METHOD PERFORMED BY USER EQUIPMENT, AND USER EQUIPMENT

20220006677 · 2022-01-06

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    The present invention provides a method performed by user equipment, and user equipment. The method comprises: acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) baseband signal of a sidelink physical channel or signal; and generating the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal according to the acquired configuration information of the parameter, wherein the parameter comprises a frequency offset determining parameter for determining a frequency offset, so that the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink, such as an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink, can be correctly generated.

    Claims

    1. A method performed by user equipment, comprising: acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) baseband signal of a sidelink physical channel or signal; and generating the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal according to the acquired configuration information of the parameter, wherein the parameter comprises a frequency offset determining parameter for determining a frequency offset.

    2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frequency offset determining parameter is a parameter used to indicate the frequency offset, and the frequency offset is determined according to the parameter used to indicate the frequency offset, or the frequency offset is directly given by the parameter used to indicate the frequency offset.

    3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frequency offset determining parameter comprises a parameter used to indicate a reference subcarrier spacing configuration and a configuration parameter used to indicate a reference resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration.

    4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the configuration parameter used to indicate the reference resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration comprises: a parameter used to indicate a number of a lowest-numbered common resource block of the reference resource grid, and a parameter used to indicate the quantity of frequency domain resource blocks of the reference resource grid.

    5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the frequency offset k.sub.0.sup.μ is calculated according to the following formula:
    k.sub.0.sup.μ=(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB−(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB2.sup.μ.sup.0.sup.−μ, where μ.sub.0 is determined by the parameter used to indicate the reference subcarrier spacing configuration, or is directly given by the parameter; N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 is determined by the parameter used to indicate the number of the lowest-numbered common resource block of the reference resource grid, or is directly given by the parameter; and N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 is determined by the parameter used to indicate the quantity of frequency domain resource blocks of the reference resource grid, or is directly given by the parameter.

    6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frequency offset determining parameter is acquired via any one of Downlink Control Information (DCI), a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and pre-defined or pre-configured information.

    7. The method according to claim 1, wherein if a frequency offset determining parameter contained in a master information block of a sidelink and a frequency offset determining parameter contained in pre-defined or pre-configured information of the sidelink are both acquired, ether one thereof is used.

    8. A method performed by user equipment, comprising: acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to an uplink carrier or a supplementary uplink carrier, determining, according to the acquired configuration information of the parameter, a parameter related to generation of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) baseband signal of a sidelink physical channel or signal; and transmitting system information related to a sidelink, wherein the determined parameter comprises a frequency offset determining parameter used to determine a frequency offset, and the system information comprises configuration information of the frequency offset determining parameter.

    9. A method performed by user equipment, comprising: acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to an uplink carrier or a supplementary uplink carrier; acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) baseband signal of a sidelink physical channel or signal; determining, according to the acquired configuration information of the parameter related to the uplink carrier or the supplementary uplink carrier and the configuration information of the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal, configuration information of other parameters related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal; and transmitting system information related to a sidelink, wherein the determined parameter comprises a frequency offset determining parameter used to determine a frequency offset, and the system information comprises configuration information of the frequency offset determining parameter.

    10. User equipment, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing instructions; wherein the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented when the instructions are executed by the processor.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    [0118] The above and other features of the present invention will be more pronounced through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

    [0119] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

    [0120] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

    [0121] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

    [0122] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

    [0123] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

    [0124] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

    [0125] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

    [0126] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing user equipment according to the present invention.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION

    [0127] The following describes the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. In addition, for simplicity, detailed description of the known art not directly related to the present invention is omitted to prevent confusion with respect to the understanding of the present invention.

    [0128] In the following description, a 5G mobile communication system and its subsequently evolved versions are used as illustrative application environments to set forth a plurality of embodiments according to the present invention in detail. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and rather, it is applicable to many other wireless communication systems, such as a communication system later than 5G and a 4G mobile communication system earlier than the 5G.

    [0129] Some terms involved in the present invention are described below. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used in the present invention adopt the definitions herein. The terms given in the present invention may be named differently in LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, NR, and later communication systems, but unified terms are adopted in the present invention. When applied to a specific system, the terms may be replaced with terms adopted in the corresponding system. [0130] 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project [0131] BWP: Bandwidth Part [0132] CA: Carrier Aggregation [0133] CP-OFDM: Cyclic Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing [0134] CRB: Common Resource Block, physical resource block [0135] CSI-RS: Channel-State Information Reference Signal [0136] DFT-s-OFDM: Discrete Fourier Transformation Spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing [0137] D2D: Device-to-Device [0138] DCI: Downlink Control Information [0139] DFN: Direct Frame Number [0140] DM-RS: Demodulation Reference Signal [0141] DSFN: Direct Subframe Number [0142] eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband, enhanced mobile broadband communication [0143] GP: Guard Period [0144] IE: Information Element [0145] LTE: Long Term Evolution [0146] LTE-A: Long Term Evolution-Advanced [0147] MAC: Medium Access Control [0148] MAC CE: MAC Control Element [0149] mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication [0150] NR: New Radio [0151] OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing [0152] PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel [0153] PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel [0154] PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel [0155] PRACH: Physical random-access channel [0156] PRB: Physical Resource Block [0157] ProSe: Proximity Services [0158] PSBCH: Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel [0159] PSCCH: Physical Sidelink Control Channel [0160] PSDCH: Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel [0161] PSSCH: Physical Sidelink Shared Channel [0162] PSSS: Primary Sidelink Synchronization Signal [0163] PT-RS: Phase-Tracking Reference Signal [0164] PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel [0165] PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel [0166] RAP: Random Access Preamble [0167] RB: Resource Block [0168] RE: Resource Element [0169] RF: Radio Frequency [0170] RRC: Radio Resource Control [0171] SA: Scheduling Assignment [0172] SC-FDMA: Single-Carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access [0173] SIB: System Information Block [0174] SL-BCH: Sidelink Broadcast Channel [0175] SLSS: Sidelink Synchronization Signal [0176] SRS: Sounding Reference Signal [0177] SSB: Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH) Block [0178] SSSS: Secondary Sidelink Synchronization Signal [0179] SUL: Supplementary Uplink [0180] TDD. Time Division Duplexing [0181] UE: User Equipment [0182] URLLC: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication [0183] V2I: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure [0184] V2N: Vehicle-to-Network [0185] V2P: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian [0186] V2V: Vehicle-to-Vehicle [0187] V2X: Vehicle-to-Everything

    [0188] Unless otherwise specified, in all embodiments and implementations of the present invention, [0189] the use and interpretation of mathematical symbols and mathematical expressions follow those in the prior art. For example, [0190] N.sub.sc.sup.RB refers to the quantity of subcarriers in a resource block (such as a common resource block or a physical resource block), N.sub.sc.sup.RB=12.

    Embodiment 1

    [0191] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

    [0192] In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the steps performed by user equipment (UE) comprise:

    [0193] In step 101, configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal (for example, whether the parameter has been configured or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0194] A parameter sl-FreqOffset0 used to indicate a frequency offset.

    [0195] For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is acquired via DCI.

    [0196] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is acquired via a MAC CE.

    [0197] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is acquired via RRC signaling. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in a master information block (such as an MIB-SL transmitted on a PSBCH) of a 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0198] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is pro-defined, for example, sl-FreqOffset0=0.

    [0199] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is acquired via pre-con figured information. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in pre-configured information (such as SL-Preconfiguration) of the 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0200] For another example, if the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0201] For another example, if both the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-FreqOffset0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0202] In step 103, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is generated according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. For example, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may be expressed, by using a time-continuous signal as s.sub.l.sup.(p,μ)(t), as

    [00003] s l ( p , μ ) ( t ) = .Math. k = 0 N grid size , μ N sc RB - 1 α k , l ( p , μ ) .Math. e j 2 π ( k + k 0 μ - N grid size , μ N sc RB / 2 ) Δ f ( t - N CP , l μ T c - t start , l μ )

    [0203] where [0204] p is an antenna port; [0205] μ is the subcarrier spacing configuration, and Δf is its corresponding subcarrier spacing, see Table 1; [0206] l is the number of an OFDM symbol in one subframe, l∈{0, 1, . . . , N.sub.slot.sup.subframe,μN.sub.symb.sup.slot−1}; [0207] t.sub.start,l.sup.μ≤t<t.sub.start,l.sup.μ+(N.sub.u.sup.μ+N.sub.CP,l.sup.μ)T.sub.c; [0208] for l=0, t.sub.start,l.sup.μ=0; [0209] for l≠0, t.sub.start,l.sup.μ=t.sub.start,l-1.sup.μ+(N.sub.u.sup.μ+N.sub.CP,l-1.sup.μ)T.sub.c; [0210] N.sub.u.sup.μ=2048κ.Math.2.sup.−μ; [0211] for an extended cyclic prefix, N.sub.CP,l.sup.μ=512κ.Math.2.sup.−μ; [0212] for a normal cyclic prefix, and l=0 or l=7.Math.2.sup.μ, N.sub.CP,l.sup.μ=144κ.Math.2.sup.−μ+16κ; [0213] for a normal cyclic prefix, and l≠0 and l≠7.Math.2.sup.μ, N.sub.CP,l.sup.μ=144κ.Math.2.sup.−μ; and [0214] k.sub.0.sup.μ represents the frequency offset, which is determined by the parameter sl-FreqOffset0, or is directly given by the parameter sl-FreqOffset0.

    [0215] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is suitable for UE to generate an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. The 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may include a PSSS, an SSSS, a PSBCH, a PSCCH, a PSDCH, a PSSCH, etc.

    [0216] As described above, the method performed by the user equipment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes: acquiring configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a sidelink physical channel or signal; and generating, according to the acquired configuration information of the parameter, the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal, where the parameter includes a frequency offset determining parameter used to determine a frequency offset. The frequency offset determining parameter may be, for example, a parameter for indicating the frequency offset.

    [0217] According to the foregoing method, since the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal acquired by the UE includes the frequency offset determining parameter used to determine the frequency offset, even UE out of network coverage can correctly generate the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink according to the acquired frequency offset determining parameter. In this way, for example, in case that sets of subcarrier spacing configurations used by the 5G sidelink and a 5G uplink or supplementary uplink are different, the UE can still correctly generate the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink, so as to share a carrier in the 5G sidelink and the 5G uplink or supplementary uplink, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of communication resources.

    Embodiment 2

    [0218] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

    [0219] In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the steps performed by user equipment (UE) comprise:

    [0220] In step 201, configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal (for example, whether the parameter has been configured or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-con figured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0221] a parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing0 used to indicate a reference subcarrier spacing configuration; and [0222] a configuration parameter used to indicate a reference resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration, which, for example, includes: [0223] a parameter sl-offsetToCarrier0 used to indicate a number of a lowest-numbered common resource block of the reference resource grid; and [0224] a parameter sl-carrierBandwidth0 used to indicate the quantity of frequency domain resource blocks of the reference resource grid.

    [0225] For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 is acquired via DCI.

    [0226] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 is acquired via a MAC CE.

    [0227] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and si-carrierBandwidth0 is acquired via RRC signaling. For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in a master information block (such as an MIB-SL transmitted on a PSBCH) of a 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0228] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 is pre-defined. For example, [0229] sl-subcarrierSpacing0=0, and/or [0230] sl-offsetToCarrier0=0, and/or [0231] sl-carrierBandwidth0=275.

    [0232] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 is acquired via pre-configured information. For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in pre-configured information (such as SL-Preconfiguration) of the 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0233] For another example, if the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0234] For another example, if the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing0, sl-offsetToCarrier0, and sl-carrierBandwidth0 contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0235] In step 203, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is generated according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal, for example, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may be expressed, by using a time-continuous signal s.sub.l.sup.(p,μ)(t), as

    [00004] s l ( p , μ ) ( t ) = .Math. k = 0 N grid size , μ N sc RB - 1 α k , l ( p , μ ) .Math. e j 2 π ( k + k o μ - N grid size , μ N sc RB / 2 ) Δ f ( t - N CP , l μ T c - t start , l μ )

    [0236] Regarding the items in the above calculation formula, the description of the same items as those in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

    [0237] Where [0238] k.sub.0.sup.μ is calculated by using the following formula:


    k.sub.0.sup.μ=(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB−(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB2.sup.μ.sup.0.sup.−μ, [0239] where [0240] μ.sub.0 is determined by the parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing0, or is directly given by the parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing0; [0241] N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 is determined by the parameter sl-offsetToCarrier0, or is directly given by the parameter sl-offsetToCarrier0: and [0242] N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 is determined by the parameter sl-carrierBandwidth0, or is directly given by the parameter sl-carrierBandwidth0;

    [0243] Embodiment 2 of the present invention is suitable for UE to generate an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. The 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may include a PSSS, an SSSS, a PSBCH, a PSCCH, a PSDCH, a PSSCH, etc.

    [0244] According to the method in Embodiment 2 above, as in Embodiment 1, the UE can correctly generate the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink, so as to share a carrier in the 5G sidelink and a 5G uplink or supplementary uplink, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of communication resources.

    Embodiment 3

    [0245] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

    [0246] In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the user equipment (UE) performs the following steps:

    [0247] In step 301, configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal (for example, whether the parameter has been configured or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0248] a parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing used to indicate a subcarrier spacing configuration used by the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal; and [0249] a configuration parameter used to indicate a resource grid corresponding to the subcarrier spacing configuration, which, for example, includes: [0250] a parameter sl-offsetToCarrier used to indicate a number of a lowest-numbered common resource block of the resource grid; and [0251] sl-carrierBandwidth used to indicate the quantity of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid.

    [0252] For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth is acquired via DCI.

    [0253] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth is acquired via a MAC CE.

    [0254] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth is acquired via RRC signaling. For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in a master information block (such as an MIB-SL transmitted on a PSBCH) of a 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0255] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth is pre-defined. For example, [0256] sl-subcarrierSpacing=0, and/or [0257] sl-offsetToCarrier=0, and/or [0258] sl-carrierBandwidth=275.

    [0259] For another example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth is acquired via pre-configured information. For example, the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in pre-configured information (such as SL-Preconfiguration) of the 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0260] For another example, if the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0261] For another example, if the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of one or a plurality of the parameters sl-subcarrierSpacing, sl-offsetToCarrier, and sl-carrierBandwidth contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the corresponding parameter contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0262] In step 303, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is generated according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. For example, the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may be expressed, by using a time-continuous signal s.sub.l.sup.(p,μ)(t), as

    [00005] s l ( p , μ ) ( t ) = .Math. k = 0 N grid size , μ N sc RB - 1 α k , l ( p , μ ) .Math. e j 2 π ( k + k o μ - N grid size , μ N sc RB / 2 ) Δ f ( t - N CP , l μ T c - t start , l μ )

    [0263] Regarding the items in the above calculation formula, the description of the same items as those in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

    [0264] Where [0265] μ is determined by the parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing, or is directly given by the parameter sl-subcarrierSpacing; [0266] N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ and is a number of a lowest-numbered common resource block of a resource grid corresponding to μ; N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ is determined by the parameter sl-offsetToCarrier, or is directly given by the parameter sl-offsetToCarrier; [0267] N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ grid is the quantity of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to μ; N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ is determined by the parameter sl-carrierBandwidth, or is directly given by the parameter sl-carrierBandwidth; and


    k.sub.0.sup.μ=(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB−(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB2.sup.μ.sup.0.sup.−μ.

    [0268] Embodiment 3 of the present invention is suitable for UE to generate an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. The 5G sidelink physical channel or signal may include a PSSS, an SSSS, a PSBCH, a PSCCH, a PSDCH, a PSSCH, etc.

    [0269] According to the method in Embodiment 3 above, as in Embodiment 1, the UE can correctly generate the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink, so as to share a carrier in the 5G sidelink and a 5G uplink or supplementary uplink, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of communication resources.

    Embodiment 4

    [0270] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

    [0271] In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the user equipment (UE) performs the following steps:

    [0272] In step 401, configuration information of a parameter related to an uplink carrier or a supplementary uplink carrier (for example, whether the parameter has been configured, or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0273] configuration information of a waveform numerology related to the uplink carrier or the supplementary uplink carrier and a corresponding resource grid, which is configured, for example, via a Frequency InfoUL-SIB IE or a parameter scs-SpecificCarrierList in the Frequency InfoUL-SIB IE.

    [0274] In step 403, configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is determined according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the uplink carrier or the supplementary uplink carrier. [0275] For example, a reference subcarrier spacing configuration sl-subcarrierSpacing0 is determined according to the maximum value μ.sub.0 in all subcarrier spacing configurations configured in the parameter scs-SpecificCarrierList, and a number sl-offsetToCarrier0 of a lowest-numbered common resource block of a resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration and the quantity sl-carrierBandwidth0 of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration are respectively determined according to a number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 of a lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 of frequency domain resource blocks of a resource grid corresponding to μ.sub.0.

    [0276] In step 405, system information, for example, an MIB-SL, related to a 5G sidelink is transmitted. The system information related to the 5G sidelink includes configuration information of one or a plurality of the following parameters: [0277] the reference subcarrier spacing configuration sl-subcarrierSpacing0; [0278] the number sl-offsetToCarrier0 of the lowest-numbered common resource block of the resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration; and [0279] the quantity sl-carrierBandwidth0 of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing configuration.

    [0280] According to the method in Embodiment 4 above, since the determined parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the sidelink physical channel or signal includes the frequency offset determining parameter used to determine the frequency offset, and the system information includes the configuration information of the frequency offset determining parameter, the UE receiving the system information can correctly generate, for example, an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink according to the configuration information of the frequency offset determining parameter, so as to share a carrier in the 5G sidelink and the 5G uplink or supplement uplink, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of communication resources.

    Embodiment 5

    [0281] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

    [0282] In Embodiment 5 of the present invention, the user equipment (UE) performs the following steps:

    [0283] In step 501, configuration information of a parameter related to an uplink carrier or a supplementary uplink carrier (for example, whether the parameter has been configured, or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0284] configuration information of a waveform numerology related to the uplink carrier or the supplementary uplink carrier and a corresponding resource grid, which is configured, for example, via a FrequencyInfoUL-SIB IE or a parameter scs-SpecificCarrierList in the FrequencyInfoUL-SIB IE.

    [0285] In step 503, configuration information of a parameter related to generation of an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0286] a subcarrier spacing configuration μ used by the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal, and a number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ of a lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ of frequency domain resource blocks of a resource grid corresponding to μ.

    [0287] In step SOS, configuration information of other parameters related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal is determined according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the uplink carrier or the supplementary uplink carrier and the configuration information of the parameter related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal. The other parameters related to the generation of the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal include: [0288] frequency offset k.sub.0.sup.μ

    [0289] For example, the value of the frequency offset k.sub.0.sup.μ calculated, according to the maximum value μ.sub.0 in all subcarrier spacing configurations configured in the parameter scs-SpecificCarrierList, a number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 and of a lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 of frequency domain resource blocks of a resource grid corresponding to μ.sub.0, the subcarrier spacing configuration μ used by the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal, and the number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ of the lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to μ, via the following formula:


    k.sub.0.sup.μ=(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB−(N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0+N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0/2)N.sub.sc.sup.RB2.sup.μ.sup.0.sup.−μ

    [0290] and the value of the frequency offset parameter sl-FreqOffset0 is determined according to the value of k.sub.0.sup.μ, for example, sl-FreqOffset0=k.sub.0.sup.μ.

    [0291] In step 507, system information, for example, an MIB-SL, related to a 5G sidelink is transmitted. The system information related to the 5G sidelink includes configuration information of the following parameter: [0292] frequency offset sl-FreqOffset0.

    [0293] According to the method in Embodiment 5 above, as in Embodiment 4, this enables the UE receiving the system information to correctly generate, for example, an OFDM baseband signal of a 5G sidelink, so as to share a carrier in the 5G sidelink and a 5G uplink or supplementary uplink, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of communication resources.

    Embodiment 6

    [0294] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to a Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

    [0295] In Embodiment 6 of the present invention, the user equipment (UE) performs the following steps:

    [0296] In step 601, configuration information of a parameter related to a 5G sidelink carrier configuration (for example, whether the parameter has been configured or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0297] A center frequency (i.e., “point A”) of sub-carrier 0 of common resource block 0, which is configured, for example, by using a parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA, and for example, its type is ARFCN-ValueNR.

    [0298] For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA is acquired via DCI.

    [0299] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA is acquired via a MAC CE.

    [0300] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequentyPointA is acquired via RRC signaling. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in a master information block (such as an MIB-SL transmitted on a PSBCH) of a 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0301] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA is pre-defined.

    [0302] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA is acquired via pre-con figured information. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in pre-configured information (such as SL-Preconfiguration) of the 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0303] For another example, if the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0304] For another example, if the configuration information of the parameter si-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0305] In step 603, an RF reference frequency of the corresponding 5G sidelink carrier is determined according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the the 5G sidelink carrier configuration.

    [0306] For example, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is determined according to the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA and, for example, the reference subcarrier spacing configuration μ.sub.0 and the number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ.sup.0 of the lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to μ.sub.0. For example, if N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 mod=0, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier corresponds to a center frequency of subcarrier 0 in a common resource block with a number of

    [00006] N grid start , μ o + .Math. N grid size , μ o 2 .Math. ,

    that is, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is equal to the frequency indicated by the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA plus bandwidth (using μ.sub.0 as the subcarrier spacing configuration) occupied by

    [00007] N grid start , μ o + .Math. N grid size , μ o 2 .Math. .Math. N sc RB

    subcarriers; if N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ.sup.0 mod 2=1, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier corresponds to a center frequency of subcarrier 6 in a common resource block with a number of

    [00008] N grid start , μ 0 + .Math. N grid size , μ 0 2 .Math. ,

    that is, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is equal to the frequency indicated by the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA plus bandwidth (using pa as the subcarrier spacing configuration) occupied by

    [00009] ( N grid start , μ 0 + .Math. N grid size , μ 0 2 .Math. ) .Math. N sc RB + 6

    subcarriers.

    [0307] For another example, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is determined according to the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA, the frequency offset k.sub.0.sup.μ as determined, for example, in the steps in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and the subcarrier spacing configuration μ used by the OFDM baseband signal of the 5G sidelink physical channel or signal and the number N.sub.grid.sup.start,μ of the lowest-numbered common resource block and the quantity N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ of frequency domain resource blocks of the resource grid corresponding to μ as determined, for example, in the steps in Embodiment 3. For example, if N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ mod 2=0, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier corresponds to a frequency offsetting −k.sub.0.sup.μ subcarriers from a center frequency of subcarrier 0 in a common resource block with a number of

    [00010] N grid start , μ + .Math. N grid size , μ 2 .Math. ,

    that is, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is equal to the frequency indicated by the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencyPointA plus bandwidth (using μ as the subcarrier spacing configuration) occupied by

    [00011] ( N grid start , μ + .Math. N grid size , μ 2 .Math. ) .Math. N sc RB - k 0 μ

    subcarriers; if N.sub.grid.sup.size,μ mod 2=1, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier corresponds to a frequency offsetting −k.sub.0.sup.μ subcarriers from a center frequency of subcarrier 6 in a common resource block with a number of

    [00012] N grid start , μ + .Math. N grid size , μ 2 .Math. ,

    that is, the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier is equal to the frequency indicated by the parameter sl-absoluteFrequencvPointA plus bandwidth (using μ as the subcarrier spacing configuration) occupied by

    [00013] ( N grid start , μ + .Math. N grid size , μ 2 .Math. ) .Math. N sc RB + 6 - k 0 μ

    subcarriers.

    [0308] According to the method in Embodiment 6 above, since the determined configuration information of the parameter related to the 5G sidelink carrier configuration includes the parameter for determining the center frequency of subcarrier 0 of common resource block 0, this enables the UE acquiring the parameter to correctly determine the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier, so as to correctly implement operations such as modulation and upconversion.

    Embodiment 7

    [0309] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method performed by user equipment according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

    [0310] In Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the user equipment (UE) performs the following steps:

    [0311] In step 701, configuration information of a parameter related to a 5G sidelink carrier configuration (for example, whether the parameter has been configured, or a value configured for the parameter) is acquired. For example, the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from pre-defined information or pre-configured information, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from a base station, or the configuration information of the parameter is acquired from other UE. The parameter includes: [0312] an instruction to perform 7.5 kHz frequency shifting on sidelink transmission, for example, to perform configuration via a parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz.

    [0313] For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is acquired via DCI.

    [0314] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is acquired via a MAC CE.

    [0315] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is acquired via RRC signaling. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in a master information block (such as an M/B-SL transmitted on a PSBCH) of a 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0316] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is pre-defined, for example, sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is not configured.

    [0317] For another example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz is acquired via pre-configured information. For example, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in pre-configured information (such as SL-Preconfiguration) of the 5G sidelink is acquired.

    [0318] For another example, if the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift 7p5 khz contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0319] For another example, if the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink and the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink are both acquired, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the pre-defined or pre-configured information of the 5G sidelink is used (that is, the configuration information of the parameter sl-frequencyShift7p5 khz contained in the master information block of the 5G sidelink is discarded).

    [0320] In step 703, a shift Δ.sub.shift of an RF reference frequency of the corresponding 5G sidelink carrier is determined according to the configuration information of the parameter related to the 5G sidelink carrier configuration.

    [0321] For example, if the parameter frequencyShift7p5 khz is not configured, the shift Δ.sub.shift=0 kHz; if the parameter frequencyShift7p5 khz is configured, the shift Δ.sub.shift=7.5 kHz.

    [0322] In step 705, the shift Δ.sub.shift is applied to the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier, for example:


    F.sub.REF_shift=F.sub.REF+Δ.sub.shift.

    [0323] Optionally, Embodiment 7 of the present invention is only applied to an SUL frequency band and frequency bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n66, and n71.

    [0324] According to the method in Embodiment 7 above, since the determined configuration information of the parameter related to the 5G sidelink carrier configuration includes the parameter used to instruct to perform 7.5 kHz frequency shifting on the sidelink transmission, this enables the UE acquiring the parameter to correctly determine the RF reference frequency of the 5G sidelink carrier, so as to correctly implement operations such as modulation and upconversion.

    [0325] Any one of the foregoing embodiments and implementations may be applied to one 5G sidelink carrier, or may be applied to a plurality of 5G sidelink carriers respectively.

    [0326] Each of the above-described examples and embodiments can be combined with each other if no contradiction is caused. For example, as described in Embodiment 6, Embodiment 6 and Embodiment 2 can be used in combination.

    [0327] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing User Equipment (UE) involved in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the user equipment (UE) 80 includes a processor 801 and a memory 802. The processor 801 may include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an embedded processor, etc. The memory 802 may include, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM)), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a non-volatile memory (for example, a flash memory), or other memories. The memory 802 stores program instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor 801, the aforementioned method executable by user equipment as described in detail in the present invention can be implemented.

    [0328] The methods and related devices according to the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand that the methods shown above are only exemplary, and the various embodiments described above can be combined with one another as long as no contradiction arises. The method of the present invention is not limited to steps or sequences illustrated above. The network node and the user equipment illustrated above may include more modules; for example, they may further include modules which can be developed or developed in the future to be applied to modules of a base station, an MME, or UE. Various identifiers shown above are only exemplary, and are not meant for limiting the present invention. The present invention is not limited to specific information elements serving as examples of these identifiers. Those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications according to the teachings of the illustrated embodiments.

    [0329] It should be understood that the embodiments above of foe present invention can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of the software and the hardware. For example, various components inside the base station and the user equipment in the embodiments above can be implemented by various devices, and these devices include, but are not limited to: an analog circuit device, a digital circuit device, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) circuit, a programmable processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) and the like.

    [0330] In this application, the “base station” may refer to a mobile communication data and control exchange center with large transmission power and a wide coverage area, including functions such as resource allocation and scheduling, data reception and transmission. “User equipment” may refer to a user mobile terminal, for example, including terminal devices that can communicate with a base station or a micro base station wirelessly, such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, and the like.

    [0331] Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein can be implemented on a computer program product. More particularly, the computer program product is a product as follows: a product having a computer readable medium encoded with computer program logic thereon, when being executed on a computing equipment, the computer program logic provides related operations to implement foe technical solution of the prevent invention. When being executed on at least one processor of a computing system, the computer program logic enables the processor to execute the operations (methods) described in the embodiments of the present invention. Such setting of the present invention is typically provided as software, codes and/or other data structures provided or encoded on the computer readable medium, e.g., an optical medium (e.g., Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM)), a flexible disk or a hard disk and the like, or other media such as firmware or micro codes on one or more Read Only Memory (ROM) or Random Access Memory (RAM) or Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips, or a downloadable software image, a shared database and the like in one or more modules. The software or the firmware or such configuration can be installed on the computing equipment, so that one or more processors in the computing equipment execute the technical solution described in the embodiments of the present invention.

    [0332] In addition, each functional module or each feature of the base station device and the terminal device used in each of the above embodiments may be implemented or executed by a circuit, which is usually one or a plurality of integrated circuits. Circuits designed to execute various functions described in this description may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or general-purpose integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be an existing processor, a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine. The above-mentioned general purpose processor or each circuit may be configured with a digital circuit or may be configured with a logic circuit. In addition, when an advanced technology that can replace current integrated circuits emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, the present invention may also use integrated circuits obtained using this advanced technology.

    [0333] Although the present invention is already illustrated above in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, various modifications, replacements and changes can be made to the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be defined by the above embodiments, but should be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.