Method performed by user equipment, and user equipment

Abstract

A method performed by user equipment, including: step A of acquiring time-domain configuration information and/or time-domain indication information; and step B of determining timing-related information according to the time-domain configuration information and/or the time-domain indication information and/or other information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method performed by user equipment, and user equipment.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication refers to communication between a vehicle and any entity that may affect the vehicle. Typical V2X communication includes V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure), V2N (Vehicle-to-Network), V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle), V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian), etc. 3GPP's LTE standards support V2V communication (3GPP V2X phase 1) from Rel-14, and V2X communication (3GPP V2X phase 2) from Rel-15. In the 3GPP standard specifications, the V2V and V2X are both based on D2D (Device to Device) technology, and a corresponding interface between UE and UE is referred to as PC5, also referred to as a “direct” or “side” link (sidelink, or SL for short), to distinguish from uplink (UL for short) and downlink (DL for short).

As 5G NR (see Non-Patent Document 1, hereinafter referred to as 5G for short, or NR, or NR Rel-15, or 5G Rel-15) standardization work progresses, and the 3GPP identifies more advanced V2X service (eV2X service) demands, 3GPP V2X phase 3, i.e., 5G V2X, is on the agenda. In June 2018, a new study item (see Non-Patent Document 2, hereinafter referred as 5G V2X study item for short, or V2X Phase 3 study item) on 3GPP 5G V2X was approved at the 3GPP RAN #80 plenary session. In March 2019, a new work item on 3GPP 5G V2X (see Non-Patent Document 3, hereinafter referred as 5G V2X work item for short) was approved at the 3GPP RAN #83 plenary session. Goals of the 5G V2X work item include:

• • design of SL signals, channels, bandwidth parts (BWP), and resource pools;
  • design of resource allocation mechanisms;
  • design of SL synchronization mechanisms;
  • coexistence of SL operations for LTE and NR;
  • SL physical layer procedures, e.g., a HARQ (hybrid automatic repeat request) procedure, CSI (channel-state information) acquisition and power control, etc.;
  • congestion control;
  • layer 2/layer 3 protocols and signaling;
  • control of an LTE SL over an NR Uu interface;
  • gNB scheduling based on UE reporting assistance information; and
  • QoS management.

In 5G V2X, a physical layer of an SL interface supports broadcast, groupcast, and unicast transmissions in in-coverage, out-of-coverage, and partial-coverage scenarios.

5G V2X supports an SL synchronization function. Relevant signals and channels include:

• • an SL PSS (sidelink primary synchronization signal), also known as S-PSS, or PSSS (primary sidelink synchronization signal);
  • an SL SSS (sidelink secondary synchronization signal), also known as S-SSS or SSSS (secondary sidelink synchronization signal); and
  • a PSBCH (physical sidelink broadcast channel).

In 5G V2X, a SL PSS, a SL SSS, and a PSBCH are organized into the form of a block in a time-frequency resource grid, called SL SSB (sidelink SS/PBCH block, sidelink synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel block), or S-SSBs. The transmission bandwidth of a SL SSB is within an SL BWP (sidelink bandwidth part) configured for UE. The SL PSS and/or the SL SSS may carry an SL SSID (sidelink synchronization identity, or sidelink synchronization identifier, or sidelink synchronization signal identity, or sidelink synchronization signal identifier), and the PSBCH may carry an SL MIB (sidelink master information block, also referred to as S-MIB or MIB-SL or MIB-SL-V2X).

A synchronization source (sometimes also referred to as a synchronization reference, or as a synchronization reference source) for 5G V2X may include a GNSS (global navigation satellite system), a gNB, an eNB, and NR UE. The priority definition of the synchronization sources is shown in Table 1. UE uses (pre)configuration information to determine whether to use “GNSS-based synchronization” or “gNB/eNB-based synchronization.” Examples of the GNSS include the GPS (Global Positioning System), the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), the BeiDou (Beidou Navigation Satellite System), the Galileo (Galileo Navigation Satellite System), the QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), etc.

TABLE 1
5G V2X synchronization source priority
		GNSS-based	gNB/eNB-based
	Priority	synchronization	synchronization
	P0	GNSS	gNB/eNB
	P1	All UE directly	All UE directly
		synchronized to GNSS	synchronized to gNB/eNB
	P2	All UE indirectly	All UE indirectly
		synchronized to GNSS	synchronized to gNB/eNB
	P3	Any other UE	GNSS
	P4	N/A	All UE directly
			synchronized to GNSS
	P5	N/A	All UE indirectly
			synchronized to GNSS
	P6	N/A	Any other UE

In the out-of-coverage scenario, and in an RRC_IDLE state, one SL BWP may be (pre)configured on one 5G V2X carrier. In the in-coverage scenario, there is only one active SL BWP on one 5G V2X carrier. One or a plurality of resource pools (which refers to a time-frequency resource set that can be used for SL transmission and/or reception) may be (pre)configured on one SL BWP.

Resource allocation modes for 5G V2X may be categorized as follows:

• • Mode 1: A base station schedules SL resources for SL transmission.
  • Mode 2: UE determines the SL resources for SL transmission (i.e., the base station does not participate in scheduling of the SL resources).

Other channels involved in 5G V2X include at least:

• • a PSSCH (physical sidelink shared channel);
  • a PSCCH (physical sidelink control channel); and
  • a PSFCH (physical sidelink feedback channel).

In 5G V2X, transmitter UE can schedule, through SCI (sidelink control information) carried by the PSCCH, transmission of data carried by the PSSCH (in the form of transport blocks (TBs)); receiver UE can indicate, through HARQ feedback information carried in the PSFCH, whether a transport block has been correctly received. Depending on factors such as whether unicast or groupcast or broadcast transmission is being scheduled, and whether HARQ feedback is required, the SCI may at least include one or more of the following:

• • a layer-1 source identifier (layer-1 source ID), or a physical layer source identifier (physical layer source ID);
  • a layer-1 destination identifier (layer-1 destination ID), or a physical layer destination identifier (physical layer source ID);
  • a HARQ process identifier (HARQ process ID), or a HARQ process number;
  • a new data indicator (NDI); and
  • a redundancy version (RV).

In 5G V2X, a method for multiplexing a PSCCH and a PSSCH associated therewith at least includes: a part of the PSCCH and a part of the PSSCH associated therewith use resources overlapping in the time domain but not overlapping in the frequency domain, and another part of the PSCCH and/or another part of the PSSCH use resources not overlapping in the time domain.

In 5G V2X, potential issues of the SL design include at least:

• • in the case where a GNSS is used as a synchronization reference source, how to calculate or derive complete timing information of a sidelink such as a direct frame number (DFN), a direct subframe number, and a direct slot number.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Non-Patent Documents

• Non-Patent Document 1: RP-181474, Revised WID on New Radio Access Technology
• Non-Patent Document 2: RP-181429, New SID: Study on 5G V2X
• Non-Patent Document 3: RP-190766, New WID on 5G V2X with NR sidelink

SUMMARY

In order to address at least part of the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a method performed by user equipment, and user equipment.

According to the present invention, proposed is a method performed by user equipment, including: step A of acquiring time-domain configuration information and/or time-domain indication information; and step B of determining timing-related information according to the time-domain configuration information and/or the time-domain indication information and/or other information.

The time-domain configuration information and the time-domain indication information may include one or more of a time zero, a reference time, a target time, and a timing offset.

Herein, the time zero, the reference time, the target time, and the timing offset may each correspond to one parameter.

Herein, the parameter(s) may be configured in a semi-static manner or a dynamic manner.

Additionally, the timing-related information may be timing information of a sidelink (SL).

The timing information of the sidelink may include one or more of a hyper direct frame number, a direct frame number, a direct half-frame number, a direct subframe number, and a direct slot number.

Herein, the direct slot number may be the number of a direct slot in a hyper direct frame, or the number thereof in a direct frame, or the number thereof in a direct half-frame, or the number thereof in a direct subframe.

Furthermore, the direct slot number can be calculated using any one of the following formulas (1) to (20):n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)  (1)n_directslot=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)  (2)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)  (3)n_directslot=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)  (4)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})  (5)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})  (6)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})  (7)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})  (8)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)  (9)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)   (10)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)   (11)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)  (12)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directframe,μ}  (13)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ})  (14)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ})  (15)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ})  (16)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}  (17)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ})  (18)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}  (19)n_directslot=└((T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)−└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘)/T_directslot^μ┘  (20)where n_directslot is the direct slot number;

• • T_directslot^μ is the length of each direct slot;
  • T_target is the target time;
  • T_ref is the reference time;
  • ΔT is the timing offset;
  • μ is a subcarrier spacing configuration corresponding to the sidelink;
  • N_directslot^{directframe,μ} is the number of direct slots included in each direct frame;
  • N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ} is the number of direct frames included in each hyper direct frame;
  • N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} is the number of direct slots included in each direct subframe;
  • N_{directsubfmame}^{directframe,μ} is the number of direct subframes included in each direct frame;
  • N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ} is the number of direct half-frames included in each direct frame;
  • N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ} is the number of direct slots included in each direct half-frame;
  • N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ} is the number of direct subframes included in each direct half-frame;
  • N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} is the number of direct slots included in each direct subframe;
  • N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ is the number of hyper direct frames included in each hyper direct frame numbering period; and
  • N_directframe^μ is the number of direct frames included in each direct frame numbering period.

Furthermore, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in the hyper direct frame numbering period, or the number thereof in the direct frame numbering period.

Additionally, according to the present invention, proposed is user equipment, including: a processor; and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when run by the processor, perform the above method.

According to the present invention, it is possible to derive a timing-related parameter of an SL such as a hyper direct frame number, a direct frame number, a direct half-frame number, a direct subframe number, and a direct slot number by using one or more of a time zero, a reference time, a target time, and a timing offset, for example, using a current UTC time, so that all user equipment (UE) and base stations and/or other entities operating on the SL can be synchronized in the timing parameter, ensuring correct transmission and reception of the user equipment (UE) and base stations and/or other entities on the SL.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a frame structure corresponding to a sidelink.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing user equipment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described below. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies not directly related to the present invention are omitted for the sake of brevity, in order to avoid obscuring the understanding of the present invention.

In the following description, a 5G mobile communication system and its later evolved versions are used as exemplary application environments to set forth a plurality of embodiments according to the present invention in detail. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following implementations, but is applicable to many other wireless communication systems, such as a communication system after 5G and a 4G mobile communication system before 5G.

Some terms involved in the present invention are described below. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used in the present invention adopt the definitions herein. The terms given in the present invention may vary in LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, NR, and subsequent communication systems, but unified terms are used in the present invention, when applied to a specific system, the terms may be replaced with terms used in the corresponding system.

• • 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project
  • AS: Access Stratum
  • BWP: Bandwidth Part
  • CA: Carrier Aggregation
  • CCE: Control Channel Element
  • CORESET: Control Resource Set
  • CP: Cyclic Prefix
  • CP-OFDM: Cyclic Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
  • CRB: Common Resource Block
  • CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check
  • CSI: Channel-State Information
  • CSS: Common Search Space
  • DC: Dual Connectivity
  • DCI: Downlink Control Information
  • DFN: Direct Frame Number
  • DFT-s-OFDM: Discrete Fourier Transformation Spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
  • DL: Downlink
  • DL-SCH: Downlink Shared Channel
  • DM-RS: Demodulation Reference Signal
  • eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband, enhanced mobile broadband communication
  • eNB: E-UTRAN Node B
  • E-UTRAN: Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network
  • FDRA: Frequency Domain Resource Assignment
  • FR1: Frequency Range 1
  • FR2: Frequency Range 2
  • GLONASS: Global Navigation Satellite System
  • gNB: NR Node B
  • GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System
  • GPS: Global Positioning System
  • HARQ: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request
  • IE: Information Element
  • IP: Internet Protocol
  • LCID: Logical Channel ID, Logical Channel Identifier
  • LTE: Long Term Evolution
  • LTE-A: Long Term Evolution-Advanced
  • MAC: Medium Access Control
  • MAC CE: MAC Control Element
  • MCG: Master Cell Group
  • MIB: Master Information Block
  • MIB-SL: Master Information Block-Sidelink
  • MIB-SL-V2X: Master Information Block-Sidelink-V2X
  • MIB-V2X: Master Information Block-V2X
  • mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication
  • NAS: Non-Access Stratum
  • NDI: New Data Indicator
  • NR: New Radio
  • NUL: Normal Uplink
  • OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
  • PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel
  • PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel
  • PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol.
  • PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel
  • PSBCH: Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel
  • PSCCH: Physical Sidelink Control Channel
  • PSFCH: Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel
  • PSSCH: Physical Sidelink Shared Channel
  • PRB: Physical Resource Block
  • PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal
  • PSSS: Primary Sidelink Synchronization Signal
  • PTAG: Primary Timing Advance Group
  • PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel
  • PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel
  • QCL: Quasi Co-Location
  • QoS: Quality of Service
  • QZSS: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System
  • RAR: Random Access Response
  • RB: Resource Block
  • RE: Resource Element
  • REG: Resource-Element Group
  • RF: Radio Frequency
  • RLC: Radio Link Control
  • RNTI: Radio Network Temporary Identifier
  • RRC: Radio Resource Control
  • RV: Redundancy Version
  • S-BWP: Sidelink Bandwidth Part
  • S-MIB: Sidelink Master Information Block
  • S-PSS: Sidelink Primary Synchronization Signal
  • S-SSB: Sidelink SS/PBCH Block (Sidelink Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Block)
  • S-SSS: Sidelink Secondary Synchronization Signal
  • SCG: Secondary Cell Group
  • SCI: Sidelink Control Information
  • SCS: Subcarrier Spacing
  • SDAP: Service Data Adaptation Protocol
  • SFN: System Frame Number
  • SIB: System Information Block
  • SL: Sidelink
  • SL BWP: Sidelink Bandwidth Part
  • SL MIB: Sidelink Master Information Block
  • SL PSS: Sidelink Primary Synchronization Signal
  • SL SS: Sidelink Synchronization Signal
  • SL SSID: Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identity (or Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identifier)
  • SL SSB: Sidelink SS/PBCH Block (Sidelink Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Block)
  • SL SSS: Sidelink Secondary Synchronization Signal
  • SLSS: Sidelink Synchronization Signal
  • SLSS ID: Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identity (or Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identifier)
  • SLSSID: Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identity (or Sidelink Synchronization Signal Identifier)
  • SpCell: Special Cell
  • SRS: Sounding Reference Signal
  • SSB: SS/PBCH Block (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Block)
  • SSS: Secondary Synchronization Signal
  • SSSS: Secondary Sidelink Synchronization Signal
  • STAG: Secondary Timing Advance Group
  • SUL: Supplementary Uplink
  • TA: Timing Advance
  • TAG: Timing Advance Group
  • TB: Transport Block
  • TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
  • TDD: Time Division Duplexing
  • TPC: Transmit Power Control
  • UE: User Equipment
  • UL: Uplink
  • UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • URLLC: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication
  • USS: UE-specific Search Space
  • V2I: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure
  • V2N: Vehicle-to-Network
  • V2P: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian
  • V2V: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
  • V2X: Vehicle-to-Everything

Unless otherwise specified, in all embodiments and implementations of the present invention,

• • An SL MIB (Sidelink Master Information Block) may also be referred to as an S-MIB, or an MIB-SL. Optionally, when used in a V2X service, the SL MIB refers to an MIB-SL-V2X.
  • A synchronization reference source may also be referred to as a synchronization reference, or a synchronization source.

Embodiment 1

A method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the steps performed by the user equipment (UE) include: step S101 and step S103.

Specifically, in step S101, time-domain configuration information and/or time-domain indication information is acquired, wherein:

• • the time-domain configuration information and/or the time-domain indication information may include one or more of the following:
    • Time zero, wherein:
      • Optionally, the time zero may use UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, also known as world uniform time, or world standard time, or international coordinated time), or may use GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), or may use other time standards and/or time formats.
      • Optionally, the time zero may be represented by a numerical value (for example, a real number, or a decimal number, or a fractional number, or an integer), denoted as T₀. For example, T₀=0.
      • Optionally, the value of the time zero may be expressed in milliseconds, or in seconds, or in microseconds, or in nanoseconds, or in other time units.
      • Optionally, the time zero may be a predefined time. For example, the time zero may be 00:00:00 on Jan. 1, 1900 in the Gregorian calendar (in this case, optionally, the time zero may also be expressed as the midnight between Thursday, Dec. 31, 1899 and Friday, Jan. 1, 1900).
      • Optionally, the time zero may correspond to a time zero parameter (e.g., timeZero). The time zero parameter may be set as a predefined value, or may be configured or pre-configured in a semi-static manner, or may be indicated in a dynamic manner, wherein:
        • Optionally, the time zero parameter may be included in an RRC message or a PC5 RRC message, for example, included in an MIB, or included in an SIB, or included in an MIB-SL, or included in an PSBCH payload, or included in pre-configuration information, or included in default configuration information, or included in other RRC messages or PC5 RRC messages.
        • Optionally, the time zero parameter may be included in a MAC CE.
        • Optionally, the time zero parameter may be included in downlink control information (DCI).
        • Optionally, the time zero parameter may be included in sidelink control information (SCI).
      • Optionally, the time zero may not be explicitly defined. For example, when the elapsed time (e.g., expressed in milliseconds) that has elapsed from a first time (e.g., a reference time as mentioned below) to a second time (e.g., a target time as mentioned below) is being determined, the elapsed time may be independent of a specific definition of the time zero.
    • Reference time, wherein:
      • Optionally, the reference time may use UTC, or may use GMT, or may use other time standards and/or time formats.
      • Optionally, the reference time may be represented by a numerical value (for example, a real number, or a decimal number, or a fractional number, or an integer), denoted as T_ref.
      • Optionally, the value of the reference time may be expressed in milliseconds, or in seconds, or in microseconds, or in nanoseconds, or in other time units.
      • Optionally, the value of the reference time may be equal to the elapsed time (e.g., expressed in milliseconds) that has elapsed from the time zero to the reference time.
      • Optionally, the reference time may be a predefined time. For example, the reference time may be 00:00:00 on Jan. 1, 1900 in the Gregorian calendar (in this case, optionally, the reference time may also be expressed as the midnight between Thursday, Dec. 31, 1899 and Friday, Jan. 1, 1900.)
      • Optionally, the reference time and the time zero may be the same time (e.g., in this case, T_ref=0).
      • Optionally, the reference time may correspond to a reference-time parameter (e.g., refTime). The reference time parameter may be set to a predefined value, or may be configured or pre-configured in a semi-static manner, or may be indicated in a dynamic manner, wherein:
        • Optionally, the reference time parameter may be included in an RRC message or a PC5 RRC message, for example, included in an MIB, or included in an SIB, or included in an MIB-SL, or included in an PSBCH payload, or included in pre-configuration information, or included in default configuration information, or included in other RRC messages or PC5 RRC messages.
        • Optionally, the reference time parameter may be included in a MAC CE.
        • Optionally, the reference time parameter may be included in downlink control information (DCI).
        • Optionally, the reference time parameter may be included in sidelink control information (SCI).
    • Target time, wherein:
      • Optionally, the target time may use UTC, or may use GMT, or may use other time standards and/or time formats.
      • Optionally, the target time may be represented by a numerical value (for example, a real number, or a decimal number, or a fractional number, or an integer), denoted as T_target.
      • Optionally, the value of the target time may be expressed in milliseconds, or in seconds, or in microseconds, or in nanoseconds, or in other time units.
      • Optionally, the value of the target time may be equal to the elapsed time (e.g., expressed in milliseconds) that has elapsed from the time zero to the target time.
      • Optionally, the target time may be a current time. In this case, optionally, T_target may also be denoted as T_currect.
      • Optionally, the target time may be a specified time in the past or in the future.
      • Optionally, the target time may correspond to a target time parameter (e.g., targetTime). The target time parameter may be set to a predefined value, or may be configured or pre-configured in a semi-static manner, or may be indicated in a dynamic manner, wherein:
        • Optionally, the target time parameter may be included in an RRC message or a PC5 RRC message, for example, included in an MIB, or included in an SIB, or included in an MIB-SL, or included in an PSBCH payload, or included in pre-configuration information, or included in default configuration information, or included in other RRC messages or PC5 RRC messages.
        • Optionally, the target time parameter may be included in a MAC CE.
        • Optionally, the target time parameter may be included in downlink control information (DCI).
        • Optionally, the target time parameter may be included in sidelink control information (SCI).
      • Optionally, the target time may be acquired from a GNSS, wherein:
        • Optionally, when the UE selects a GNSS as a synchronization reference source, the target time is acquired from the GNSS.
        • Optionally, the GNSS may be the GPS (Global Positioning System), or may be the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), or may be the BeiDou (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System), or may be the Galileo (Galileo Navigation Satellite System), or may be the QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), or may be other satellite systems, or may be a combination of different satellite systems.
      • Optionally, the target time may be acquired from an internal clock of the UE, or may be acquired from a gNB, or may be acquired from an eNB, or may be acquired from other UE(s), or may be acquired from other time sources or clock sources.
    • Timing offset, wherein:
      • Optionally, the timing offset may be represented by a numerical value (for example, a real number, or a decimal number, or a fractional number, or an integer), denoted as Δ_T.
      • Optionally, the value of the timing offset may be expressed in milliseconds, or in seconds, or in microseconds, or in nanoseconds, or in other time units.
      • Optionally, the timing offset may be a predefined value. For example, Δ_T=0.
      • Optionally, the timing offset may correspond to a timing offset parameter (e.g., offsetDFN). The timing offset parameter may be set to a predefined value, or may be configured or pre-configured in a semi-static manner, or may be indicated in a dynamic manner, wherein:
        • Optionally, the value of the timing offset parameter is from a predefined set. For example, the predefined set may be {0, 1, . . . , 1000}, where 0 corresponds to 0 milliseconds, 1 corresponds to 0.001 milliseconds, 2 corresponds to 0.002 milliseconds, and so on. Optionally, there is one corresponding element −x for each non-zero element x in the predefined set.
        • Optionally, if the timing offset parameter has been configured, then Δ_T is equal to a value configured by the timing offset parameter; otherwise Δ_T=0.
        • Optionally, if the timing offset parameter has been indicated, then Δ_T is equal to a value indicated by the timing offset parameter; otherwise Δ_T=0.
        • Optionally, the timing offset parameter may be included in an RRC message or a PC5 RRC message, for example, included in an MIB, or included in an SIB, or included in an MIB-SL, or included in an PSBCH payload, or included in pre-configuration information, or included in default configuration information, or included in other RRC messages or PC5 RRC messages.
        • Optionally, the timing offset parameter may be included in a MAC CE.
        • Optionally, the timing offset parameter may be included in downlink control information (DCI).
        • Optionally, the timing offset parameter may be included in sidelink control information (SCI).

Additionally, in step S103, timing-related information is determined according to the time-domain configuration information and/or the time-domain indication information and/or other information. For example, timing information of a sidelink (SL) is determined.

• • wherein:
    • Optionally, the sidelink is an interface for communication between UEs. Optionally, the interface may also be referred to as an PC5 interface. Optionally, the communication between the UEs may be referred to as sidelink communication or SL communication (e.g., V2X SL communication). Optionally, the SL communication occurs between two or more neighboring UEs. Optionally, the SL communication uses NR technology; optionally, in this case, the SL communication may also be referred to as NR SL communication. Optionally, the SL communication does not traverse any network node (e.g., a gNB, etc.).
    • Optionally, the timing-related information may be used for the SL communication, or may be used for other purposes.
    • Optionally, a subcarrier spacing configuration (SCS configuration) corresponding to the sidelink may be μ. For example, a subcarrier spacing configuration (pre)configured for an SL carrier corresponding to the sidelink is μ. As another example, a subcarrier spacing configuration (pre)configured for an SL BWP corresponding to the sidelink is μ. As another example, a subcarrier spacing configuration (pre)configured for an SL SSB (or S-SSB) corresponding to the sidelink is μ. As another example, a subcarrier spacing configuration (pre)configured for a resource pool corresponding to the sidelink is μ, wherein:
      • Optionally, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) corresponding to μ may be Δf. For example, μ=0 corresponds to Δf=15 kHz. As another example, μ=1 corresponds to Δf=30 kHz. As another example, μ=2 corresponds to Δf=60 kHz. As another example, μ=3 corresponds to Δf=120 kHz. As another example, μ=4 corresponds to Δf=240 kHz. As another example, for any given ρ, Δf=2^μ·15 kHz.
    • Optionally, in a frame structure corresponding to the sidelink,
      • optionally, each hyper direct frame (or referred to as a direct hyper frame) numbering period may include N_{hyperd1recframe}^μ hyper direct frames. Optionally, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ may be equal to 1024, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, each hyper direct frame may include N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ} direct frames. Optionally, N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ} may be equal to 1024, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, one or more of the hyper direct frame, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ, and N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ} are not defined.
      • Optionally, each direct frame numbering period may include N_directframe^μ direct frames. Optionally, N_directframe^μ may be equal to 1024, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, each direct frame may include N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ} direct half frames. Optionally, N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ} may be equal to 2, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, each direct frame may include N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ} direct subframes. Optionally, N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ} may be equal to 10, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, each direct frame may include N_directslot^{directframe,μ} direct slots. Optionally, the value of N_directslot^{directframe,μ} may be related to μ. For example, if μ=0, then N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=10. As another example, if μ=1, then N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=20. As another example, if μ=2, then N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=40. As another example, if μ=3, then N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=80. As another example, if μ=4, then N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=160. As another example, for any μ, N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=10·2^μ.
      • Optionally, each direct half frame may include N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ} direct subframes. Optionally, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ} may be equal to 5, or may be equal to other values.
    • Optionally, each direct half frame may include N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ} direct slots. Optionally, the value of N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ} may be related to μ. For example, if μ=0, then N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=5. As another example, if μ=1, then N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=10. As another example, if μ=2, then N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=20. As another example, if μ=3, then N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=40. As another example, if μ=4, then N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=80. As another example, for any μ, N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=5·2^μ.
      • Optionally, each direct subframe may include N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} direct slots. Optionally, the value of N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} may be related to μ. For example, if μ=0, then N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=1. As another example, if μ=1, then N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=2. As another example, if μ=2, then N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=4. As another example, if μ=3, then N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=8. As another example, if μ=4, then N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=16. As another example, for any μ, N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=2^μ.
      • Optionally, the length of each direct frame (or referred to as duration, denoted as T_directframe^μ) may be equal to 10 milliseconds, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, the length of each direct half frame (or referred to as duration, denoted as T_{directhalfframe}^μ) may be equal to 5 milliseconds, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, the length of each direct subframe (or referred to as duration, denoted as T_{directsubframe}^μ) may be equal to 1 millisecond, or may be equal to other values.
      • Optionally, the length of each direct slot (or referred to as duration, denoted as T_directslot^μ) may be related to μ. For example, T_directslot^μ=10/N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}milliseconds. Optionally, if N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=10·2^μ, then T_directslot^μ=10/(10·2^μ)=2⁻¹ milliseconds. As another example, T_slot^μ=5/N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} milliseconds. Optionally, if N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=5·2^μ, then T_directslot^μ=|5/(5·2^μ)=2^−μ milliseconds. As another example, T_directslot^μ=1/N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ} milliseconds. Optionally, if N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=2^μ, then T_directslot^μ=1/2^μ=2^−μ milliseconds.
    • FIG. 2 gives one example of the frame structure, where μ=1 (corresponding to Δf=30 kHz), N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ=1024, N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}=2, N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}=10, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}=5, N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=10·2^μ=20, N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=5·2^μ=10, N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=2^μ=2, T_directframe^μ=10 milliseconds, T_{directhalfframe}^μ=5 milliseconds, T_{directsubframe}^μ=1 milliseconds, T_directslot^μ=2^=μ=0.5 milliseconds. Optionally, N_directframe^μ=1024 Optionally, one or more of the hyper direct frame, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ, and N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ} are not defined.
    • Optionally, the timing information of the sidelink may include any one or more of the following:
      • Hyper direct frame number (H-DFN), denoted as n_hdfn.
        • wherein:
        •  Optionally, the hyper direct frame number may be the number of the hyper direct frame in a hyper direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the hyper direct frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
        •  Optionally, the hyper direct frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_hdfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/(N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·T_directframe^μ)┘ mod N_{hyperdirectframe}^μn_hdfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/(N_directframe^μ·T_directframe^μ)┘ mod N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ
      • For example, if N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ=1024, N_directframe^μ=1024, T_directframe^μ=10 milliseconds, then the hyper direct frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_hdfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/10240┘ mod 1024n_hdfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/(1024·10)┘ mod 1024n_hdfn=└0.1·└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/1024┘ mod 1024
      • Direct frame number (DFN), denoted as n_dfn, wherein:
        • Optionally, the direct frame number may be the number of the direct frame in the hyper direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the direct frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct frame number may be the number of the direct frame in a hyper direct frame. Optionally, a value set of the direct frame number may be (0, 1, . . . , N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct frame number may be the number of the direct frame in a direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the direct frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_dfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directframe^μ┘ mod(N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_dfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directframe^μ┘ mod N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}n_dfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directframe^μ┘ mod N_directframe^μ
        • For example, if N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ=1024, N_directframe^μ=1024, T_directframe^μ=₁₀ milliseconds, then the direct frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_dfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/10┘ mod 1048576n_dfn=└0.1(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 1048576n_dfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/10┘ mod 1024n_dfn=└0.1·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 1024
    • Direct half frame number (DHFN), denoted as n_dhfn, wherein:
      • Optionally, the direct half frame number may be the number of the direct half frame in the hyper direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the direct half frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct half frame number may be the number of the direct half frame in a hyper direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct half frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct half frame number may be the number of the direct half frame in the direct frame numbering period. Optionally, the value set of the direct half frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct half frame number may be the number of the direct half frame in a direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct half frame number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct half frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directhalfframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directhalfframe}^μ┘ mod N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directhalfframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directhalfframe}^μ┘ mod N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}
        • For example, if N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ=1024, N_directframe^μ=1024, N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}=2, T_{directhalfframe}^μ=5 milliseconds, then the direct half frame number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/5┘ mod 2097152n_dhfn=└0.2·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 2097152n_dhfn=(T_target−T_ref−ΔT)/5┘ mod 2048n_dhfn=└0.2·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 2048n_dhfn=└(T_target−T_ref−ΔT)/5┘ mod 2n_dhfn=└0.2·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 2
    • Direct subframe number, denoted as n_{directsubframe}.
      • wherein:
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be the number of the direct subframe in the hyper direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the direct subframe number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be the number of the direct subframe in a hyper direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct subframe number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1} or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be the number of the direct subframe in the direct frame numbering period. Optionally, the value set of the direct subframe number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be the number of the direct subframe in a direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct subframe number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be the number of the direct subframe in a direct half frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct subframe number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
        • Optionally, the direct subframe number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod(N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ})n_{directsubframe}=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_{directsubframe}^μ┘ mod N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}
        • For example, if N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_directframe^μ=1024, N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}=2, N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}=10, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}=5, T_{directsubframe}^μ=1 millisecond, then the direct subframe number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_{directsubframe}=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘ mod 10485760n_{directsubframe}=└T_Target−T_ref−Δ_T┘ mod 10240n_{directsubframe}=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘ mod 10n_{directsubframe}=└T_Target−T_ref−Δ_T┘ mod 5
    • Direct slot number, denoted as n_directslot, wherein:
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in the hyper direct frame numbering period. Optionally, a value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^subframe,μ·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in a hyper direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in the direct frame numbering period. Optionally, the value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in a direct frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}−}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in a direct half frame. Optionally, the value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}−1}, or may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be the number of the direct slot in a direct subframe. Optionally, the value set of the direct slot number may be {0, 1, . . . , N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}−1}, or may be other sets.
      • Optionally, the direct slot number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_directslot=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}·N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ)n_directslot=└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directsubframe,μ}·N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_directslot└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}·N_directframe^μ)n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μmod N_directslot^{directframe,μ}n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod(N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}·N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ})n_directslot=└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot^μ┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}n_directslot=(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)−└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘/T_directslot^μ┘
        • For example, if N_directframe^{hyperdirectframe,μ}=1024, N_directframe^μ=1024, N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ=1024, N_directslot^{directframe,μ}=10·2^μ, N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}=10, N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}=2^μ, N_directframe^{directframe,μ}=2, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}=5, N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}=5·2^μ, T_directslot^μ=1/2^μ=2^−μ milliseconds, then the direct slot number may be calculated according to any one of the following:n_directslot=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·1048576)n_slot=└2^μ·(T_target−T_ref−Δ^T)┘ mod(2^μ·10485760)n_{directsubframe}=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod(N_directslot^{directframe,μ}·1024)n_directslot=└2^μ·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod(2^μ·10240)n_directslot=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod N_directslot^{directframe,μ}n_directslot=└2^μ(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)mod(2^μ·10)n_directslot=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}n_directslot=└2^μ·└(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod(2^μ·5)n_directslot=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}n_directslot=└2^μ·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)┘ mod 2^μn_directslot=└N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·((T_Target−T_ref−Δ_T)−└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘)┘n_directslot=└2^μ·((T_Target−T_ref−Δ_T)−└T_target−T_ref−Δ_T┘)┘
  • wherein:
    • Optionally, the “calculating” may also be referred to as “deducing”, or may be referred to as “deriving.”
    • Optionally, in the above calculations of the hyper direct frame number, the direct frame number, the direct half frame number, the direct subframe number, and the direct slot number, it is assumed that T_target, T_ref, and Δ_T are expressed in milliseconds. Optionally, T_target, T_ref, and Δ_T may be expressed in time units other than milliseconds, in which case (T_target−T_ref−Δ_T) needs to be replaced with C·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T) so that C·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T) is expressed in milliseconds, where C is a constant. For example, if T_target, T_ref, and Δ_T are expressed in seconds, then C=1000.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, T_target−T_ref may be replaced with T_elapsed, where T_elapsed is equal to the elapsed time that has elapsed from the reference time to the target time, wherein:

• • Optionally, T_elapsed may be a numerical number, for example, a real number, or a decimal number, or a fractional number, or an integer.
  • Optionally, T_elapsed may be expressed in milliseconds, or in seconds, or in microseconds, or in nanoseconds, or in other time units.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, T_target−T_ref−Δ_T may be replaced with T_target−T_ref+Δ_T.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the timing offset may not be defined. In this case, T_target−T_ref−Δ_T may be replaced with T_target−T_ref.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, depending on the value of one or more of N_{hyperdirectframe}^μ, N_directframe^{hyperdirectframeμ}, N_directframe^μ, N_{directhalfframe}^{directframe,μ}, N_{directsubframe}^{directframe,μ}, N_{directsubframe}^{directhalfframe,μ}, N_directslot^{directframe,μ}, N_directslot^{directhalfframe,μ}, N_directframe^{directsubframe,μ}, T_{directhalfframe}^μ, T_{directsubframe}^μ, and T_directslot^μ, the formula for calculating one or more of n_hdfn, n_dfn, n_dhfn, n_{directsubframe}, and n_directslot may be simplified or rewritten accordingly. For example, if T_{directsubframe}^μ=1 millisecond, then 1/T_directslot^μ is equal to the number of direct slots in one direct subframe (i.e., N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}); therefore, (T_target−T_ref−Δ_T)/T_directslot may be replaced with N_directslot^{directsubframe,μ}·(T_target−T_ref−Δ_T).

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the hyper direct frame may be referred to as a different name, for example, a hyper system frame, a hyper radio frame, or a hyper sidelink (SL) frame, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the hyper direct frame number may be referred to as a different name, for example, a hyper system frame number, a hyper radio frame number, or a hyper sidelink frame number, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct frame may be referred to as a different name, for example, a system frame, a radio frame, a sidelink frame, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct frame number may be referred to as a different name, for example, a system frame number, a radio frame number, or a sidelink frame number, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct half frame may be referred to as a different name, for example, a half direct frame, or a half system frame, or a half radio frame, or a half frame, or a system half frame, or a radio half frame, or a sidelink half frame, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct half frame number may be referred to as a different name, for example, a half direct frame number, or a half system frame number, or a half radio frame number, or a half frame number, or a system half frame number, or a radio half frame number, or a sidelink half frame number, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct subframe may be referred to as a different name, for example, a subframe, or a system subframe, or a radio subframe, or a sidelink subframe, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct subframe number may be referred to as a different name, for example, a subframe number, or a system subframe number, or a radio subframe number, or a sidelink subframe number, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct slot may be referred to as a different name, for example, a slot, a system slot, or a radio slot, or a sidelink slot, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the direct slot number may be referred to as a different name, for example, a slot number, or a system slot number, or a radio slot number, or a sidelink slot number, or the like.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the UE may be replaced with a base station (for example, an eNB, or a gNB, or other types of base stations), or any other entity capable of operating on a sidelink.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the UE selects a GNSS as the synchronization reference source, step S101 is performed.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the UE selects the GNSS as the synchronization reference source, step S103 is performed.

Optionally, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the UE selects the GNSS as the synchronization reference source, step S101 and step S103 are performed.

In this way, Embodiment 1 of the present invention derives a timing-related parameter of a sidelink such as a hyper direct frame number, a direct frame number, a direct half frame number, a direct subframe number, and a direct slot number by using a current UTC time, so that all user equipment (UE) and base stations and/or other entities operating on the sidelink can be synchronized in the timing parameter, ensuring correct transmission and reception of the user equipment (UE) and base stations and/or other entities on the sidelink.

VARIATION EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, FIG. 3 is used to illustrate user equipment that can perform the method performed by user equipment described in detail above in the present invention as a variant embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the user equipment (UE) involved in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user equipment 60 includes a processor 601 and a memory 602. The processor 601 may, for example, include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an embedded processor, or the like. The memory 602 may include, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a random access memory (RAM)), a hard disk drive (HDD), a non-volatile memory (for example, a flash memory), or other memories. Program instructions are stored on the memory 602. The instructions, when run by the processor 601, can perform the foregoing method performed by user equipment as described in detail in the present invention.

The methods and related equipment according to the present invention have been described above in combination with preferred embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the methods shown above are only exemplary, and the above embodiments can be combined with one another as long as no contradiction arises. The methods of the present invention are not limited to the steps or sequences illustrated above. The network node and user equipment illustrated above may include more modules. For example, the network node and user equipment may further include modules that can be developed or will be developed in the future to be applied to a base station, an MME, or UE, and the like. Various identifiers shown above are only exemplary, and are not meant for limiting the present invention. The present invention is not limited to specific information elements serving as examples of these identifiers. A person skilled in the art could make various alterations and modifications according to the teachings of the illustrated embodiments.

It should be understood that the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, various components inside the base station and the user equipment in the above embodiments may be implemented through various devices, which include, but are not limited to, analog circuit devices, digital circuit devices, digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

In this application, the term “base station” may refer to a mobile communication data and control switching center having specific transmission power and a specific coverage area and including functions such as resource allocation and scheduling, data reception and transmission, and the like. “User equipment” may refer to a user mobile terminal, for example, including terminal devices that can communicate with a base station or a micro base station wirelessly, such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, and the like.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein may be implemented on a computer program product. More specifically, the computer program product is a product provided with a computer-readable medium having computer program logic encoded thereon. When executed on a computing device, the computer program logic provides related operations to implement the above technical solutions of the present invention. When executed on at least one processor of a computing system, the computer program logic causes the processor to perform the operations (methods) described in the embodiments of the present invention. Such setting of the present invention is typically provided as software, codes and/or other data structures provided or encoded on the computer readable medium, e.g., an optical medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), a flexible disk or a hard disk and the like, or other media such as firmware or micro codes on one or more read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) or programmable read-only memory (PROM) chips, or a downloadable software image, a shared database and the like in one or more modules. Software or firmware or such configuration may be installed on a computing device such that one or more processors in the computing device perform the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, each functional module or each feature of the base station device and the terminal device used in each of the above embodiments may be implemented or executed by a circuit, which is usually one or more integrated circuits. Circuits designed to execute various functions described in this description may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or general-purpose integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be an existing processor, a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine. The aforementioned general purpose processor or each circuit may be configured by a digital circuit or may be configured by a logic circuit. Furthermore, when advanced technology capable of replacing current integrated circuits emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, the present invention can also use integrated circuits obtained using this advanced technology.

While the present invention has been illustrated in combination with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, substitutions, and alterations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: selection circuitry configured to select a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as a synchronization reference source;calculation circuitry configured to derive a slot number nslot within a frame; andcommunication circuitry configured to perform New Radio (NR) sidelink communication with use of the slot number nslot, whereinthe slot number nslot is derived according to a formula expressed as: nslot=└Tcurrent−Tref−ΔT)·2μ┘ mod(10·2μ), whereina parameter Tcurrent is a current Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time obtained from the GNSS,the parameter Tcurrent is expressed in milliseconds,a parameter Tref is a reference UTC time 00:00:00 on Gregorian calendar date 1 January 1900,the parameter Tref is expressed in milliseconds,a parameter ΔT is determined such that the parameter ΔT is equal to 0 if a timing offset parameter is not configured and the parameter ΔT is equal to a product of the timing offset parameter and 0.001 if the timing offset parameter is configured,the parameter ΔT is expressed in milliseconds,a parameter μ is a Subcarrier Spacing (SCS) configuration for the NR sidelink communication, andthe parameter μ is equal to one of values 0, 1, 2, and 3 that correspond to 15 kHz SCS, 30 kHz SCS, 60 kHz SCS, and 120 kHz SCS, respectively.