U.S. patent application number 17/524986 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for facilitating hybrid automatic repeat request reliability improvement for advanced networks.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Arunabha Ghosh, Milap Majmundar, SaiRamesh Nammi.
Application Number | 20220077971 17/524986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220077971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nammi; SaiRamesh ; et
al. |
March 10, 2022 |
FACILITATING HYBRID AUTOMATIC REPEAT REQUEST RELIABILITY
IMPROVEMENT FOR ADVANCED NETWORKS
Abstract
Facilitating hybrid automatic repeat request reliability
improvement for advanced networks (e.g., 4G, 5G, 6G, and beyond) is
provided herein. Operations of a system can comprise obtaining
information related to a capability of a user equipment device and
configuring the user equipment device with respect to control
channel resources and a number of repetitions per slot based on the
capability of the user equipment device. The operations can also
comprise indicating the control channel resources and the number of
repetitions per slot to the user equipment device via a control
channel. Further, the operations can comprise detecting an
acknowledgement, from the user equipment device, via an uplink
control channel that comprises the control channel resources.
Inventors: |
Nammi; SaiRamesh; (Austin,
TX) ; Majmundar; Milap; (Austin, TX) ; Ghosh;
Arunabha; (Austin, TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
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Appl. No.: |
17/524986 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16370165 |
Mar 29, 2019 |
11201702 |
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17524986 |
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62760723 |
Nov 13, 2018 |
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International
Class: |
H04L 1/18 20060101
H04L001/18; H04W 72/04 20060101 H04W072/04; H04L 5/00 20060101
H04L005/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: determining, by network equipment
comprising a processor, a configuration of a user equipment based
on a first ability of the user equipment to support a multiple
hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement within a slot and a
second ability of the user equipment to support an ultra-reliable
low-latency application; and facilitating, by the network
equipment, a transmission of information indicative of the
configuration to the user equipment.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises
determining that the configuration comprises a maximum number of
replication factors for a group of uplink control channel
formats.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the maximum number of replication
factors comprises a first replication factor for a first uplink
control channel format of the group of uplink control channel
formats and at least a second replication factor for a second
uplink control channel format of the group of uplink control
channel formats.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the
network equipment, a group of resources for the user equipment
based on a higher layer parameter resource group.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: indicating, by the
network equipment, a number of resources in the group of
resources.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the indicating comprises
indicating the number of resources via a higher layer parameter
resource index.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the transmission is a first
transmission, and wherein the method further comprises:
facilitating, by the network equipment, a second transmission of an
indication of the group of resources via radio resource
signaling.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises
determining that the configuration of the user equipment comprises
a first replication factor for a first uplink control channel
format and a second replication factor for a second uplink control
channel format.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises
determining the configuration as respective repletion factors for
control channel formats of a group of control channel formats.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining comprises
determining that the configuration supports multiple uplink control
channel resources and repetition within the slot.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the facilitating comprises
facilitating the transmission via a downlink control channel
configured to operate according to a fifth generation wireless
network communication protocol.
12. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,
facilitate performance of operations, comprising: based on a
capability of a user equipment to support an ultra-reliable low
latency application and a multiple hybrid automatic repeat request
acknowledgement within a slot, determining a configuration of the
user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises respective
replication factors for uplink control channel formats; and
conveying, to the user equipment, information related to the
configuration.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the respective replication
factors comprise a maximum number of replication factors for
respective uplink control channel formats of the uplink control
channel formats.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the uplink control channel
formats comprise a first uplink control channel format and a second
uplink channel format, and wherein the respective replication
factors comprise a first replication factor for the first uplink
control channel format and at least a second replication factor for
the second uplink channel format.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further
comprise: determining, for the user equipment, a group of resources
based on a higher layer parameter resource group.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the operations further
comprise: indicating, to the user equipment, the group of resources
via a higher layer parameter resource index.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the conveying comprises
conveying the information via a downlink control channel configured
to operate according to a fifth generation wireless network
communication protocol.
18. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of operations, comprising: determining a configuration
for a user equipment based on a first ability of the user equipment
to support a multiple hybrid automatic repeat request
acknowledgement within a slot and a second ability of the user
equipment to support an ultra-reliable low-latency application; and
sending, to the user equipment, information related to the
configuration.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein
the configuration comprises a first replication factor for a first
uplink control channel format of the respective uplink control
channel formats and at least a second replication factor for a
second uplink control channel format of the respective uplink
control channel formats.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein
the operations further comprise: defining a group of resources for
the user equipment based on a higher layer parameter resource
group; indicating a number of resources in the group of resources
based on a higher layer parameter resource group size; and
conveying, to the user equipment, resources in the group of
resources via a higher layer parameter resource index.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The subject patent application is a continuation of, and
claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/370,165,
filed Mar. 29, 2019, and entitled "FACILITATING HYBRID AUTOMATIC
REPEAT REQUEST RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENT FOR ADVANCED NETWORKS," each
of which applications claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/760,723, filed Nov. 13, 2018, and entitled
"FACILITATING HYBRID AUTOMATIC REPEAT REQUEST RELIABILITY
IMPROVEMENT FOR ADVANCED NETWORKS." The entireties of all of these
applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of mobile
communication and, more specifically, to hybrid automatic repeat
requests in wireless communication systems for advanced
networks.
BACKGROUND
[0003] To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that
employ one or more aspects of the specifications of the Fourth
Generation (4G) standard for wireless communications will be
extended to a Fifth Generation (5G) standard and/or Sixth
Generation (6G) standard for wireless communications. Unique
challenges exist to provide levels of service associated with
forthcoming 5G, 6G or other next generation, standards for wireless
communication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting, message
sequence flow chart that can facilitate downlink data transfer in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example, non-limiting, chart of a
Block Error Rate comparison between Physical Uplink Control Channel
format 0 and format 1 according to some embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example, non-limiting,
method for configuring a mobile device for advanced networks in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example, non-limiting,
method for facilitating transmission of a hybrid automatic repeat
request acknowledgement and reference signal to a network device
for advanced networks in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates an example, non-limiting, schematic
representation of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledge
repeated over multiple Physical Uplink Control Channel resources
for Physical Uplink Control Channel format 0 in accordance with one
or more embodiments described herein;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an example, non-limiting, schematic
representation of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledge
repeated over multiple Physical Uplink Control Channel resources
for Physical Uplink Control Channel format 1, in accordance with
one or more embodiments described herein;
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of an example, non-limiting,
downlink control channel in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates another example, non-limiting downlink
control channel in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein;
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example, non-limiting,
method for determining the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request
Acknowledge at a network device for advanced networks in accordance
with one or more embodiments described herein;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting, computer-implemented method that facilitates
improvements to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledge
reliability for advanced networks in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein;
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of another example,
non-limiting, computer-implemented method that facilitates
improvements to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledge
reliability for advanced networks in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates an example block diagram of an example
mobile handset operable to engage in a system architecture that
facilitates wireless communications according to one or more
embodiments described herein; and
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates an example block diagram of an example
computer operable to engage in a system architecture that
facilitates wireless communications according to one or more
embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] One or more embodiments are now described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
example embodiments are shown. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
embodiments. However, the various embodiments can be practiced
without these specific details and without applying to any
particular networked environment or standard.
[0019] Described herein are systems, methods, articles of
manufacture, and other embodiments or implementations that can
facilitate hybrid automatic repeat request reliability improvement
for advanced networks (e.g., 5G, 6G, and beyond). More specifically
described herein are aspects related to wireless communication
systems and related to configuring an uplink control channel in
advanced wireless systems for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency
Communication (URLLC) applications.
[0020] In an embodiment, described herein is a method that can
comprise determining, by a network device of a group of network
devices, the network device comprising a processor, that a mobile
device is able to support multiple hybrid automatic repeat request
acknowledgements within a slot. The method can also comprise
configuring, by the network device, the mobile device with a first
replication factor for a first physical uplink control channel
format and a second replication factor for a second physical uplink
control channel format.
[0021] According to some implementations, the method can comprise
defining, by the network device, a group of resources for the
mobile device based on a higher layer parameter resource group.
Further to these implementations, the method can comprise
indicating, by the network device, a number of resources in the
group of resources based on a higher layer parameter resource group
size. The method can also comprise transmitting, by the network
device to the mobile device, resources in the group of resources
via a higher layer parameter resource index. Alternatively, or
additionally, the method can comprise facilitating, by the network
device, a transmission of an indication of the group of resources
via radio resource signaling.
[0022] In accordance with some implementations, the method can
comprise configuring, by the network device, the mobile device with
a maximum number of replication factors. The maximum number of
replication factors can comprise at least the first replication
factor and the second replication factor.
[0023] Configuring the mobile device with a first replication
factor and the second replication factor can comprise, according to
some implementations, transmitting a downlink control channel
configured to operate according to a fifth generation wireless
network communication protocol.
[0024] According to other embodiments, provided is a method that
can comprise determining, by a mobile device comprising a
processor, an acknowledgement signal based on a cyclic redundancy
check determined for a first control channel. The method can also
comprise applying, by the mobile device, a recommended format
setting to a second control channel. Further, the method can
comprise transmitting, by the mobile device, control information to
a network device via an uplink control channel. The control
information comprises the acknowledgement signal and a reference
signal.
[0025] In an example, the acknowledgement signal can be a hybrid
automatic repeat request acknowledgement. Further, the first
control channel can be a physical downlink shared control
channel.
[0026] In some implementations, the method can comprise, prior to
the determining the acknowledgement signal, receiving, by the
mobile device, a configuration parameter related to control channel
resources. The configuration parameter can be received from the
network device. Further to these implementations, the configuration
parameter can comprise a parameter that indicates that a hybrid
automatic repeat request acknowledgement is to repeat over multiple
time resources and multiple frequency resources.
[0027] According to an example, the second control channel can be a
physical uplink control channel. In accordance with another
example, the uplink control channel can comprise an uplink control
channel configured to operate according to a fifth generation
wireless network communication protocol.
[0028] Yet another embodiment relates to a system that can comprise
a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that,
when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of
operations. The operations can comprise obtaining information
related to a capability of a user equipment device and configuring
the user equipment device with respect to control channel resources
and a number of repetitions per slot based on the capability of the
user equipment device. The operations can also comprise indicating
the control channel resources and the number of repetitions per
slot to the user equipment device via a control channel. Further,
the operations can comprise detecting an acknowledgement, from the
user equipment device, via an uplink control channel that comprises
the control channel resources. In an example, the control channel
can be a control channel configured to operate according to a fifth
generation wireless network communication protocol.
[0029] According to some implementations, obtaining the information
can comprise obtaining ultra-reliable low-latency communication
specific information supporting the user equipment device. In an
example, the control channel resources can be physical uplink
control channel resources.
[0030] In some implementations, the acknowledgement can comprise a
hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement. Further to these
implementations, the user equipment device can comprise configuring
the user equipment device to cause the hybrid automatic repeat
request acknowledgement to repeat over multiple time resources and
multiple frequency resources.
[0031] According to some implementations, indicating the control
channel resources can comprise transmitting the control channel
resources to the user equipment device via a downlink control
channel.
[0032] The acknowledgement can be a first acknowledgement, the
control channel resources can be first control channel resources,
and the operations can comprise combining the first acknowledgement
with at least a second acknowledgement received over second control
channel resources, resulting in a combined acknowledgement. The
operations can also comprise, based on the combined
acknowledgement, facilitating an improvement of a reliability
metric related to a reliability of the control channel.
[0033] To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, 4G
standards can be applied to 5G, also called New Radio (NR) access.
For example, 5G networks can comprise the following: data rates of
several tens of megabits per second supported for tens of thousands
of users; 1 gigabit per second can be offered simultaneously (or
concurrently) to tens of workers on the same office floor; several
hundreds of thousands of simultaneous (or concurrent) connections
can be supported for massive sensor deployments; spectral
efficiency can be enhanced compared to 4G; improved coverage;
enhanced signaling efficiency; and reduced latency compared to Long
Term Evolution (LTE).
[0034] There can be various services that 5G NR systems should
satisfy. For example, 5G NR should provide Enhanced Mobile
BroadBand (eMBB) services, which can be utilized for high broadband
applications where the data rate is the main criteria. In another
example, 5G NR should provide URLLC services, which can be used for
ultra-reliable communications where the packet error rate of
10{circumflex over ( )}(-5) is required with less delay. In yet
another example, 5G NR should provide Massive Machine Type
Communication (mMTC) services, which can be utilized for connecting
machine type of communications, where the number of devices can be
a criteria that should be considered.
[0035] A challenge faced by the mobile industry can be the
increased demand on data rate, throughput, and capacity. With an
ever-increasing need for more data, higher speeds fueled by new
application design and service platform, network operators struggle
to cope with the increased demand while using the current
generation of mobile network technology, such as 3G and 4G. In an
effort to meet these increasing demands, the mobile industry has
started looking at higher frequency bands where the availability of
large swaths of unused spectrum is available.
[0036] While some spectrum bands in higher frequency can hold the
promise of more spectrum, the spectrum bands also come with
significant challenges and hurdles. For example, an issue can be
the poorer propagation that the radio waves experience in these
high frequency bands. Propagation loss depends on the frequency
with a 20 log 10(F) dependency. This implies that for every two
times (2x) increase in the carrier frequency there is a 6 dB
increase in the propagation loss.
[0037] With more adverse propagation conditions it is usually the
UpLink (UL) that starts to become a challenge since the total
transmit power is limited at the mobile device (or User Equipment
(UE)). Some mobile devices have a total of 23 dBm (200 mWatts) and
with improved UL waveform design and improved technology (e.g.,
with 5G) the power can be pushed to somewhere around 26-27 dBm
(400-500 mWatts). However, this increase in power is not expected
to be enough to meet with the adversity of the propagation
conditions in higher frequency bands. Therefore, apart from higher
power, other techniques, especially related to new physical layer
design and advanced receiver designs, have been explored to
overcome the propagation hurdles in high frequency bands.
[0038] A channel that should be preserved in the UL is the control
channel, also referred to as Physical Uplink Control Channel
(PUCCH). The PUCCH can carry various information such as the Hybrid
Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement/Non-Acknowledgement (HARQ
ACK/NACK) related to a DownLink (DL) transmission, CSI (Channel
State Information) such as Channel Quality Indicator (CQI),
Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), Rank Indicator (RI), Channel
State Information Resource Indicator (CRI), and so on. Without the
UL control channel, there is no way for the system to maintain any
DL or UL data bearers, which is why the PUCCH can be designed to be
robust.
[0039] Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example,
non-limiting, message sequence flow chart 100 that can facilitate
downlink data transfer in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein. The message sequence flow chart 100 can be
utilized for new radio, as discussed herein. As illustrated, the
message sequence flow chart 100 represents the message sequence
between a network device 102 (e.g., a General Node B, base station
(gNB)) and a mobile device 104. As used herein, the term "network
device 102" can be interchangeable with (or include) a network, a
network controller or any number of other network components. One
or more pilot signals and/or reference signals 106 can be
transmitted from the network device 102 to the mobile device 104.
The one or more pilot signals and/or reference signals 106 can be
cell specific and/or user equipment specific signals. The one or
more pilot signals and/or reference signals 106 can be beamformed
or non-beamformed.
[0040] Based on the one or more pilot signals and/or reference
signals 106, the mobile device 104 can compute the channel
estimates and can compute the one or more parameters needed for
channel state information (CSI) reporting, as indicated at 108. The
CSI report can comprise, for example, Channel Quality Indicator
(CQI), Precoding Matrix Index (PMI), Rank Information (RI), Channel
State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) Resource Indicator (CRI
the same as beam indicator), and so on, or any number of other
types of information.
[0041] The CSI report can be sent from the mobile device 104 to the
network device 102 via a feedback channel (e.g., uplink control or
feedback channel 110). The CSI report can be sent on request from
the network device 102, a-periodically, and/or the mobile device
104 can be configured to report periodically.
[0042] The network device 102, which can comprise a scheduler, can
use the CSI report for choosing the parameters for scheduling of
the particular mobile device 104. For example, as indicated at 112,
the network device 102 can choose the parameters for downlink
transmission based on the channel state information. The parameters
for downlink transmission can include but are not limited to:
Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), power, Physical Resource Blocks
(PRBs), and so on.
[0043] The network device 102 can send the scheduling parameters to
the mobile device 104 in a downlink control channel (e.g., downlink
control channel 114). After the scheduling parameter information is
transmitted, the actual data transfer can take place from the
network device 102 to the mobile device 104 over the data traffic
channel 116.
[0044] Downlink reference signals are predefined signals occupying
specific resource elements within the downlink time-frequency grid.
There are several types of downlink reference signals that are
transmitted in different ways and used for different purposes by
the receiving terminal (e.g., the mobile device 104). For example,
downlink reference signals can include CSI reference signals
(CSI-RS) and demodulation reference signals (DM-RS).
[0045] CSI reference signals are specifically intended to be used
by terminals (e.g., the mobile device 104) to acquire channel-state
information (CSI) and beam specific information (beam RSRP). In 5G,
CSI-RS is mobile device specific. Therefore, the CSI-RS can have a
significantly lower time/frequency density.
[0046] Demodulation reference signals (also sometimes referred to
as User Equipment (UE)-specific reference signals), are
specifically intended to be used by terminals for channel
estimation for data channel. The label "UE-specific" relates to the
fact that each demodulation reference signal is intended for
channel estimation by a single terminal. That specific reference
signal is then only transmitted within the resource blocks assigned
for data traffic channel transmission to that terminal.
[0047] Other than the above-mentioned reference signals, there are
other reference signals, namely phase tracking and tracking and
sounding reference signals, which can be used for various
purposes.
[0048] An uplink control channel carries information about Hybrid
Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information
corresponding to the downlink data transmission, and channel state
information. The channel state information can comprise CRI, RI,
CQI, PMI, Layer Indicator, and so on. The CSI can be divided into
two categories. A first category can be for subband and a second
category can be for wideband. The configuration of subband and/or
wideband CSI reporting can be performed through Radio Resource
Control (RRC) signaling as part of CSI reporting configuration.
Table 1 below illustrates example contents of an example CSI report
for both wideband and subband. Specifically, Table 1 illustrates
the contents of a report for PMI format indicator=Wideband, CQI
format indicator=wideband and for PMI format indicator=subband, CQI
format indicator=subband.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 PMI-FormatIndicator = PMI-FormatIndicator =
subbandPMI or widebandPMI and CQI-FormatIndicator = subbandCQI
CQI-FormatIndicator = CSI Part II widebandCQI CSI Part I wideband
Subband CRI CRI Wideband Subband differential CQI CQI for the for
the second TB of all second TB even subbands Rank Indicator Rank
Indicator PMI wideband PMI subband information (X1 and X2) fields
X.sub.2 of all even subbands Layer Indicator Layer Indicator --
Subband differential CQI for the second TB of all odd subbands PMI
wideband Wideband CQI -- PMI subband information (X1 and X2) fields
X.sub.2 of all odd subbands Wideband CQI Subband differential -- --
CQI for the first TB
[0049] It is noted that for NR, the subband can be defined
according to the bandwidth part of the OFDM in terms of PRBs as
shown in Table 2 below, which illustrates configurable subband
sizes. The subband configuration can also be performed through RRC
signaling.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Carrier bandwidth part Subband Size (PRBs)
(PRBs) <24 N/A 24-72 4, 8 73-144 8, 16 145-275 16, 32
[0050] The downlink control channel (PDCCH) can carry information
about the scheduling grants. This can comprise a number of Multiple
Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) layers scheduled, transport block
sizes, modulation for each codeword, parameters related to HARQ,
subband locations, and so on. It is noted that all Downlink Control
Information (DCI) formats do not need to use and/or transmit all
the information as shown above. In general, the contents of PDCCH
depends on transmission mode and DCI format.
[0051] In some cases, the following information can be transmitted
by means of the DCI format: carrier indicator, identifier for DCI
formats, bandwidth part indicator, frequency domain resource
assignment, time domain resource assignment, Virtual Resource Block
(VRB)-to-Physical Resource Block (PRB)mapping flag, PRB bundling
size indicator, rate matching indicator, Zero Power (ZP) CSI-RS
trigger, modulation and coding scheme for each Transport Block
(TB), new data indicator for each TB, redundancy version for each
TB, HARQ process number, downlink assignment index, Transmit Power
Control (TPC) command for uplink control channel, Physical Uplink
Control Channel (PUCCH) resource indicator, Physical Downlink
Shared Channel (PDSCH)-to-HARQ feedback timing indicator, antenna
port(s), transmission configuration indication, Sounding Reference
Signal (SRS) request, Code Block Group (CBG) transmission
information, CBG flushing out information, Demodulation Reference
Signal (DMRS) sequence initialization, and so on.
[0052] NR defines about five PUCCH formats for reporting HARQ-ACK,
SR, and CSI. Table 3 below summarizes the characteristics of each
PUCCH format. Formats 0 and 1 only are used for sending HARQ-ACK.
Long PUCCH formats are used for HARQ-ACK, CSI. It is noted that
although the various aspects are discussed with respect to PUCCH
format 0 and 1, the same or similar principles can be applied for
other formats.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Format Alternative Symbol Single UE/ Name
name length Waveform Information Multiple UE Format 0 Short 1-2
CP-OFDM HARQ-ACK, Single UE PUCCH <= 2 bits SR Format 1 Long
4-14 CP-OFDM HARQ-ACK, Single UE PUCCH <= 2 bits SR Format 2
Short 1-2 CP-OFDM CSI Single UE PUCCH > 2 bits Format 3 Long
4-14 DFT-s-OFDM CSI Single UE PUCCH > 2 bits Format 4 Long 4-14
DFT-s-OFDM CSI Multiple UEs PUCCH > 2 bits
[0053] Since the reliability for NR URLLC applications can be
important for robust transmission of PDSCH, PUSCH, and HARQ-ACK is
required. For example, Table 4 below shows the reliability
requirement for some example, non-limiting, URLLC use cases.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Use case Reliability End-to-end # of UEs
Data packet (Clause #) (%) latency (ms) (per cell) size Description
Transport 99.999 5 [30] DL: [250] byte Remote driving Industry
(Note 1) (Note 2) UL: [2572] byte (Note 3) Power 99.9999 5 [8] [80]
byte Power distribution distribution (Note 4) (Note 5) grid fault
and outage management [99.999] 15 [8] 250 byte Differential (Note
6) (Note 4) protection Factory 99.9999 2 4 20 byte Motion control
automation (Note 7)
[0054] It can be observed that for robust transmission of PDSCH,
reliability of AHRQ-ACK is vital, for example, if the UE sends NACK
and the network detects as HARQ-ACK, then the network does not (or
cannot) retransmit the packet as the network device assumes the
packet was properly received by the UE. Therefore, the system
collapses and cannot meet the requirements set for the URLLC
applications. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an example,
non-limiting, chart of a Block Error Rate (BLER) comparison between
Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format 0 and format 1
according to some embodiments. BLER is illustrated on the vertical
axis 202 and the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in decibels (dB) is
illustrated on the horizontal axis 204. Further, the plot for PUCCH
format 0 is illustrated by line 206 and the plot for PUCCH format 1
is illustrated by line 208. It can be observed that, for example,
if the coverage is at -7 dB, the reliability of PUCCH format 0 is
only 90% while PUCCH format 1 is about 99.8 It is noted that these
reliabilities cannot satisfy the requirements for NR URLLC
applications (for example around 99.9999%). To address this as well
as other issues, the disclosed aspects can provide for a robust
transmission of HARQ-ACK for NR URLLC applications.
[0055] The various aspects provide a method, device, system,
computer-readable medium, and other embodiments that can improve
the performance (e.g., the reliability) of PUCCH for URLLC
applications. According to various embodiments, a network (e.g., a
network device) can configure a UE with multiple PUCCH resources
and number of repetitions such that the UE repeats the HARQ-ACK
over multiple time/frequency resources. The network (e.g., the
network device) can indicate the resources dynamically. For
example, the network device can indicate the resources for each
HARQ-ACK as part of downlink control channel. The UE can repeat the
HARQ-ACK information over the specified resources and can transmit
to the network. The network can combine the HARQ-ACK over these
resources and, thus, can improve the performance that is the
reliability of the PUCCH.
[0056] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example,
non-limiting, method 300 for configuring a mobile device for
advanced networks in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein. Methods that can be implemented in accordance
with the disclosed subject matter, will be better appreciated with
reference to the following flow charts. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as a
series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
disclosed aspects are not limited by the number or order of blocks,
as some blocks can occur in different orders and/or at
substantially the same time with other blocks from what is depicted
and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks can be
required to implement the disclosed methods. It is to be
appreciated that the functionality associated with the blocks can
be implemented by software, hardware, a combination thereof, or any
other suitable means (e.g., device, system, process, component, and
so forth). Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
disclosed methods are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methods to various devices. Those skilled in the art will
understand and appreciate that the methods could alternatively be
represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as
in a state diagram.
[0057] Although FIG. 3 is illustrated and described with respect to
a specific implementation (e.g., a network device), the disclosed
aspects are not limited to this implementation. In some
implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform the
method 300 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a device comprising a processor can perform the
method 300 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a machine-readable storage medium, can comprise
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,
facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operations
discussed with respect to the method 300 and/or other methods
discussed herein.
[0058] The method 300 starts at 302, when a network device
comprising a processor can obtain information about the capability
of a UE. The network device can be a network device of a group of
network devices in a communications network. For example, the
information can comprise information about URLLC specific
supporting UE.
[0059] Further, at 304, the network device can configure the UE
with the multiple PUCCH resources and the number of repetitions
within a slot. At 306, the network device can transmit the downlink
control channel to the UE and indicate the PUCCH resources
dynamically. Further, at 308, the network device can detect the
HARQ-ACK from the UE from all the PUCCH resources. Further details
related to the method 300 will be provided below.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example, non-limiting,
method 400 for facilitating transmission of a hybrid automatic
repeat request acknowledgement and reference signal to a network
device (e.g., a gNodeB) for advanced networks in accordance with
one or more embodiments described herein.
[0061] Although FIG. 4 is illustrated and described with respect to
a specific implementation (e.g., a mobile device), the disclosed
aspects are not limited to this implementation. In some
implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform the
method 400 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a device comprising a processor can perform the
method 400 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a machine-readable storage medium can comprise
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,
facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operations
discussed with respect to the method 400 and/or other methods
discussed herein.
[0062] The method 400 starts at 402, when a mobile device of a
communications network can receive configuration parameters from a
network node (e.g., a network device, a gNodeB, and so on). The
mobile device can comprise a processor.
[0063] At 404, the mobile device can determine the HARQ-ACK from
the PDSCH Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). Further, the mobile device
can apply the recommended PUCCH format settings, at 406. The uplink
control information can be transmitted by the mobile device at 408.
Further details related to the method 400 will be provided
below.
[0064] The various embodiments provided herein can allow for better
detection capability for uplink control channel. Accordingly, the
various embodiments can achieve significant gain in block error
rate for PUCCH. This in turn can improve the NR coverage, which can
allow for a robust performance of the UL control channel even at
low SINR conditions. The various embodiments can be attractive for
URLLC applications which can demand high reliability for all
SNRs.
[0065] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term radio network
node, or simply network node, is used and it refers to any type of
network node serving UE and/or connected to other network nodes or
network elements or any radio node from where a UE receives signal.
Examples of radio network nodes are Node B, Base Station (BS),
Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, gNodeB, eNode
B, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station
controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base
transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points,
transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Remote Radio Head
(RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS) system, and so
on.
[0066] In some embodiments the non-limiting term user equipment
(UE) is used and it refers to any type of wireless device
communicating with a radio network node in a cellular or mobile
communication system. Examples of UE are target device, device to
device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to
machine (M2M) communication, PDA, iPad, tablet, mobile terminals,
smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted
equipment (LME), USB dongles etc.
[0067] The various embodiments are described in particular for NR.
The various embodiments are however applicable to any RAT or
multi-RAT system where the UE operates using multiple carriers
(e.g., LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, CDMA2000
etc.)
[0068] The embodiments are applicable to single carrier as well as
to multicarrier (MC) or carrier aggregation (CA) operation of the
UE in conjunction with MIMO in which the UE is able to receive
and/or transmit data to more than one serving cells using MIMO. The
term carrier aggregation (CA) is also called (e.g., interchangeably
called) "multi-carrier system," "multi-cell operation,"
"multi-carrier operation," "multi-carrier" transmission and/or
reception.
[0069] It is noted that the various embodiments discussed herein
equally apply for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (e.g.,
data plus speech is simultaneously scheduled).
[0070] The various aspects can comprise the following aspects and
embodiments. Provided herein is a system, device, method,
machine-readable storage medium, other embodiments, and/or other
implementations that can facilitate, at a network node (e.g., a
network node device), transmission of configuration parameters
and/or that can facilitate transmission of a DCI. Also provided is
a system, device, method, machine-readable storage medium, other
embodiments, and/or other implementations that can facilitate, at a
mobile device, transmission of the HARQ-ACK. Further, provided
herein is a system, device, method, machine-readable storage
medium, other embodiments, and/or other implementations that can
facilitate, at a network node, detection of the HARQ-ACK
transmitted by the mobile device.
[0071] Various aspects relate to the principle that, rather than
using single PUCCH resource for transmitting HARQ-ACK, the network
(e.g., the network node) configures the UE with multiple PUCCH
resources such that the UE can repeat the HARQ-ACK information over
these elements within a slot. It is noted that this is different
compared to the multi slot PUCCH where the same information is
repeated over multiple slots. However, in this case (e.g., with the
disclosed aspects) the same information can be repeated over
multiple resources. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates an example,
non-limiting, schematic representation 500 of the HARQ-ACK repeated
over multiple PUCCH resources for PUCCH format 0 in accordance with
one or more embodiments described herein. Further, FIG. 6
illustrates an example, non-limiting, schematic representation 600
of the HARQ-ACK repeated over multiple PUCCH resources for PUCCH
format 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein.
[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates that the same HARQ-ACK 502 can be
repeated four times for PUCCH format 0 over multiple PUCCH
resources in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the HARQ-ACK 502 is
sent once at 504, a second time at 506, a third time at 508, and a
fourth time at 510. At the receiver, the network node can determine
the HARQ-ACK by taking into consideration all these PUCCH resources
(e.g., at 504, 506, 508, and 510), thereby improving the
reliability. Note that the minimum gain is given by 10 Log(N),
where N is the number of times the HARQ-ACK is repeated within a
slot.
[0073] In a similar manner, FIG. 6 illustrates that the HARQ-ACK
502 repetition over multiple slots for PUCCH format 1. In this case
only two repetitions are illustrated and in this case two
repetitions provides gain.
[0074] According to the one or more embodiments, the network device
can obtain information about the UE capability. For example, the
information can be whether the UE can support multiple HARQ-ACK
within a slot or not. In another example, the information can be
whether the UE is capable of supporting URLLC applications, and so
on. Upon or after the network device obtains information about the
UE capability, the network device can configure the UE with a
repletion factor for each PUCCH format. For example, the factor N
can be 4 for PUCCH format 0 and 2 for PUCCH format 1, value equal
to 2 for PUCCH format 2, and so on. The network device can limit
the maximum number of repetitions. According to some
implementations, the network device can limit the maximum number of
repetitions to a value of eight. However, the disclosed aspects are
not limited to this value and other values can be utilized. In
addition, the network device can define a set of PUCCH resources
for the UE.
[0075] A PUCCH resource can include one or more of the following
parameters: an index of the first symbol; a number of OFDM symbols;
an index of the first PRB prior to frequency hopping or for no
frequency hopping; an index of the first PRB after frequency
hopping; a number of PRBs; frequency hopping (e.g., frequency
hopping for a PUCCH resource is either enabled or disabled); an
index of the cyclic shift; an index of an orthogonal cover code;
and/or a spreading factor for an orthogonal cover code.
[0076] A UE can be configured a number of sets of PUCCH resources
by higher layer parameter PUCCH-resource-set, where the number of
PUCCH resources in each set of PUCCH resources can be provided by
higher layer parameter PUCCH-resource-set-size and where a PUCCH
resource in a set of PUCCH resources can be indicated by higher
layer parameter PUCCH-resource-index. It is noted that all or some
of these parameters can be sent using RRC signaling.
[0077] According to the disclosed aspects, the network device can
configure the UE with multiple PUCCH resources and the repetition
factor within a slot. Upon or after the time of scheduling, the
network device can indicate the PUCCH resources for each of the
repetition HARQ-ACK in the downlink control channel as depicted in
FIG. 7, which illustrates a portion of an example, non-limiting,
downlink control channel 700 in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0078] As illustrated, the downlink control channel 700 can
comprise a PUCCH resource for first HARQ-ACK 702, a PUCCH resource
for second HARQ-ACK 704, through a PUCCH resource for Nth HARQ-ACK
706, where N is an integer. The downlink control channel can also
comprise a HARQ timing indicator 708.
[0079] According to another implementation, the network device can
pre-define the PUCCH resources for N repetitions and can configure
the UE with RRC signaling. At the time of scheduling, the network
device can indicate the combination via downlink control channel.
For example, FIG. 8 illustrates another example, non-limiting,
downlink control channel 800 in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the downlink control
channel 800 can comprise composite PUCCH resources 802. Further,
the downlink control channel 800 can comprise a HARQ timing
indicator 804.
[0080] Upon or after the UE receives the DCI and the PDSCH, the UE
can check the CRC and can determine the HARQ-ACK (e.g., HARQ-ACK or
HARQ-NAK). The UE can then repeat the same sequence over the
multiple PUCCH resources as indicated by the network device.
[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example, non-limiting,
method 900 for determining the HARQ-ACK at the network device for
advanced networks in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0082] Although FIG. 9 is illustrated and described with respect to
a specific implementation (e.g., a network device), the disclosed
aspects are not limited to this implementation. In some
implementations, a system comprising a processor can perform the
method 900 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a device comprising a processor can perform the
method 900 and/or other methods discussed herein. In other
implementations, a machine-readable storage medium, can comprise
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor,
facilitate performance of operations, which can be the operations
discussed with respect to the method 900 and/or other methods
discussed herein.
[0083] At 902, the network device can estimate the channel. For
PUCCH format 0, the network node can estimate the channel on the
common resource elements for HARQ-ACK and HARQ-NAK. Alternatively,
or additionally, for PUCCH format 1, the network device can use the
DMRS to estimate the channel. Further, at 904, the network device
can interpolate the channel estimates based on the estimated
channel on the other PUCCH resources.
[0084] Upon or after the channel estimation of PUCCH resources is
completed, at 906, the network device can use maximum likelihood
metric to choose between HARQ-ACK or HARQ-NAK. For example, the
following can be utilized by the network node:
z1=.parallel.R-Hx1.parallel..sup.2
z2=.parallel.R-Hx2.parallel..sup.2
[0085] If z1<z2, HARQ-ACK was chosen, else HARQ-NAK will be
selected. In the above equation, R is the received signal, H is the
channel estimated from the reference signal (and interpolated), x1
is the CAZAC sequence corresponding to the HARQ-ACK, and x2 is the
CAZAC sequence corresponding to HARQ-NAK.
[0086] Note that here z1 and z2 are the column vectors where the
received signal is stacked over all the PUCCH resources, similarly
H is the channel stacked over all the PUCCH resources.
[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting, computer-implemented method 1000 that facilitates
improvements to HARQ-ACK reliability for advanced networks in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0088] In some implementations, a system comprising a processor can
perform the computer-implemented method 1000 and/or other methods
discussed herein. In other implementations, a device comprising a
processor can perform the computer-implemented method 1000 and/or
other methods discussed herein. In other implementations, a
machine-readable storage medium, can comprise executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of operations, which can be the operations discussed
with respect to the computer-implemented method 1000 and/or other
methods discussed herein. In further implementations, a computer
readable storage device comprising executable instructions that, in
response to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to
perform operations, which can be operations discussed with respect
to the computer-implemented method 1000 and/or other methods
discussed herein.
[0089] At 1002 of the computer-implemented method 1000, a network
device operatively coupled to one or more processors, can determine
that a mobile device is able to support multiple hybrid automatic
repeat request acknowledgements within a slot. Further, at 1004 of
the computer-implemented method 1000, the network device can
configure the mobile device with a first replication factor for a
first physical uplink control channel format and a second
replication factor for a second physical uplink control channel
format. Configuring the mobile device can comprise transmitting a
downlink control channel configured to operate according to a fifth
generation wireless network communication protocol.
[0090] According to some implementations, the computer-implemented
method 1000 can comprise defining, by the network device, a group
of resources for the mobile device based on a higher layer
parameter resource group. Further to these implementations, the
computer-implemented method 1000 can comprise indicating, by the
network device, a number of resources in the group of resources
based on a higher layer parameter resource group size and
transmitting, by the network device to the mobile device, resources
in the group of resources via a higher layer parameter resource
index. Alternatively, or additionally, the computer-implemented
method 1000 can comprise facilitating, by the network device, a
transmission of an indication of the group of resources via radio
resource signaling.
[0091] In accordance with some implementations, the
computer-implemented method 1000 can comprise configuring, by the
network device, the mobile device with a maximum number of
replication factors. The maximum number of replication factors can
comprise at least the first replication factor and the second
replication factor.
[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of another example,
non-limiting, computer-implemented method 1100 that facilitates
improvements to HARQ-ACK reliability for advanced networks in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0093] In some implementations, a system comprising a processor can
perform the computer-implemented method 1100 and/or other methods
discussed herein. In other implementations, a device comprising a
processor can perform the computer-implemented method 1100 and/or
other methods discussed herein. In other implementations, a
machine-readable storage medium, can comprise executable
instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate
performance of operations, which can be the operations discussed
with respect to the computer-implemented method 1100 and/or other
methods discussed herein. In further implementations, a computer
readable storage device comprising executable instructions that, in
response to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to
perform operations, which can be operations discussed with respect
to the computer-implemented method 1100 and/or other methods
discussed herein.
[0094] At 1102 of the computer-implemented method 1100, a mobile
device comprising a processor can determine an acknowledgement
signal based on a cyclic redundancy check determined for a first
control channel. Further, at 1104 of the computer-implemented
method 1100, the mobile device can apply a recommended format
setting to a second control channel. At 1106 of the
computer-implemented method 1100, the mobile device can transmit
control information to a network device via an uplink control
channel. The control information can comprise the acknowledgement
signal and a reference signal.
[0095] According to some implementations, the acknowledgement
signal can be a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement,
and the first control channel can be a physical downlink shared
control channel. The second control channel can be a physical
uplink control channel. Further, the uplink control channel
comprises an uplink control channel configured to operate according
to a fifth generation wireless network communication protocol.
[0096] In some implementations, prior to determining the
acknowledgement signal, the mobile device can receive a
configuration parameter related to control channel resources. The
configuration parameter can be received from the network device.
Further to these implementations, the configuration parameter can
comprise a parameter that indicates that a hybrid automatic repeat
request acknowledgement is to repeat over multiple time resources
and multiple frequency resources.
[0097] Described herein are systems, methods, articles of
manufacture, and other embodiments or implementations that can
facilitate hybrid automatic repeat request reliability improvement
in advanced networks. Facilitating hybrid automatic repeat request
reliability improvement for advanced networks can be implemented in
connection with any type of device with a connection to the
communications network (e.g., a mobile handset, a computer, a
handheld device, etc.) any Internet of things (IoT) device (e.g.,
toaster, coffee maker, blinds, music players, speakers, etc.),
and/or any connected vehicles (cars, airplanes, space rockets,
and/or other at least partially automated vehicles (e.g., drones)).
In some embodiments, the non-limiting term User Equipment (UE) is
used. It can refer to any type of wireless device that communicates
with a radio network node in a cellular or mobile communication
system. Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D)
UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M)
communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, Laptop
Embedded Equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB
dongles etc. Note that the terms element, elements and antenna
ports can be interchangeably used but carry the same meaning in
this disclosure. The embodiments are applicable to single carrier
as well as to Multi-Carrier (MC) or Carrier Aggregation (CA)
operation of the UE. The term Carrier Aggregation (CA) is also
called (e.g., interchangeably called) "multi-carrier system,"
"multi-cell operation," "multi-carrier operation," "multi-carrier"
transmission and/or reception.
[0098] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term radio network
node or simply network node is used. It can refer to any type of
network node that serves one or more UEs and/or that is coupled to
other network nodes or network elements or any radio node from
where the one or more UEs receive a signal. Examples of radio
network nodes are Node B, Base Station (BS), Multi-Standard Radio
(MSR) node such as MSR BS, eNode B, network controller, Radio
Network Controller (RNC), Base Station Controller (BSC), relay,
donor node controlling relay, Base Transceiver Station (BTS),
Access Point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU,
RRH, nodes in Distributed Antenna System (DAS) etc.
[0099] Cloud Radio Access Networks (RAN) can enable the
implementation of concepts such as Software-Defined Network (SDN)
and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in 5G networks. This
disclosure can facilitate a generic channel state information
framework design for a 5G network. Certain embodiments of this
disclosure can comprise an SDN controller that can control routing
of traffic within the network and between the network and traffic
destinations. The SDN controller can be merged with the 5G network
architecture to enable service deliveries via open Application
Programming Interfaces (APIs) and move the network core towards an
all Internet Protocol (IP), cloud based, and software driven
telecommunications network. The SDN controller can work with, or
take the place of, Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)
network elements so that policies such as quality of service and
traffic management and routing can be synchronized and managed end
to end.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrated is an example block
diagram of an example mobile handset 1200 operable to engage in a
system architecture that facilitates wireless communications
according to one or more embodiments described herein. Although a
mobile handset is illustrated herein, it will be understood that
other devices can be a mobile device, and that the mobile handset
is merely illustrated to provide context for the embodiments of the
various embodiments described herein. The following discussion is
intended to provide a brief, general description of an example of a
suitable environment in which the various embodiments can be
implemented. While the description includes a general context of
computer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable
storage medium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
innovation also can be implemented in combination with other
program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0101] Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods
described herein can be practiced with other system configurations,
including single-processor or multiprocessor systems,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,
hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be
operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
[0102] A computing device can typically include a variety of
machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can
comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer
storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile media,
removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,
digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the
desired information, and which can be accessed by the computer.
[0103] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0104] The handset includes a processor 1202 for controlling and
processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 1204
interfaces to the processor 1202 for storage of data and one or
more applications 1206 (e.g., a video player software, user
feedback component software, etc.). Other applications can include
voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate
initiation of the user feedback signals. The applications 1206 can
be stored in the memory 1204 and/or in a firmware 1208, and
executed by the processor 1202 from either or both the memory 1204
or/and the firmware 1208. The firmware 1208 can also store startup
code for execution in initializing the handset 1200. A
communications component 1210 interfaces to the processor 1202 to
facilitate wired/wireless communication with external systems,
e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the
communications component 1210 can also include a suitable cellular
transceiver 1211 (e.g., a GSM transceiver) and/or an unlicensed
transceiver 1213 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signal
communications. The handset 1200 can be a device such as a cellular
telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, and
messaging-centric devices. The communications component 1210 also
facilitates communications reception from terrestrial radio
networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and
Internet-based radio services networks.
[0105] The handset 1200 includes a display 1212 for displaying
text, images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID
function), setup functions, and for user input. For example, the
display 1212 can also be referred to as a "screen" that can
accommodate the presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music
metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display 1212
can also display videos and can facilitate the generation, editing
and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface 1214 is
provided in communication with the processor 1202 to facilitate
wired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE
1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices
(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This can support updating
and troubleshooting the handset 1200, for example. Audio
capabilities are provided with an audio 110 component 1216, which
can include a speaker for the output of audio signals related to,
for example, indication that the user pressed the proper key or key
combination to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio 110
component 1216 also facilitates the input of audio signals through
a microphone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for
inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.
[0106] The handset 1200 can include a slot interface 1218 for
accommodating a SIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form
factor of a card Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM
1220, and interfacing the SIM card 1220 with the processor 1202.
However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card 1220 can be
manufactured into the handset 1200, and updated by downloading data
and software.
[0107] The handset 1200 can process IP data traffic through the
communications component 1210 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP
network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a
home network, a person area network, etc., through an ISP or
broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the
handset 1200 and IP-based multimedia content can be received in
either an encoded or decoded format.
[0108] A video processing component 1222 (e.g., a camera) can be
provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video
processing component 1222 can aid in facilitating the generation,
editing, and sharing of video quotes. The handset 1200 also
includes a power source 1224 in the form of batteries and/or an AC
power subsystem, which power source 1224 can interface to an
external power system or charging equipment (not shown) by a power
110 component 1226.
[0109] The handset 1200 can also include a video component 1230 for
processing video content received and, for recording and
transmitting video content. For example, the video component 1230
can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes.
A location tracking component 1232 facilitates geographically
locating the handset 1200. As described hereinabove, this can occur
when the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or
manually. A user input component 1234 facilitates the user
initiating the quality feedback signal. The user input component
1234 can also facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of
video quotes. The user input component 1234 can include such
conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,
mouse, stylus pen, and/or touchscreen, for example.
[0110] Referring again to the applications 1206, a hysteresis
component 1236 facilitates the analysis and processing of
hysteresis data, which is utilized to determine when to associate
with the access point. A software trigger component 1238 can be
provided that facilitates triggering of the hysteresis component
1236 when the Wi-Fi transceiver 1213 detects the beacon of the
access point. A SIP client 1240 enables the handset 1200 to support
SIP protocols and register the subscriber with the SIP registrar
server. The applications 1206 can also include a client 1242 that
provides at least the capability of discovery, play and store of
multimedia content, for example, music.
[0111] The handset 1200, as indicated above related to the
communications component 1210, includes an indoor network radio
transceiver 1213 (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports
the indoor radio link, such as IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM
handset 1200. The handset 1200 can accommodate at least satellite
radio services through a handset that can combine wireless voice
and digital radio chipsets into a single handheld device.
[0112] Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is an example block
diagram of an example computer 1300 operable to engage in a system
architecture that facilitates wireless communications according to
one or more embodiments described herein. The computer 1300 can
provide networking and communication capabilities between a wired
or wireless communication network and a server (e.g., Microsoft
server) and/or communication device. In order to provide additional
context for various aspects thereof, FIG. 13 and the following
discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of
a suitable computing environment in which the various aspects of
the innovation can be implemented to facilitate the establishment
of a transaction between an entity and a third party. While the
description above is in the general context of computer-executable
instructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled
in the art will recognize that the innovation also can be
implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a
combination of hardware and software.
[0113] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0114] The illustrated aspects of the innovation can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks
are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through
a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules can be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0115] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media or communications
media, which two terms are used herein differently from one another
as follows.
[0116] Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage
media can be implemented in connection with any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured
data. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical
disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one
or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access
requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety
of operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0117] Communications media can embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
includes any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0118] With reference to FIG. 13, implementing various aspects
described herein with regards to the end-user device can include a
computer 1300, the computer 1300 including a processing unit 1304,
a system memory 1306 and a system bus 1308. The system bus 1308
couples system components including, but not limited to, the system
memory 1306 to the processing unit 1304. The processing unit 1304
can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 1304.
[0119] The system bus 1308 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1306 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1327 and
random access memory (RAM) 1312. A basic input/output system (BIOS)
is stored in a non-volatile memory 1327 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer
information between elements within the computer 1300, such as
during start-up. The RAM 1312 can also include a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0120] The computer 1300 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 1314 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive
1314 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1316, (e.g., to
read from or write to a removable diskette 1318) and an optical
disk drive 1320, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1322 or, to read from
or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The
hard disk drive 1314, magnetic disk drive 1316 and optical disk
drive 1320 can be connected to the system bus 1308 by a hard disk
drive interface 1324, a magnetic disk drive interface 1326 and an
optical drive interface 1328, respectively. The interface 1324 for
external drive implementations includes at least one or both of
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies.
Other external drive connection technologies are within
contemplation of the subject innovation.
[0121] The drives and their associated computer-readable media
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
1300 the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a
suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic
diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types
of media which are readable by a computer 1300, such as zip drives,
magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like,
can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and
further, that any such media can contain computer-executable
instructions for performing the methods of the disclosed
innovation.
[0122] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1312, including an operating system 1330, one or more
application programs 1332, other program modules 1334 and program
data 1336. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1312. It is to
be appreciated that the innovation can be implemented with various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0123] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1300 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1338 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1340. Other
input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, an IR remote
control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touchscreen, or the
like. These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 1304 through an input device interface 1342 that is
coupled to the system bus 1308, but can be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a
game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
[0124] A monitor 1344 or other type of display device is also
connected to the system bus 1308 through an interface, such as a
video adapter 1346. In addition to the monitor 1344, a computer
1300 typically includes other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0125] The computer 1300 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections by wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1348.
The remote computer(s) 1348 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device or other
common network node, and typically includes many or all of the
elements described relative to the computer, although, for purposes
of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1350 is illustrated. The
logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to
a local area network (LAN) 1352 and/or larger networks, e.g., a
wide area network (WAN) 1354. Such LAN and WAN networking
environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and
facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets,
all of which can connect to a global communications network, e.g.,
the Internet.
[0126] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1300
is connected to the local network 1352 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1356. The
adapter 1356 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1352, which can also include a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 1356.
[0127] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1300
can include a modem 1358, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1354, or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1354, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1358, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1308 through the
input device interface 1342. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, can
be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1350. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0128] The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless
devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,
e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer,
portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of
equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag
(e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes
at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless technologies. Thus, the
communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional
network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two
devices.
[0129] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, in a hotel room, or a conference
room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar
to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices, e.g.,
computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere
within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio
technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure,
reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used
to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired
networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate
in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at a 9 Mbps (802.11a)
or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with products that
contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide
real-world performance similar to the basic 16BaseT wired Ethernet
networks used in many offices.
[0130] An aspect of 5G, which differentiates from previous 4G
systems, is the use of NR. NR architecture can be designed to
support multiple deployment cases for independent configuration of
resources used for RACH procedures. Since the NR can provide
additional services than those provided by LTE, efficiencies can be
generated by leveraging the pros and cons of LTE and NR to
facilitate the interplay between LTE and NR, as discussed
herein.
[0131] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
or "an embodiment," means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrase "in one embodiment," "in one aspect," or "in an embodiment,"
in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily
all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular
features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0132] As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms
"component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to
refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity
related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific
functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, a
combination of hardware and software, software, or software in
execution, and/or firmware. As an example, a component can be, but
is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a
processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,
computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running
on a server and the server can be a component.
[0133] One or more components can reside within a process and/or
thread of execution and a component can be localized on one
computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In
addition, these components can execute from various computer
readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The
components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such
as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component
in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such
as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another
example, a component can be an apparatus with specific
functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or
electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application
or firmware application executed by one or more processors, wherein
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and can
execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As
yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides
specific functionality through electronic components without
mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confer(s) at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. In an
aspect, a component can emulate an electronic component via a
virtual machine, e.g., within a cloud computing system. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0134] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0135] Moreover, terms such as "mobile device equipment," "mobile
station," "mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal,"
"terminal," "handset," "communication device," "mobile device"
(and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to a
wireless device utilized by a subscriber or mobile device of a
wireless communication service to receive or convey data, control,
voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably
herein and with reference to the related drawings. Likewise, the
terms "access point (AP)," "Base Station (BS)," BS transceiver, BS
device, cell site, cell site device, "Node B (NB)," "evolved Node B
(eNode B)," "home Node B (HNB)" and the like, are utilized
interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wireless network
component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,
control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any
data-stream or signaling-stream from one or more subscriber
stations. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or
frame-based flows.
[0136] Furthermore, the terms "device," "communication device,"
"mobile device," "subscriber," "customer entity," "consumer,"
"customer entity," "entity" and the like are employed
interchangeably throughout, unless context warrants particular
distinctions among the terms. It should be appreciated that such
terms can refer to human entities or automated components supported
through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference
based on complex mathematical formalisms), which can provide
simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.
[0137] Embodiments described herein can be exploited in
substantially any wireless communication technology, comprising,
but not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for
mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications
system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access
(WiMAX), enhanced general packet radio service (enhanced GPRS),
third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution
(LTE), third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile
broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), Z-Wave, Zigbee
and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacy
telecommunication technologies.
[0138] The various aspects described herein can relate to New Radio
(NR), which can be deployed as a standalone radio access technology
or as a non-standalone radio access technology assisted by another
radio access technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), for
example. It should be noted that although various aspects and
embodiments have been described herein in the context of 5G,
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and/or Long Term
Evolution (LTE), or other next generation networks, the disclosed
aspects are not limited to 5G, a UMTS implementation, and/or an LTE
implementation as the techniques can also be applied in 3G, 4G, or
LTE systems. For example, aspects or features of the disclosed
embodiments can be exploited in substantially any wireless
communication technology. Such wireless communication technologies
can include UMTS, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wi-Fi,
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, Third Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP), LTE, Third Generation Partnership
Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet
Access (HSPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), High-Speed
Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed Uplink Packet Access
(HSUPA), Zigbee, or another IEEE 802.XX technology. Additionally,
substantially all aspects disclosed herein can be exploited in
legacy telecommunication technologies.
[0139] As used herein, "5G" can also be referred to as NR access.
Accordingly, systems, methods, and/or machine-readable storage
media for facilitating link adaptation of downlink control channel
for 5G systems are desired. As used herein, one or more aspects of
a 5G network can comprise, but is not limited to, data rates of
several tens of megabits per second (Mbps) supported for tens of
thousands of users; at least one gigabit per second (Gbps) to be
offered simultaneously to tens of users (e.g., tens of workers on
the same office floor); several hundreds of thousands of
simultaneous connections supported for massive sensor deployments;
spectral efficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G;
improvement in coverage relative to 4G; signaling efficiency
enhanced compared to 4G; and/or latency significantly reduced
compared to LTE.
[0140] Systems, methods and/or machine-readable storage media for
facilitating a two-stage downlink control channel for 5G systems
are provided herein. Legacy wireless systems such as LTE, Long-Term
Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) etc.
use fixed modulation format for downlink control channels. Fixed
modulation format implies that the downlink control channel format
is always encoded with a single type of modulation (e.g.,
quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)) and has a fixed code rate.
Moreover, the forward error correction (FEC) encoder uses a single,
fixed mother code rate of 1/3 with rate matching. This design does
not take into the account channel statistics. For example, if the
channel from the BS device to the mobile device is very good, the
control channel cannot use this information to adjust the
modulation, code rate, thereby unnecessarily allocating power on
the control channel. Similarly, if the channel from the BS to the
mobile device is poor, then there is a probability that the mobile
device might not be able to decode the information received with
only the fixed modulation and code rate. As used herein, the term
"infer" or "inference" refers generally to the process of reasoning
about, or inferring states of, the system, environment, user,
and/or intent from a set of observations as captured via events
and/or data. Captured data and events can include user data, device
data, environment data, data from sensors, sensor data, application
data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference can be employed
to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a
probability distribution over states of interest based on a
consideration of data and events, for example.
[0141] Inference can also refer to techniques employed for
composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data.
Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions
from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether the
events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the
events and data come from one or several event and data sources.
Various classification procedures and/or systems (e.g., support
vector machines, neural networks, expert systems, Bayesian belief
networks, fuzzy logic, and data fusion engines) can be employed in
connection with performing automatic and/or inferred action in
connection with the disclosed subject matter.
[0142] In addition, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a
computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term
"article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a
computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
machine-readable device, computer-readable carrier,
computer-readable media, machine-readable media, computer-readable
(or machine-readable) storage/communication media. For example,
computer-readable media can comprise, but are not limited to, a
magnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magnetic
strip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video
disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc.TM. (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory
device (e.g., card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that
emulates a storage device and/or any of the above computer-readable
media. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many
modifications can be made to this configuration without departing
from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments
[0143] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the
subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments
to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and
examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various
modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of
such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art
can recognize.
[0144] In this regard, while the subject matter has been described
herein in connection with various embodiments and corresponding
figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other
similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can
be made to the described embodiments for performing the same,
similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed
subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the
disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single
embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in
breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.
* * * * *