Device and method for supporting sensing operation by using multi-mode network controlled repeater in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure is for supporting a sensing operation by using a multi-mode network controlled repeater (NCR) in a wireless communication system, and an operation method performed by the NCR may comprise the steps of: receiving at least one synchronization signal from a base station; acquiring system information from the base station; performing a random access procedure on the basis of the at least one synchronization signal and the system information; receiving first configuration information from the base station; configuring an internal signal path on the basis of one operation mode among a reflection mode and an amplification-and-transfer mode, which is determined on the basis of the first configuration information; and processing a signal from the base station on the basis of the operation mode.

Description

Device and method for supporting sensing operation using a multi-mode network control repeater in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and to a device and method for supporting a sensing operation using a multi-mode network controlled repeater (NCR) in a wireless communication system.

[0002] Wireless access systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication services, such as voice and data. Typically, wireless access systems are multiple access systems that support communications with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power). Examples of multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA).

[0003] In particular, as numerous communication devices demand greater communication capacity, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) communication technologies are being proposed, improving upon existing radio access technology (RAT). Furthermore, massive machine type communications (mMTC), which connects multiple devices and objects to provide diverse services anytime and anywhere, as well as communication systems that consider reliability and latency-sensitive services / user equipment (UE), are being proposed. Various technological configurations are being proposed for these solutions.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for effectively performing communication using a network controlled repeater (NCR) in a wireless communication system.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for performing communication using an NCR supporting multiple operation modes in a wireless communication system.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for setting an operation mode of an NCR supporting multiple operation modes in a wireless communication system.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for switching the operating mode of an NCR between a reflection mode and an amplify-and-forward mode in a wireless communication system.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for requesting a change in operating modes of an NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for supporting a sensing operation using NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for measuring the internal delay time of an NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for measuring internal delay time using multiple operation modes of an NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for providing a setup for measuring an internal delay of an NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for performing signaling to trigger measurement of an internal delay of an NCR in a wireless communication system.

[0014] The technical objectives to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned can be considered by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the technical configuration of the present disclosure is applied from the embodiments of the present disclosure described below.

[0015] As an example of the present disclosure, an operating method performed by a network controlled repeater (NCR) in a wireless communication system may include the steps of receiving at least one synchronization signal from a base station, receiving system information from the base station, performing a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, receiving first configuration information from the base station, setting an internal signal path based on one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information, and processing a signal from the base station based on the operation mode.

[0016] As an example of the present disclosure, an operation method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system may include the steps of transmitting at least one synchronization signal, transmitting system information, performing a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, receiving first configuration information from a network controlled repeater (NCR), and transmitting a downlink signal to a terminal using the NCR operating in one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information.

[0017] As an example of the present disclosure, in a wireless communication system, a network controlled repeater (NCR) includes a transceiver and a processor connected to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to receive at least one synchronization signal from a base station, receive system information from the base station, perform a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, receive first configuration information from the base station, set an internal signal path based on one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information, and process a signal from the base station based on the operation mode.

[0018] As an example of the present disclosure, in a wireless communication system, a base station includes a transceiver and a processor connected to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to transmit at least one synchronization signal, transmit system information, perform a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, receive first configuration information from a network controlled repeater (NCR), and transmit a downlink signal to a terminal using the NCR operating in one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information.

[0019] As an example of the present disclosure, a communication device may include at least one processor, and at least one computer memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, direct operations, wherein the operations may include: receiving at least one synchronization signal from a base station; receiving system information from the base station; performing a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information; receiving first configuration information from the base station; setting an internal signal path based on one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information; and processing a signal from the base station based on the operation mode.

[0020] As an example of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing at least one instruction includes at least one instruction executable by a processor, wherein the at least one instruction can instruct a device to receive at least one synchronization signal from a base station, receive system information from the base station, perform a random access procedure based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, receive first configuration information from the base station, set an internal signal path based on an operating mode of one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first configuration information, and process a signal from the base station based on the operating mode.

[0021] The above-described aspects of the present disclosure are only some of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the present disclosure can be derived and understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art based on the detailed description of the present disclosure to be described below.

[0022] The following effects may be achieved by embodiments based on the present disclosure.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, sensing using a network controlled repeater (NCR) can be effectively performed.

[0024] The effects that can be obtained from the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the technical configuration of the present disclosure is applied, from the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure below. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the configuration described in the present disclosure can also be derived from the embodiments of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art.

[0025] The accompanying drawings are intended to aid understanding of the present disclosure and may provide embodiments of the present disclosure along with detailed descriptions. However, the technical features of the present disclosure are not limited to specific drawings, and the features disclosed in each drawing may be combined with each other to form new embodiments. Reference numerals in each drawing may indicate structural elements.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for processing a transmission signal applicable to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G (6th generation) system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a communication procedure between a terminal and a base station applicable to the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G (6th generation) system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates an electromagnetic spectrum applicable to the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 illustrates a THz communication method applicable to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a THz signal generation method applicable to the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless communication transceiver applicable to the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 illustrates a transmitter structure applicable to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 illustrates a system information transmission procedure applicable to the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 illustrates a beam management procedure applicable to the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the structure of a network controlled repeater (NCR) applicable to the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 illustrates the concept of a repeater and reflector.

[0041] Figures 15a to 15c illustrate examples of coverage areas using repeaters and reflectors.

[0042] Figures 16a and 16b show examples of structures of reflectors and repeaters.

[0043] Figures 17a and 17b illustrate examples of links operating in reflectors and repeaters.

[0044] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate examples of the structure and operating states of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates examples of links operating in a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figures 20a and 20b illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from base station to base station using a reflector.

[0047] Figures 21a to 21c illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a terminal using a reflector.

[0048] Figures 22a and 22b illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a terminal using a repeater.

[0049] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a terminal in repeater mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from base station to base station in repeater mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIGS. 25A to 25C illustrate examples of signal paths for measuring internal delay through OTA inspection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIGS. 26A to 26C illustrate examples of signal processing steps for measuring internal delay of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a procedure for operating a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of a procedure for controlling an internal delay measurement operation of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a procedure for performing internal delay measurement of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of a procedure for assisting communication of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a procedure for performing communication using a multi-mode NCR of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIGS. 32a and 32b illustrate examples of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system topologies using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIGS. 33a and 33b illustrate another example of an ISAC system topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 35 illustrates another example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 36 illustrates another example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 37 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 38 illustrates an example of a portable device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 39 illustrates an example of a vehicle or autonomous vehicle applicable to the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 40 illustrates an example of a vehicle applicable to the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 41 illustrates an example of an XR device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 42 illustrates an example of a robot applicable to the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 43 illustrates an example of an AI device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0070] The following embodiments combine the components and features of the present disclosure in a predetermined form. Each component or feature may be considered optional unless explicitly stated otherwise. Each component or feature may be implemented without being combined with other components or features. Furthermore, some components and / or features may be combined to form embodiments of the present disclosure. The order of operations described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment.

[0071] In the description of the drawings, procedures or steps that may obscure the gist of the present disclosure are not described, and procedures or steps that can be understood by a person skilled in the art are also not described.

[0072] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprising" or "including" a component, this does not mean that other components may be included, but rather that other components may be excluded, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, terms such as "...part," "...unit," and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the words "a" or "an," "one," "the," and similar related words may be used in the context of describing the present disclosure (especially in the context of the claims below) to include both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0073] Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein focus on the data transmission and reception relationship between a base station and a mobile station. Here, the base station is understood as a terminal node of a network that directly communicates with the mobile station. Certain operations described herein as being performed by the base station may, in some cases, be performed by an upper node of the base station.

[0074] That is, in a network consisting of multiple network nodes including a base station, various operations performed for communication with a mobile station may be performed by the base station or other network nodes other than the base station. In this case, the term 'base station' may be replaced by terms such as fixed station, Node B, eNB (eNode B), gNB (gNode B), ng-eNB, advanced base station (ABS), or access point.

[0075] Additionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term terminal may be replaced with terms such as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), subscriber station (SS), mobile subscriber station (MSS), mobile terminal, or advanced mobile station (AMS).

[0076] Additionally, a transmitter refers to a fixed and / or mobile node that provides data or voice services, and a receiver refers to a fixed and / or mobile node that receives data or voice services. Therefore, for uplink, a mobile station can be the transmitter, and a base station can be the receiver. Similarly, for downlink, a mobile station can be the receiver, and a base station can be the transmitter.

[0077] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be supported by standard documents disclosed in at least one of wireless access systems, such as IEEE 802.xx system, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) system, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 3GPP 5th generation (5G) NR (New Radio) system and 3GPP2 system, and in particular, embodiments of the present disclosure may be supported by 3GPP TS (technical specification) 38.211, 3GPP TS 38.212, 3GPP TS 38.213, 3GPP TS 38.321 and 3GPP TS 38.331 documents.

[0078] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to other wireless access systems and are not limited to the systems described above. For example, they can be applied to systems implemented after the 3GPP 5G NR system and are not limited to a specific system.

[0079] That is, obvious steps or parts not described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be explained by referring to the above documents. In addition, all terms disclosed in this document can be explained by the above standard documents.

[0080] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description set forth below, together with the accompanying drawings, is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the technical configurations of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0081] Additionally, specific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to aid in understanding of the present disclosure, and the use of such specific terms may be changed to other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0082] The following technology can be applied to various wireless access systems such as CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access).

[0083]

[0084] For clarity, the following description is based on 3GPP communication systems (e.g., LTE, NR, etc.), but the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. LTE may refer to technology after 3GPP TS 36.xxx Release 8. Specifically, LTE technology after 3GPP TS 36.xxx Release 10 may be referred to as LTE-A, and LTE technology after 3GPP TS 36.xxx Release 13 may be referred to as LTE-A pro. 3GPP NR may refer to technology after TS 38.xxx Release 15. 3GPP 6G may refer to technology after TS Release 17 and / or Release 18. "xxx" refers to a standard document detail number. LTE / NR / 6G may be collectively referred to as a 3GPP system.

[0085] For background information, terms, abbreviations, etc. used in this disclosure, reference may be made to standard documents published prior to this disclosure. For example, reference may be made to standard documents 36.xxx and 38.xxx.

[0086]

[0087] Communication system applicable to the present disclosure

[0088] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts of the present disclosure disclosed in this document may be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication / connectivity (e.g., 5G) between devices.

[0089] Hereinafter, more specific examples will be provided with reference to the drawings. In the drawings / descriptions below, the same drawing reference numerals may represent identical or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks, or functional blocks, unless otherwise described.

[0090] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system applied to the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system (100) applied to the present disclosure includes a wireless device, a base station, and a network. Here, the wireless device refers to a device that performs communication using a wireless access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G) and may be referred to as a communication / wireless / 5G device. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device may include a robot (100a), a vehicle (100b-1, 100b-2), an XR (extended reality) device (100c), a hand-held device (100d), a home appliance (100e), an IoT (Internet of Things) device (100f), and an AI (artificial intelligence) device / server (100g). For example, the vehicle may include a vehicle equipped with a wireless communication function, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication, etc. Here, the vehicles (100b-1, 100b-2) may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). The XR devices (100c) include augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) / mixed reality (MR) devices, and may be implemented in the form of head-mounted devices (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs) installed in vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliances, digital signage, vehicles, robots, etc. The portable devices (100d) may include smartphones, smart pads, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses), computers (e.g., laptops, etc.), etc. The home appliances (100e) may include TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. The IoT devices (100f) may include sensors, smart meters, etc.For example, the base station (120) and the network (130) may also be implemented as wireless devices, and a specific wireless device (120a) may act as a base station / network node to other wireless devices.

[0092] Wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to a network (130) via a base station (120). AI technology can be applied to the wireless devices (100a to 100f), and the wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to an AI server (100g) via a network (130). The network (130) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR), or a 6G network. The wireless devices (100a to 100f) can communicate with each other via the base station (120) / network (130), but can also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the base station (120) / network (130). For example, vehicles (100b-1, 100b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) / V2X (vehicle to everything) communication). Additionally, an IoT device (100f) (e.g., a sensor) can communicate directly with another IoT device (e.g., a sensor) or another wireless device (100a to 100f).

[0093] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (100a to 100f) / base stations (120), and base stations (120) / base stations (120). Here, the wireless communication / connection can be established through various wireless access technologies such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or D2D communication), and base station-to-base station communication (150c) (e.g., relay, IAB (integrated access backhaul)). Through the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), the wireless device and base station / wireless device, and base stations and base stations can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from each other. For example, the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, based on various proposals of the present disclosure, at least some of various configuration information setting processes for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), resource allocation processes, etc. may be performed.

[0094]

[0095] Devices applicable to the present disclosure

[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals via various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G). The wireless device (200) includes at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204), and may additionally include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208).

[0098] The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206), and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (206). In addition, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (206), and then store information obtained from signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, the memory (204) may store software code including instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202), or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. Here, the processor (202) and the memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology. The transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via at least one antenna (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In the present disclosure, a wireless device may also mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0099] Hereinafter, the hardware elements of the wireless device (200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, at least one protocol layer may be implemented by at least one processor (202). For example, at least one processor (202) may implement at least one layer (e.g., a functional layer such as physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP)). At least one processor (202) may generate at least one Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and / or at least one Service Data Unit (SDU) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate a message, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) can generate a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) including a PDU, an SDU, a message, control information, data or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed in this document, and provide the signal to at least one transceiver (206). At least one processor (202) can receive a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) from at least one transceiver (206) and obtain the PDU, SDU, message, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document.

[0100] At least one processor (202) may be referred to as a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a microcomputer. The at least one processor (202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one digital signal processing device (DSPD), at least one programmable logic device (PLD), or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be included in the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be included in the at least one processor (202), or may be stored in at least one memory (204) and driven by the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0101] At least one memory (204) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions and / or commands. The at least one memory (204) can be configured as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, a register, a cache memory, a computer readable storage medium and / or a combination thereof. The at least one memory (204) can be located internally and / or externally to the at least one processor (202). In addition, the at least one memory (204) can be connected to the at least one processor (202) via various technologies such as a wired or wireless connection.

[0102] At least one transceiver (206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the methods and / or flowcharts of this document to at least one other device. At least one transceiver (206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document from at least one other device. For example, at least one transceiver (206) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to at least one other device. Furthermore, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from at least one other device. In addition, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one antenna (208), and at least one transceiver (206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document through at least one antenna (208). In this document, at least one antenna may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the received wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using at least one processor (202). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the processed user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from baseband signals to RF band signals using at least one processor (202).For this purpose, at least one transceiver (206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0103] The components of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 2 may be referred to by different terms in terms of functionality. For example, the processor (202) may be referred to as a control unit, the transceiver (206) as a communication unit, and the memory (204) as a storage unit. In some cases, the communication unit may be used to mean at least a portion of the processor (202) and the transceiver (206).

[0104] The structure of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 2 can be understood as the structure of at least a portion of various devices. For example, the structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 2 can be at least a portion of various devices described with reference to FIG. 1 (e.g., a robot (100a), a vehicle (100b-1, 100b-2), an XR device (100c), a portable device (100d), a home appliance (100e), an IoT device (100f), an AI device / server (100g)). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 2, the device may further include other components.

[0105] For example, the device may be a portable device such as a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), or a portable computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.). In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an interface unit that includes at least one port for connection with another device (e.g., an audio input / output port, a video input / output port), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting image information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input from a user.

[0106] For example, the device may be a mobile device such as a mobile robot, a vehicle, a train, an aerial vehicle (AV), a ship, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a driving unit including at least one of an engine, a motor, a power train, wheels, brakes, and a steering unit of the device, a power supply unit including a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. that supplies power, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, an autonomous driving unit that performs functions such as path maintenance, speed control, and destination setting, and a position measurement unit that obtains location information of the mobile device through a global positioning system (GPS) and various sensors.

[0107] For example, the device may be an XR device such as an HMD, a head-up display (HUD) installed in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an input / output unit that obtains control information, data, etc. from the outside and outputs the generated XR object, and a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or the surroundings of the device.

[0108] For example, the device may be a robot that can be classified into industrial, medical, household, military, etc. types depending on the purpose or field of use. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a driving unit that performs various physical actions, such as moving the robot joints.

[0109] For example, the device may be an AI device such as a TV, a projector, a smartphone, a PC, a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a tablet PC, a wearable device, a set-top box (STB), a radio, a washing machine, a refrigerator, digital signage, a robot, a vehicle, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of an input unit that acquires various types of data from the outside, an output unit that generates output related to sight, hearing, or touch, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a training unit that trains a model composed of an artificial neural network using learning data.

[0110] The structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 2 may be understood as a part of a RAN node (e.g., base station, DU, RU, RRㅗ, etc.). That is, the device illustrated in FIG. 2 may be a RAN node. In this case, the device may further include a wired transceiver for front haul and / or back haul communication. However, if the front haul and / or back haul communication is based on wireless communication, at least one transceiver (206) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be used for front haul and / or back haul communication, and a wired transceiver may not be included.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for processing a transmission signal applicable to the present disclosure. For example, the transmission signal may be processed by a signal processing circuit. At this time, the signal processing circuit (300) may include a scrambler (310), a modulator (320), a layer mapper (330), a precoder (340), a resource mapper (350), and a signal generator (360). At this time, as an example, the operations / functions of FIG. 3 may be performed in the processor (202) and / or the transceiver (206) of FIG. 2. Furthermore, as an example, the hardware elements of FIG. 3 may be implemented in the processor (202) and / or the transceiver (206) of FIG. 2. As an example, blocks 310 to 360 may be implemented in the processor (202) of FIG. 2. Additionally, blocks 310 to 350 may be implemented in the processor (202) of FIG. 2, and block 360 may be implemented in the transceiver (206) of FIG. 2, and are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0113] The codeword can be converted into a wireless signal through the signal processing circuit (300) of FIG. 3. Here, the codeword is an encoded bit sequence of an information block. The information block may include a transport block (e.g., a UL-SCH transport block, a DL-SCH transport block). Here, the information block may include data related to AI (e.g., training data, AI model data, input data, output data, etc.), and the codeword may be an encoded bit sequence corresponding to the data related to AI. The wireless signal may be transmitted through various physical channels (e.g., PUSCH, PDSCH). Specifically, the codeword may be converted into a bit sequence scrambled by a scrambler (310). The scramble sequence used for scrambling is generated based on an initialization value, and the initialization value may include ID information of the wireless device, etc. The scrambled bit sequence may be modulated into a modulation symbol sequence by a modulator (320). Modulation schemes may include pi / 2-BPSK (pi / 2-binary phase shift keying), m-PSK (m-phase shift keying), m-QAM (m-quadrature amplitude modulation), etc.

[0114] A complex modulation symbol sequence can be mapped to at least one transport layer by a layer mapper (330). Here, a transport layer is a logical resource unit for mapping a signal or data transmitted through spatial resources to antenna ports, and one transport layer can correspond to one stream or one antenna port. Each of the complex modulation symbols included in the complex modulation symbol sequence is mapped to at least one transport layer, thereby determining which antenna port it will be transmitted through. The modulation symbols of each transport layer can be mapped to the corresponding antenna port(s) by a precoder (340). The output z of the precoder (340) can be obtained by multiplying the output y of the layer mapper (330) by a precoding matrix W of NХM. Here, N is the number of antenna ports, and M is the number of transport layers. Here, the precoder (340) may perform precoding after performing transform precoding (e.g., discrete Fourier transform (DFT) transform) on complex modulation symbols. Additionally, the precoder (340) may perform precoding without performing transform precoding.

[0115] The resource mapper (350) can map modulation symbols of each antenna port to time-frequency resources. The time-frequency resources can include multiple symbols (e.g., CP-OFDMA symbols, DFT-s-OFDMA symbols) in the time domain and multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain. The signal generator (360) generates a wireless signal from the mapped modulation symbols, and the generated wireless signal can be transmitted to another device through each antenna. To this end, the signal generator (360) can include an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) module, a cyclic prefix (CP) inserter, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a frequency uplink converter, and the like.

[0116] The signal processing process for a received signal in a wireless device may be configured in reverse order of the signal processing process (310 to 360) of FIG. 3. For example, a wireless device (e.g., 200 of FIG. 2) may receive a wireless signal from the outside through an antenna port / transceiver. The received wireless signal may be converted into a baseband signal through a signal restorer. For this purpose, the signal restorer may include a frequency downlink converter, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a CP remover, and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) module. Thereafter, the baseband signal may be restored to a codeword through a resource demapper process, a postcoding process, a demodulation process, and a descrambling process. The codeword may be restored to the original information block through decoding. Therefore, a signal processing circuit (not shown) for a received signal may include a signal restorer, a resource demapper, a postcoder, a demodulator, a descrambler, and a decoder.

[0117]

[0118] Figure 4 illustrates a communication procedure between a terminal and a base station applicable to the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates operations of a terminal (410) and a base station (420) transmitting and / or receiving data and operations performed prior thereto.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, in step 401, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) perform synchronization. For example, the terminal (410) performs an initial cell search operation. Specifically, the terminal (410) can detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station (420) according to a predefined rule. Here, the synchronization signal can include multiple synchronization signals classified according to structure or purpose (e.g., primary synchronization signal, secondary synchronization signal). Through this, the terminal (410) can check the boundary of the frame, subframe, slot, and / or symbol of the base station (420) and obtain information about the base station (420) (e.g., cell identifier).

[0120] In step 403, the terminal (410) obtains system information transmitted from the base station (420). The system information is information related to the properties, characteristics, and / or capabilities of the base station (420) required to access the base station (420) and use the service, and may be classified by content (e.g., whether it is essential for access), transmission structure (e.g., channel used, whether provided on-demand), etc., and may be classified into, for example, a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB). If necessary, the terminal (410) may transmit a signal requesting system information before receiving the system information. The system information may include information related to an AI function. For example, the system information may include at least one of information related to an AI model, information related to training, and information related to inference / prediction, as information required for operations performed based on AI. However, the request and provision of the system information may be performed after a random access procedure described below.

[0121] In step 405, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) perform a random access procedure. The terminal (410) may transmit and / or receive at least one message (e.g., a random access preamble, a random access response (RAR) message, etc.) for the random access procedure based on information related to the random access channel of the base station (420) obtained through system information (e.g., channel position, channel structure, supported preamble structure, etc.). For example, the terminal (410) may transmit a preamble (e.g., MSG1) through the random access channel, receive an RAR message (e.g., MSG2), transmit a message (e.g., MSG3) including information related to the terminal (410) (e.g., identification information) to the base station (420) using scheduling information included in the RAR message, and receive a message (e.g., MSG4) for contention resolution and / or connection establishment. As another example, MSG1 and MSG3 may be sent and received as one message, or MSG2 and MSG4 may be sent and received as one message.

[0122] In step 407, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) perform signaling of control information. Here, the control information may be defined in various layers, such as a layer that controls a connection (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer), a layer that handles mapping between logical channels and transport channels (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer), and a layer that handles physical channels (e.g., a physical (PHY) layer). For example, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) may perform at least one of signaling for establishing a connection, signaling for determining settings related to communication, and signaling for indicating allocated resources. In addition, the signaling of the control information may be performed to convey information related to an AI function. For example, the information related to an AI function is information necessary for an operation performed based on AI, and may include at least one of information related to an AI model, information related to training, and information related to inference / prediction. More specifically, information related to the AI ​​function signaled in step 407 may be combined and / or combined with information related to the AI ​​function signaled in step 403, and the two may be defined in a hierarchical, mutually complementary, or substitutive structure.

[0123] In step 409, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) transmit and / or receive data. In other words, the terminal (410) and the base station (420) can process, transmit, and / or receive data based on the signaling of the control information. For example, when transmitting data, the terminal (410) or the base station (420) can perform at least one of channel encoding, rate matching, scrambling, constellation mapping, layer mapping, waveform modulation, antenna mapping, and resource mapping on the information bits. Conversely, when receiving data, the terminal (410) or the base station (420) can perform at least one of signal extraction from resources, waveform demodulation for each antenna, signal arrangement considering layer mapping, constellation demapping, descrambling, and channel decoding. Here, the transmitted data is data related to AI, and may include, for example, data for AI-based operations or data generated by AI-based operations.

[0124] Steps 401 to 409 illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 do not necessarily have to be performed in the order illustrated in FIG. 4, and the order of at least some of the steps may vary. Furthermore, at least some of steps 401 to 409 may be combined into a single step or omitted. That is, the steps illustrated in FIG. 4 may be performed in various modified forms.

[0125]

[0126] 6G communication systems and core implementation technologies of 6G systems

[0127] The 5G system defines various operating bands within FR1 (frequency range 1), which covers 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, and FR2 (frequency range 2), which covers 24,250 MHz to 71,000 MHz. Various frequencies are being discussed as operating bands for the subsequent 6G system, and the use of higher frequencies than 5G systems is also being considered for wider bandwidth and higher transmission speeds. One such band is the THz (terahertz) frequency band, which covers approximately 100 GHz to 10 THz. The THz frequency band is a band that has both the transparency of radio waves and the straightness of light waves, and communications using the THz frequency band are expected to play a transitional role from existing radio-centered communications to lightwave-based communications.

[0128] 6G systems utilizing the THz frequency band have the following goals: i) very high data rates per device, ii) a very large number of connected devices, iii) global connectivity, iv) very low latency, v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free IoT devices, vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be divided into four aspects: “intelligent connectivity,” “deep connectivity,” “holographic connectivity,” and “ubiquitous connectivity,” and the 6G system can be designed to satisfy the requirements as shown in [Table 1] below.

[0129] Per device peak data rate1 TbpsE2E latency1 msMaximum spectral efficiency100 bps / HzMobility supportup to 1000 km / hrSatellite integrationFullyAIFullyAutonomous vehicleFullyXRFullyHaptic CommunicationFully

[0130] At this time, the 6G system may have key factors such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine type communications (mMTC), AI integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G system applicable to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the 6G system is expected to have simultaneous wireless communication connectivity that is 50 times higher than that of a 5G wireless communication system. URLLC, a key feature of 5G, is expected to become an even more crucial technology in 6G communications, offering end-to-end latency of less than 1 ms. Furthermore, 6G systems will boast significantly higher volumetric spectral efficiency than the commonly used area spectral efficiency. 6G systems can offer extremely long battery life and advanced battery technologies for energy harvesting, eliminating the need for separate charging for mobile devices in 6G systems. New network characteristics in 6G may include:

[0131] - Satellite integrated network: 6G is expected to integrate with satellites to provide a global mobile network. The integration of terrestrial, satellite, and airborne networks into a single wireless communications system is crucial for 6G.

[0132] Connected Intelligence: Unlike previous generations of wireless communication systems, 6G is revolutionary, upgrading the wireless evolution from "connected objects" to "connected intelligence." AI can be applied at every stage of the communication process (or at every signal processing step, as described below).

[0133] - Seamless integration of wireless information and energy transfer: 6G wireless networks will transfer power to charge the batteries of devices such as smartphones and sensors. Therefore, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET) will be integrated.

[0134] - Ubiquitous super 3D connectivity: Access to networks and core network functions of drones and very low Earth orbit satellites will create super 3D connectivity in 6G ubiquitous.

[0135] Some general requirements for the new network characteristics of 6G, such as the above, may be as follows:

[0136] - Small cell networks: The concept of small cell networks was introduced to improve received signal quality in cellular systems by increasing throughput, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency. Consequently, small cell networks are essential for 5G and beyond-5G (5GB) communication systems. Accordingly, 6G communication systems also adopt the characteristics of small cell networks.

[0137] Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks: Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks will be another key feature of 6G communication systems. Multi-tier networks comprised of heterogeneous networks improve overall QoS and reduce costs.

[0138] High-capacity backhaul: Backhaul connections are characterized by high-capacity backhaul networks to support high-volume traffic. High-speed fiber optics and free-space optics (FSO) systems may be potential solutions to this problem.

[0139] - Radar technology integrated with mobile technology: High-precision localization (or location-based services) through communications is a key feature of 6G wireless communication systems. Therefore, radar systems will be integrated with 6G networks.

[0140] - Softwarization and virtualization: Softwarization and virtualization are two critical features that form the foundation of the design process for 5GB networks to ensure flexibility, reconfigurability, and programmability. Furthermore, billions of devices can be shared on a shared physical infrastructure.

[0141] To satisfy the above-mentioned characteristics, the core implementation technologies of the 6G system may include artificial intelligence (AI), THz (terahertz) communication, optical wireless technology, FSO backhaul network, massive MIMO technology, blockchain, 3D networking, quantum communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, cell-free communication, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET), integration of sensing and communication, integration of access backhaul networks, holographic beamforming, big data analysis, and large intelligent surface (LIS).

[0142] For example, THz communication can be utilized in 6G systems. THz communication is a communication that utilizes a spectrum in a frequency band between 0.3 THz and 3 THz with a corresponding wavelength in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, the frequency band of THz waves is located in the middle region between the infrared band and the millimeter wave band, and therefore, THz waves can be understood as radio waves with the shortest wavelength and light waves with the longest wavelength. Therefore, THz waves share some of the characteristics of infrared and microwave waves, and specifically, they can simultaneously have the transparency of electromagnetic waves and the straightness of light waves.

[0143]

[0144] Fig. 7 illustrates a THz communication method applicable to the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 7, THz wireless communication refers to wireless communication using THz waves having a frequency of approximately 0.1 to 10 THz (1 THz = 1012 Hz), and may refer to terahertz (THz) band wireless communication using a very high carrier frequency of 100 GHz or higher. THz waves are located between the RF (Radio Frequency) / millimeter (mm) and infrared bands, and (i) compared to visible light / infrared rays, they penetrate non-metallic / non-polarizable materials well, and compared to RF / millimeter waves, they have a shorter wavelength, thus having high linearity and enabling beam focusing.

[0145] In addition, since the photon energy of THz waves is only a few meV, it has the characteristic of being harmless to the human body. The frequency band expected to be used for THz wireless communication may be the D-band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) or H-band (220 GHz to 325 GHz) bands where propagation loss due to absorption of molecules in the air is small. In addition to 3GPP, standardization discussions for THz wireless communication are being centered around the IEEE 802.15 THz WG (working group), and standard documents issued by the IEEE 802.15 TG (task group) (e.g., TG3d, TG3e) can specify or supplement the contents described in this specification. THz wireless communication can be applied to wireless cognition, sensing, imaging, wireless communication, THz navigation, etc.

[0146] Specifically, referring to Fig. 7, THz wireless communication scenarios can be categorized into macro networks, micro networks, and nanoscale networks. In macro networks, THz wireless communication can be applied to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) connections and backhaul / fronthaul connections. In micro networks, THz wireless communication can be applied to fixed point-to-point or multi-point connections such as indoor small cells, wireless connections in data centers, and near-field communication such as kiosk downloading. Table 2 below shows examples of technologies that can be utilized in THz waves.

[0147] Transceivers DeviceAvailable immature: UTC-PD, RTD and SBDModulation and codingLow order modulation techniques (OOK, QPSK), LDPC, Reed Soloman, Hamming, Polar, TurboAntennaOmni and Directional, phased array with low number of antenna elementsBandwidth69 GHz (or 23 GHz) at 300 GHzChannel modelsPartiallyData rate100 GbpsOutdoor deploymentNoFee space lossHighCoverageLowRadio Measurements300 GHz inddorDevice sizeFew micrometers

[0148] FIG. 8 illustrates a THz signal generation method applicable to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 also illustrates a wireless communication transceiver applicable to the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the optical device-based THz wireless communication technology refers to a method of generating and modulating a THz signal using an optical device. The optical device-based THz signal generation technology is a technology that generates an ultra-high-speed optical signal using a laser and an optical modulator, and converts it into a THz signal using an ultra-high-speed photodetector. Compared to a technology that uses only electronic devices, this technology makes it easy to increase the frequency, enables high-power signal generation, and obtains a flat response characteristic over a wide frequency band. For the optical device-based THz signal generation, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a laser diode, a wideband optical modulator, and an ultra-high-speed photodetector are required. In the case of FIG. 8, light signals from two lasers with different wavelengths are combined to generate a THz signal corresponding to the wavelength difference between the lasers. In Fig. 8, an optical coupler refers to a semiconductor device that transmits an electrical signal using optical waves to provide electrical isolation and coupling between circuits or systems, and a uni-travelling carrier photo-detector (UTC-PD) is a type of photodetector that uses electrons as active carriers and reduces the travel time of electrons through bandgap grading. The UTC-PD is capable of photodetection at 150 GHz or higher.In Fig. 9, EDFA (erbium-doped fiber amplifier) ​​represents an erbium-doped fiber amplifier, PD (photo detector) represents a semiconductor device that can convert an optical signal into an electrical signal, OSA represents an optical module (optical sub assembly) that modularizes various optical communication functions (e.g., photoelectric conversion, electro-optical conversion, etc.) into a single component, and DSO represents a digital storage oscilloscope.

[0149] Figure 10 illustrates a transmitter structure applicable to the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to Figure 10, in order to modulate data into an optical signal, an optical source such as a laser can be passed through an optical wave guide to change the phase of the signal, etc. At this time, data is loaded by changing the electrical characteristics through a microwave contact, etc. Therefore, the optical modulator output is formed as a modulated waveform.

[0151] Data may be provided from a data signal generator. Here, the data may include various user data, configuration information, control information, etc. transmitted through a channel. Furthermore, the data may include data related to AI-based operations, such as information for configuring an AI model, input / output data for tasks of the AI ​​model, etc. To this end, components related to AI functions (e.g., an AI processing unit) may be included in the data signal generator or may be linked to the data signal generator.

[0152] An optical / electronic converter (O / E converter) can generate THz pulses by optical rectification using a nonlinear crystal, photoelectric conversion using a photoconductive antenna, or emission from a bunch of relativistic electrons. The THz pulse generated in the above manner can have a length in the range of femtoseconds to picoseconds. The optical / electronic converter (O / E converter) performs down conversion by utilizing the nonlinearity of the device.

[0153] Considering the THz spectrum usage, it is likely that multiple contiguous GHz bands will be used for THz systems, either fixed or for mobile services. For an outdoor scenario, the available bandwidth can be categorized based on an oxygen attenuation of 10^2 dB / km in the spectrum up to 1 THz. Accordingly, a framework in which the available bandwidth is divided into multiple band chunks can be considered. As an example of this framework, if the THz pulse length for a single carrier is set to 50 ps, ​​the bandwidth (BW) becomes approximately 20 GHz.

[0154] Effective down-conversion from the infrared band to the THz band depends on how to utilize the nonlinearity of the optical / electrical converter (O / E converter). In other words, to down-convert to the desired THz band, it is necessary to design an O / E converter with the most ideal non-linearity for transferring to the THz band. If an O / E converter that is not suitable for the target frequency band is used, errors in the amplitude and phase of the pulse are likely to occur.

[0155] A THz transmission and reception system can be implemented using a single optical-to-electrical converter in a single-carrier system. Depending on the channel environment, optical-to-electrical converters may be required as many as the number of carriers in a multi-carrier system. This phenomenon will be particularly noticeable in a multi-carrier system that utilizes multiple broadbands according to the aforementioned spectrum usage plan. In this regard, a frame structure for the multi-carrier system may be considered. A signal down-frequency converted based on an optical-to-electrical converter may be transmitted in a specific resource region (e.g., a specific frame). The frequency region of the specific resource region may include multiple chunks. Each chunk may be composed of at least one component carrier (CC).

[0156]

[0157] Transmitting system information (e.g., MIB) in the THz frequency band can be inefficient because the beam width becomes narrower in high-frequency bands, requiring more beam sweeps to cover the entire cell area. This method of transmitting system information is particularly inefficient when there are only a few users within the cell. Accordingly, a system information transmission procedure, such as that illustrated in FIG. 11, may be employed.

[0158] Figure 11 illustrates a system information transmission procedure applicable to the present disclosure. Figure 11 illustrates an example of a procedure for transmitting system information for THz communication. The procedure illustrated in Figure 11 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, the embodiments described below can be performed based on the system information acquired by the procedure illustrated in Figure 11. As another example, information and / or data transmitted in the procedure illustrated in Figure 11 can be generated and / or processed according to the embodiments described below.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 11, in step 1101, the base station (1120) transmits system information of cell #1 through cell #2. That is, the base station (1120) provides at least two cells, cell #1 uses a THz frequency band, and cell #2 uses a frequency band other than the THz frequency band. Here, the system information may include at least one of an SFN, a PDCCH configuration for SIB1, cell barring, cell re-selection, and subcarrier spacing generated in a higher layer, and may include at least one of an SFN, a half frame indicator, and an SSB (synchronization signal / physical broadcasting channel block) index generated in a physical layer. For this purpose, as an example, cell #1 and cell #2 may have a relationship of a secondary cell and a primary cell.

[0160] In step 1103, UE (1110) acquires synchronization for cell #1. Synchronization can be acquired by detecting a synchronization signal. Typically, synchronization is acquired before receiving system information. However, since system information for cell #1 is received from cell #2, synchronization acquisition for cell #1 can be performed after receiving the system information. For example, UE (1110) can acquire synchronization based on system information. However, unlike FIG. 11, in another example, synchronization acquisition can be performed before step 1101.

[0161] In step 1105, UE (1110) transmits a signal for accessing cell #1. For example, the signal may include a random access preamble. The structure of the signal and the resources (e.g., channels) for transmitting the signal can be identified through system information. Thereafter, in step 1107, UE (1110) and base station (1120) perform an access procedure for cell #1 and communicate. In this step, operations according to various embodiments described below may be performed.

[0162] The procedure described with reference to FIG. 11 may be performed when UE (1101) first connects to cell #1 of base station (1120). Alternatively, a similar procedure may be performed when UE (1101) hands over to cell #1 of base station (1120). However, in the case of handover, system information of cell #1 may be received from a cell of a base station other than cell #2 of base station (1120).

[0163]

[0164] Communications in the THz band are expected to experience extremely severe path loss, and to overcome this, terminals and base stations must use extremely sharp beams. The use of sharp beams means that terminals and base stations must perform beam control in addition to beamforming, and the number of beams used increases significantly. Consequently, it takes a very long time to align the transmit and receive beams between the base station and terminals. Furthermore, if the beam alignment between the base station and terminals is misaligned due to the movement or movement of the terminals, frequent re-alignment of the beams is required, which can lead to link instability. Accordingly, a beam management procedure, as illustrated in FIG. 12 below, may be used.

[0165] FIG. 12 illustrates a beam management procedure applicable to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a procedure for searching and / or selecting beams for THz communication. The procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, the embodiments described below may be performed using at least one beam acquired by the procedure illustrated in FIG. 11. As another example, information and / or data transmitted in the procedure illustrated in FIG. 12 may be generated and / or processed according to the embodiments described below. Herein, a beam may be referred to as a 'spatial domain filter', a 'spatial domain transmit filter', a 'spatial domain receive filter', and other terms having equivalent technical meanings thereto.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 12, in step 1201, a base station (1220) configures resources for beam management. Here, the resources may include at least one of time-frequency resources, channels, and spatial resources (e.g., antenna ports). For example, the base station (1220) may utilize a beam search signal (BSS) that is transmitted spatially separated from an existing downlink signal / channel for beam search. Here, the BSS may be transmitted based on a dedicated port for beam search. The dedicated port may be a different port from a port for transmitting an existing downlink signal / channel (e.g., SSB, PDSCH, etc.). BSS is a term defined for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept according to the present embodiment is not limited to the term BSS itself. That is, a signal transmitted based on a dedicated port defined / configured for beam search may be included in the technical concept according to the present embodiment.

[0167] In step 1203, the base station (1201) transmits measurement signals using multiple transmission beams. For example, the measurement signals may include at least one of a reference signal and a synchronization signal. At this time, the measurement signals may be transmitted as many times as the number of beams that require measurement, and may be transmitted in a multi-beam transmission method that forms multiple beams simultaneously to reduce sweeping time. Here, the multi-beam transmission may be performed based on at least one of a multi-panel, a sub-array, and a true time delay (TTD).

[0168] In step 1205, the UE (1210) transmits a feedback signal to the base station (1220). The feedback signal indicates at least one beam selected by the UE (1210). The UE (1210) may select at least one preferred beam based on the measurement signals received in step 1203. In step 1207, the UE (1210) and the base station (1220) perform communication. At this time, the UE (1210) and the base station (1220) may perform communication using the beam selected in step 1205. If channel reciprocity is established, the transmission beam of the UE (1210) may also be determined through steps 1203 and 1205, and thus, the transmission operation of the UE (1210) may also be performed using the beam selected in step 1205. If channel reciprocity is not established, a procedure including transmitting measurement signals of the UE (1210) and transmitting feedback signals of the base station (1220) may be performed to determine the transmission beam of the UE (1210). In step 1207, operations according to various embodiments described below may be performed.

[0169]

[0170] network controlled repeater (NCR)

[0171] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the structure of an NCR applicable to the present disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates a topology in which an NCR (1330) performs transmission and reception between a gNB (1320) and a UE (1310). The NCR (1330) of FIG. 13 is a type of wireless device, and includes the structure illustrated in FIG. 3 and may include the functional components illustrated in FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 13, the NCR (1330) may include an NCR-MT (1332) and an NCR-Fwd (1334). The NCR (1330) may be connected to a gNB (1320) and a UE (1310).

[0172] NCR-Fwd (1334) can receive a signal transmitted from gNB (1320) at the RF end and forward it to UE (1310), and can receive a signal transmitted from UE (1310) at the RF end and forward it to gNB (1320). NCR-Fwd (1334) only transfers a signal between gNB (1320) and UE (1310), and may not have a function of generating a signal / channel on its own and transmitting it to gNB (1320) / UE (1310), or receiving and detecting a signal / channel from gNB (1320) / UE (1310). In order to forward the received signal, NCR-Fwd (1334) can adjust the transmission / reception beam direction, DL / UL direction, ON / OFF, Tx power, etc. at the RF end. However, the operation of this NCR-Fwd (1334) cannot be performed by the judgment of the NCR (1330) itself, and can be controlled by the gNB (1320).

[0173] The NCR-MT (1332) may include an RF layer and L1, L2, and / or L3. For example, the NCR-MT (1332) may consist of only an RF layer and L1 or L1 / L2, or the NCR-MT (1332) may consist of an RF layer and L1 / L2 / L3. The NCR-MT (1332) may detect / receive a signal / channel transmitted from the gNB (1320), and the NCR-MT (1332) may generate and transmit a signal / channel transmitted to the gNB (1320). In addition, the NCR-MT (1332) may receive information (e.g., side control information) necessary to control the operation of the NCR-Fwd (1334) from the gNB (1320). NCR-MT (1332) may not perform transmission and reception with UE (1310). The functions of NCR-MT (1332) and NCR-Fwd (1334) are summarized in [Table 3] below.

[0174] Component Description NCR-MT NCR-MT is defined as a function entity to communicate with a gNB via Control link (C-link) to enable the information exchanges (e.g. side control information). The C-link is based on the NR Uu interface. Note: Side control information is at least for the control of NCR-Fwd NCR-Fwd is defined as a function entity that performs UL / DL RF signal amplification and forwarding between the gNB and the UE via the backhaul link and the access link. The operation of the NCR-Fwd is controlled according to the side control information received from the gNB. (The NCR-Fwd is defined as a function entity to perform the amplify-and-forwarding of UL / DL RF signal between gNB and UE via backhaul link and access link. The behavior of the NCR-Fwd will be controlled according to the received side control information from gNB.)

[0175]

[0176] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure

[0177] The present disclosure relates to the structure and utilization of a multi-mode NCR in a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a technology for supporting a sensing operation using a multi-mode NCR that supports the functions of a repeater and a reflector. The multi-mode NCR proposed in the present disclosure is a device that can selectively support multiple operation modes, and is a device that assists communication by influencing a channel between two nodes (e.g., a base station and a terminal, a base station and a base station, a terminal and a terminal, etc.). Accordingly, the multi-mode NCR may be referred to as an assistance device, an intermediate device, or other terms having equivalent technical meanings thereto. In addition, the multi-mode NCR is a device that improves the function of the NCR introduced in the present disclosure, and is referred to as a 'multi-mode NCR' to distinguish it from the existing NCR, but may also be referred to as 'NCR', 'eNCR (enhanced NCR)', 'hybrid NCR', etc.

[0178]

[0179] Figure 14 illustrates the concept of a repeater and a reflector. Referring to Figure 14, the repeater (1430) and the reflector (1440) have different coverages. Specifically, the repeater (1430) has a smaller relative coverage compared to the base station and the reflector (1440). Here, the relative coverage refers to the coverage per panel. For example, if the base station has three panels, it can have 360-degree coverage. However, the repeater (1430) can have 120-degree coverage using two panels. The reflector (1440) can have 120-degree coverage using one panel.

[0180] Figures 15a to 15c illustrate examples of coverage areas using repeaters and reflectors. Referring to Figure 15a, the reflector (1540) has a coverage area capable of transmitting signals to the terminal (1510) in an area that can receive signals from the base station (1520). That is, in the case of the reflector (1540), there is a constraint that the forwarding coverage must be defined to include the direction in which the signal from the base station (1520) is incident. Referring to Figures 15b and 15c, the repeater (1530) receives signals through a first panel facing the base station (1520), transmits signals through a second panel facing the terminal (1510), and has a coverage area equivalent to the area of ​​beams that can be formed in the first panel. In the case of the repeater (1530), the direction of the second panel is not restricted to the first panel. That is, since the repeater (1530) uses two panels, it has freedom in the arrangement of 120-degree coverage. In other words, the loss variation due to the incident / forward angle of the repeater (1530) has half the variation compared to the reflector (1540).

[0181] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate examples of structures of a reflector and a repeater. Referring to Figure 16A, a reflector (1640) includes a panel, at least one phase shifter, and optionally, at least one amplifier. A repeater (1630) includes a first panel, a second panel, at least one phase shifter for the first panel, at least one phase shifter for the second panel, amplifiers, and switches (e.g., single pole double throw (SPDT) switches). Here, the direction of signal transmission can be controlled by controlling the switches. Since the repeater (1630) has two panels, it has the disadvantage of high cost compared to performance (e.g., coverage). However, while the reflector (1640) has limited directional transmission coverage, the repeater (1630) has transmission coverage with a relatively high degree of freedom.

[0182]

[0183] Figures 17a and 17b illustrate examples of links operating in a reflector and repeater. Figures 17a and 17b illustrate functional component(s) and operating link(s) of a reflector and repeater.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 17A, the reflector (1740) includes a beam control block (1742). The beam control block (1742) has a control link with the base station (1720) and controls the phase shifter based on a control signal received through the control link. Accordingly, a reflection link can be operated between the base station (1720) and the terminal (1710).

[0185] Referring to FIG. 17B, the repeater (1730) includes a beam control block (1732), a timing block (1734), and a UL / DL control block (1736). The beam control block (1732) has a control link with the base station (1720) and controls phase shifters based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, the timing block (1734) has a control link with the base station (1720) and controls the operation timing of other blocks based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, the UL / DL control block (1736) has a control link with the base station (1720) and controls switches based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, a backhaul link is operated between the repeater (1730) and the base station (1720), and an access link is operated between the repeater (1730) and the terminal (1710).

[0186]

[0187] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate examples of the structure and operating states of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-mode NCR illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B can operate in repeater mode and reflector mode. The repeater mode may be referred to as 'NCR mode', and the reflector mode may be referred to as 'RIS mode'.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 18a, a multi-mode NCR includes a plurality of panels (1810a, 1810b), a plurality of phase shifters (1820a, 1820b), a plurality of switches (1830a, 1830b), and a plurality of amplifiers (1840a, 1840b). The plurality of panels (1810a, 1810b) can transmit and / or receive signals, and for this purpose, can include a plurality of signal radiating elements (e.g., unit cells). Each of the plurality of phase shifters (1820a, 1820b) changes the phase of an input signal. That is, the plurality of phase shifters (1820a, 1820b) perform beamforming within the coverage. The plurality of switches (1830a, 1830b) set input ports and output ports based on the operating mode and status. For this purpose, each of the plurality of switches (1830a, 1830b) may include a single pole three throw (SP3T) switch. Each of the plurality of amplifiers (1840a, 1840b) amplifies an input signal.

[0189] Fig. 18b illustrates three operating states (1801, 1802, 1803) of a multi-mode NCR. The three operating states (1801, 1802, 1803) can be selected based on input-output configurations of a plurality of switches (1830a, 1830b). The first state (1801) is a repeater mode, in which case a signal can be transmitted from a device located within a first coverage area to a device located within a second coverage area. The second state (1802) is a repeater mode, in which case a signal can be transmitted from a device located within a second coverage area to a device located within a first coverage area. The third state (1803) is a reflector mode, in which case a signal can be transmitted from a device located within a first coverage area to a device located within a first coverage area, or from a device located within a second coverage area to a device located within a second coverage area.

[0190]

[0191] FIG. 19 illustrates examples of links operating in a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 illustrates functional component(s) and operating link(s) of a multi-mode NCR.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 19, the multi-mode NCR includes a beam control block (1910), a timing block (1920), and an UL / DL and reflection control block (1930). The beam control block (1910) has a control link with a base station (1920) and controls phase shifters based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, the timing block (1920) has a control link with the base station (1920) and controls the operation timing of other blocks based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, the UL / DL control block (1930) has a control link with the base station (1920) and controls switches based on a control signal received through the control link. In addition, for the repeater mode, a backhaul link between the first panel of the multi-mode NCR and the base station (1920) and an access link between the second panel of the multi-mode NCR and the terminal (1910) are operated. Additionally, for the reflector mode, a reflection link may be operated between the base station (1920) and the terminal (1910) via the first panel or the second channel.

[0193] When using a multi-mode NCR of the aforementioned structure, 240 degrees of coverage can be provided using two panels. Here, 240 degrees assumes that one panel has a coverage of 120 degrees, and if the coverage of one panel varies, the overall coverage may also vary.

[0194]

[0195] Using a multi-mode NCR having the structures and operating states described above, communication can be performed between a base station and a terminal, between two base stations, or between two terminals. In addition to the auxiliary function of communication, the multi-mode NCR can be used for a sensing operation. Here, the sensing operation means an operation of detecting at least one of the presence, distance, direction, and position of a target object located within the coverage area using a transmitted signal and its reflected signal. Hereinafter, the present disclosure describes embodiments for supporting a sensing operation using a multi-mode NCR.

[0196] In the case of a reflector (e.g., RIS), due to the characteristic of reflecting a signal from the panel, the internal RF (radio frequency) delay is very small to the extent of being negligible. Therefore, the reflector itself can be used for sensing operations without any problems. FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timings from a base station to a base station using a reflector. FIGS. 21A to 21C illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timings from a base station to a terminal using a reflector. Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B and FIGS. 21A to 21C, due to the characteristic of the reflector, distance information from the base station to the reflector can be secured using the propagation speed and the measured round trip time, and since the internal delay is very small to the extent of being negligible, sensing of the distance to various targets is possible.

[0197] On the other hand, repeaters (e.g., NCRs) have the problem of internal RF delay caused by energy transfer between panels, since energy is transferred from the first panel to the second panel within the repeater and then forwarded externally. Furthermore, repeaters (e.g., NCRs) do not have an internal source and have an array structure. Therefore, chamber testing can be considered as an intuitive method to determine the internal delay of repeaters (e.g., NCRs). However, using a chamber is very disadvantageous for far field measurements due to limitations in the required chamber size. Therefore, measuring internal delay using a chamber is unlikely to be implemented. Figures 22a and 22b illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a terminal using a repeater. Referring to Figures 22a and 22b, the internal delay occurring in the repeater presents a challenge in measurement due to the aforementioned chamber-related issues. Furthermore, even if the internal delay is given, the distance from the base station to the repeater and the distance from the repeater to the terminal remain variables, making it difficult to perform sensing operations.

[0198] However, the multi-mode NCR according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can operate in reflector mode as well as repeater mode. FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a terminal in repeater mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate examples of signal paths and signal timing from a base station to a base station in repeater mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-mode NCR according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can measure the distance from the base station to the multi-mode NCR using the reflector mode as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. Therefore, if the measurement of the internal delay is possible, the multi-mode NCR can have sensing capability. Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes various embodiments for measuring the internal delay in a multi-mode NCR.

[0199] According to one embodiment, when a terminal supports FD (full duplex) or when a multi-mode NCR is deployed between two base stations, the internal delay can be measured through an over the air (OTA) test. FIGS. 25A to 25C illustrate examples of signal paths for measuring the internal delay through an OTA test according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 25A to 25C , when a base station and / or a terminal transmits a signal toward a panel of a multi-mode NCR and receives a signal reflected by the panel, a delay time between the base station and / or the terminal and the panel (e.g., the time between T1 and T2 and / or the time between T3 and T4 in FIG. 23B ) can be measured based on the elapsed time from the time of transmitting the signal to the time of receiving the reflected signal.

[0200] In this case, if the total signal transmission time from the base station to the terminal (e.g., the time between T1 and T4 in FIG. 23b) is further measured, it is possible to determine the time of the internal delay. As shown in FIG. 25c, the signal transmission time from the base station to the terminal is the sum of the delay time between the base station and the panel, the internal delay time of the multi-mode NCR, and the delay time between the panel and the terminal. Therefore, by measuring the signal transmission time from the base station to the terminal and subtracting the delay time between the base station and the panel and the delay time between the panel and the terminal, the internal delay time of the multi-mode NCR can be measured.

[0201] As described above, in a multi-mode NCR structure, it is possible to obtain accurate internal RF delay information by utilizing the reflection / forward characteristics. Furthermore, based on this internal RF delay information, the multi-mode NCR can be equipped with sensing capabilities. The aforementioned internal delay time measurement process is illustrated in Figures 26a through 26c.

[0202] FIGS. 26A to 26C illustrate examples of signal processing steps for measuring internal delay of a multi-mode NCR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 26A, in the first step, the multi-mode NCR operates in a reflection mode, and the signal transmission time between the base station (2620) and the first panel and the signal transmission time between the terminal (2610) and the second panel are measured. Referring to FIG. 26B, in the second step, the multi-mode NCR operates in a forward mode, and the signal transmission time between the base station (2620) and the terminal (2620) is measured. Referring to FIG. 26C, in the third step, the internal delay time can be obtained by subtracting the signal transmission time between the base station (2620) and the first panel and the signal transmission time between the terminal (2610) and the second panel from the signal transmission time between the base station (2620) and the terminal (2610).

[0203]

[0204] FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a procedure for operating a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27 illustrates signal exchange between a base station (2720) and a multi-mode NCR (2750).

[0205] Referring to FIG. 27, in step S2701, the base station (2720) and the multi-mode NCR (2750) perform an initial access procedure. That is, the multi-mode NCR (2750) performs an initial access procedure, for example, a random access procedure, for the base station (2720) from a position similar to that of a terminal. Specifically, the multi-mode NCR (2750) can detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station (2720) and receive system information. In addition, the multi-mode NCR (2750) can transmit a random access preamble signal, receive a random access response message, and perform signaling for establishing a connection based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information.

[0206] In step S2703, the multi-mode NCR (2750) transmits capability information to the base station (2720). The capability information may include information related to various functional / hardware capabilities for performing communication of the multi-mode NCR (2750). The capability information may include at least one of information related to at least one supported operation mode (e.g., an indicator indicating a supported operation mode, an operation mode bitmap, etc.) or information related to whether an internal delay measurement function is supported (e.g., an enable bit for internal delay measurement, etc.). Although not illustrated in FIG. 27, prior to transmitting the capability information, the base station (2720) may transmit a message requesting the capability information to the multi-mode NCR (2750).

[0207] In step S2705, the base station (2720) transmits a configuration message to the multi-mode NCR (2750). The configuration message may be transmitted to convey various settings related to communication. In one embodiment, the configuration message may be transmitted to configure the operation mode of the multi-mode NCR (2750). In this case, the configuration message may include information indicating to operate in one of the supportable operation modes, i.e., at least one parameter that configures one of the operation modes.

[0208] In step S2707, the multi-mode NCR (2750) may determine an operating mode according to the setting. In other words, the multi-mode NCR (2750) may determine the operating mode of the multi-mode NCR (2750) as one of the reflection mode and / or the amplification-and-transfer mode based on at least one parameter included in the setting message. Accordingly, the multi-mode NCR (2750) may set an internal signal path based on the selected operating mode. For example, if the reflection mode is determined, the multi-mode NCR (2750) may set an internal signal path so that a signal incident on the first panel is radiated through the first panel. As another example, if the amplification-and-transfer mode is determined, the multi-mode NCR (2750) may set an internal signal path so that a signal incident on the first panel is radiated through the second panel.

[0209] In step S2709, the base station (2720) transmits a control signal and a payload signal to the multi-mode NCR (2750). That is, the base station (2720) can transmit the control signal and the payload signal to the multi-mode NCR (2750) in order to transmit a payload signal toward the terminal through the multi-mode NCR (2750). For example, the base station (2720) forms a beam toward the multi-mode NCR (2750) and controls the multi-mode NCR (2750) to transmit the payload signal toward the terminal. To this end, the control signal may include information indicating a beam pattern of a panel of the multi-mode NCR (2750) (e.g., beam direction, phase values ​​of unit cells of the panel, etc.). Here, the payload signal is a signal transmitted to the terminal as a destination and may include control information (e.g., PDCCH), data (e.g., PDSCH), etc. In the present disclosure, the control signal may be referred to as a C-link signal, and the payload signal may be referred to as a B-link signal.

[0210]

[0211] FIG. 28 illustrates an example of a procedure for controlling an internal delay measurement operation of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 28 illustrates signal exchange between a base station (2820) and a multi-mode NCR (2850).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 28, in step S2801, the multi-mode NCR (2850) can determine an operating mode according to a setting. In other words, the multi-mode NCR (2850) can determine the operating mode of the multi-mode NCR (2850) as one of the reflection mode and / or the amplification-and-transfer mode based on at least one parameter included in the setting message. Accordingly, the multi-mode NCR (2850) can set an internal signal path based on the selected operating mode. For example, if the reflection mode is determined, the multi-mode NCR (2850) can set an internal signal path so that a signal incident on the first panel is radiated through the first panel. As another example, if the amplification-and-transfer mode is determined, the multi-mode NCR (2850) can set an internal signal path so that a signal incident on the first panel is radiated through the second panel.

[0213] In step S2803, the base station (2820) transmits a control signal and a payload signal to the multi-mode NCR (2850). That is, the base station (2820) can transmit the control signal and the payload signal to the multi-mode NCR (2850) in order to transmit a payload signal toward the terminal through the multi-mode NCR (2850). For example, the base station (2820) forms a beam toward the multi-mode NCR (2850) and controls the multi-mode NCR (2850) to transmit the payload signal toward the terminal. To this end, the control signal may include information indicating a beam pattern of a panel of the multi-mode NCR (2850) (e.g., beam direction, phase values ​​of unit cells of the panel, etc.). Here, the payload signal is a signal transmitted to the terminal as a destination and may include control information (e.g., PDCCH), data (e.g., PDSCH), etc. In the present disclosure, the control signal may be referred to as a C-link signal, and the payload signal may be referred to as a B-link signal.

[0214] In step S2805, the base station (2820) transmits configuration information related to internal delay measurement to the multi-mode NCR (2850). For example, the configuration information may include at least one of information related to an interval length, information related to a signal resource, information related to a reporting resource, information related to a triggering method, or information related to a participating device. Here, the interval length refers to the length of an interval in which operations for internal delay measurement are performed. The signal resource refers to a resource (e.g., at least one of time, frequency, or sequence) allocated or configured for a signal used for internal delay measurement (hereinafter, “measurement signal”). The reporting resource refers to a resource configured to report a measured value for the delay time of the measurement signal to the base station. The triggering method refers to a method for indicating the start of internal delay measurement. For example, the triggering method may indicate any one of a method using separate signaling, a method starting after a certain period of time (e.g., number of frames, number of slots, etc.) has elapsed from the transmission of the configuration information, and a method based on separately defined rules. In the present embodiment, the triggering method is configured to use separate signaling. A participating device means at least one device that receives or transmits a measurement signal for internal delay measurement operations. For example, at least one participating device may include a base station (2820), a base station (2820) and another base station, or a base station (2820) and a terminal.

[0215] Although not illustrated in FIG. 28, if there are participating devices other than the base station (2820), the base station (2820) may transmit configuration information to participating devices (e.g., other base stations or terminals) other than the base station (2820). In this case, the configuration information transmitted to the participating devices, such as other base stations or terminals, may include at least some of the items included in the configuration information transmitted in step S2805.

[0216] In step S2807, the base station (2820) transmits a triggering signal for internal delay measurement to the multi-mode NCR (2850). That is, the base station (2820) can request the multi-mode NCR (2850) to perform internal delay measurement. The triggering signal may include one of DCI and MAC CE. For example, the triggering signal may include DCI including at least one parameter indicating a command for internal delay measurement. As another example, the triggering signal may include DCI including information related to a measurement signal.

[0217] Although not illustrated in FIG. 28, a triggering signal may also be transmitted to participating devices (e.g., other base stations or terminals) other than the base station (2820). In this case, the triggering signal may be a signal of a different layer or in a different format than the triggering signal transmitted to the multi-mode NCR (2850).

[0218] In step S2809, the base station (2820) and the multi-mode NCR (2850) perform operations for internal delay measurement. For example, the base station (2820) may transmit at least one measurement signal toward the multi-mode NCR (2850), and the multi-mode NCR (2850) may process the at least one measurement signal according to a reflection mode and / or an amplification-and-forward mode. If there is a participating device other than the base station (2820) (e.g., another base station or terminal), the other base station or terminal may transmit at least one measurement signal toward the multi-mode NCR (2850), receive the at least one measurement signal, and transmit a report on the measurement result to the base station (2820).

[0219]

[0220] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a procedure for performing internal delay measurement of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 29 illustrates signal exchange between a base station (2920) and a multi-mode NCR (2950). FIG. 29 illustrates a procedure when devices other than the base station (2920) do not participate in the internal delay measurement procedure.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 29, in step S2901, the multi-mode NCR (2950) operates in a reflection mode. That is, the multi-mode NCR (2950) sets an internal signal path so that a signal received on the first panel (2952a) is transmitted through the first panel (2952a), and a signal received on the second panel (2952b) is transmitted through the second panel (2952b). The reflection mode can be maintained until switching to another mode.

[0222] In step S2903, the base station (2920) transmits a first measurement signal. The first measurement signal is transmitted toward the first panel (2952a) of the multi-mode NCR (2950) operating in the reflection mode, and thus, the first measurement signal is transmitted back toward the base station (2920). To this end, the first panel (2952a) is set to radiate the signal in the same direction as the incident direction of the signal. That is, in the first panel (2952a), the reception direction and the transmission direction of the first measurement signal are controlled to be the same. Accordingly, the base station (2920) can measure the round trip time (RTT) information in the section between the base station (2920) and the first panel (2952a), and determine the one-way propagation delay time for the section based on the RTT information.

[0223] In step S2905, the base station (2920) transmits a second measurement signal. The second measurement signal is transmitted toward the second panel (2952b) of the multi-mode NCR (2950) operating in reflection mode, and thus, the second measurement signal is radiated back toward the base station (2920). To this end, the second panel (2952b) is set to radiate the signal in the same direction as the incident direction of the signal. That is, in the second panel (2952b), the reception direction and the transmission direction of the second measurement signal are controlled to be the same. Accordingly, the base station (2920) can measure RTT information in the section between the base station (2920) and the second panel (2952b), and determine the one-way propagation delay time for the section based on the RTT information.

[0224] At step S2907, the multi-mode NCR (2950) switches to an amplify-and-transmit mode. That is, the multi-mode NCR (2950) configures an internal signal path to radiate a signal incident on the first panel (2952a) through the second panel (2952a). The reflection mode can be maintained until switching to another mode.

[0225] In step S2909, the base station (2920) transmits a third measurement signal. The third measurement signal is transmitted toward the first panel (2952a) of the multi-mode NCR (2950) operating in an amplification-and-forward mode, amplified by the internal circuit of the multi-mode NCR (2950), and transmitted toward the base station (2920) through the second panel (2952b).

[0226] In step S2911, the base station (2920) determines the internal delay time. In other words, the base station (2920) can determine the internal delay time of the multi-mode NCR (2950) using the propagation delay times of each of the first measurement signal, the second measurement signal, and the third measurement signal.

[0227] FIG. 29 illustrates an embodiment in which only the base station (2920) operates as a participating device. In another embodiment, in addition to the base station (2920), another device (e.g., another base station or a terminal) may operate as a participating device. The other device may be located to transmit a signal toward the second panel (2952b) and receive a signal radiated from the second panel (2952b). In this case, the other device may transmit and receive the second measurement signal and receive the third measurement signal in the embodiment of FIG. 29. In addition, the other device may transmit information (e.g., information related to the propagation delay time or reception time) to the base station (2920) for calculating the propagation delay time of the second signal and the third signal.

[0228]

[0229] FIG. 30 illustrates an example of a procedure for assisting communication of a multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 illustrates a method performed by an NCR.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 30, in step S3001, the NCR performs an initial access procedure. That is, the NCR includes an NCR-MT and may perform an initial access procedure for the base station, for example, a random access procedure, to establish a C-link between the NCR-MT and the base station. Specifically, the NCR may detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station and receive system information. In addition, the NCR may transmit a random access preamble signal, receive a random access response message, and perform signaling for establishing a connection based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information.

[0231] In step S3003, the NCR receives configuration information including information related to an operating mode. The configuration information is a signal transmitted to set the operating mode of the NCR, and may include information indicating that the NCR should operate in one of its supportable operating modes, i.e., at least one parameter that sets one of the operating modes.

[0232] In step S3005, the NCR processes signals based on the configured operation mode. That is, the NCR can process downlink signals transmitted from the base station or uplink signals transmitted from the terminal based on the operation mode requested or indicated by the configuration information. That is, the NCR can configure an internal signal path based on the configured operation mode and process a signal received through one of the panels. Furthermore, the NCR can perform an operation to measure the internal delay time of the NCR under the control of the base station.

[0233]

[0234] FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a procedure for performing communication using a multi-mode NCR of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 illustrates a method performed by a base station.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 31, in step S3101, the base station performs an initial access procedure. That is, in order to establish a C-link between the NCR-MT of the NCR and the base station, the base station may perform an initial access procedure, for example, a random access procedure. Specifically, the base station may transmit at least one synchronization signal and system information. In addition, the base station may receive a random access preamble signal based on the at least one synchronization signal and the system information, transmit a random access response message, and perform signaling for establishing a connection.

[0236] In step S3103, the base station transmits configuration information including information related to the operating mode of the NCR. The configuration information is a signal transmitted to set the operating mode of the NCR, and may include information indicating that the NCR should operate in one of the supportable operating modes, i.e., at least one parameter that sets one of the operating modes.

[0237] In step S3105, the base station transmits a signal using an NCR that operates according to a configured operation mode. That is, the base station can transmit a downlink signal using an NCR that operates based on an operation mode requested or indicated by configuration information. At this time, the base station can transmit a control signal for controlling a beam pattern of at least one panel of the NCR and transmit the downlink signal toward at least one panel of the NCR. At this time, the control signal can be transmitted via a C-link. Furthermore, the base station can perform an operation for measuring an internal delay time of the NCR.

[0238]

[0239] Figures 32a and 32b illustrate examples of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system topologies utilizing multi-mode NCRs of a base station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 32a and 32b, the topology of the ISAC system consists of three entities: a base station (3220), a multi-mode NCR (3250), and an additional receiver / processor (3260). The multi-mode NCR (3250) acts as a stimulator to enable active sensing by forwarding ISAC signals to a target area. The forwarding operation can be controlled by a network. The result is fed back to the base station (3220) by the sensing receiver / processor (3260), which can be another entity or another multi-mode NCR. Topologies such as Figures 32a and 32b are generally referred to as dual-static sensing, where the node transmitting the sensing signal and the node receiving the response signal are different nodes.

[0240]

[0241] Figures 33a and 33b illustrate another example of an ISAC system topology using a multi-mode NCR of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 33a and 33b, the topology of the ISAC system consists of two entities: a base station (3320) and a multi-mode NCR (3350). The multi-mode NCR (3350) only acts as a stimulator to enable active sensing by transmitting an ISAC signal from the base station (3320) to a target area, and transmits a response signal back to the base station (3320). The main advantage of the topology of Figures 33a and 33b is that the multi-mode NCR (3350) only acts as a stimulator and does not use the receiver function. The topology of Figures 33a and 33b is generally referred to as single-static sensing, where the node transmitting the sensing signal and the node receiving the response signal are the same node.

[0242]

[0243] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] In cellular networks, a target terminal, which is the subject of location tracking, typically measures and processes Uu PRS (positioning reference signals) from multiple base stations, including the serving base station, for downlink location tracking. Measurements such as reference signal time difference (RSTD), RSRP, and AoD from multiple base stations are reported to a location server, where PRS transmissions are configured for each base station and position estimation (e.g., triangulation) is performed. Positioning accuracy can vary depending on several factors, such as the LoS availability of each base station and the number of base stations (e.g., anchor nodes) observed by the terminal. Deploying multi-mode NCR within the network can be a promising tool for improving positioning accuracy. Multi-mode NCR can increase the number of anchor nodes observed by the terminal by extending the coverage of PRSs transmitted from hidden base stations when blockage occurs.

[0245] Additionally, multiple base stations can be configured by configuring multiple PRS transmissions for each base station via the location management function (LMF). Multiple PRS transmissions can be performed according to TDM, and may involve a base station transmitting one PRS signal from a specific set of resources toward the target area in some slots, and beamforming other PRSs toward the multi-mode NCR in other slots. By appropriately configuring the multi-mode NCR to be turned on during the corresponding time slots, multiple PRSs received at the terminal side for each base station can be combined to achieve greater PRS receive diversity. In addition to PRS receive diversity, the multi-mode NCR itself can be understood as an additional anchor node to improve positioning accuracy.

[0246]

[0247] Figure 35 illustrates another example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For some scenarios, such as indoor positioning, it can be difficult to deploy the required number of base stations to achieve a certain positioning accuracy. By appropriately deploying multiple multi-mode NCRs connected to a single base station, positioning accuracy can be improved. As shown in Figure 35, for each multi-mode NCR, a specific PRS can be transmitted by the base station and configured to be beamformed to a specific time slot and reflected to the corresponding multi-mode NCR. Reflecting different PRSs from multiple multi-mode NCRs, in addition to the base station's direct LoS, allows the terminal to consider multiple anchor nodes, providing greater freedom for the base station to locally estimate the terminal's position at the RAN level. The topology of Figure 35 is useful for some positioning use cases that require low latency.

[0248]

[0249] Figure 35 illustrates another example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For some scenarios, such as indoor positioning, it can be difficult to deploy the required number of base stations to achieve a certain positioning accuracy. By appropriately deploying multiple multi-mode NCRs connected to a single base station, positioning accuracy can be improved. As shown in Figure 35, for each multi-mode NCR, a specific PRS can be transmitted by the base station and configured to be beamformed to a specific time slot and reflected to the corresponding multi-mode NCR. Reflecting different PRSs from multiple multi-mode NCRs, in addition to the base station's direct LoS, allows the terminal to consider multiple anchor nodes, providing greater freedom for the base station to locally estimate the terminal's position at the RAN level. The topology of Figure 35 is useful for some positioning use cases that require low latency.

[0250]

[0251] Figure 36 illustrates another example of a positioning topology using multi-mode NCR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 36, beam sweeping of the multi-mode NCR can be utilized for positioning using a single or multiple multi-mode NCRs. By controlling the multi-mode NCR, the base station can cover the area where the terminal is expected to be located by applying beam sweeping of the PRS during various PRS slots. By reporting measurements of multiple PRS beams reflected from the multi-mode NCR in addition to the direct beam, the base station can locally estimate the terminal's location.

[0252]

[0253] Below, examples of wireless device utilization to which various embodiments of the present disclosure are applied are described.

[0254] Figure 37 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure. The wireless device may be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see Figure 1).

[0255] Referring to FIG. 37, the wireless device (200) corresponds to the wireless device (200) of FIG. 2 and may be composed of various elements, components, units / units, and / or modules. For example, the wireless device (200) may include a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), and additional elements (240). The communication unit may include a communication circuit (212) and a transceiver(s) (214). For example, the communication circuit (212) may include at least one processor (202) and / or at least one memory (204) of FIG. 2. For example, the transceiver(s) (214) may include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208) of FIG. 2. The control unit (220) is electrically connected to the communication unit (210), the memory unit (230), and the additional elements (240) and controls the overall operations of the wireless device. For example, the control unit (220) can control the electrical / mechanical operations of the wireless device based on the program / code / command / information stored in the memory unit (230). In addition, the control unit (220) can transmit information stored in the memory unit (230) to an external device (e.g., another communication device) via a wireless / wired interface through the communication unit (210), or store information received from an external device (e.g., another communication device) via a wireless / wired interface in the memory unit (230).

[0256] The additional element (240) may be configured in various ways depending on the type of the wireless device. For example, the additional element (240) may include at least one of a power unit / battery, an input / output unit (I / O unit), a driving unit, and a computing unit. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device may be implemented in the form of a robot (Fig. 1, 100a), a vehicle (Fig. 1, 100b-1, 100b-2), an XR device (Fig. 1, 100c), a portable device (Fig. 1, 100d), a home appliance (Fig. 1, 100e), an IoT device (Fig. 1, 100f), a digital broadcasting terminal, a hologram device, a public safety device, an MTC device, a medical device, a fintech device (or a financial device), a security device, a climate / environmental device, an AI server / device (Fig. 1, 400), a base station (Fig. 1, 200), a network node, etc. Wireless devices may be mobile or stationary depending on the use / service.

[0257] In FIG. 37, various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules within the wireless device (200) may be entirely interconnected via a wired interface, or at least some may be wirelessly connected via a communication unit (210). For example, within the wireless device (200), the control unit (220) and the communication unit (210) may be wired, and the control unit (220) and a first unit (e.g., 230, 240) may be wirelessly connected via the communication unit (210). In addition, each element, component, unit / part, and / or module within the wireless device (200) may further include at least one element. For example, the control unit (220) may be composed of at least one processor set. For example, the control unit (220) may be composed of a communication control processor, an application processor, an electronic control unit (ECU), a graphics processing processor, a memory control processor, and the like. As another example, the memory unit (130) may be composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic RAM), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or a combination thereof.

[0258] Below, the implementation example of Fig. 37 is described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0259] Figure 38 illustrates examples of portable devices applicable to the present disclosure. Portable devices may include smartphones, smart pads, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smartglasses), and portable computers (e.g., laptops, etc.). Portable devices may be referred to as Mobile Stations (MS), User Terminals (UT), Mobile Subscriber Stations (MSS), Subscriber Stations (SS), Advanced Mobile Stations (AMS), or Wireless Terminals (WT).

[0260] Referring to FIG. 38, the portable device (200) may include an antenna unit (208), a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), a power supply unit (240a), an interface unit (240b), and an input / output unit (240c). The antenna unit (208) may be configured as a part of the communication unit (210). Blocks 210 to 230 / 240a to 240c of FIG. 38 correspond to blocks 210 to 230 / 240 of FIG. 37, respectively.

[0261] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive signals (e.g., data, control signals, etc.) with other wireless devices and base stations. The control unit (220) can control components of the mobile device (200) to perform various operations. The control unit (220) can include an AP (Application Processor). The memory unit (230) can store data / parameters / programs / codes / commands required for operating the mobile device (200). In addition, the memory unit (230) can store input / output data / information, etc. The power supply unit (240a) supplies power to the mobile device (200) and can include a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. The interface unit (240b) can support connection between the mobile device (200) and other external devices. The interface unit (240b) can include various ports (e.g., audio input / output ports, video input / output ports) for connection with external devices. The input / output unit (240c) can input or output video information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input from a user. The input / output unit (240c) may include a camera, a microphone, a user input unit, a display unit (240d), a speaker, and / or a haptic module.

[0262] For example, in the case of data communication, the input / output unit (240c) obtains information / signals (e.g., touch, text, voice, image, video) input by the user, and the obtained information / signals can be stored in the memory unit (230). The communication unit (210) converts the information / signals stored in the memory into wireless signals, and can directly transmit the converted wireless signals to other wireless devices or to a base station. In addition, the communication unit (210) can receive wireless signals from other wireless devices or base stations, and then restore the received wireless signals to the original information / signals. The restored information / signals can be stored in the memory unit (230) and then output in various forms (e.g., text, voice, image, video, haptic) through the input / output unit (240c).

[0263] Figure 39 illustrates examples of vehicles or autonomous vehicles applicable to the present disclosure. The vehicles or autonomous vehicles may be implemented as mobile robots, cars, trains, manned / unmanned aerial vehicles (AVs), ships, etc.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 39, a vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) may include an antenna unit (208-1), a communication unit (210-1), a control unit (220-1), a driving unit (240a-1), a power supply unit (240b-1), a sensor unit (240c-1), and an autonomous driving unit (240d-1). The antenna unit (208-1) may be configured as a part of the communication unit (210-1). Blocks 210-1 / 230-1 / 240a-1 to 240d-1 of FIG. 39 correspond to blocks 210 / 230 / 240 of FIG. 37, respectively.

[0265] The communication unit (210-1) can transmit and receive signals (e.g., data, control signals, etc.) with external devices such as other vehicles, base stations (e.g., base stations, roadside base stations (ROS), etc.), and servers. The control unit (220-1) can control elements of the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) to perform various operations. The control unit (220-1) may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The drive unit (240a-1) can drive the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) on the ground. The drive unit (240a-1) may include an engine, a motor, a power train, wheels, brakes, a steering device, etc. The power supply unit (240b-1) supplies power to the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) and may include a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. The sensor unit (240c-1) can obtain vehicle status, surrounding environment information, user information, etc. The sensor unit (240c-1) may include an IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensor, a collision sensor, a wheel sensor, a speed sensor, an incline sensor, a weight detection sensor, a heading sensor, a position module, a vehicle forward / backward sensor, a battery sensor, a fuel sensor, a tire sensor, a steering sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a pedal position sensor, etc. The autonomous driving unit (240d-1) may implement a technology for maintaining a driving lane, a technology for automatically controlling speed such as adaptive cruise control, a technology for automatically driving along a set path, a technology for automatically setting a path and driving when a destination is set, etc.

[0266] For example, the communication unit (210-1) can receive map data, traffic information data, etc. from an external server. The autonomous driving unit (240d-1) can generate an autonomous driving route and driving plan based on the acquired data. The control unit (220-1) can control the drive unit (240a-1) so that the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) moves along the autonomous driving route according to the driving plan (e.g., speed / direction control). During autonomous driving, the communication unit (210-1) can irregularly / periodically acquire the latest traffic information data from an external server and can acquire surrounding traffic information data from surrounding vehicles. In addition, during autonomous driving, the sensor unit (240c-1) can acquire vehicle status and surrounding environment information. The autonomous driving unit (240d-1) can update the autonomous driving route and driving plan based on newly acquired data / information. The communication unit (210-1) can transmit information regarding the vehicle location, autonomous driving route, driving plan, etc. to an external server. The external server can predict traffic information data in advance using AI technology, etc. based on information collected from the vehicle or autonomous vehicles, and provide the predicted traffic information data to the vehicle or autonomous vehicles. If the device (220-2) is an autonomous vehicle, it can perform the same procedure as the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1). In addition, if the device (220-2) is a base station or a roadside base station, the device (220-2) can transmit data, control signals, etc. to the vehicle or autonomous vehicle (200-1) through the communication unit (210-2).

[0267] Figure 40 illustrates an example of a vehicle applicable to the present disclosure. The vehicle may also be implemented as a means of transportation, a train, an aircraft, a ship, etc. Referring to Figure 40, the vehicle (200) may include a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), an input / output unit (240a), and a position measurement unit (240b). Here, blocks 210 to 230 / 240a to 240b correspond to blocks 210 to 230 / 240 of Figure 37, respectively.

[0268] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive signals (e.g., data, control signals, etc.) with other vehicles or external devices such as base stations. The control unit (220) can control components of the vehicle (200) to perform various operations. The memory unit (230) can store data / parameters / programs / codes / commands that support various functions of the vehicle (100). The input / output unit (240a) can output AR / VR objects based on information in the memory unit (230). The input / output unit (240a) can include a HUD. The position measurement unit (240b) can obtain position information of the vehicle (200). The position information can include absolute position information of the vehicle (200), position information within a driving line, acceleration information, position information with respect to surrounding vehicles, etc. The position measurement unit (240b) can include GPS and various sensors.

[0269] For example, the communication unit (210) of the vehicle (200) can receive map information, traffic information, etc. from an external server and store them in the memory unit (230). The location measurement unit (240b) can obtain vehicle location information through GPS and various sensors and store the information in the memory unit (230). The control unit (220) can create a virtual object based on the map information, traffic information, and vehicle location information, and the input / output unit (240a) can display the created virtual object on the vehicle window (240a-1, 240a-2). In addition, the control unit (220) can determine whether the vehicle (200) is being driven normally within the driving line based on the vehicle location information. If the vehicle (200) abnormally deviates from the driving line, the control unit (220) can display a warning on the vehicle window through the input / output unit (240a). Additionally, the control unit (220) can broadcast a warning message regarding driving abnormalities to surrounding vehicles through the communication unit (210). Depending on the situation, the control unit (220) can transmit vehicle location information and information regarding driving / vehicle abnormalities to relevant authorities through the communication unit (210).

[0270] Figure 41 illustrates examples of XR devices applicable to the present disclosure. The XR devices may be implemented as HMDs, head-up displays (HUDs) installed in vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliances, digital signage, vehicles, robots, and the like.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 41, the XR device (200a) may include a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), an input / output unit (240a), a sensor unit (240b), and a power supply unit (240c). Here, blocks 210 to 230 / 240a to 240c of FIG. 41 correspond to blocks 210 to 230 / 240 of FIG. 37, respectively.

[0272] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive signals (e.g., media data, control signals, etc.) with external devices such as other wireless devices, portable devices, or media servers. The media data can include videos, images, sounds, etc. The control unit (220) can control components of the XR device (200a) to perform various operations. For example, the control unit (220) can be configured to control and / or perform procedures such as video / image acquisition, (video / image) encoding, metadata generation and processing, etc. The memory unit (230) can store data / parameters / programs / codes / commands required for driving the XR device (200a) / generating XR objects. The input / output unit (240a) can obtain control information, data, etc. from the outside, and output the generated XR object. The input / output unit (240a) can include a camera, a microphone, a user input unit, a display unit, a speaker, and / or a haptic module. The sensor unit (240b) can obtain the XR device status, surrounding environment information, user information, etc. The sensor unit (240b) may include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, an inertial sensor, an RGB sensor, an IR sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, a microphone, and / or a radar. The power supply unit (240c) supplies power to the XR device (200a) and may include a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc.

[0273] For example, the memory unit (230) of the XR device (200a) may include information (e.g., data, etc.) required for creating an XR object (e.g., AR / VR / MR object). The input / output unit (240a) may obtain a command to operate the XR device (200a) from the user, and the control unit (220) may operate the XR device (200a) according to the user's operating command. For example, when the user attempts to watch a movie, news, etc. through the XR device (200a), the control unit (220) may transmit content request information to another device (e.g., a mobile device (200b)) or a media server through the communication unit (230). The communication unit (230) may download / stream content such as movies and news from another device (e.g., a mobile device (200b)) or a media server to the memory unit (230). The control unit (220) controls and / or performs procedures such as video / image acquisition, (video / image) encoding, and metadata generation / processing for content, and can generate / output an XR object based on information about surrounding space or real objects acquired through the input / output unit (240a) / sensor unit (240b).

[0274] In addition, the XR device (200a) is wirelessly connected to the mobile device (200b) through the communication unit (210), and the operation of the XR device (200a) can be controlled by the mobile device (200b). For example, the mobile device (200b) can act as a controller for the XR device (200a). To this end, the XR device (200a) can obtain 3D location information of the mobile device (200b), and then generate and output an XR object corresponding to the mobile device (200b).

[0275] Figure 42 illustrates examples of robots applicable to the present disclosure. Robots can be classified into industrial, medical, household, and military types, depending on their intended use or field.

[0276] Referring to FIG. 42, the robot (200) may include a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), an input / output unit (240a), a sensor unit (240b), and a driving unit (240c). Here, blocks 210 to 230 / 240a to 240c of FIG. 42 correspond to blocks 210 to 230 / 240 of FIG. 37, respectively.

[0277] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive signals (e.g., driving information, control signals, etc.) with external devices such as other wireless devices, other robots, or control servers. The control unit (220) can control components of the robot (200) to perform various operations. The memory unit (230) can store data / parameters / programs / codes / commands that support various functions of the robot (200). The input / output unit (240a) can obtain information from the outside of the robot (200) and output information to the outside of the robot (200). The input / output unit (240a) can include a camera, a microphone, a user input unit, a display unit, a speaker, and / or a haptic module. The sensor unit (240b) can obtain internal information of the robot (200), surrounding environment information, user information, etc. The sensor unit (240b) may include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, an inertial sensor, an IR sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, a microphone, a radar, etc. The driving unit (240c) may perform various physical operations, such as moving the robot joints. In addition, the driving unit (240c) may enable the robot (200) to drive on the ground or fly in the air. The driving unit (240c) may include an actuator, a motor, wheels, brakes, propellers, etc.

[0278] Figure 43 illustrates an example of an AI device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0279] AI devices can be implemented as fixed or mobile devices, such as TVs, projectors, smartphones, PCs, laptops, digital broadcasting terminals, tablet PCs, wearable devices, set-top boxes (STBs), radios, washing machines, refrigerators, digital signage, robots, and vehicles.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 43, the AI ​​device (200) may include a communication unit (210), a control unit (220), a memory unit (230), an input / output unit (240a / 240b), a learning processor unit (240c), and a sensor unit (240d). Blocks 210 to 230 / 240a to 240d of FIG. 39 correspond to blocks 210 to 230 / 140 of FIG. 37, respectively.

[0281] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive wired and wireless signals (e.g., sensor information, user input, learning models, control signals, etc.) with external devices such as other AI devices (e.g., 100a to 100f, 120 of FIG. 1) or AI servers (e.g., 100g of FIG. 1) using wired and wireless communication technology. To this end, the communication unit (210) can transmit information within the memory unit (230) to the external device or transfer a signal received from the external device to the memory unit (230).

[0282] The control unit (220) may determine at least one executable operation of the AI ​​device (200) based on information determined or generated using a data analysis algorithm or a machine learning algorithm. In addition, the control unit (220) may control components of the AI ​​device (200) to perform the determined operation. For example, the control unit (220) may request, search, receive, or utilize data from the learning processor unit (240c) or the memory unit (230), and may control components of the AI ​​device (200) to perform at least one executable operation, a predicted operation, or an operation determined to be desirable. In addition, the control unit (220) may collect history information including the operation contents of the AI ​​device (200) or user feedback on the operation, and store the collected history information in the memory unit (230) or the learning processor unit (240c), or transmit the collected history information to an external device such as an AI server (FIG. 1, 100g). The collected history information may be used to update a learning model.

[0283] The memory unit (230) can store data that supports various functions of the AI ​​device (200). For example, the memory unit (230) can store data obtained from the input unit (240a), data obtained from the communication unit (210), output data of the learning processor unit (240c), and data obtained from the sensing unit (140). In addition, the memory unit (230) can store control information and / or software codes necessary for the operation / execution of the control unit (220).

[0284] The input unit (240a) can obtain various types of data from the outside of the AI ​​device (200). For example, the input unit (220) can obtain learning data for model learning, input data to which the learning model will be applied, etc. The input unit (240a) may include a camera, a microphone, and / or a user input unit. The output unit (240b) may generate output related to vision, hearing, or touch. The output unit (240b) may include a display unit, a speaker, and / or a haptic module, etc. The sensing unit (140d) can obtain at least one of internal information of the AI ​​device (200), information about the surrounding environment of the AI ​​device (200), and user information using various sensors. The sensing unit (140d) may include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, an inertial sensor, an RGB sensor, an IR sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, a microphone, and / or a radar, etc.

[0285] The learning processor unit (240c) can train a model composed of an artificial neural network using learning data. The learning processor unit (240c) can perform AI processing together with the learning processor unit of the AI ​​server (Fig. 1, 100g). The learning processor unit (240c) can process information received from an external device via the communication unit (210) and / or information stored in the memory unit (230). In addition, the output value of the learning processor unit (240c) can be transmitted to an external device via the communication unit (210) and / or stored in the memory unit (230).

[0286]

[0287] The proposed methods described above can be implemented independently, but they can also be implemented as a combination (or merge) of some of the proposed methods. Rules can be defined so that the base station notifies the terminal of the applicability of the proposed methods (or information about the rules of the proposed methods) through a predefined signal (e.g., a physical layer signal or a higher layer signal).

[0288] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the technical ideas and essential features described herein. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, claims that are not explicitly cited in the claims may be combined to form an embodiment or incorporated into a new claim through a post-filing amendment.

[0289] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various wireless access systems. Examples of various wireless access systems include the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or 3GPP2 systems.

[0290] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied not only to the various wireless access systems described above, but also to all technical fields that utilize these various wireless access systems. Furthermore, the proposed method can also be applied to mmWave and THz communication systems utilizing ultra-high frequency bands.

[0291] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various applications such as autonomous vehicles and drones.

Claims

1. In a wireless communication system, an operation method performed by a network controlled repeater (NCR), A step of receiving at least one synchronization signal from a base station; A step of receiving system information from the base station; A step of performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information; A step of receiving first setting information from the base station; A step of setting an internal signal path based on one of the operation modes of the reflection mode and the amplification-and-transmission mode determined based on the first setting information; A method comprising the step of processing a signal from the base station based on the above operation mode.

2. In claim 1, A method further comprising the step of transmitting capability information to the base station indicating that the base station supports the reflection mode and the amplify-and-forward mode.

3. In claim 1, A method in which the internal signal path comprises at least one first phase shifter for adjusting the phase of a signal received through a first panel, a first switch for controlling a path of an output signal of the first phase shifter, an amplifier for amplifying an output signal of the first phase shifter provided through the first switch, a second switch for controlling a path of an output signal of the amplifier, and a second phase shifter for adjusting the phase of an output signal of the amplifier provided through the second switch and providing the phase-adjusted signal to a second panel.

4. In claim 3, The above first switch, In the case of the above reflection mode, a path is set to provide the output signal of the first phase shifter to the first panel, In the case of the above amplify-and-transfer mode, a method of setting a path to provide the output signal of the first phase shifter to the amplifier.

5. In claim 1, A step of receiving second setting information related to measurement of internal delay from the base station; A step of receiving a triggering signal requesting measurement of the internal delay; A method further comprising the step of performing an operation for measuring an internal delay based on the triggering signal.

6. In claim 5, The step of performing an operation for measuring the above internal delay is: A step of transmitting a first measurement signal received through a first panel in a reflection mode through the first panel; A step of transmitting a second measurement signal received through the second panel in the reflection mode through the second panel; and A method comprising the step of transmitting a third measurement signal received through the first panel through the second panel in an amplify-and-transmit mode.

7. In claim 6, A method in which the receiving direction and the transmitting direction of the first measurement signal are controlled to be the same.

8. In a method of operation performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, A step of transmitting at least one synchronization signal; Step of transmitting system information; A step of performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information; A step of receiving first configuration information from a network controlled repeater (NCR); A method comprising the step of transmitting a downlink signal to a terminal using the NCR operating in one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first setting information.

9. In claim 8, A method further comprising the step of receiving capability information indicating that the NCR supports the reflection mode and the amplify-and-forward mode.

10. In claim 8, A step of transmitting second setting information related to measurement of internal delay to the NCR; A step of transmitting a triggering signal requesting measurement of the above internal delay; A method further comprising the step of performing an operation for measuring an internal delay based on the triggering signal.

11. In claim 10, The step of performing an operation for measuring the above internal delay is: A step of determining a first propagation delay time between the base station and the first panel based on a first measurement signal transmitted toward the first panel of the NCR and received by the base station; A step of determining a second propagation delay time between the base station or the other device and the second panel based on a second measurement signal transmitted toward the second panel of the NCR and received by the base station or the other device; A step of determining a third propagation delay time between the base station and the base station or other device based on a second measurement signal transmitted toward the first panel and transmitted through the second panel of the NCR; and A method comprising the step of determining an internal delay time in the NCR by subtracting the first propagation delay time and the second propagation delay time from the third propagation delay time.

12. In a wireless communication system, in a network controlled repeater (NCR), Transmitter and receiver; and A processor connected to the above transmitter and receiver is included, The above processor, Receive at least one synchronization signal from a base station, Receive system information from the above base station, Performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information, Receive first setting information from the above base station, Set the internal signal path based on one of the operating modes of the reflection mode and the amplification-and-transmission mode determined based on the first setting information above, An NCR configured to process a signal from the base station based on the above operation mode.

13. In a wireless communication system, at a base station, Transmitter and receiver; and A processor connected to the above transmitter and receiver is included, The above processor, Transmit at least one synchronization signal, Transmit system information, Performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information, Receive the first configuration information from the NCR (network controlled repeater), A base station configured to transmit a downlink signal to a terminal using the NCR operating in one of a reflection mode and an amplification-and-forward mode determined based on the first setting information.

14. In communication devices, At least one processor; At least one computer memory connected to said at least one processor and storing instructions that direct operations when executed by said at least one processor, The above actions are, A step of receiving at least one synchronization signal from a base station; A step of receiving system information from the base station; A step of performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information; A step of receiving first setting information from the base station; A step of setting an internal signal path based on one of the operation modes of the reflection mode and the amplification-and-transmission mode determined based on the first setting information; A communication device comprising a step of processing a signal from the base station based on the above operation mode.

15. In a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing at least one instruction, comprising at least one instruction executable by the processor, At least one of the above commands causes the device to: Receive at least one synchronization signal from a base station, Receive system information from the above base station, Performing a random access procedure based on at least one synchronization signal and the system information, Receive first setting information from the above base station, Set the internal signal path based on one of the operating modes of the reflection mode and the amplification-and-transmission mode determined based on the first setting information above, A computer-readable medium that instructs the base station to process a signal based on the above operating mode.

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