BR112018001288B1 - SEMIPERSISTENT SCHEDULING FOR ENHANCED MACHINE-TYPE COMMUNICATIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

SEMIPERSISTENT SCHEDULING FOR ENHANCED MACHINE-TYPE COMMUNICATIONS. Methods, systems and devices for wireless communication are described. Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) can be used to communicate with various wireless communication devices, including machine-type communication devices (MTC), to reduce overhead on control channels. Scheduling data transmissions using SPS techniques can be repeated and grouped to perform coverage enhancement (CE) for devices with poor radio quality conditions. SPS communication can be used in both uplink and downlink transmissions. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number of scheduled transmission periods and a CE level, which may be established in an SPS configuration message or as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. A device can identify the CE level of transmissions and, in some cases, can determine the frequency of the SPS based on the CE level. Grouped streams assigned with SPS can be prioritized over each other or dynamically assigned resources.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES

[0001] The present Patent Application claims priority to Patent Application No. 15/215,809 to Vajapeyam et al., entitled "Semi-Persistent Scheduling for Enhanced Machine Type Communications,” filed on July 21, 2016; and Application for Provisional Patent No. 62/196,223 to Vajapeyam et al., entitled "Semi-Persistent Scheduling for Enhanced Machine Type Communications", filed on July 23, 2015; each of which is assigned to the assignee thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following relates generally to wireless communication and more specifically to semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) for machine-type communication (MTC) or enhanced MTC (eMTC) devices.

[0003] Wireless communications systems are widely implemented to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems. orthogonal frequency division (OFDMA), for example, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. A wireless multiple access communications system may include multiple base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communications devices, which may otherwise be known as user equipment (UE).

[0004] Low-complexity, low-cost devices such as machine-type communication devices (MTC) can send or receive regular data transmissions that may be small in size. For these regular transmissions, control channel information can constitute a large amount of overhead relative to the size of the transmission.

SUMMARY

[0005] Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) can be used to communicate with MTC devices to, for example, reduce overhead on control channels. Data transmissions scheduled using SPS can also be repeated or grouped to perform coverage enhancement (CE) for devices that have poor radio link conditions. Both uplink and downlink transmissions can be scheduled using SPS. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number of scheduled transmission periods that may be established in an SPS configuration message or as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. A device, such as an MTC device, can identify the CE level (e.g., a repetition level) of transmissions and, in some cases, can determine the frequency of resources allocated by SPS based on the CE level. Resources assigned using SPS can be prioritized over each other or over dynamically assigned resources. In some cases, resources assigned using SPS may be ignored when it is determined that they overlap with dynamically assigned resources.

[0006] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include receiving signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, receiving a downlink control message that activates the SPS, determining a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based, at least in part, on the configuration or in the downlink control message and communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0007] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS, means for receiving a downlink control message that activates the SPS, means for determining a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based on, by least in part, in the configuration or downlink control message and means for communicating with a base station on resources allocated by the SPS according to the level of coverage enhancement.

[0008] An additional apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause it to receive signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS, receive a control message downlink that activates the SPS, determine a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based, at least in part, on the configuration or downlink control message, and communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the level of coverage improvement.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores code for wireless communication is described. The code may include executable instructions to receive signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS, determine a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based, at least in part , in the configuration or downlink control message and communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0010] Some examples of the method, apparatus, or non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may additionally include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining a periodicity of resources allocated by the SPS based, at least in part, on the level coverage improvement. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the configuration for the SPS includes a plurality of SPS periodicities, and determining the periodicity of resources allocated by the SPS comprises selecting the periodicity from the plurality of SPS periodicities based, at least in part, on at the level of coverage improvement.

[0011] Some examples of the method, apparatus, or non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may additionally include processes, features, means or instructions for determining that a temporary uplink data store is empty during a transmission period of the configuration, wherein the configuration comprises an uplink SPS configuration, and refraining from transmitting on the resources allocated by the SPS during transmission based, at least in part, on the determination that the temporary storage of uplink data is empty. Some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication to determine whether the temporary uplink data store is empty during the transmission period of the configuration, and abstention from transmission may be based, at least in part , in the indication. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for incrementing a counter based, at least in part, on a transmission abstention on the resources, determining that the counter has a value that exceeds a threshold, and releasing the activation of SPS based, at least in part, on the determination that the meter exceeds the limit.

[0012] Some examples of the method, apparatus or non-transitory computer readable media described herein may further include processes, features, means or instructions for receiving a second downlink control message comprising a dynamic resource allocation and determining that Resources assigned by dynamic assignment override resources assigned by SPS. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for communicating based, at least in part, on dynamic assignment and refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the SPS based, at least. least in part, in determining whether resources assigned by dynamic assignment overlap with resources assigned by SPS.

[0013] In some examples of the method, apparatus, or non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the resources allocated by the SPS include grouped transmission time slots (TTis), and abstaining from communication comprises refraining from communicate by at least one grouping of TTis. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may include processes, features, means, or instructions for releasing SPS activation based, at least in part, on the determination that the additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.

[0014] Some examples of the method, apparatus, or non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may additionally include processes, particulars, means, or instructions for refraining from communicating on the resources assigned by dynamic assignment based, at least in part , in determining that the additional resources overlap with the resources allocated by the SPS. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, abstention from communication is based, at least in part, on whether the configuration comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration.

[0015] In some examples of the method, apparatus, or non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration and a downlink SPS configuration, and determining that the resources assigned by the SPS include overlapping uplink resources and downlink resources. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, communicating with the base station comprises refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the uplink resources or the downlink resources.

[0016] Some examples of the method, apparatus or non-transitory computer readable media described herein may additionally include processes, features, means or instructions for prioritizing uplink resources or downlink resources for communication and communicating with The base station understands how to communicate based, at least in part, on prioritization. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, determining the coverage enhancement level includes selecting a coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels, wherein the set includes a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancement. .

[0017] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include transmitting signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmitting a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of coverage enhancement, and communicating if with a UE on resources allocated by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0018] An additional apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for transmitting signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS, means for transmitting a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of enhancement. coverage, and means to communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0019] An additional apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in memory and operable, when executed by the processor, to cause the apparatus to transmit signaling indicating a configuration to an SPS, transmit a control message downlink that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level, and communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level.

[0020] A non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores code for wireless communication is described. The code may include executable instructions to transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of coverage enhancement. and communicate with a UE on resources allocated by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0021] Some examples of the method, apparatus or non-transitory computer readable media described herein may additionally include processes, features, means or instructions for identifying a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage enhancement levels and selecting a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration for the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set. Additionally or alternatively, some examples may include processes, features, means or instructions for transmitting a second downlink control message comprising a dynamic resource allocation, wherein the dynamic allocation may be overridden by the resources assigned by the SPS and communicating with UE can be based, at least in part, on dynamic resource allocation. In some examples, the signaling indicating configuration for SPS may include an indication for the UE to refrain from transmitting during a configuration transmission period when an uplink data buffer of the UE is empty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures:

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system that supports semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) for enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate examples of the configuration and activation of SPS within systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D illustrate examples of resource assignment prioritization within systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a process flow in a system that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figures 6 to 8 show block diagrams of a wireless device or devices that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a system, which includes a user equipment (UE), that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figures 10 to 12 show block diagrams of a wireless device or devices that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a system, including a base station, that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; It is

[0032] Figures 14 to 17 illustrate methods that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Some wireless systems may support coverage enhancement (CE) for communication between the user equipment (UE) and base station by transmitting repeated information in groups known as clusters. In some cases, the CE may include grouping information (e.g., repeated instances of) in order to ensure quality transmission for UEs that are operating under unsatisfactory channel quality conditions. Some wireless systems may also use semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) to transmit periodic information (which may or may not be clustered) between devices such as UEs and base stations. Some wireless systems, which include those described herein, can thus support low-power, low-complexity devices (e.g., machine-type communications (MTC) devices) employing SPS and CE.

[0034] Transmissions to and from low-cost or low-complexity devices can include relatively small amounts of data, and using SPS can reduce the amount of overhead for control channels associated with that data. Low-cost or low-complexity devices, such as MTC devices, can also use narrowband semi-duplex unicast transmission for both physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) . Therefore, MTC devices may be limited to transmitting or receiving at a given time.

[0035] As described below, activation of SPS and CE-related information, including transmission retry levels, may be dynamically indicated using an uplink or downlink grant or with uplink signaling or both. A frequency and grouping size (i.e., a CE level) for SPS-based communication can be configured for a specific device when the device establishes a radio connection or when SPS is activated (e.g., with a grant ).

[0036] To facilitate SPS-based communication with some MTC devices, for example, an SPS period may be greater than a cluster size (e.g., a number of repeated transmissions) due to the fact that clustered transmissions may be transmitted in periods of recurring SPS. For some systems, which include those configured to employ SPS without CE, a range of SPS values may be insufficient to accommodate all cluster sizes (e.g., CE levels). Therefore, as described in this document, the SPS periodicity can be modified or established based on CE levels employed within a system.

[0037] In some wireless systems, which includes those that employ SPS primarily for devices of higher complexity or user-intensive operation (e.g., Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)), a UE may transmit padding bits if no data is available during an SPS-assigned uplink transmission period. Fill transmission can, however, be ineffective for power and resource management, especially if a large cluster is used. Therefore, as described herein, UEs and MTC devices may be configured to refrain from transmitting during SPS-allocated uplink transmission periods if, for example, an uplink data buffer is empty. Therefore, instead of transmitting padding, a UE or MTC device can conserve resources by refraining from transmitting if it has no data to send. In some cases, a UE or MTC device that refrains from uplink transmissions during SPS-assigned transmission periods for multiple instances may release its SPS assignment.

[0038] UEs and MTC devices can use both SPS-assigned resources and dynamically-assigned resources. In some cases, a UE may receive a dynamic assignment for resources that overlap in the time domain with existing SPS-assigned resources. Due to clustering (e.g., for CE), this overlap may be more prevalent or may result in assigned resources that partially overlap. If there is an overlap of SPS-assigned resources with dynamically-assigned resources, a UE or base station may determine rules to transmit using one or both assignments. For example, the SPS assignment can be released or can remain configured. In some cases, SPS uplink and downlink resources may overlap, and rules may be employed to prioritize transmissions.

[0039] The aspects of disclosure introduced above are further described below in the context of a wireless communication system. Specific examples are then described for SPS configurations and for prioritization when assigned resources overlap. These and other aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams and flow charts that relate to SPS for eMTC.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 100 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; The wireless communications system 100 includes base stations 105, user equipment (UEs) 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communications system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network/ LTE- Advanced (LTE-A). The wireless communications system 100 may support SPS for MTC devices to reduce control signaling overhead.

[0041] The base stations 105 may communicate wirelessly with the UEs 115 via one or more base station antennas. Each base station 105 may provide communications coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. The communications links 125 shown in the wireless communications system 100 may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE 115 to a station -base 105 or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station 105 to a UE 115. The UEs 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications systems 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile. A UE 115 may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a remote unit, a wireless device, an access terminal, a handset, a user agent, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE 115 may also be a cellular telephone, a wireless modem, a portable device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a personal electronic device, a MTC device, or the like.

[0042] MTC devices can provide automated wireless communication, which can include those that implement Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. M2M or MTC may refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. For example, M2M or MTC can refer to communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay that information to a central server or application program that can use the information or present the information to humans interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 that may be MTC devices may be those designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines. UEs 115 that are MTC devices may include the low-cost or low-complexity devices mentioned above and may communicate on uplink and downlink using coverage enhancement techniques.

[0043] Example applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, geological and weather event monitoring, tracking and management security, remote security detection, physical access control and transaction-based business billing. An MTC device can operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices can also be configured to enter a "deep sleep" power-saving mode when not engaged in active communications.

[0044] Base stations 105 can communicate with the core network 130 and with each other. For example, base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 via backhaul links 132 (e.g., SI, etc.). The base stations 105 may communicate with each other via backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, etc.) directly or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130). The base stations 105 may perform radio scheduling and configuration for communication with the UEs 115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown). In some examples, base stations 105 may be macrocells, small cells, hot spots, or the like. The base stations 105 may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs) 105.

[0045] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may utilize coverage enhancement (CE) techniques to improve the quality of a communication link 125 for UEs 115 located at a cell edge, operating with low power transceivers or experience high interference or path loss. CE techniques may include repeat transmissions, transmission time slot grouping (TTI), HARQ retransmission, physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) hopping, beamforming, power boosting, or other techniques. The CE techniques used may depend on the specific techniques of UEs 115 in different circumstances. For example, TTI grouping may involve sending multiple copies of the same information in a group of consecutive TTis rather than waiting for a negative acknowledgment (NACK) before retransmitting redundancy versions. TTI teaming can be effective for communicating when channel quality between devices is unsatisfactory, or in other cases, it can be effective for users engaged in voice communications through Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) or VOIP.

[0046] In some examples, CE may include increasing the number of HARQ retransmissions. Uplink data transmissions can also be transmitted using frequency hopping to achieve frequency diversity. Additionally or alternatively, beamforming can be used to increase the strength of a signal in a particular direction, or the transmission power can simply be increased. In some cases, one or more CE options may be combined and CE levels may be set based on a number of decibels that the techniques are expected to enhance a signal (e.g., no CE, 5dB CE, 10dB CE, 15dB CE, etc.), and each CE level may be associated with one or more of a number of TTI grouping, frequency hopping, or beamforming repetitions.

[0047] Wireless communications system 100 may use control signaling to communicate with UEs 115. For example, PDCCH may carry downlink control information (DCI) on control channel elements (CCEs), which may consist of nine groups of logically contiguous resource elements (REGs), where each REG contains 4 resource elements (REs). The DCI may include information related to downlink (DL) scheduling assignments, uplink (UL) resource grants, transmission scheme, UL power control, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, modulation and coding (MCS) and other information. SPS activation messages may be included in DCI.

[0048] The size and format of DCI messages may differ depending on the type and amount of information that is carried by the DCI. For example, if spatial multiplexing is supported, the DCI message size is large compared to contiguous frequency allocations. Similarly, for a system that employs multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO), the DCI may include additional signaling information. The shape and size of DCI depend on the amount of information as well as factors such as bandwidth, the number of antenna ports and duplexing mode.

[0049] The PDCCH can carry DCI messages associated with multiple users and each UE 115 can decode the DCI messages that are intended for it. For example, each UE 115 may be assigned a cell radio network temporary identity (C-RNTI) and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits set to each DCI may be shuffled based on the C-RNTI. To reduce power consumption and overhead on user equipment, a limited set of CCE locations may be specified for the DCI associated with a specific UE 115. The CCEs can be grouped (e.g., into groups of 1, 2, 4, and 8 CCEs), and a set of CCE locations in which the user equipment can find relevant DCI can be specified. These CCEs can be known as a search space.

[0050] The search space can be partitioned into two regions: a common CCE region or search space and a UE-specific (dedicated) CCE region or search space. The common CCE region is monitored by all UEs served by a base station 105 and may include information such as paging information, system information, random access procedures, and the like. The UE-specific search space may include user-specific control information. CCEs can be indexed, and the common search space can start from CCE 0. The starting index for a UE-specific search space depends on the C-RNTI, the subframe index, the CCE aggregation level, and a random seed. A UE 115 may attempt to decode the DCI by performing a process known as blind decoding, during which the search spaces are randomly decoded until the DCI is detected. During blind decoding, the UE 115 may attempt to unscramble all potential DCI messages using its C-RNTI, and perform a CRC check to determine whether the attempt was successful.

[0051] As mentioned above, a base station 105 and a UE 115 may utilize semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) to reduce control signaling overhead. SPS may involve establishing a regular pattern of scheduled resources at a given frequency and may be used for a predefined period of time. That is, a UE 115 may be preconfigured by the eNB with a temporary radio network identity of SPS (SPS-RNT1) and a periodicity. If a UE 115 receives an allocation using the SPS-RNTI (instead of the typical C-RNTI) then the allocation can be repeated according to the pre-configured periodicity. During SPS, some parameters may remain fixed such as RB assignments and Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS). Because of this, if the radio link condition changes, a new allocation can be sent.

[0052] Some allocations, such as incremental redundancy (i.e., subsequent HARQ transmissions), can be scheduled separately using dynamic programming. In some cases (for example, based on a conflict with dynamic scheduling or when a data transfer is complete) SPS can be disabled using explicit signaling, predetermined rules, or based on an inactivity timer.

[0053] The SPS can be used to communicate with UEs 115, such as MTC devices. Data transmissions can also be repeated and grouped during each SPS period to effect CE, which can mitigate poor radio conditions. SPS-assigned communications can be used in both uplink and downlink transmissions. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number of iterations, which may be established in an SPS configuration message or as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. A UE 115 can identify the CE level of transmissions and, in some cases, can determine the frequency of the SPS based on the CE level.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system 200 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; The wireless communications system 200 may include a UE 115-a and base station 105-a, which may be examples of a UE 115 base station 105 described with reference to Figure 1. The wireless communications system 200 may support SPS for UE 115-a (which may be an MTC device) to reduce control signaling overhead.

[0055] The wireless communications system 200 may support CE for communication between the UE 115-a and the base station 105-a by transmitting repeated information (i.e., a cluster) in consecutive TTis. In some cases, information may be grouped to increase the likelihood that transmissions will be received successfully under poor channel quality conditions. The wireless communications system 200 may use SPS to transmit periodic information, e.g., a grouping of TTis, between devices such as the UE 115-a and the base station 105-a. The wireless communications system 200 can support low-power, low-complexity devices (e.g., MTC devices) using SPS transmission. The transmission can include relatively small amounts of information, and using SPS can reduce the amount of overhead appropriate for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0056] The wireless communications system 200 may support low-cost narrowband semi-duplex unicast transmission and CE for both physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). . For low cost, the UE 115-a has limited capacity or may not be able to transmit and receive at the same time. For CE, the amount of repetition can be dynamically indicated in an uplink or downlink grant. The amount of repetition can be based on a set of predefined values, which can be explicitly and implicitly configured. The dynamic indication can be sent through an existing downlink control information (DCI) field that can be reused for the indication or through a new DCI field.

[0057] To use the resources allocated by SPS, which may be referred to as SPS communication, SPS communication may first be established between UE 115-a and base station 105-a. SPS communication can be configured and activated by higher layer signaling or with physical channel messages, or both sent to the UE 115-a from the base station 105-a. The configuration information may include repeating information for SPS assignments, wherein the repeating information may include a number of times for the SPS information to be repeated in a cluster. In some cases, SPS configuration and activation information may be indicated in the grant on the PDCCH. In some cases, SPS communication may be configured by higher layers of the wireless system, for example, as part of the SPS configuration message in radio resource control (RRC).

[0058] Once SPS communication is established, a periodicity and cluster size "n" of SPS communication can be configured. As discussed above, the SPS period may be larger than the cluster size, to the extent that the cluster may be transmitted, for example, in recurring SPS periods. System 200 may thus use multiple sets of SPS periodicities depending on, for example, a CE level or TTI cluster size of the SPS-assigned transmissions.

[0059] By way of example, in order to manage appropriate SPS periodicity, multiple sets of SPS periodicities can be defined. Each set may correspond to a repetition level and may contain a list, for example, of possible SPS periodicities. In some examples, two bits can be used to represent four possible repetition levels, where each list has N values. A set can contain the periodicities p11 to p1N. A second set may contain the periodicities p21 to p2N. A third may contain the periodicities p31 to p3N. A fourth set may contain the periodicities p41 to p4N. These four sets can be referred to, respectively, as set 1 to set 4.

[0060] A UE 115 can be configured by RRC with multiple SPS periodicities. For example, UE 115-a may have an SPS configured for one of each possible repetition level. The UE 115-a may transmit, for example, a first periodicity obtained from set 1, a second periodicity obtained from set 2, a third periodicity obtained from set 3, a fourth periodicity obtained from set 4 , or any combination of these periodicities. Based on the repetition level indicated in the SPS activation grant, the UE 115-a may be aware of its configured SPS periodicity, wherein various bits, e.g., two, in the activation grant may indicate the SPS period and the SPS cluster.

[0061] In some cases, UEs may transmit padding bits if insufficient uplink data is available to send during an uplink transmission period of SPS-allocated resources. Fill transmission can be ineffective for power and resource management, especially if a large cluster is used. Then, the UE 115-a may be configured to transmit on SPS-assigned uplink resources when uplink data is available for transmission, and the UE 115-a may refrain from transmitting during uplink transmission periods. , in another way. For example, if the UE 115-a has information in temporary storage, it may transmit on uplink resources allocated by SPS. If the UE 115-a has an empty temporary store during an uplink transmission interval, it may refrain from transmitting. As further described below, the UE 115-a may update an implicit SPS release counter by 1 when not performing an SPS transmission due to an empty temporary store, wherein a grouped occasion may be considered 1 SPS transmission attempt. , for example.

[0062] Some wireless systems, including system 200, may use both SPS-assigned and dynamically-assigned resources. In some cases, a UE 115 may receive a dynamic assignment that overlaps in the time domain with a previous SPS assignment. Due to grouping, transmissions may partially overlap in some cases. Dynamic assignment can have the same cluster size or different cluster size than SPS assignment.

[0063] By way of example, if there is an overlap of resources allocated by SPS to the dynamic allocation, the dynamic allocation may, in some cases, take precedence. If dynamic assignment takes precedence, the overriding SPS assignment can be overridden. In some cases, overriding the SPS assignment may include replacing the overlapping portion and remaining valid in the non-overlapping portions. In another case, replacing the SPS assignment may include replacing the entire SPS grouping.

[0064] If an SPS assignment and a dynamic assignment overlap, the SPS assignment may be released, or it may remain configured. If the SPS assignment is released, SPS transmission may stop and not transmit unless the UE 115 reconfigures it. If the SPS assignment remains configured, the SPS assignment may transmit again during the next SPS period. In some cases, the UE 115 may ignore an overlapping dynamic assignment completely, for example, by skipping grant monitoring or treating the overlap as an error case. Ignoring dynamic assignment may be appropriate for certain types of SPS assignment; for example, based on whether SPS communication is done over an uplink or a downlink.

[0065] The UE 115-a may have a limited ability to perform uplink transmission and downlink reception or monitoring at the same time. Since a cluster size of SPS-assigned resources can be dynamically changed during activation or, in some cases, reactivation, overlapping uplink and downlink SPS-assigned resources may occur. System 200 may prioritize one of the assignments or the other, treat one assignment as valid during a non-overlapping portion, for example; or prioritize one of the assignments and consider the others as invalid for each cluster TTI that is at least partially overlapping.

[0066] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate example activation and configuration schemes of SPS 301 and 302 within systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The SPS activation and configuration schemes 301 and 302 may be used by a UE 115 and the base station 105 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 2. The SPS activation and configuration scheme 301 may represent an example in which the CE level information (e.g., TTI grouping, power boost, beamforming, etc.) is included in the SPS 305 activation grant. The SPS 302 activation and configuration schematics may represent an example where the CE level information (e.g., TTI grouping, power boost, beamforming, etc.) is included in the SPS 320 configuration message.

[0067] An SPS activation grant 305 may be sent to initiate SPS communication by assigning uplink or downlink resources at a periodic interval (e.g., after the SPS has already been configured by higher layers). The SPS activation grant 305 may be sent from a base station 105 to a UE 115. In some cases, the SPS activation grant 305 may include replay information for SPS assignments and may be sent on PDCCH. Replay information for SPS assignments may include a duration, a periodicity, and a number of SPS transmission iterations.

[0068] SPS periods 310-a, 310-b, 310-c, and 310-d may be recurring time frames for SPS transmission. That is, the SPS periods 310-a, 310b, 310-c, and 310-d may consist of an amount of time allocated to transmit SPS information to a UE in uplink communication or a base station in uplink communication. downlink. The SPS 310 periods may have a longer duration than the time reserved for each SPS 315 transmission grouping. The grouping information for the SPS period 310-a and the SPS period 310-b may be determined partially in information to from the grant of activation of SPS 305.

[0069] The SPS transmission pool 315-a and the SPS transmission pool 315-b can be sent within SPS periods 310-a and 310-b, respectively. The transmission grouping of SPS 315-a may include repeated information to support coverage enhancement. By sending the same information multiple times, the receiver can obtain the information at a higher signal strength compared to transmitting the information once. The transmission grouping of SPS 315-b may also include a grouping of repeated information, although it may be repeated information other than what is contained in the transmission grouping of SPS 315-a. SPS transmission may involve sending SPS transmission groupings 315-a and 315-b for a predetermined number of iterations as specified in the SPS activation grant 305. After sending the SPS transmission groupings 315 for the predetermined number of iterations , SPS communication can be reconfigured for subsequent SPS transmissions.

[0070] Replay information may alternatively be configured and sent in higher layer signaling as part of an SPS configuration message 320, which may be sent in RRC signaling. That is, the grouping information for the SPS period 310-c and SPS period 310-d may be determined partially through information from the SPS configuration message 320. Then, an SPS activation 325 may be sent to initialize the SPS communication. SPS. After initializing communication, SPS transmission clusters 315-c and 315-d can be sent in SPS 310-c and 310-d periods, respectively. SPS communication may involve sending SPS transmission clusters 315 for a pre-indicated number of interactions, as specified in the SPS configuration message 320.

[0071] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D illustrate resource assignment prioritization schemes 401, 402, 403, and 404 within systems that support SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Prioritization schemes 401, 402, 403 and 403 may be used by a UE 115 and base station 105 as described with reference to Figures 1 to 2.

[0072] The transmission cluster of SPS 405-a can be sent within a period of SPS 410-a. The duration of an SPS transmission cluster can be shorter than the duration of its respective SPS period. The transmission cluster duration of SPS 405-a may therefore be shorter than the duration of the SPS 410-a period. The transmission of this transmission group of SPS 405-a may, in some cases, be uninterrupted by dynamic transmissions, and the entire transmission group may be received. This may indicate that there is no overlap between a dynamic assignment and the transmission grouping of SPS 405-a.

[0073] In some cases, an SPS transmission such as the SPS transmission pool 405-b may overlap a dynamic transmission such as the overlapping dynamic transmission 425-a. A UE 115 may determine that SPS-assigned resources and dynamically-assigned resources overlap in time upon receipt of a grant for the dynamically-assigned resources. Dynamically assigned resources, as described herein, may include resources of a physical shared channel assigned to a specific UE 115 with a downlink grant on a downlink control channel. In the case of overlapping groupings of SPS-assigned resources and dynamically-assigned resources, the receiver may handle the overlapping SPS communication in one of several modes.

[0074] By way of example, in prioritization scheme 401, the SPS transmission grouping 405-b may include two portions, such as uninterrupted portion 415-a and interrupted portion 420-a. The interrupted portion 415-a may contain a portion of an SPS transmission pool 405 (e.g., SPS-assigned resources) that does not overlap with a dynamic transmission 425. The interrupted portion 420-a may be scheduled to be received, for example, at the same time as the superimposed dynamic transmission 425-a. The device may receive the uninterrupted portion 415-but cease SPS communication. Because the SPS transmission may contain grouped repeated information, part of the uninterrupted portion 415-a may still be useful. After the SPS interrupted period 410-b, the SPS released period of time 435-a may last indefinitely or until SPS communication is reconfigured and reactivated. The receiver may continue to receive dynamic transmissions 430-a and 430-b during the time period of the released SPS 435-a.

[0075] In prioritization scheme 402, a device may receive the transmission grouping of SPS 405-c during the period of SPS 410-c. The transmission cluster of SPS 405-c may not contain an uninterrupted portion. The SPS transmission cluster 405-d may overlay a dynamic transmission, e.g., the overlaid dynamic transmission 425-b, and may contain two distinct parts, such as the uninterrupted portion 415-b and the interrupted portion 420-b. An interrupted portion 415-b may contain a portion of an SPS transmission cluster 405 that does not overlap with a dynamic transmission 425. The interrupted portion 420-b may be scheduled to be received, for example, at the same time as the transmission superimposed dynamics 425-b. The device may receive the uninterrupted portion 415-b and continue additional SPS transmissions.

[0076] Because the SPS transmission may contain grouped repeated information, part of the uninterrupted portion 415-b may still be useful. After the interrupted SPS period 410-d, SPS communication may continue for the previously configured number of transmission iterations. During the period of SPS 410-e, the receiving device may continue to receive the transmission cluster of SPS 405-e. The receiver can also continue to receive 430-c and 430-d dynamic transmissions.

[0077] In the example illustrated by prioritization scheme 403, a device may receive the transmission grouping of SPS 405-f during the period of SPS 410-f. The transmission cluster of SPS 405-f may not contain any uninterrupted portion. The SPS transmission cluster 405-g may overlap a dynamic transmission, e.g., the dynamic transmission 425-c. The receiver may choose to treat the entire SPS transmission cluster 405-g as an interrupted portion 420-c and ignore the entire cluster. When a transmission cluster is interrupted, the receiver may choose to cease SPS communication. After the SPS interrupted period 410-g, the SPS released period of time 435b may last indefinitely or until SPS communication is reconfigured and reactivated. The receiver may continue to receive dynamic transmissions 430-e and 430-f during the time period of the released SPS 435-b.

[0078] In the example of prioritization scheme 404, a device may receive the SPS transmission cluster 405-h. The transmission cluster of SPS 405-h may not contain any uninterrupted portion. The SPS transmission cluster 405-i may overlap a dynamic transmission, e.g., the dynamic transmission 425-d. The receiver may choose to treat the entire SPS transmission cluster 405-i as an interrupted portion 420-d and ignore the entire cluster. The receiver may choose to continue SPS communication despite having interrupted transmission. After the interrupted SPS period 410-i, SPS communication may continue for the previously configured number of iterations. During the period of SPS 410-j, the receiving device may receive more transmission clusters of SPS 405-j as well as dynamic transmissions 430-g and 430-h.

[0079] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a process flow 500 in a system that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Process flow 500 may include a UE 115-b and base station 105-b, which may be examples of a UE 115 and base station 105 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0080] In step 505, the UE 115-b may receive signaling indicating SPS configuration information. In some cases, the configuration signal may contain CE configuration information that includes grouping information. In step 510, the UE 115-b may receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS. In some cases, the activation message may include grouping information. The activation message can be sent on PDCCH, for example.

[0081] In step 515, the UE 115-b may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message. That is, in some examples, a CE level may be determined by SPS configuration information received in RRC signaling. In other cases, a CE level may be determined by information, such as an SPS activation, received in a downlink control message. Determining the coverage enhancement level may include selecting a CE level from a set of CE levels, which includes a CE level that corresponds to no coverage enhancement. CE levels may thus include gain of 0 dB, 5 dB, 10 dB or 15 dB, for example.

[0082] In step 525, the UE 115-b may determine a frequency of resources allocated by the SPS based on the level of coverage improvement. In some examples, the configuration for the SPS includes multiple SPS periodicities. Determining the periodicity of resources allocated by the SPS may include selecting the periodicity from the set of SPS periodicities based on the level of coverage enhancement.

[0083] In some cases, base station 105-b may identify a set of periodicities for each of multiple coverage enhancement levels, and may select a periodicity from each set of periodicities. Selected periodicities can be transported to the UE 115-b via RRC signaling.

[0084] The UE 115-b may communicate with a base station on the resources allocated by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level. Both the UE 115-b and the base station 105-b can transmit on SPS-assigned resources.

[0085] In step 525, the UE 115-b or the base station 105-b may transmit or receive on SPS-assigned resources. The resource may include resources grouped under TTI. According to the SPS configuration, during a subsequent transmission period, the UE 115-b or the base station 105-b may transmit or receive on SPS-assigned resources in step 530. Transmitting and receiving on SPS-assigned resources may continue according to SPS configuration and SPS activation or until SPS is released. An SPS release may be due, for example, to multiple unused uplink transmission periods or overlapping scheduled transmissions.

[0086] By way of example, the UE 115-b may determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during a configuration transmission period, wherein the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration. The UE 115-b may refrain from transmitting on the resources allocated by the SPS during transmission based on determining that the uplink data buffer is empty. Then, the UE 115-b may increment a counter based on a transmission abstention on the resources. The UE 115-b may determine that the counter has a value that exceeds a threshold and may release the SPS based on the determination that the counter exceeds the threshold.

[0087] In some cases, the UE 115-b may be preconfigured to refrain from transmitting during a transmission period on resources assigned by the SPS. For example, signaling from the base station 105-b may include an indication that the UE 115-b should refrain from transmitting during a transmission period when an uplink data buffer of the UE 115-b is empty. This indication may be included in signaling indicating SPS configuration or in a downlink control message. The UE 115-b may receive the indication from the base station 105-b to determine whether the uplink data buffer is empty during the transmission period of the SPS configuration. The UE 115-b may refrain from transmitting based on determining that the temporary uplink data store is empty and therefore based on receipt of the indication.

[0088] In some cases, the UE 115-b may receive a second downlink control message that includes a dynamic resource assignment. The UE 115-b may determine that the resources allocated by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources allocated by the SPS.

[0089] In some cases, the UE 115-b may communicate based on dynamic assignment. The UE 115-b may refrain from communicating some or all of the resources assigned by the SPS based on the determination that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS. In some examples, resources assigned by SPS include grouped TTis. In some examples, refraining from communicating includes refraining from communicating across a cluster of TTis. The UE 115-b may release the SPS based on the determination that the additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.

[0090] In some examples, the UE 115-b may refrain from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based on the determination that the additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS. Refraining from communicating may, for example, be based on whether the SPS configuration includes an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration. The UE 115-b may determine that the resources allocated by the SPS include overlapping uplink resources and overlapping downlink resources. Communicating with the base station 105-b may thus include refraining from communicating on a portion of the uplink resources or the downlink resources.

[0091] In some cases, the UE 115-b may prioritize uplink resources or downlink resources for communication when both uplink and downlink resources of SPS overlap. Therefore, communicating with base station 105-b may include communicating based on prioritization of uplink or downlink resources assigned by SPS.

[0092] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 600 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 600 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The wireless device 600 may include a receiver 605, an SPS manager 610, or a transmitter 615. The wireless device 600 may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other.

[0093] Receiver 605 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and SPS-related information for eMTC, etc.). The information may be passed to the SPS manager 610, and to other wireless device components 600.

[0094] The SPS manager 610 may, in combination with the receiver 605, receive signaling indicating configuration for an SPS, receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS, determine a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message, and communicate with a base station on the resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[0095] Transmitter 615 may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device 600. In some examples, transmitter 615 may be co-located with receiver 605 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 615 may include a single antenna, or may include a plurality of antennas.

[0096] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 700 may be an example of aspects of a wireless device 600 or a UE 115 described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The wireless device 700 may include a receiver 605-a, an SPS manager 610-a or a 615-a transmitter. The wireless device 700 may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other. The SPS manager 610-a may also include an SPS configuration module 705, an SPS activation module 710, and a CE level module 715.

[0097] The receiver 605-a can receive information that can be passed to the SPS manager 610-a, and other components of the wireless device 700. The SPS manager 610-a can perform the operations described with reference to Figure 6. Transmitter 615-a may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device 700.

[0098] The SPS configuration module 705 may, in combination with a receiver 605-a, receive signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In some examples, the configuration for the SPS includes multiple SPS periodicities. In some cases, signaling indicating the configuration for an SPS may include an indication to the wireless device 700 to determine whether an uplink data buffer is empty during a transmission period of the SPS configuration. The wireless device 700 may determine whether the temporary storage is empty for a period of time and may thus refrain from transmitting based on the determination and therefore based on the indication. The SPS configuration module 705 may also determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during a configuration transmission period. The SPS configuration module 705 may cause the device 700 to refrain from transmitting on the SPS-allocated resources during transmission based on determining that the uplink temporary data store is empty. The SPS 705 configuration module can also increment a counter based on a transmission abstention on the resources.

[0099] The SPS 705 configuration module may determine that the counter has a value that exceeds a threshold. In some examples, communication abstention may be based on whether the SPS configuration is determined to be a UL configuration or a DL configuration. In some examples, the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration and a downlink SPS configuration. The SPS configuration module 705 may also determine that the resources allocated by the SPS include overlapping uplink resources and overlapping downlink resources. In some examples, communicating with the base station includes refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the uplink resources or the downlink resources. The SPS 705 configuration module can prioritize uplink resources or downlink resources for communication. In some examples, device 700 may communicate with a base station based on prioritization. The SPS configuration module 705 may, in some cases, select a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration for the SPS includes the periodicity from each set.

[00100] The SPS activation module 710 may, in combination with the receiver 650-a, receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The SPS activation module 710 It may also release the SPS based on a determination that the counter discussed above exceeds the limit. The SPS enablement module 710 may also release the SPS based on, for example, a determination that additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.

[00101] The CE level module 715 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The CE level module 715 CE 715 may also, in combination with receiver 605-a or transmitter 615-a, communicate with a base station on resources assigned by the SPS according to the level of coverage enhancement. The CE level module 715 can also determine a frequency of resources allocated by the SPS based on the level of coverage enhancement. In some examples, determining the periodicity of resources allocated by the SPS includes selecting the periodicity from the set of SPS periodicities based on the level of coverage enhancement. In some examples, determining the coverage enhancement level includes selecting a coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels, wherein the set includes a level that corresponds to no coverage enhancement. The CE level module 715 can also identify a set of periodicities for each of the multiple coverage enhancement levels.

[00102] Figure 8 shows a block diagram 800 of an SPS manager 610-b that may be a component of a wireless device 600 or a wireless device 700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure . The SPS manager 610-b may be an example of aspects of an SPS manager 610 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The SPS manager 610-b may include an SPS 705-a configuration module, a activation of SPS 710-a, and a CE-level module 715-a. Each of these modules may perform the functions described with reference to Figure 7. The SPS manager 610-b may also include a dynamic resource module 805.

[00103] The dynamic resource module 805 may receive a second downlink control message that includes a dynamic resource assignment as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The dynamic resource module 805 may also determine which resources assigned by the Dynamic assignment overrides resources assigned by SPS. The dynamic resource module 805 may also communicate based on dynamic assignment. The dynamic resource module 805 may also refrain from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the SPS based on the determination that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS.

[00104] In some examples, resources assigned by the SPS include grouped TTis. Refraining from communicating may thus include refraining from communicating by at least one cluster of TTis. The dynamic resource module 805 may cause a device 600 or 700 to refrain from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based on the determination that the additional resources overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS. In some examples, communicating with the UE includes communicating based on dynamic resource allocation.

[00105] Figure 9 shows a diagram of a system 900, which includes a UE that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The system 900 may include the UE 115-c, which may be an example of a wireless device 600, a wireless device 700, or a UE 115 described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 6 to 8. The UE 115-c may include an SPS manager 910, which may be an example of an SPS manager 610 described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The UE 115-c may also include an MTC 925, which may enable MTC operations such as communication with EC. The UE 115-c may also include components for two-way data and voice communications that include components for transmitting communications and components for receiving communications. For example, the UE 115-c may communicate bidirectionally with the base station 105-c.

[00106] The UE 115-c may also include a processor 905 and a memory 915 (which includes software (SW) 920), a transceiver 935 and one or more antennas 940, each of which may communicate directly or indirectly with one another. the other (e.g. via 945 buses). The transceiver 935 may communicate bidirectionally, via the antenna (or antennas) 940 or wired or wireless links, with one or more networks, as described above. For example, transceiver 935 may communicate bidirectionally with a base station 105 or another UE 115. Transceiver 935 may include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to antenna (or antennas) 940 for transmission. and to demodulate packets received from the antenna (or antennas) 940. Although the UE 115-c may include a single antenna 940, the UE 115-c may also have multiple antennas 940 with the ability to concurrently transmit or receive multiple wireless transmissions.

[00107] Memory 915 may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM). Memory 915 may store computer-executable and/or computer-readable software/firmware code 920 that includes instructions that, when executed, cause processor 905 to perform various functions described herein (e.g., SPS for eMTC, etc. .). Alternatively, software/firmware code 920 may not be directly executable by processor 905, but cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. The processor 905 may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

[00108] Figure 10 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 1000 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 1000 may be an example of aspects of a base station 105 described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The wireless device 1000 may include a receiver 1005, a base station SPS manager 1010, or a transmitter 1015. Wireless device 1000 may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other.

[00109] Receiver 1005 may, in combination with receiver 1005 for example, receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and related information to SPS for eMTC, etc.). The information may be passed to the base station SPS manager 1010, and to other wireless device components 1000.

[00110] Base station SPS manager 1010 may transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS, transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a coverage enhancement level and communicate with a UE on resources allocated by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level.

[00111] Transmitter 1015 may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device 1000. In some examples, transmitter 1015 may be co-located with receiver 1005 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 1015 may include a single antenna, or may include multiple antennas.

[00112] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a wireless device 1100 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 1100 may be an example of aspects of a wireless device 1000 or a base station 105 described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The wireless device 1100 may include a receiver 1005-a, an SPS manager of 1010-a base station or a 1015-a transmitter. The wireless device 1100 may also include a processor. Each of these components can be in communication with each other. The base station SPS manager 1010-a may also include a BS 1105 SPS configuration module, a BS 1110 SPS enablement module, and a BS 1115 CE level module.

[00113] The receiver 1005-a can receive information that can be passed to the base station SPS manager 1010-a, and other components of the wireless device 1100. The base station SPS manager 1010-a can perform the operations described with reference to Figure 10. Transmitter 1015-a may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device 1100.

[00114] The SPS configuration module of BS 1105 may, in combination with transmitter 1015-a, for example, transmit signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The BS activation module SPS of BS 1110 may, in combination with transmitter 1015-a, for example, transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of coverage enhancement. as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The SPS configuration module of BS 1105 or the SPS activation module of BS 1110 may, in combination with transmitter 1015-a, for example, transmit an indication to a UE to refrain of transmitting during a transmission period of an SPS configuration when an uplink data temporary store of the UE is empty. The BS CE level module 1115 may, in combination with the receiver 1005-a or the transmitter 1015-a, for example, communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level as described. with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[00115] Figure 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a base station SPS manager 1010-b that may be a component of a wireless device 1000 or a wireless device 1100 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present revelation. The base station SPS manager 1010-b may be an example of aspects of a base station SPS manager 1010 described with reference to Figures 10 to 11. The base station SPS manager 1010-b may include a SPS configuration module of BS 1105-a, an SPS enablement module of BS 1110-a and a CE level module of BS 1115-a. Each of these modules may perform the functions described with reference to Figure 11. The base station SPS manager 1010-b may also include a BS 1205 dynamic resource module.

[00116] The dynamic resource module of BS 1205 may, in combination with a transmitter 1015, for example, transmit a second downlink control message that includes a dynamic resource assignment, wherein the dynamic assignment overrides the assigned resources by the SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[00117] Figure 13 shows a diagram of a system 1300, which includes a base station that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. System 1300 may include base station 105-d, which may be an example of a wireless device 1000, a wireless device 1100, or a base station 105 described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 10 to 12. Base station 105-d may include a base station SPS manager 1310, which may be an example of a base station SPS manager 1010 described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Base station 105-d also may include components for two-way data and voice communications that include components for transmitting communications and components for receiving communications. For example, the base station 105-d may communicate bidirectionally with the UE 115-d or the UE 115-e.

[00118] In some cases, the base station 105-d may have one or more wired backhaul links. The base station 105-d may have a wired backhaul link (e.g., SI interface, etc.) to the core network 130. The base station 105-d may also communicate with other base stations 105, such as the base station 105-e and base station 105-f via inter-base station backhaul links (e.g., an X2 interface). Each of the base stations 105 may communicate with UEs 115 using the same or different wireless communications technologies. In some cases, the base station 105-d may communicate with other base stations such as 105-e or 105-f using the base station communications module 1325. In some examples, the base station communications module 1325 1325 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between some of the base stations 105. In some examples, the base station 105-d may communicate with other stations -base via the core network 130. In some cases, the base station 105-d may communicate with the core network 130 via the network communications module 1330.

[00119] Base station 105-d may include a processor 1305, memory 1315 (which includes software (SW) 1320), transceiver 1335, and antenna (or antennas) 1340, which may each be in communication, either directly or indirectly, with each other (e.g., via the 1345 bus system). The transceivers 1335 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally, via the antenna (or antennas) 1340, with the UEs 115, which may be multimode devices. The transceiver 1335 (or other components of the base station 105-d) may also be configured to communicate bidirectionally, via the antennas 1340, with one or more other base stations (not shown). Transceiver 1335 may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to antennas 1340 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from antennas 1340. Base station 105-d may include multiple transceivers 1335, each with one or more associated antennas 1340. The transceiver may be an example of a combined receiver 1005 and transmitter 1015 of Figure 10.

[00120] Memory 1315 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1315 may also store computer-executable and/or computer-readable software code 1320 that contains instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause processor 1305 to perform various functions described herein (e.g., SPS for eMTC , select coverage improvement techniques, call processing, database management, message routing, etc.). Alternatively, software code 1320 may not be directly executable by processor 1305 but be configured to cause the computer, for example, when compiled and executed to perform functions described herein. The processor 1305 may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. Processor 1305 may include various special purpose processors such as encoders, queue processing modules, baseband processors, radio head controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), and the like.

[00121] The base station communications module 1325 may manage communications with other base stations 105. In some cases, a communications management module may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs 115 in cooperation with other base stations 1325. base station 105. For example, base station communications module 1325 may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming and co-transmission.

[00122] The components of the wireless device 600, the wireless device 700, the SPS manager 610, the wireless device 1000, the wireless device 1100, the BS SPS manager 1010, and systems 900 and 1300 may individually or collectively, be deployed with at least one ASIC adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in the hardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed by one or more processing units (or cores) in at least one IC. In other examples, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and other Semi-Custom IC), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit can also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embedded in a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general processors or application-specific processors.

[00123] Figure 14 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1400 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1400 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. For example, the various operations of method 1400 may be performed by the SPS manager 610 or 910 and the transceiver 935, as per described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control functional elements of the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform the functions described below with the use of special purpose hardware.

[00124] In block 1405, the UE 115 may receive signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1405 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00125] In block 1410, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1410 may be performed by the downlink activation module. SPS 710 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00126] In block 1415, the UE 115 may determine a coverage enhancement level for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the Operations of block 1415 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00127] In block 1420, the UE 115 may communicate with the base station on the resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, block operations 1420 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00128] Figure 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1500 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Method 1500 operations may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. For example, method 1500 operations may be performed by SPS manager 610 or 910 and transceiver 935 as described. with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control functional elements of the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform the functions described below with the use of special purpose hardware. Method 1500 may also incorporate aspects of method 1400 of Figure 14.

[00129] In block 1505, the UE 115 may receive signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1505 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00130] In block 1510, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1510 may be performed by the downlink activation module. SPS 710 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00131] In block 1515, the UE 115 may determine a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the Operations of block 1515 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00132] In block 1520, the UE 115 may communicate with the base station on the resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, block operations 1520 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00133] In block 1525, the UE 115 may determine that an uplink data buffer is empty during a configuration transmission period, when the configuration includes an uplink SPS configuration as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1525 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00134] In block 1530, the UE 115 may refrain from transmitting on the resources allocated by the SPS during transmission based on determining that the temporary uplink data store is empty as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In In certain examples, block 1530 operations may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9. In some examples, the UE 115 may receive an indication to determine whether the temporary uplink data store is empty during the configuration transmission period, and the UE 115 may refrain from transmitting based on the indication.

[00135] Figure 16 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1600 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1600 may be implemented by a UE 115 or components thereof as described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. For example, the operations of method 1600 may be performed by the SPS manager 610 or 910 and the transceiver 935 as described. with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In some examples, a UE 115 may execute a set of codes to control functional elements of the UE 115 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 may perform the functions described below with the use of special purpose hardware. Method 1600 may also incorporate aspects of methods 1400 and 1500 of Figures 14 to 15.

[00136] In block 1605, the UE 115 may receive signaling indicating a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1605 may be performed by the SPS configuration module 705 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00137] In block 1610, the UE 115 may receive a downlink control message that activates the SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1610 may be performed by the downlink activation module. SPS 710 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00138] In block 1615, the UE 115 may determine a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based on the configuration or downlink control message as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the Operations of block 1615 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00139] In block 1620, the UE 115 may communicate with the base station on the resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, block operations 1620 may be performed by the CE level module 715 as described with reference to Figure 7 or by the transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00140] In block 1625, the UE 115 may receive a second downlink control message that includes a dynamic resource allocation as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1625 may be performed by the dynamic capabilities module 805 as described with reference to Figure 8 or by transceiver 935 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00141] In block 1630, the UE 115 may determine that the resources allocated by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources allocated by the SPS, as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1630 may be performed by the dynamic resource module 805 as described with reference to Figure 8 or by SPS manager 910 as described with reference to Figure 9.

[00142] Figure 17 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 1700 that supports SPS for eMTC in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 1700 may be implemented by a base station 105 or components thereof as described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. For example, the operations of method 1700 may be performed by the base station SPS manager 1010 or 1310 or by transceiver 1335, as described with reference to Figures 10 to 13. In some examples, a base station 105 may execute a set of codes to control functional elements of the base station 105 to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 105 may perform the functions described below with the use of special purpose hardware.

[00143] In block 1705, base station 105 may transmit signaling that indicates a configuration for an SPS as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of block 1705 may be performed by the base station configuration module. BS 1105 SPS as described with reference to Figure 11 or by the 1335 transceiver as described with reference to Figure 13.

[00144] In block 1710, base station 105 may transmit a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of coverage enhancement as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, operations of block 1710 may be performed by the BS SPS activation module 1110 as described with reference to Figure 11 or by the transceiver 1335 as described with reference to Figure 13.

[00145] In block 1715, the base station 105 may communicate with a UE on resources assigned by the SPS in accordance with the coverage enhancement level, as described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In certain examples, the operations of the block 1715 may be performed by the BS CE level module 1115 as described with reference to Figure 11 or by the transceiver 1335 as described with reference to Figure 13.

[00146] Therefore, methods 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1700 can provide deployments that support SPS for eMTC. It should be noted that methods 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1700 describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified so that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects of two or more of methods 1400, 1500, 1600 and 1700 may be combined.

[00147] The description in this document provides examples and is not limited to the scope, applicability or examples presented in the claims. Changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, replace, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Furthermore, the particularities described in relation to some examples may be combined in other examples.

[00148] The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system can implement radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. Versions 0 and A of IS-2000 are commonly called CDMA2000 IX, IX, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly called 1xEV-DO of CDMA2000, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Broadband CDMA (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system can implement radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system can deploy radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 ( WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are parts of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) are new versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA, UTRA, E-UTRA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), LTE, LTE-A and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the "Third Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described in this document can be used for the radio systems and technologies mentioned above as well as other radio systems and technologies. The description in this document does, however, describe an LTE system for example purposes, and LTE terminology is used throughout much of the above description, although the techniques are applicable beyond LTE applications.

[00149] In LTE/LTE-A networks, which include those networks described in this document, the term evolved node B (eNB) can be generically used to describe base stations. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A network in which different types of evolved node Bs (eNBs) provide coverage for various geographic regions. For example, each eNB or base station can provide communications coverage for a macrocell, a small cell, or other cell types. The term "cell" is a 3GPP term that can be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g. sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on the context.

[00150] Base stations may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB) , Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for a base station can be divided into sectors that make up a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macrocell or small cell base stations). The UEs described herein may have the ability to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

[00151] A macrocell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and can allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. The small cell is a lower power base station, compared to a macrocell, which can operate in the same or different frequency bands (e.g. licensed, unlicensed, etc.) as macrocells. Small cells may include picocells, femtocells, and microcells according to various examples. A picocell, for example, can cover a small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femtocell could also cover a small geographic area (e.g., a home) and, in addition to unrestricted access, could also provide restricted access by UEs that have an association with a femtocell (e.g., the UEs in a closed subscriber group (e.g., CSG), UEs for users at home and the like). An eNB for a macrocell can be called a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be called a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells (e.g., component carriers). A UE may have the ability to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations and the like.

[00152] The wireless communications system or systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, base stations can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations can be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques in this document can be used for both synchronous and asynchronous operations.

[00153] The downlink transmissions described herein can also be called forward link transmissions while uplink transmissions can also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein - which includes, for example, wireless communications system 100 and 200 of Figures 1 and 2 - may include one or more carriers, wherein each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., example, waveform signals of different frequencies). Each modulated signal can be sent on a different subcarrier and can carry control information (e.g. reference signals, control channels, etc.), supplementary information, user data, etc. The communication links described herein (e.g., communication links 125 of Figure 1) may transmit bidirectional communications using frequency division duplex (FDD) (e.g., using paired spectrum resources) or time division duplex (TDD) operation (e.g., using unpaired spectrum resources). Frame structures can be defined by frequency division duplex (FDD) (e.g., type 1 frame structure) and TDD (e.g., type 2 frame structure).

[00154] The description presented in this document in connection with the attached drawings describes exemplary configurations and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or that fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration", and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples". The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the techniques described. These techniques can, however, be practiced without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[00155] In the attached figures, similar components or resources may have the same reference marking. Additionally, several components of the same type can be distinguished by following the reference marking through a dash and a second marking that distinguishes between similar components. If only a first reference marking is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference marking, regardless of the second reference marking.

[00156] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic particles or fields, optical particles or fields or any combination of the same.

[00157] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or realized with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic , discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in this document. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be deployed as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such settings).

[00158] The functions described in this document can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored in, or transmitted by, as one or more instructions or code, a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software running by a processor, hardware, firmware, wired connection, or combinations of any of these. Feature deployment functions may also be physically located in multiple locations, which includes being distributed such that portions of the functions are deployed in different physical locations. Additionally, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" ), indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (that is, A and B and C).

[00159] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A non-transitory storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, erasable electrically programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD)-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transitory media that can be used to carry or store desired program code media in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose computer or specific purpose or a general purpose or specific purpose processor. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately termed as computer-readable media. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Magnetic disc and optical disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where magnetic discs often reproduce data magnetically, while magnetic discs Optical discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the foregoing are also included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[00160] The description in this document is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to produce or use the disclosure. Various modifications to such embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be within the broadest scope consistent with the principles and innovative particulars disclosed herein.

Claims (14)

1. Method (1400) of wireless communication, characterized by the fact that it comprises: receiving (1405) signaling indicating a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling, SPS; receiving (1410) a downlink control message that activates the SPS; determining (1415) a level of coverage enhancement for resources assigned by the SPS based, at least in part, on the downlink configuration or control message; receiving (1625) a second downlink control message comprising a dynamic resource allocation; and determining (1630) that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS; and communicating (1420) with a base station on resources allocated by the SPS in accordance with the level of coverage enhancement and based, at least in part, on dynamic resource allocation. 2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: determining a frequency of resources allocated by the SPS based, at least in part, on the level of coverage improvement. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining (1525) that an uplink temporary data store is empty during a transmission period of the configuration, wherein the configuration comprises a configuration of uplink SPS; and refraining (1530) from transmitting on the resources allocated by the SPS during the transmission period based, at least in part, on the determination that the temporary uplink data store is empty. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving an indication to determine whether the temporary uplink data store is empty during the transmission period of the configuration, wherein refraining from transmission is based, at least in part, on the indication; or further comprises: incrementing a counter based, at least in part, on refraining from transmitting the resources; determine that the counter has a value that exceeds a threshold; and releasing the SPS based, at least in part, on a determination that the counter exceeds the limit. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: refraining from communicating on at least a portion of the resources assigned by the SPS based, at least in part, on the determination that the resources assigned by dynamic assignment override the resources assigned by SPS. 6. Method according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the resources allocated by the SPS comprise grouped transmission time slots, TTis, and wherein abstaining from communication comprises: refraining from communicating for at least one cluster of TTis. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: releasing the SPS based, at least in part, on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment overlap with the resources assigned by the SPS. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: refraining from communicating on the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment based, at least in part, on determining that the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment are overlap with the resources allocated by the SPS. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein abstaining from communication is based, at least in part, on whether the configuration comprises an uplink configuration or a downlink configuration. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the coverage enhancement level comprises: selecting the coverage enhancement level from a set of coverage enhancement levels, wherein the set comprises a level that corresponds to no coverage improvement. 11. Method (1700) of wireless communication, characterized by the fact that it comprises: transmitting (1705) signaling indicating a configuration for semi-persistent scheduling, SPS; transmitting (1710) a downlink control message that activates the SPS, wherein the configuration or downlink control message indicates a level of coverage improvement; transmitting (1625) a second downlink control message comprising a dynamic resource allocation; where resources assigned by dynamic assignment overlap with resources assigned by SPS; and communicating (1715) with a user equipment, UE, on resources assigned by the SPS according to the coverage enhancement level and based, at least in part, on resources assigned by dynamic assignment. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying a set of periodicities for each of a plurality of coverage improvement levels; and selecting a periodicity from each set of periodicities, wherein the configuration for the SPS comprises the periodicity from each set; or further comprises: transmitting a second downlink control message comprising a dynamic resource assignment, wherein the resources assigned by the dynamic assignment override the resources assigned by the SPS, wherein communicating with the UE comprises communicating with based, at least in part, on resources allocated by dynamic assignment; or wherein the signaling indicating the configuration for SPS comprises an indication to the UE to refrain from transmitting during a configuration transmission period when an uplink data buffer of the UE is empty. 13. Apparatus for wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises: means for carrying out the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12. 14. Computer readable memory comprising instructions stored therein which, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12.