrated. HARQ timing diagram 910 illustrates a HARQ timeline with a fluid frame structure, and HARQ timing diagram 920 illustrates a HARQ timeline with a fixed frame structure. The HARQ timing diagrams 910 and 920 exemplify an exemplary pattern in which five downlink subframes are followed by five uplink subframes. However, as will be recognized, depending on the implementation, more or less downlink subframes than 5 downlink subframes, and more or less uplink subframes than 5 uplink subframes. There can be frames.

[0076] In both HARQ timing diagrams 910 and 920, the access terminal 120 is at least X milliseconds after the scheduled downlink subframe and the earliest after the Y subframe, which is counted within the TxOP of the access point 110. Attempts to send a CCA exemption ACK for a scheduled downlink (D) subframe in an uplink (U) subframe. For example, if the legacy LTE time lag is maintained, X would be 4 subframes and Y would be 4 milliseconds. However, X can be more or less subframes than 4 subframes, and Y can be longer or shorter than 4 milliseconds.

[0077] HARQ Timing In FIG. 910, the access terminal 120 (represented as "UE0" in FIG. 9) receives the downlink subframe SF0 from the access point 110 at 912. The access terminal 120 may be ready to ACK the downlink subframe SF0 at subframe SF4 (ie, 4 subframes from subframe SF0 and at least 4 ms later), however, the subframe SF4 is a downlink sub. Since it is a frame, the access terminal 120 waits until the next uplink subframe, here subframe SF5. At that time, the access terminal 120 can transmit an ACK to the access point 110.

[0078] In HARQ timing diagram 920, the exemplary LBT frame 922 is equal to one TxOP, and another exemplary LBT frame 924 is also equal to one TxOP. As illustrated in HARQ timing diagram 920, access terminal 120 receives downlink subframes SF3 and SF4 from access point 110 during LBT frame 922. The access terminal 120 ACKs these downlink subframes in the uplink subframes SF7 and SF8 of the LBT frame 922 after 4 subframes and at least 4 milliseconds. After the uplink subframe, the access terminal 120 receives three more downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 during the LBT frame 922. However, the access terminal 120 is unable to ACK the 4 subframes and at least 4 milliseconds after the LBT frame 922 has expired. Therefore, the access terminal 120 waits until the next LBT frame, that is, the LBT frame 924, to ACK the downlink subframes SF0 to SF2 of the LBT frame 922. Here, the access terminal 120 can ACK the downlink subframe SF0 of the LBT frame 922 in the first uplink subframe of the LBT frame 924, that is, the uplink subframe SF8, which is the reason. This is because at least 4 subframes and 4 milliseconds after the downlink subframe SF0 of LBT frame 922. The access terminal can also ACK the downlink subframe SF1 of LBT frame 922 in the next uplink subframe after the uplink subframe SF8, ie, in the uplink subframe SF9, which is in LBT frame 924. The last uplink subframe before the next sequence of downlink subframes. The access terminal 120 then in LBT frame 922 Wait until after the downlink subframes SF0 to SF4 of the LBT frame 924 to ACK the downlink subframe SF2. Specifically, the access terminal 120 ACKs the downlink subframe SF2 in the LBT frame 922 in the uplink subframe SF5 in the LBT frame 924.

[0079] The uplink subframe SF8 of LBT frame 924 is the subframes SF0 to SF2 of LBT frame 922 to 4 subframes and even later than 4 ms, but of the number of subframes illustrated in FIG. Similar to the approach, a mixture of access terminals 120 sending multiple ACKs during the same uplink subframe, as was possible in the absolute timing approach illustrated in Figure 8. Note that the approach prevents. In this way, latency is reduced compared to the subframe number approach illustrated in FIG. 7, and collisions are reduced compared to the absolute time approach illustrated in FIG.

[0080] In a further embodiment, if the number of uplink subframes (not illustrated in FIG. 9) is less than the number of downlink subframes, as in the examples in FIGS. 7 and 8, the HARQ band. Rings can be used.

[0081] In one aspect, PUCCH transmission is multiplexed across access terminals (eg, using frequency division multiplexing (FDM) or code division multiplexing (CDM)) to provide a solution for collisions on the PUCCH. Can be converted. Even with the approach described above with reference to FIGS. 7-9, there is still the potential for PUCCH collisions between multiple access terminals due to channel access and frame structure uncertainty. Thus, the access terminal 120 may choose frequency resources (eg, interlace) based on the relative or absolute time between the uplink and downlink transmissions and / or with the uplink and downlink transmissions. You can choose the CDM code used for multiplexing based on the relative or absolute time between.

[0082] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of conflict resolution between two access terminals operating on a PUCCH using FDM / CDM according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Downlink subframe D, as illustrated by reference number 1010 in FIG.₀There are N subframes between and the uplink subframe U, and the downlink subframe D₁There are N-1 subframes between and the uplink subframe U. The first access terminal (represented as "UE0" in Figure 10) is the downlink subframe D.₀The second access terminal (represented as "UE1" in FIG. 10) receives the downlink subframe D.₁To receive. As illustrated by reference numeral 1020 in FIG. 10, the first access terminal UE0 occupies the frequency interlace 0 and the second access terminal UE1 occupies the frequency interlace 1. By occupying different frequency interlaces, both access terminals UE0 and UE1 can transmit acknowledgements in the same uplink subframe of PUCCH without colliding with each other.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of communication by the techniques described above. Method 1100 can be implemented, for example, by the access terminal 120 illustrated in FIG. 1, which operates on a shared communication medium 140. As an example, the shared communication medium 140 may include one or more time, frequency, or spatial resources on an unlicensed radio frequency band shared between LTE and Wi-Fi technology devices.

[0084] In 1102, the access terminal 120 may communicate on the shared communication medium 140 according to a TDD frame structure defining a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes, with each uplink subframe , Transmission gap period, contention exemption period, and contention compliance period. At 1104, the access terminal 120 may implement a contention procedure for competing for access to the shared communication medium 140 during the transmission gap period. At 1106, the access terminal 120 may selectively transmit one or more contention compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period based on the result of the contention procedure. At 1108, access terminal 120 may transmit one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure performed at 1104.

[0085] As described in more detail above, the uplink control signal may correspond to, for example, PUCCH. The transmission gap period, contention exemption period, and contention compliance period can collectively be part or all of each uplink subframe. A set of uplink subframes may be, for example, at least one subframe entirely dedicated to uplink signaling, at least one subframe partially dedicated to uplink signaling with a downlink portion and an uplink portion, or a combination thereof. May include.

[0086] In some designs, the contention exemption period can precede the transmission gap period and the transmission gap period is contention within each uplink subframe, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3-5. Can precede the compliance period. In other designs, within each uplink subframe, the transmission gap period can precede the contention compliance period and the contention compliance period can precede the contention exemption period. In yet another design, within each uplink subframe, the contention compliance period can precede the contention exemption period and the contention exemption period can precede the transmission gap period.

[0087] As also described in more detail above, performing in 1104, selectively transmitting in 1106, and transmitting in 1108 are transmission gap periods, contention exemption periods, and definitions. It can be performed on a first set of access terminal resources out of a plurality of access terminal resources defined for each of the tension compliance periods.

[0088] FIG. 12 is another flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of communication by the techniques described above. Method 1200 may be implemented, for example, by the access terminal 120 illustrated in FIG. 1, which operates on a shared communication medium 140. As an example, the shared communication medium 140 may include one or more time, frequency, or spatial resources on an unlicensed radio frequency band shared between LTE and Wi-Fi technology devices.

[0089] In 1202, the access terminal 120 may communicate on the shared communication medium 140 according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes. At 1204, the access terminal 120 receives the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium 140 from the access point 110 as described above with reference to FIGS. 7-9.

[0090] In 1206, the access terminal 120 connects the access point 110 to the downlink subframe between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium 140, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7-9. Send an acknowledgment. Acknowledgment can be positive acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK). As mentioned above, the uplink subframes can occur after at least a predetermined number of subframes (eg, 4 subframes) from the downlink subframes (eg, as in FIG. 7) or (eg, 4 subframes). It can occur at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, as in FIG. 8, or in a combination thereof (eg, as in FIG. 9). In one aspect, it can occur. The amount of time can be a predetermined millisecond length (eg, 4 ms).

[0091] In one aspect, transmitting in 1206 may include transmitting downlink subframe knowledge during the TxOP of access point 110 assigned to access terminal 120. In addition, the uplink subframes that occur after at least a predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframes are the current current of the access point 110 assigned to the access terminal 120, as described above with reference to FIG. Or it can be determined based on the count of subframes in the subsequent TxOP. The uplink subframes that occur after at least a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframes can be determined based on absolute time measurements, as described above with reference to FIG. In that case, the uplink subframe that occurs at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe is the access point 110 assigned to the access terminal 120 that occurs at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe. Can be the first uplink subframe of TxOP.

[0092] In one aspect, the acknowledgment can be a CCA exempt acknowledgement. Based on the fact that the access point 110 does not receive the acquisition, the access terminal 120 may receive a request (eg, polling request) from the access point 110 to transmit the knowledge. Accordingly, the access terminal 120 may transmit to the access point 110 another acknowledgement of the downlink subframe during the uplink subframe of the shared communication medium determined by the access point 110. The acknowledgment of the downlink subframe transmitted between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium determined by the access point 110 can be CCA compliant acknowledgement.

[0093] For generality, access point 110 and access terminal 120 are shown in FIG. 1 with only relevant parts, including control channel manager 112 and control channel manager 122, respectively. However, it will be recognized that the access point 110 and the access terminal 120 may be configured in various ways to provide or otherwise support the uplink control signaling techniques described herein.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a device level diagram illustrating in more detail exemplary components of access terminal 120 and access point 110 of the primary RAT system 100. As shown, the access point 110 and the access terminal 120 are generally wireless communication devices (represented by communication devices 1330 and 1350) for communicating with other wireless nodes via at least one designated RAT, respectively. May include. Communication devices 1330 and 1350 (eg, for example messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.) to transmit and encode signals according to a specified RAT, and vice versa, to receive and decode signals. , Can be configured in various ways.

[0095] Communication devices 1330 and 1350 are, for example, primary RAT transceivers 1332 and 1352, respectively, and in some designs, secondary RAT transceivers 1334 and 1354 (eg, competing) co-located (optional). ) Can include one or more transceivers, such as (corresponding to the RAT used by the RAT system 150). As used herein, a "transceiver" may include transmitter circuits, receiver circuits, or a combination thereof, but not all designs need to provide both transmit and receive functionality. For example, if it is not necessary to provide full communication, low-performance receiver circuits may be used in some designs to reduce costs (eg, wireless chips that provide only low-level sniffing or Similar circuit configuration). In addition, as used herein, the term "co-located" (eg, radio, access point, transceiver, etc.) refers to one of a variety of arrangements. Can point. For example, components in the same housing, components hosted by the same processor, components within defined intervals of each other, and / or connected via an interface (eg, an Ethernet® switch), where the interface is A component that meets any required inter-component communication (eg, messaging) latency requirements.

[0096] The access point 110 and the access terminal 120 are also generally used to control the operation of their respective communication devices 1330 and 1350 (eg, directing, modifying, enabling, disabling, etc.), respectively. It may include communication controllers (represented by communication controllers 1340 and 1360). Communication controllers 1340 and 1360 may include one or more processors 1342 and 1362, and one or more memories 1344 and 1364 coupled to processors 1342 and 1362, respectively. The memories 1344 and 1364 may be configured to store data, instructions, or a combination thereof, either as an onboard cache memory, as separate components, in combination, or the like. Processors 1342 and 1362 and memories 1344 and 1364 can be stand-alone communication components or can be part of the respective host system functionality of access point 110 and access terminal 120, respectively.

It will be recognized that control channel manager 112 and control channel manager 122 can be implemented in different ways. In some designs, some or all of the functionality associated with it is at least one processor (eg, one or more of processors 1342 and / or one or more of processors 1362). And can be implemented by at least one memory (eg, one or more of memory 1344 and / or one or more of memory 1364), or otherwise by its instructions. In other designs, some or all of the functionality associated with it can be implemented as a series of interrelated functional modules.

[0098] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary device for implementing a control channel manager 122 represented as a series of interrelated functional modules. In the illustrated example, device 1400 includes module 1402 for communication, module 1404 for implementation, module 1406 for selective transmission, and module 1408 for transmission.

[0099] Module 1402 for communication may be configured to communicate on a shared communication medium 140 according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes, each up. The link subframe is divided into a transmission gap period, a contention exemption period, and a contention compliance period. Module 1404 for implementation may be configured to implement a contention procedure for competing for access to the shared communication medium 140 during the transmission gap period. Module 1406 for selective transmission is configured to selectively transmit one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period based on the results of the contention procedure. obtain. Module 1408 for transmission may be configured to transmit one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the outcome of the contention procedure.

[00100] Figure 15 illustrates another exemplary device for implementing control channel manager 122, represented as a set of interrelated functional modules. In the illustrated example, device 1500 includes module 1502 for communication, module 1504 for reception, and module 1506 for transmission.

[00101] Module 1502 for communication may be configured to communicate on a shared communication medium 140 according to a TDD frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes. Module 1504 for receiving may be configured to receive the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium 140 from the access point 110. Module 1506 for transmission may be configured to transmit the acknowledgement of the downlink subframe to the access point 110 between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium 140. Acknowledgment can be positive acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK). As mentioned above, the uplink subframes can occur after at least a predetermined number of subframes (eg, 4 subframes) from the downlink subframes (eg, as in FIG. 7) or (eg, 4 subframes). It can occur at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, as in FIG. 8, or can occur in combination thereof (eg, as in FIG. 9).

[00102] The functionality of the modules of FIGS. 14-15 can be implemented in various ways consistent with the teachings herein. In some designs, the functionality of these modules can be implemented as one or more electrical components. In some designs, the functionality of these blocks can be implemented as a processing system that includes one or more processor components. In some designs, the functionality of these modules can be implemented, for example, using at least a portion of one or more integrated circuits (eg, ASICs). As described herein, integrated circuits can include processors, software, other related components, or any combination thereof. Thus, the functionality of different modules can be implemented, for example, as different subsets of integrated circuits, as different subsets of a set of software modules, or in combination thereof. It will also be recognized that a given subset (eg, of an integrated circuit and / or of a set of software modules) can provide at least some of the functionality for more than one module. ..

[00103] In addition, the components and features represented by FIGS. 14-15, as well as the other components and features described herein, can be implemented using any suitable means. Such means can also be implemented at least partially using the corresponding structures taught herein. For example, the components described above in conjunction with the components of the "modules for" of FIGS. 14-15 may also correspond to the functionality of the similarly specified "means for". Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of such means is one of the other suitable structures taught herein, including those as processor components, integrated circuits, or algorithms. Or it can be implemented using multiple. Those skilled in the art will recognize the algorithms represented in the above-mentioned text as well as in the sequence of actions that can be represented by pseudo-code in this disclosure. For example, the components and functions represented by FIGS. 14-15 may include code for performing LOAD operations, COMPARE operations, RETURN operations, IF-THEN-ELSE loops, and the like.

[00104] It is understood that any reference to elements herein using, for example, "designation" such as "first", "second", etc., generally does not limit the quantity or order of these elements. Should be. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements or cases of an element. Therefore, references to the first and second elements may allow only two elements to be used there, or in some sense the first element must take precedence over the second element. Doesn't mean. Also, a set of elements may comprise one or more elements, unless otherwise stated otherwise. In addition, "at least one of A, B, or C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" or "A, B, and" as used in the description or claims. The term "at least one of a group of C" means "A or B or C or any combination of these elements". For example, the term includes A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, or 2A, or 2B, or 2C, and the like. obtain.

[00105] In view of the descriptions and explanations above, those skilled in the art may include various exemplary logical blocks, modules, circuits, algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein. You will recognize that it can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To articulate this compatibility of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the design constraints imposed on the particular application and the entire system. One of ordinary skill in the art may implement the described functionality in a variety of ways for a particular application, but the decisions of such implementation shall be construed as causing a deviation from the scope of this disclosure. Should not be done.

[00106] Thus, for example, it is recognized that a device or any component of a device can be configured (or made operable or adapted) to provide the functionality taught herein. become. It provides a device or component, for example, by manufacturing (eg, fabricating) the device or component so that it provides functionality. It can be achieved by programming to be different, or through the use of some other suitable implementation technique. As an example, integrated circuits can be made to provide essential functionality. As another example, integrated circuits can be made to support essential functionality and can be configured to provide essential functionality (eg, via programming). As yet another example, a processor circuit may execute code to provide essential functionality.

[00107] Also, the methods, sequences and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein are described directly in hardware, in software modules executed by a processor, or in combination thereof. Can be embodied. Software modules include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered). It may reside in a), register, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art, temporary or non-temporary. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor (eg, cache memory).

[00108] Thus, for example, it is also recognized that certain aspects of the present disclosure may include temporary or non-temporary computer-readable media that embody a method for communication. Become.

[00109] The aforementioned disclosures exhibit various exemplary embodiments, but with various modifications and amendments to the illustrated examples without departing from the scope of application defined by the appended claims. Note that it can be done. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specifically exemplified examples. For example, unless otherwise specified, the actions, steps, and / or functions of the claims of the methods according to the aspects of the present disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. In addition, certain embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, but the plural is considered unless a limitation to the singular is specified.<u style="single"> The inventions described in the claims at the time of filing the application of the present application are described below.</u><u style="single">[C1]</u><u style="single"> A way of competing for access to shared communication media,</u><u style="single"> Communicating on the shared communication medium according to a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes, and each uplink subframe has a transmission gap period. , Contention exemption period, and Contention compliance period,</u><u style="single"> Performing a contention procedure to compete for access to the shared communication medium during the transmission gap period.</u><u style="single"> To selectively transmit one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period based on the results of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single"> A method comprising transmitting one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the result of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single">[C2]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C1, wherein the uplink control signal corresponds to a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).</u><u style="single">[C3]</u><u style="single"> The method of C1, wherein the transmission gap period, the contention exemption period, and the contention compliance period collectively span only part or all of each uplink subframe.</u><u style="single">[C4]</u><u style="single"> The set of uplink subframes includes at least one subframe entirely dedicated to uplink signaling, at least one subframe partially dedicated to uplink signaling with a downlink portion and an uplink portion, or a combination thereof. The method described in C1 provided.</u><u style="single">[C5]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C1, wherein within each uplink subframe, the contention exemption period precedes the transmission gap period and the transmission gap period precedes the contention compliance period.</u><u style="single">[C6]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C1, wherein within each uplink subframe, the transmission gap period precedes the contention compliance period and the contention compliance period precedes the contention exemption period.</u><u style="single">[C7]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C1, wherein within each uplink subframe, the contention compliance period precedes the contention exemption period and the contention exemption period precedes the transmission gap period.</u><u style="single">[C8]</u><u style="single"> The implementation, the selective transmission, and the transmission are among a plurality of access terminal resources defined for each of the transmission gap period, the contention exemption period, and the contention compliance period. The method described in C1, implemented on the first set of access terminal resources of.</u><u style="single">[C9]</u><u style="single"> A method for scheduling acquisitions on a shared communication medium,</u><u style="single"> Communicating with an access point by an access terminal on the shared communication medium according to a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes.</u><u style="single"> Receiving the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point at the access terminal, and</u><u style="single"> The access terminal transmits the knowledge of the downlink subframe to the access point between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium, and the uplink subframe is transmitted from the downlink subframe. It occurs after at least a predetermined number of subframes, at least a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof.</u><u style="single"> A method.</u><u style="single">[C10]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C9, wherein the shared communication medium comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).</u><u style="single">[C11]</u><u style="single"> The method of C9, wherein the predetermined amount of time comprises a predetermined length in milliseconds.</u><u style="single">[C12]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C9, wherein the acknowledgment comprises a clear channel assessment (CCA) exemption acknowledgment.</u><u style="single">[C13]</u><u style="single"> Receiving a request from the access point to transmit the knowledge at the access terminal based on the fact that the access point does not receive the knowledge.</u><u style="single"> To transmit the acknowledgment of the downlink subframe to the access point by the access terminal during the uplink subframe of the shared communication medium determined by the access point.</u><u style="single"> The method described in C12, further comprising.</u><u style="single">[C14]</u><u style="single"> 13. The method of C13, wherein said knowledge of the downlink subframe transmitted between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium determined by the access point comprises CCA-compliant acknowledgement.</u><u style="single">[C15]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C9, wherein the transmission comprises transmitting the knowledge of the downlink subframe during the transmission opportunity (TxOP) of the access point assigned to the access terminal.</u><u style="single">[C16]</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframes that occur after at least the predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframes are subframes within the current or subsequent transmission opportunity (TxOP) of the access point assigned to the access terminal. The method described in C9, which is determined based on the frame count.</u><u style="single">[C17]</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframe generated from the downlink subframe at least after the predetermined amount of time is determined based on an absolute time measurement.</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframe that occurs at least after the predetermined time amount from the downlink subframe is the access assigned to the access terminal that occurs at least after the predetermined time amount from the downlink subframe. With the first uplink subframe of the point transmission opportunity (TxOP),</u><u style="single"> The method described in C9.</u><u style="single">[C18]</u><u style="single"> The method according to C9, wherein the acknowledgment comprises a positive acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK).</u><u style="single">[C19]</u><u style="single"> A device for competing for access to a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> Transceiver and</u><u style="single"> With at least one processor</u><u style="single"> With</u><u style="single"> The at least one processor is attached to the transceiver.</u><u style="single"> Communicating on the shared communication medium according to a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes, and each uplink subframe has a transmission gap period. , Contention exemption period, and Contention compliance period,</u><u style="single"> Performing a contention procedure to compete for access to the shared communication medium during the transmission gap period.</u><u style="single"> To selectively transmit one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period based on the results of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single"> Regardless of the result of the contention procedure, transmitting one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period.</u><u style="single"> A device that is configured to do.</u><u style="single">[C20]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C19, wherein the uplink control signal corresponds to a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).</u><u style="single">[C21]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C19, wherein the transmission gap period, the contention exemption period, and the contention compliance period collectively cover only a part or the whole of each uplink subframe.</u><u style="single">[C22]</u><u style="single"> The set of uplink subframes includes at least one subframe entirely dedicated to uplink signaling, at least one subframe partially dedicated to uplink signaling with a downlink portion and an uplink portion, or a combination thereof. The device according to C19.</u><u style="single">[C23]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C19, wherein within each uplink subframe, the contention exemption period precedes the transmission gap period and the transmission gap period precedes the contention compliance period.</u><u style="single">[C24]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C19, wherein within each uplink subframe, the transmission gap period precedes the contention compliance period and the contention compliance period precedes the contention exemption period.</u><u style="single">[C25]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C19, wherein within each uplink subframe, the contention compliance period precedes the contention exemption period and the contention exemption period precedes the transmission gap period.</u><u style="single">[C26]</u><u style="single"> The implementation of the contention procedure, the selective transmission of the one or more contention compliant uplink control signals, and the transmission of the one or more contention exempt uplink control signals are said transmission gaps. The device according to C19, carried out on an access terminal resource of a first set of a plurality of access terminal resources defined for each of a period, said contention exemption period, and said contention compliance period.</u><u style="single">[C27]</u><u style="single"> A device for scheduling acquisitions on a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> Access terminal transceiver and</u><u style="single"> With at least one processor of the access terminal</u><u style="single"> With</u><u style="single"> The at least one processor is attached to the transceiver.</u><u style="single"> Communicating with an access point on the shared communication medium according to a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes.</u><u style="single"> Receiving the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point,</u><u style="single"> Sending the acknowledgment of the downlink subframe to the access point between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium, and the uplink subframe is at least predetermined from the downlink subframe. Occurs after a number of subframes, at least a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof.</u><u style="single"> A device that is configured to do.</u><u style="single">[C28]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C27, wherein the shared communication medium comprises a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).</u><u style="single">[C29]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C27, wherein the predetermined amount of time has a predetermined length in milliseconds.</u><u style="single">[C30]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C27, wherein the acknowledgment comprises a clear channel assessment (CCA) exemption acknowledgment.</u><u style="single">[C31]</u><u style="single"> The at least one processor is attached to the transceiver.</u><u style="single"> Receiving a request from the access point to transmit the acknowledgment based on the access point not receiving the acknowledgment.</u><u style="single"> To transmit the acknowledgement of the downlink subframe to the access point during the uplink subframe of the shared communication medium determined by the access point.</u><u style="single"> The device according to C30, further configured to allow.</u><u style="single">[C32]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C31, wherein said knowledge of the downlink subframe transmitted between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium determined by the access point comprises CCA compliant acknowledgement.</u><u style="single">[C33]</u><u style="single"> The configuration is such that the at least one processor causes the transceiver to transmit, so that the at least one processor gives the transceiver a transmission opportunity for the access point assigned to the access terminal. The device according to C27, comprising being configured to transmit said knowledge of the downlink subframe during TxOP).</u><u style="single">[C34]</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframes that occur after at least the predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframes are subframes within the current or subsequent transmission opportunity (TxOP) of the access point assigned to the access terminal. The device according to C27, which is determined based on the frame count.</u><u style="single">[C35]</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframe generated from the downlink subframe at least after the predetermined amount of time is determined based on an absolute time measurement.</u><u style="single"> The uplink subframe that occurs at least after the predetermined time amount from the downlink subframe is the access assigned to the access terminal that occurs at least after the predetermined time amount from the downlink subframe. With the first uplink subframe of the point transmission opportunity (TxOP),</u><u style="single"> The device described in C27.</u><u style="single">[C36]</u><u style="single"> The device according to C27, wherein the acknowledgment comprises a positive acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK).</u><u style="single">[C37]</u><u style="single"> A device for competing for access to a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> Means for communicating according to a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes on the shared communication medium, and each uplink subframe is transmitted. Divided into Gap period, Contention exemption period, and Contention compliance period,</u><u style="single"> Means for implementing contention procedures for competing for access to the shared communication medium during the transmission gap period.</u><u style="single"> Means for selectively transmitting one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period based on the results of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single"> A means for transmitting one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period, regardless of the result of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single"> A device that comprises.</u><u style="single">[C38]</u><u style="single"> A device for scheduling acquisitions on a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> Means for communicating with an access point by an access terminal according to a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes on the shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> A means for receiving a downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point at the access terminal, and</u><u style="single"> A means for transmitting the knowledge of the downlink subframe between the uplink subframes of the shared communication medium to the access point by the access terminal, and the uplink subframe is the downlink subframe. It occurs after at least a predetermined number of subframes from the frame, at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof.</u><u style="single"> A device that comprises.</u><u style="single">[C39]</u><u style="single"> A non-temporary computer-readable medium for competing for access to a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> On the shared communication medium, at least one instruction for communicating according to a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes, and each uplink subframe. Is divided into a transmission gap period, a contention exemption period, and a contention compliance period,</u><u style="single"> During the transmission gap period, at least one instruction for executing a contention procedure for competing for access to the shared communication medium, and</u><u style="single"> With at least one instruction for selectively transmitting one or more contention-compliant uplink control signals during the contention compliance period, based on the results of the contention procedure.</u><u style="single"> Regardless of the result of the contention procedure, at least one instruction for transmitting one or more contention exemption uplink control signals during the contention exemption period.</u><u style="single"> A non-temporary computer-readable medium that comprises.</u><u style="single">[C40]</u><u style="single"> A non-transitory computer-readable medium for scheduling acquisitions on a shared communication medium.</u><u style="single"> At least one for the access terminal to communicate with the access point on the shared communication medium according to a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure that defines a set of downlink subframes and a set of uplink subframes. Instructions and</u><u style="single"> At least one instruction to cause the access terminal to receive the downlink subframe of the shared communication medium from the access point.</u><u style="single"> At least one instruction for causing the access terminal to transmit the knowledge of the downlink subframe to the access point during the uplink subframe of the shared communication medium, and the uplink subframe It occurs after at least a predetermined number of subframes from the downlink subframe, at least after a predetermined amount of time from the downlink subframe, or in any combination thereof.</u><u style="single"> A non-temporary computer-readable medium that comprises.</u>