Communication device, communication method, and communication system

Abstract

A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit selects a slot configuration and / or a symbol configuration for communication with the other communication device from the plurality of slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations. The control unit communicates with other communication devices using the selected slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] Radio access schemes and wireless networks for cellular mobile communications (hereinafter also referred to as "Long Term Evolution (LTE)", "LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)", "LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-APro)", "New Radio (NR)", "New Radio Access Technology (NRAT)", "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA)" or "Further EUTRA (FEUTRA)") are studied in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)). Note that in the following description, LTE includes LTE-A, LTE-APro and EUTRA, and NR includes NRAT and FEUTRA. In LTE and NR, a base station device (base station) is also referred to as an eNodeB (evolved NodeB), and a terminal device (mobile station, mobile station device and terminal) is also referred to as a UE (user equipment). LTE and NR are cellular communication systems in which multiple areas covered by base station devices are arranged in a honeycomb shape. A single base station device can manage multiple cells.

[0003] For Beyond5G and further for 6G (sixth generation mobile communication system), research on various technical issues and the like has begun. For example, in 6G, low latency shorter than 1 millisecond (which is a requirement for 5G) is required. As a specific example of the requirements for 6G, it is assumed that a requirement for E2E (end-to-end) latency of 1 millisecond or less is required.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Non-patent literature

[0006] Non-patent document 1: NTT DOCOMO, INC., "5G sophistication and 6G", [online], [searched on June 15, 2022], Internet <URL:https: / / www.nttdocomo.co.jp / binary / pdf / corporate / technology / whitepaper_6g / DOCOMO_6G_White_PaperJP_20211108.pdf> Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] As mentioned above, in 6G, lower latency is required.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can achieve communication with lower latency.

[0010] Note that the above-mentioned problem or purpose is only one of the problems or purposes that can be solved or achieved by the multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] The communication device of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit selects a time slot and / or symbol configuration for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations. The control unit communicates with the other communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a radio frame.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a table for explaining an example of setting the subcarrier spacing.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource grid.

[0016] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bandwidth portion.

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time slot format.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time slot format.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the topology of 6G.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between cellular communication standards and supported frequencies.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mismatch between a slot cycle and a traffic cycle.

[0022] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of HARQ process exhaustion caused by high round-trip delay.

[0023] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling restrictions across slot boundaries.

[0024] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol length at a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz.

[0025] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating examples of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.17 is a table illustrating an example of subcarrier spacing setting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.18 is a table illustrating another example of subcarrier spacing setting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.19 is a diagram illustrating another example of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.21 is a table illustrating an example of time slot settings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 22 : is a diagram illustrating an example in which a base station device provides system information notified thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating an example of dedicated RRC signaling of which notification is provided by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.24 is a diagram illustrating another example of dedicated RRC signaling of which notification is provided by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.25A is a diagram illustrating another example of dedicated RRC signaling of which notification is provided by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.25B is a diagram illustrating another example of dedicated RRC signaling of which notification is provided by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.26 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for notifying a setting of a period of using SSB by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 27 : is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for notifying a setting of a detection timing using SSB by a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.28 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.29 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.30 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description of these components.

[0045] In the present specification and the drawings, similar components in the embodiments are sometimes distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numerals. However, when it is not particularly necessary to distinguish each similar component, only the same reference numeral is added.

[0046] Each of the one or more embodiments (including examples, modifications and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least a portion of the multiple embodiments described below can be combined with at least a portion of other embodiments as appropriate. These multiple embodiments can include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, these multiple embodiments can contribute to solving purposes or problems that are different from each other, and can achieve effects that are different from each other.

[0047] <<1. Introduction>>

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, components with substantially the same functional configuration are indicated by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant descriptions of these components. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the techniques, functions, methods, configurations, processes and all other descriptions described below are applicable to LTE, NR (5G) and 6G.

[0049] <1.1. Prior Art>

[0050] [Wireless Communication System]

[0051] The wireless communication system at least includes a base station device (not shown) and a terminal device (not shown). The base station device can store multiple terminal devices. The base station device can be connected to other base station devices via an X2 interface.

[0052] The base station device can be connected to the EPC (Evolved Packet Core) through the S1 interface. In addition, the base station device can be connected to the MME (Mobility Management Entity) through the S1-MME interface. The base station device can be connected to the S-GW (Serving Gateway) through the S1-U interface.

[0053] The S1 interface supports many-to-many connections between the MME and / or S-GW and the base station device. In this embodiment, each of the base station device and the terminal device supports at least one of LTE, NR (5G) and 6G.

[0054] Note that the details of the wireless communication system according to this embodiment will be referred to below. Figure 7 And other instructions.

[0055] [Frame Configuration]

[0056] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a radio frame. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, in NR, for example, a radio frame consisting of 10 ms (milliseconds) is defined. Each radio frame consists of two half frames. The time interval of the half frame is 5 ms. Each half frame consists of 5 subframes.

[0057] The time interval of a subframe is 1ms. In addition, a subframe consists of one or more time slots. The time interval of the time slots varies according to the numerology (or OFDM numerology). The numerology is specified by a combination of a subcarrier spacing (SCS) and a cyclic prefix (CP).

[0058] Figure 2 This is a table for explaining an example of setting the subcarrier spacing. The subcarrier spacing supported by NR is specified by a multiple of 2 based on 15kHz (kilohertz), for example.

[0059] Specifically, as subcarrier spacing, 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz and 960kHz are supported. For subcarrier spacings of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz and 960kHz, the time intervals of the time slots are 1ms, 0.5ms, 0.25ms, 0.125ms, 0.0625ms, 0.03125ms and 0.015625ms, respectively. In the case of normal CP, one time slot consists of 14 symbols, and in the case of extended CP, it consists of 12 symbols.

[0060] [Resource Grid]

[0061] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource grid. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bandwidth portion.

[0062] In NR, in each parameter set and each carrier, the physical signal or physical channel to be transmitted can be represented by e.g. Figure 3 The resource grid is represented by the resource grid shown in the diagram. The resource grid is defined by multiple resource elements. A resource element in a predetermined antenna port is represented by a subcarrier and a symbol. The index of the resource element in the predetermined antenna port can be represented by a combination of a subcarrier index and a symbol index.

[0063] In NR, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, a resource block is defined as a unit on the frequency axis. One resource block (RB or physical resource block: PRB) consists of 12 consecutive subcarriers on the frequency axis. As resource blocks, there are common resource blocks (CRBs), physical resource blocks (PRBs), and virtual resource blocks (VRBs).

[0064] A common resource block is a resource block defined by a predetermined bandwidth and a predetermined parameter set. In all parameter sets, the common resource block starts at point A (see Figure 4 ). The frequency specified by point A is the center of subcarrier #0 of common resource block #0 in all parameter sets.

[0065] A physical resource block is a resource block defined in a predetermined bandwidth part. A physical resource block index is numbered starting from 0 within the predetermined bandwidth part. A virtual resource block is a logical resource block and is used when a precoded signal of a PDSCH or PUSCH is mapped to a physical resource block.

[0066] In NR, subsets of contiguous common resource blocks called bandwidth parts (BWPs) can be set. Bandwidth parts using a predetermined parameter set are accommodated in the bandwidth of the carrier defined by the parameter set. For each terminal device, up to 4 bandwidth parts are set. At a predetermined time, there is one active bandwidth part.

[0067] The terminal device does not expect to receive PDSCH, PDCCH and CSI-RS outside the downlink active bandwidth part. The terminal device does not send PUSCH and PUCCH outside the uplink active bandwidth part. In a predetermined active cell, the terminal device does not send SRS outside the uplink active bandwidth part.

[0068] [Time slot format]

[0069] In a TDD cell (unpaired spectrum), each of the 14 symbols in a slot can be classified into any one of a downlink (DL or D) state, an uplink (UL or U) state, and a flexible (F) state.

[0070] Downlink symbols can be used for reception by a terminal device. Uplink symbols can be used for transmission by a terminal device. Flexible symbols can be used for transmission or reception by a terminal device. Flexible symbols can be used as downlink and uplink switching periods or guard periods.

[0071] The status of these symbols is specified by TDD configuration information common to terminal devices (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon), TDD configuration information of each terminal device (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicaated) and / or a time slot format index carried by DCI.

[0072] The TDD configuration information shared by the terminal devices includes information about the number of downlink time slots and downlink symbols, the number of uplink time slots and uplink symbols, and the uplink / downlink switching period. The TDD configuration information shared by the terminal devices includes information about all downlinks (all DL), all uplinks (all UL), or the number of downlink symbols and the number of uplink symbols for each symbol.

[0073] The slot format index is an index of a slot format indicating a combination of states of 14 symbols, and is specified in units of slots. A format indicating a slot format is also referred to as a slot format indicator (SFI).

[0074] Through TDD configuration or time slot format, uplink and downlink can be flexibly switched in symbol units.

[0075] Figure 5 and Figure 6is a diagram illustrating an example of a time slot format. Figure 5 In the time slot, the 1st to 12th symbols are downlink symbols, the 13th symbol is a flexible symbol, and the 14th symbol is an uplink symbol. The SFI of the time slot is represented by "DDDDDDDDDDDDFU" in the order from the head symbol of the time slot. Thus, HARQ-ACK corresponding to PDSCH can be sent and received in the same time slot.

[0076] exist Figure 6 In the time slot, the first symbol is a downlink symbol, the second symbol is a flexible symbol, and the third to fourteenth symbols are uplink symbols. The SFI of the time slot represents "DFUUUUUUUUUUUU" in the order of the symbols of the time slot. Thus, the transmission and reception of the PUSCH corresponding to the UL grant can be performed in the same time slot.

[0077] <1.2.6G Overview>

[0078] [Requirements for 6G]

[0079] As described above, in 6G, a low latency shorter than 1 millisecond (which is a requirement for 5G) is required. As a specific example of the requirements for 6G, it is assumed that a requirement for E2E (end-to-end) latency to be 1 millisecond or less is required. As another specific example of the requirements for 6G, there is a requirement to reduce radio latency to 0.1 milliseconds.

[0080] [6G communication topology]

[0081] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication topology of 6G.

[0082] From 1G to 3G, communication between a macro cell deployed by a base station device 601 mainly installed on the ground and a terminal device 401 is studied.

[0083] From 4G onwards, research has begun on communications other than the communication between the base station device 601 and the terminal device 401. For example, in 4G, a small cell C1 is introduced, which is a cell with a smaller coverage area than a macro cell. Figure 7 In the example shown in the diagram, the small cell C1 is formed by a base station device 605. In 4G, for example, communication of fixed relay station devices (IAB: Integrated Access and Backhaul) 602 and 603, communication between terminal devices 401 and 402 using a side link, etc. are introduced.

[0084] In 5G, for example, satellite station communication (NTN: non-terrestrial network) for communicating with satellite stations 501 and 301 to 303 such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites is introduced. In 5G, for example, non-public network (NPN) is introduced. Figure 7 In the example shown in the diagram, the non-public network is provided by base station device 604.

[0085] In 6G, various communication topologies are expected to be further supported. In addition to the communication topologies introduced until 5G, for example, propagation path control using LIS (Large Intelligent Surface, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface) 701 is expected to be introduced. In 6G, support for communication between terminal devices (tethering) between a wearable terminal 403 and a terminal device 401 such as a smartphone using a side link is expected to be further introduced. In addition, in 6G, communication of a mobile relay station device (mobile IAB) 606 and the like is expected to be further introduced.

[0086] In 6G, in order to support higher-speed communications, communication in high-frequency bands such as millimeter waves or terahertz waves is required.

[0087] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating the relationship between cellular communication standards and supported frequencies. Until 3G, frequencies in the microwave band below 1 GHz were mainly supported. Starting from 4G, frequencies up to 6 GHz are supported. Starting from 5G, it is expected that starting from Rel-15, frequencies up to 52.6 GHz will be supported, starting from Rel-17, frequencies up to 71 GHz will be supported, and in the future, frequencies up to 100 GHz including millimeter waves will be supported.

[0088] In 6G, it is expected that frequencies of 100 GHz or higher, including the terahertz band, will be supported. In communications in high-frequency bands such as millimeter waves or terahertz waves, the application of high subcarrier spacing or single carrier is considered in order to mitigate the influence of phase noise or frequency offset errors. For example, in NR, high subcarrier spacing of up to 960 kHz is supported in order to support communications in high-frequency bands. In order to achieve more efficient communications in high-frequency bands, operations by single carrier are also studied.

[0089] <1.3. Question>

[0090] In NR, low latency and millimeter wave support are performed by changing the subcarrier spacing (SCS or parameter set). Specifically, at low frequencies, by changing the subcarrier spacing of 15kHz to a subcarrier spacing of 60kHz, the symbol length and slot length are reduced to 1 / 4. Therefore, low-latency communications can already be handled. In millimeter waves, by changing the subcarrier spacing to a maximum of 960kHz, resistance to phase noise, Doppler shift, and frequency offset errors has been successfully improved, and implementation has been successfully simplified.

[0091] On the other hand, the subcarrier spacing is not only a value determined by the requirements for communication delay, but also a value determined by the communication environment and frequency band as described above. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to meet the requirements of 6G by simply changing the subcarrier spacing.

[0092] Furthermore, in NR, based on a radio frame having a length of 10 milliseconds and a subframe having a length of 1 millisecond, a slot length and a slot cycle are determined according to a subcarrier spacing set at a multiple of 2. The boundaries of the radio frames are configured to be aligned even at different subcarrier spacings. As described above, since the positions of the slot cycle and the slot boundaries are fixed, various problems may occur.

[0093] Here, examples of problems caused by the existing time slot configuration are described while giving specific examples.

[0094] <1.3.1. First question>

[0095] The first problem is the mismatch between the slot cycle and the traffic cycle.

[0096] For example, in XR (AR (augmented reality) / VR (virtual reality) / MR (mixed reality)), for example, periodic image data of 60fps (frames per second) or 120fps is sent. The traffic period is about 16.67 milliseconds at 60fps and about 8.33 milliseconds at 120fps, and is usually defined by a non-integer period.

[0097] On the other hand, in NR, configuration grant (CG), SPS (semi-persistent scheduling), C-DRX (discontinuous reception in connected state), etc. are set in units of time slots, and time slots are defined by integer cycles. Therefore, there is an error after the decimal point between the time slot cycle and the traffic cycle. This error occurs every time traffic occurs.

[0098] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mismatch between a slot cycle and a traffic cycle. Fig. 9 The diagram illustrates an example of a situation where traffic arrives at 60 fps (60 Hz). In this case, traffic arrives at a period of approximately 16.67 milliseconds.

[0099] Here, the terminal device 40 sets C-DRX so as not to perform reception processing at a timing when traffic does not arrive. Thus, the terminal device 40 can suppress power consumption.

[0100] However, in the current NR, the period of C-DRX is defined by the time slot. Therefore, C-DRX is set with a period of 16 milliseconds or 17 milliseconds. On the other hand, as mentioned above, traffic arrives with a period of about 16.67 milliseconds.

[0101] For example, Fig. 9 As shown in the diagram, it is assumed that the DRX cycle is 16 milliseconds, and the terminal device 40 is turned on for 1 millisecond in the 16 millisecond cycle, that is, the reception processing is performed within 1 millisecond. In this case, an error of about 0.67 milliseconds occurs between the C-DRX cycle and the traffic cycle. Therefore, in some cases, the error accumulates during the terminal device 40 receiving traffic multiple times, and at the arrival timing of the traffic, the terminal device 40 has been turned off. As described above, the terminal device 40 may miss the turn-on period and cannot receive traffic.

[0102] For example, it is assumed that the cycle of C-DRX is 17 milliseconds, and the terminal device 40 is turned on for 1 millisecond in the cycle of 17 milliseconds, that is, the reception processing is performed within 1 millisecond. In this case, an error of about 0.33 milliseconds occurs between the cycle of C-DRX and the traffic cycle. Therefore, in some cases, the error accumulates during the multiple receptions of traffic by the terminal device 40, and at the arrival timing of the traffic, the terminal device 40 has not yet been turned on. In this case, a delay occurs until the traffic is received in the next period of turning on the terminal device 40.

[0103] When the decimal point errors between the C-DRX cycle and the traffic cycle are accumulated as described above, there arises a problem that the traffic deviates from the set interval for reception.

[0104] <1.3.2. Second question>

[0105] The second issue is high latency communication support.

[0106] In NR, communications such as NTN and mmWave are supported in which the round trip time (RTT) is high-delay relative to the slot cycle. When the round trip time is high-delay and the number of HARQ processes is insufficient, HARQ process exhaustion occurs.

[0107] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of HARQ process exhaustion caused by high round-trip delay. Fig.10 The diagram illustrates a terminal device 40 (in Fig.10 ) may respond to the base station device 60 (described as a UE in Fig.10The example described in Figure 1 is a PDSCH sent by a gNB and an HARQ-ACK sent 9 milliseconds later.

[0108] In this case, since the HARQ process is exhausted, the base station device 60 cannot schedule PDSCH until the reception of HARQ-ACK#1 is completed at time t2 after PDSCH#16 is sent at time t1. As described above, since data cannot be scheduled in the time slot when all HARQ processes are exhausted, this leads to a decrease in the peak data rate.

[0109] <1.3.3. The third question>

[0110] The third problem is the scheduling (transport block allocation) limitations caused by slot boundaries.

[0111] In NR, for traffic with high latency requirements such as URLLC, data can be scheduled in the middle of a timeslot. However, in current NR, it is sometimes difficult to schedule data across timeslot boundaries.

[0112] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling restrictions across slot boundaries. Fig.11 The diagram illustrates the case where URLLC traffic arrives midway in time slot # 1. In this case, for example, PDSCH # 1 of time slot # 1 and PDSCH # 2 of time slot # 2 can be used to send URLLC traffic.

[0113] When crossing a time slot boundary as described above (in Fig.11 In the example shown in the diagram, when physical channels are allocated across time slots #1 and #2), the transport blocks are divided at the time slots and carried as different physical channels. This technique is called time slot partitioning.

[0114] In time slot division, a transport block is divided and transmitted to different physical channels. Therefore, there is a problem that a control signal and a reference signal must be separately provided to each physical channel arranged in each time slot, thereby increasing overhead.

[0115] <1.3.4. Fourth question>

[0116] The fourth issue is ultra-low latency support in low frequency bands.

[0117] In a low frequency band such as FR1, assuming a high multipath environment and frequency band utilization efficiency, it is preferable to set a narrow subcarrier spacing such as 15kHz or 30kHz. On the other hand, in the case of a narrow subcarrier spacing, the symbol length is large. Specifically, the symbol length of each OFDM symbol is about 72 microseconds in the case of 15kHz and about 36 microseconds in the case of 30kHz.

[0118] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol length at a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz. In the case of a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz, the symbol length is 36 microseconds for one symbol and 72 microseconds for two symbols.

[0119] However, as described above, as a requirement for low latency in 6G, 0.1 milliseconds (100 microseconds) may be required. If more than 2 symbols in the case of 15kHz and more than 3 symbols in the case of 30kHz are configured as a physical channel, the length of the physical channel exceeds 100 microseconds. Therefore, in this case, it is difficult to achieve a transmission delay of 100 microseconds or less.

[0120] <1.4. Overview of Proposed Technology>

[0121] Therefore, in the proposed technology of the present disclosure, a plurality of different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are provided to communication devices (eg, the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40).

[0122] The communication device selects a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations. The communication device communicates with other communication devices using the selected time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0123] Thus, the communication device can cope with various traffic and communication topologies, and can achieve communication with lower latency.

[0124] <<2. System Configuration Example>>

[0125] <2.1. Communication system configuration example>

[0126] Fig.13 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 As shown in the diagram, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of base station devices 60 (60A and 60B), a plurality of terminal devices 40 (40A and 40B), a core network 120, and a PDN (Packet Data Network) 130. Note that the number of devices is not limited to the above. For example, the number of each of the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40 may be 1.

[0127] Note that in the following description, for simplicity of description, it is assumed that a plurality of different slot configurations and / or a plurality of different symbol configurations are provided in communication between base station apparatus 60 and terminal apparatus 40. That is, it is assumed that communication system 1 includes base station apparatus 60 and terminal apparatus 40.

[0128] However, in communications other than the communications between the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40 (e.g., sidelink communications, etc.), a plurality of different time slot configurations and / or a plurality of different symbol configurations may be provided. For example, the communication system 1 may include Figure 7 The device shown in the diagram.

[0129] [Base station device 60]

[0130] The base station device 60 is a communication device that operates a cell 110 and provides a wireless communication service to one or more terminal devices 40 located within the coverage area of ​​the cell 110. The cell 110 operates in accordance with any wireless communication system such as LTE, NR or 6G. The base station device 60 is connected to the core network 120. The core network 120 is connected to the packet data network (PDN) 130 via a gateway device (not shown).

[0131] Note that the base station device 60 may be configured by a group of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 60 may be distinguished into multiple devices of a BBU (baseband unit) and a RU (radio unit), and may be interpreted as an aggregate of these multiple devices. In addition or instead of this, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 60 may be any one or both of the BBU and the RU. The BBU and the RU may be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., eCPRI). In addition or instead of this, the RU may be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio point (RD). In addition or instead of this, the RU may correspond to the gNB-DU described below. In addition or instead of this, the BBU may correspond to the gNB-CU described below. Instead of this, the RU may be connected to the gNB-DU described below. In addition, the BBU may correspond to a combination of the gNB-CU and the gNB-DU described below. In addition or instead of this, the RU may be a device formed integrally with the antenna. The antenna included in the base station device 60 (e.g., an antenna formed integrally with the RU) may adopt an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) or beamforming. In the advanced antenna system, the antenna included in the base station device 60 (e.g., an antenna formed integrally with the RU) may include, for example, 64 transmit antenna ports and 64 receive antenna ports.

[0132] A plurality of base station devices 60 may be connected to each other. One or more base station devices 60 may be included in a radio access network (RAN). That is, the base station device 60 may be referred to as RAN, RAN node, AN (access network) or AN node for short. The RAN in LTE is called EUTRAN (Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN). The RAN in NR is called NGRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is called UTRAN. The base station device 60 in LTE is called eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. That is, EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). The base station device 60 of NR is called gNodeB or gNB. That is, NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. In addition, EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in a communication system (EPS) of LTE. Similarly, NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS). In addition or in lieu thereof, when the base station device 60 is an eNB, a gNB, etc., the base station device 60 may be referred to as a 3GPP access. In addition or alternatively, when the base station device 60 is a wireless access point (e.g., a WiFi access point), the base station device 60 may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. In addition or alternatively, the base station device 60 may be an optical extension device referred to as an RRH (remote radio head). In addition or alternatively, when the base station device 60 is a gNB, the base station device 60 may be referred to as a combination of the above-mentioned gNB CU (central unit) and gNB DU (distributed unit), or one of the gNB CU and gNB DU. The gNB CU (central unit) hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) in the access layer in order to communicate with the UE. On the other hand, the gNB DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, and PHY) in the access layer. That is, in the messages and information described below, RRC signaling (e.g., various SIBs including MIB and SIB1, RRCSetup messages, and RRCReconfiguration messages) may be generated by the gNB CU, and on the other hand, the DCI and various physical channels (e.g., PDCCH and PBCH) described below may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, in the RRC signaling, for example, a portion of the configuration (configuration information) such as IE:cellGroupConfig may be generated by the gNB-DU, while the rest of the configuration may be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations (configuration information) may be sent and received via the F1 interface described below. The base station device 60 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base station devices 60. For example, when a plurality of base station devices 60 are a combination of eNBs or eNBs and en-gNBs, the base station devices 60 may be connected via an X2 interface.In addition or instead of this, when the multiple base station devices 60 are a combination of gNB or gn-eNB and gNB, these devices can be connected through the Xn interface. In addition or instead of this, when the multiple base station devices 60 are a combination of gNB CU (central unit) and gNB DU (distributed unit), these devices can be connected through the F1 interface described above. The message / information described below (information about RRC signaling or DCI and physical channels) can be transmitted between multiple base station devices 60 (for example, via X2, Xn or F1 interface).

[0133] In addition, as described above, the base station device 60 may be configured to manage multiple cells. The cell provided by the base station device 60 is referred to as a serving cell. The serving cell includes a PCell (primary cell) and a SCell (secondary cell). When a dual connection (e.g., EUTRA-EUTRA dual connection, EUTRA-NR dual connection (ENDC), EUTRA-NR dual connection with 5GC, NR-EUTRA dual connection (NEDC) or NR-NR dual connection) is provided to a UE (e.g., a terminal device 40), the PCell provided by the MN (master node) and 0 or 1 or more SCells are referred to as a primary cell group. In addition, the serving cell may include a PSCell (primary secondary cell or primary SCG cell). That is, when a dual connection is provided to a UE, the PSCell provided by the SN (secondary node) and 0 or 1 or more SCells are referred to as a secondary cell group (SCG). Unless a special setting is made (e.g., PUCCH on SCell), the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is sent through the PCell and PSCell, rather than through the SCell. Radio link failure is also detected in the PCell and PSCell, rather than in the SCell (which may not be detected). As mentioned above, since the PCell and PSCell have special roles in the serving cell, the PCell and PSCell are also referred to as special cells (SpCell). One downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier can be associated with a cell. The system bandwidth corresponding to a cell can be divided into multiple bandwidth parts. In this case, one or more bandwidth parts (BWP) can be set for the UE, and one bandwidth part can be used as an active BWP for the UE. The wireless resources (e.g., frequency band, parameter set (subcarrier spacing) and time slot format (time slot configuration)) that the terminal device 40 can use may be different for each cell, each component carrier or each BWP.

[0134] [Core Network 120]

[0135] When the core network 120 is the core network of NR (5G Core (5GC)), the core network 120 may include AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), UPF (User Plane Function), PCF (Policy Control Function) and UDM (Unified Data Management).

[0136] When the core network 120 is an LTE core network (Evolved Packet Core (EPC)), the core network 120 may include an MME (Mobility Management Entity), an S-GW (Serving Gateway), a P-GW (PDN Gateway), a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), and an HSS (Home Subscriber Server). AMF and MME are control nodes that process control plane signals and manage the mobile state (mobility) of the terminal device 40. UPF and S-GW / P-GW are nodes that process user plane signals. PCF / PCRF is a control node that performs control related to policies and charging such as QoS (Quality of Service) for a PDU session or bearer. UDM / HSS is a control node that processes subscriber data and performs service control.

[0137] [Terminal device 40]

[0138] The terminal device 40 is a communication device that performs wireless communication with the base station device 60 based on the control of the base station device 60 .

[0139] The terminal device 40 is a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with other devices. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a sensor or camera device with a communication function, a mobile phone, a smart device (a smart phone or a tablet terminal), a PDA (personal digital assistant), or a personal computer. The terminal device 40 may be a head-mounted display, VR glasses, etc. that have the function of wirelessly sending and receiving data. The terminal device 40 may be a mobile object such as a car or a drone.

[0140] For example, the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication with other terminal devices 40 based on the control of the base station device 60 or autonomously. In this case, the terminal device 40 sends a side link signal to other terminal devices 40 in the PC 5 link and receives a side link signal from other terminal devices 40. The transmission and reception of the side link signal by the terminal device 40 are collectively referred to as side link communication. When performing side link communication, the terminal device 40 may be able to use an automatic retransmission technology such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request).

[0141] The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA (non-orthogonal multiple access) communication with the base station device 60. Note that the terminal device 40 may also be capable of NOMA communication in communication (side link) with other terminal devices 40. The terminal device 40 may be capable of LPWA (low power wide area) communication with other communication devices (e.g., the base station device 60 and other terminal devices 40). In addition, the wireless communication used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves or terahertz waves. Note that the wireless communication used by the terminal device 40 (including side link communication) may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless).

[0142] <2.2. Configuration example of base station equipment>

[0143] Fig.14 : is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the base station device 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station device 60 is a communication device (radio system) that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 40. The base station device 60 is a type of information processing device.

[0144] The base station device 60 includes a wireless communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a control unit 63. Note that the components illustrated in the figure are functional components, and hardware components may be different from functional components. The functions of the base station device 60 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated devices.

[0145] The wireless communication unit 61 is a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with other communication devices (e.g., terminal device 40 and other base station devices 60). The wireless communication unit 61 operates under the control of the control unit 63. The wireless communication unit 61 can be applicable to a variety of wireless access schemes. For example, the wireless communication unit 61 can be applicable to 6G, NR and LTE. The wireless communication unit 61 can be applicable to other cellular communication schemes, such as W-CDMA and cdma2000. In addition to the cellular communication scheme, the wireless communication unit 61 can also be applicable to the wireless LAN communication scheme. Naturally, the wireless communication unit 61 can be applicable to only one wireless access scheme.

[0146] The wireless communication unit 61 includes a receiving processing unit 612, a transmitting processing unit 611, and an antenna 613. The wireless communication unit 61 may include a plurality of receiving processing units 612, a plurality of transmitting processing units 611, and a plurality of antennas 613. When the wireless communication unit 61 is applicable to a plurality of wireless access schemes, each unit of the wireless communication unit 61 may be configured separately for each wireless access scheme. For example, if the base station device 60 is applicable to 6G, NR, and LTE, the receiving processing unit 612 and the transmitting processing unit 611 may be configured separately according to 6G, NR, and LTE.

[0147] The reception processing unit 612 processes an uplink signal received via the antenna 613. The reception processing unit 612 includes a wireless reception unit 612a, a demultiplexing unit 612b, a demodulation unit 612c, and a decoding unit 612d.

[0148] The wireless receiving unit 612a performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification level, orthogonal demodulation, conversion to digital signals, removal of guard intervals, extraction of frequency domain signals by fast Fourier transform, etc. on the uplink signal. For example, it is assumed that the wireless access scheme of the base station device 60 is a cellular communication scheme such as LTE. At this time, the demultiplexing unit 612b separates uplink channels such as PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel) or PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) and uplink reference signals from the signal output from the wireless receiving unit 612a. The demodulation unit 612c demodulates the received signal using a modulation scheme such as BPSK (binary conversion phase shift keying) or QPSK (quadrature conversion phase shift keying) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation scheme used by the demodulation unit 612c can be a multi-value QAM such as 16QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), 64QAM or 256QAM. The decoding unit 612d performs decoding processing on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 63 .

[0149] The transmission processing unit 611 performs transmission processing of downlink control information and downlink data. The transmission processing unit 611 includes a coding unit 611a, a modulation unit 611b, a multiplexing unit 611c, and a wireless transmission unit 611d.

[0150] The coding unit 611a encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 63 using a coding scheme such as block coding, convolution coding or turbo coding. The modulation unit 611b modulates the coded bits output from the coding unit 611a by a predetermined modulation scheme such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM or 256QAM. The multiplexing unit 611c multiplexes the modulation symbols and downlink reference signals of each channel, and arranges the multiplexed modulation symbols and downlink reference signals in a predetermined resource element. The wireless transmission unit 611d performs various types of signal processing on the signal from the multiplexing unit 611c. For example, the wireless transmission unit 611d performs processing such as conversion to the time domain by fast Fourier transform, adding a guard interval, generating a baseband digital signal, converting to an analog signal, orthogonal modulation, up-conversion, removing additional frequency components, and power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 611 is transmitted from the antenna 613.

[0151] The storage unit 62 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, or hard disk, etc. The storage unit 62 functions as a storage means of the base station device 60.

[0152] The control unit 63 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station device 60. The control unit 63 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 63 is implemented by the processor using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a work area to execute various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station device 60. Note that the control unit 63 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be regarded as controllers.

[0153] <2.3. Terminal device configuration example>

[0154] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 40 is a communication device (wireless system) that performs wireless communication with a base station device 60. The terminal device 40 is a type of information processing device.

[0155] The terminal device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. Note that Fig.15 The components shown in the diagram are functional components, and hardware components may be different from functional components. The functions of the terminal device 40 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0156] The wireless communication unit 41 is a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with other communication devices (e.g., base station device 60 and other terminal devices 40). The wireless communication unit 41 operates according to the control of the control unit 43. The wireless communication unit 41 is applicable to one or more wireless access schemes. For example, the wireless communication unit 41 is applicable to both NR and LTE. The wireless communication unit 41 can be applicable to other wireless access schemes, such as W-CDMA (registered trademark) and cdma2000 (registered trademark).

[0157] The wireless communication unit 41 includes a reception processing unit 412, a transmission processing unit 411, and an antenna 413. The wireless communication unit 41 may include a plurality of reception processing units 412, a plurality of transmission processing units 411, and a plurality of antennas 413. Note that when the wireless communication unit 41 supports a plurality of wireless access schemes, each unit of the wireless communication unit 41 may be configured separately for each wireless access scheme. For example, the reception processing unit 412 and the transmission processing unit 411 may be configured separately according to LTE, NR, and 6G. The configurations of the reception processing unit 412 and the transmission processing unit 411 are the same as those of the reception processing unit 612 and the transmission processing unit 611 of the base station device 60.

[0158] The storage unit 42 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 42 functions as a storage means of the terminal device 40.

[0159] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 43 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 43 is implemented by the processor using a RAM or the like as a work area to execute various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 40. Note that the control unit 43 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be regarded as controllers.

[0160] <<3. Technical Features>>

[0161] <3.1. Time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration>

[0162] As described above, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of different time slot configurations and / or a plurality of different symbol configurations are provided to one communication device (e.g., base station device 60 or terminal device 40). Different time slot configurations or different symbol configurations have at least one feature of the following configuration examples. Note that when the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40 are not particularly distinguished, the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40 are also simply referred to as communication devices.

[0163] [Configuration example 1: Number of OFDM symbols per time slot]

[0164] As an example of a different slot configuration or a different symbol configuration, there is a configuration in which the number of symbols per slot is different.

[0165] In the prior art LTE, the number of symbols is defined as a fixed number of 7 symbols per time slot, while in the prior art NR, the number of symbols is defined as a fixed number of 14 symbols per time slot. On the other hand, in this configuration example, the number of symbols per time slot is variable according to the situation. Examples of the number of symbols per time slot include 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 112. By flexibly changing the number of symbols per time slot, the communication system 1 can change the time slot length without changing the subcarrier spacing.

[0166] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating examples of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16 The first and second time slot configurations illustrated in the diagram differ from each other in the number of OFDM symbols per time slot.

[0167] In the first slot configuration, one slot consists of 14 symbols. In the second slot configuration, one slot consists of 7 symbols. By setting and flexibly switching a plurality of slot configurations as described above, the communication device can store various traffic and topologies in one carrier (cell).

[0168] Fig.17 is a table illustrating an example of subcarrier spacing setting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 The setting table supports time slot configuration when the number of OFDM symbols in each time slot is different.

[0169] When the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz and 30kHz, due to the demand for lower latency, it can be assumed that the number of symbols per time slot is set to 14 or less (2 or 7). In addition, in order to support low-band and high-latency communications such as NTN, when the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz and 30kHz, it can be assumed that the number of symbols per time slot is set to 14 or more (28 or 56).

[0170] exist Fig.17 In the example shown in the diagram, when the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz, the number of symbols per time slot can be set to 2, 7, 14, 28, and 56. When the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, the number of symbols per time slot can be set to 7, 14, and 28.

[0171] When the subcarrier spacing is 480 kHz and 960 kHz, since the process time has a high delay relative to the time slot length, it can be assumed that the number of symbols per time slot is set to 14 or more (28, 56, and 112).

[0172] exist Fig.17In the example shown in the diagram, when the subcarrier spacing is 480kHz, the number of symbols per time slot can be set to 14, 28, and 56. When the subcarrier spacing is 960kHz, the number of symbols per time slot can be set to 14, 28, 56, and 112.

[0173] As described above, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, different time slot configurations or different symbol configurations are defined even in the same parameter set. Specifically, different time slot configurations or different symbol configurations are defined even if the subcarrier spacing and / or cyclic prefix are the same.

[0174] For example, here, since different numbers of symbols are defined even in the same parameter set, the communication device can support ultra-low delay or high delay communication.

[0175] Note that the number of symbols per time slot is not necessarily limited to a multiple of 14, and may be defined by values ​​such as 3, 4, or 20. The number of symbols per time slot may be defined by a value corresponding to the period of traffic (e.g., 60fps or 1 / 60).

[0176] Fig.18 is a table illustrating another example of subcarrier spacing setting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 The setting table is a setting table of time slot configuration corresponding to the traffic cycle (60fps) of XR. For example, when 1 / 60 seconds is assumed to be a 10-time slot configuration, the number of symbols per time slot is 23 symbols.

[0177] [Configuration example 2: Time slot start position]

[0178] Examples of different time slot configurations or different symbol configurations include configurations in which the start position of a time slot is different.

[0179] In the prior art LTE or NR, the time slot starting position based on the synchronization signal is determined. In this configuration example, the starting position can be determined to be different for each time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. For example, in this configuration example, based on the synchronization signal, the starting position is different for each time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0180] Fig.19 is a diagram illustrating another example of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.19 The diagram illustrates an example of time slot configuration in the case where the time slot start positions are different.

[0181] exist Fig.19 In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the second time slot configuration is defined as a configuration in which the starting position differs from the starting position of the first time slot configuration by 3 symbols.

[0182] For example, it is assumed that the time slot lengths of the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration are the same L1. It is assumed that the symbol length is L2.

[0183] In this case, the first time slot start position having the first time slot configuration is a position obtained by adding an integer multiple of L1 to the original first time slot start position t01. Fig.19 In the example shown in the diagram, the next first time slot start position t02 is t02=t01+L1*1.

[0184] On the other hand, the second time slot start position t03 having the second time slot configuration is a position obtained by adding an integer multiple of L1 to the original first time slot start position t01 and adding a 3-symbol offset (L2*3). Fig.19 In the example shown in the diagram, the second time slot start position t03 is t03=t01+L1*2+L2*3.

[0185] Here, it is assumed that in the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration, the starting position differs by 3 symbols, that is, the starting position deviates by 3 symbols. However, the deviation of the starting position is not limited to 3 symbols. For example, the deviation of the starting position of the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration may be 2 symbols or less, or may be 4 symbols or more.

[0186] Here, two time slot configurations (first and second time slot configurations) in which the starting positions are different are described. However, there may be more than three time slot configurations in which the starting positions are different. For example, a third time slot configuration may be defined in which the starting position differs from the starting position of the first time slot configuration by 5 symbols.

[0187] By flexibly making the time slot start position different as described above, the communication system 1 can eliminate scheduling restrictions at frame boundaries and deviations of time slots from the traffic cycle of XR.

[0188] [Configuration Example 3: OFDM Symbol Length]

[0189] Examples of different slot configurations or different symbol configurations include configurations where the symbol lengths are different.

[0190] In the related art LTE or NR, the symbol length is calculated by multiplying a CP length of 2048, 160, and / or 144 points by a sampling interval determined according to a subcarrier interval.

[0191] In this configuration example, for example, it is possible to determine a symbol length consisting of a number of points of 1024 or 4096. Thus, the communication system 1 can configure an OFDM symbol having a half or double length at the same subcarrier spacing.

[0192] Fig. 20is a diagram illustrating another example of different time slot configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 The diagram illustrates an example of time slot configuration when the OFDM symbol lengths are different.

[0193] exist Fig. 20 In the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration illustrated in FIG, the number of symbols in the time slot and the subcarrier spacing are the same. However, the symbol length is different in the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration. Fig. 20 In the example shown in the diagram, the symbol length of the first time slot configuration is twice the symbol length of the second time slot configuration.

[0194] Fig.21 is a table illustrating an example of time slot settings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.21 The setting table supports time slot configuration when the symbol length is different.

[0195] exist Fig.21 In the example shown in the diagram, the number of symbols per time slot is 14 and the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz. On the other hand, the number of time slots per radio frame can take multiple values ​​of 5, 10 and 20. In addition, the number of time slots per subframe can take multiple values ​​of 0.5, 1 and 2.

[0196] This implicitly indicates that the symbol lengths are different. Specifically, the symbol lengths consisting of 1024, 2048, and 4096 points, respectively, are Fig.21 Determined by the settings table in .

[0197] Note that in this configuration example, the number of points of the OFDM symbol is not limited to multiples of 2. For example, the number of points may include any value. The CP length may be flexibly changed to adjust the symbol length.

[0198] Note that the default timeslot configuration may be the NR timeslot configuration, or may be the timeslot configuration notified using system information (MIB or SIB).

[0199] <3.2. Notification method of setting multiple slot configurations and / or symbol configurations>

[0200] As described above, a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure selects a configuration from a plurality of different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations for communication. As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are set in a communication device, and the communication device flexibly changes the application of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration according to the traffic and topology. Thus, the communication device can support various use cases of 6G.

[0201] When the base station device 60 determines (sets) one time slot configuration from a plurality of different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations, the base station device 60 notifies the terminal device 40 of configuration information (an example of selection information) about the determined (set) configuration. In the following description, an example of a notification method (hereinafter also referred to as a setting notification method) in which the base station device 60 notifies the terminal device 40 of the determined (set) configuration is described.

[0202] [Setting notification method 1: RRC settings]

[0203] A first example of a method for setting notifications is RRC setup.

[0204] (1-1: System Information (MIB or SIB))

[0205] When RRC setting is used as the setting notification method, the base station apparatus 60 may include, for example, selection information on the setting configuration in the system information and notify the terminal apparatus 40 of the selection information.

[0206] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of system information notified by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] exist Fig. 22 In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the base station apparatus 60 includes selection information on the setting of the slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration in, for example, an IE (Information Element) of the MIB, and notifies the terminal apparatus 40 of the selection information.

[0208] The terminal device 40 identifies the number of symbols per slot from the field numberOfSymbolPerSlot in the IE of the MIB. The field numberOfSymbolPerSlot indicates the number of symbols. The terminal device 40 identifies the slot boundary from the offsetStartingSymbol in the IE of the MIB. The offsetStartingSymbol indicates the symbol offset from the detection position of the SSB to the start position of the slot.

[0209] As another example of system information notified by the base station device 60, for example, there is SIB1 (system information block type 1). In this case, the base station device 60 includes configuration information (e.g., IE (Information Element)) about the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in SIB1, and notifies the terminal device 40 of the setting information.

[0210] The terminal device 40 identifies the number of symbols per slot from the field numberOfSymbolPerSlot in the IE of SIB1. The field numberOfSymbolPerSlot indicates the number of symbols. The terminal device 40 identifies the slot boundary from the offsetStartingSymbol in the IE of SIB1. The offsetStartingSymbol indicates the symbol offset from the detection position of the SSB to the slot start position.

[0211] Note that since the system information is broadcast to the entire cell, when information about the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration set by the base station device 60 is included in the system information and provided in the notification, the configuration is set to be common to the terminal devices 40 in the cell (specific to the cell). The time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration notified through the system information (MIB and SIB) is preferably a default time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0212] (1-2: Dedicated RRC)

[0213] When dedicated RRC is used as the setting notification method, the base station apparatus 60 may include, for example, the setting configuration in the dedicated RRC and notify the terminal apparatus 40 of the setting configuration.

[0214] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating an example of dedicated RRC signaling notified by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] exist Fig.23 In the example illustrated in the diagram, the base station apparatus 60 includes configuration information regarding settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in an IE regarding settings of a bandwidth part (BWP) in dedicated RRC signaling, and notifies the terminal apparatus 40 of the configuration information.

[0216] The terminal device 40 identifies the number of symbols per time slot from the field numberOfSymbolPerSlot in the IE (BWP) of the BWP. The field numberOfSymbolPerSlot is a field indicating the number of symbols. The terminal device 40 identifies the time slot boundary from the offsetStartingSymbol in the IE (BWP) of the BWP. The offsetStartingSymbol indicates the symbol offset from the detection position of the SSB to the start position of the time slot. The terminal device 40 identifies the symbol length from the field symbolLength in the IE (BWP) of the BWP. The field symbolLength is a field indicating the symbol length of each OFDM symbol.

[0217] When the base station device 60 includes the configuration information about the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in the setting of the BWP as described above and notifies the configuration information to the terminal device 40, the base station device 60 can set different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations for each BWP. The base station device 60 can switch the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration at the same time by switching the BWP.

[0218] Fig.24 is a diagram illustrating another example of dedicated RRC signaling notified by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] exist Fig.24 In the example shown in the diagram, the base station device 60 includes the configuration information about the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in the IE about the settings of the configuration authorization in the dedicated RRC signaling, and notifies the terminal device 40 of the configuration information.

[0220] The terminal device 40 identifies the number of symbols per time slot from the field numberOfSymbolPerSlot in the IE (ConfiguredGrantConfig) of the configuration grant. The field numberOfSymbolPerSlot is a field indicating the number of symbols. The terminal device 40 identifies the time slot boundary from the offsetStartingSymbol. The offsetStartingSymbol indicates the symbol offset from the detection position of the SSB to the starting position of the time slot. The terminal device 40 identifies the symbol length from the field symbolLength. The field symbolLength is a field indicating the symbol length of each OFDM symbol.

[0221] Then, based on the configuration information about the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration, an actual value of the period of configuring the granted resources defined in units of time slots is determined.

[0222] When base station apparatus 60 includes configuration information about time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in the setting of configuration authorization as described above and notifies terminal apparatus 40 of the configuration information, base station apparatus 60 can set a different configuration for each setting of configuration authorization.

[0223] That is, different slot configurations and / or symbol configurations may be applied to different configuration grant settings. A slot configuration and / or symbol configuration different from other configurations (eg, SPS and C-DRX) may be applied to a configuration grant.

[0224] Fig.25A and Fig.25B is a diagram illustrating another example of dedicated RRC signaling notified by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] exist Fig.25A and 25B In the example illustrated in the diagram, the base station device 60 includes configuration information about the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration in the IE about the settings of C-DRX in the dedicated RRC signaling, and notifies the terminal device 40 of the configuration information.

[0226] The terminal device 40 identifies the number of symbols per time slot from the field numberOfSymbolPerSlot in the IE (DRX-Config) of C-DRX. The field numberOfSymbolPerSlot is a field indicating the number of symbols. The terminal device 40 identifies the time slot boundary from the offsetStartingSymbol. The offsetStartingSymbol indicates the symbol offset from the detection position of the SSB to the start position of the time slot. The terminal device 40 identifies the symbol length from the field symbolLength. The field symbolLength is a field indicating the symbol length of each OFDM symbol.

[0227] Then, based on the information about the slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration, the cycle of C-DRX defined in units of slots and the actual values ​​of the offset and the timer are determined.

[0228] When the setting of C-DRX includes settings regarding a timeslot configuration and / or a symbol configuration, the C-DRX setting may be set to a timeslot configuration and / or a symbol configuration different from other settings (eg, CG and SPS).

[0229] As described above, the base station device 60 uses dedicated RRC signaling to notify the terminal device 40 of settings regarding the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. Thus, the base station device 60 can change the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration for each terminal device 40 (specific to UE), each flow, and each setting. Compared with the case of using system information, the base station device 60 can set more information.

[0230] [Set notification method 2: SSB (SS / PBCH block)]

[0231] As a second example of the setting notification method, there is SSB (Synchronization Signal Block or Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block). The terminal device 40 detects the SSB corresponding to the slot configuration and / or symbol configuration to recognize the configuration set by the base station device 60.

[0232] (2-1: SSB cycle)

[0233] The base station device 60 can, for example, notify the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration according to the difference in the period of the SSB detected by the terminal device 40.

[0234] Fig.26 : is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting notification method of a cycle using SSB by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.26 The diagram illustrates an example in which the base station apparatus 60 notifies a first time slot configuration and a second time slot configuration using SSBs having different periods.

[0235] In the first slot configuration, for example, the number of symbols per slot is 14. In the second slot configuration, for example, the number of symbols per slot is 1 / 2 (7 symbols) of the number of symbols in the first slot configuration.

[0236] For example, the base station device 60 sets the period of SSB#1 in the case of setting the first time slot configuration (hereinafter also referred to as the first period) to be longer than the period of SSB#2 in the case of setting the second time slot configuration (hereinafter also referred to as the second period). Fig.26 In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , a first period corresponding to a first time slot configuration is twice as long as a second period corresponding to a second time slot configuration.

[0237] The terminal device 40 can identify the time slot configuration according to the detection frequency of the SSB.

[0238] (2-2: SSB detection timing)

[0239] The base station apparatus 60 may notify the setting of the slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration, for example, according to the difference in timing when the SSB is detected.

[0240] Fig. 27 : is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting notification method of detection timing using SSB by the base station device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 27 The diagram illustrates an example in which the base station apparatus 60 notifies the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration using the detection timing of the SSB.

[0241] exist Fig. 27 In the example illustrated in the diagram, the first slot configuration and the second slot configuration have the same number of symbols per slot of 14, but different slot start positions.

[0242] exist Fig. 27 In the example illustrated in the figure, in the first slot configuration and the second slot configuration, the SSB in the slot is fixed at the detection position. For example, in the first slot configuration, SSB#1 is arranged at the third symbol from the start position of the slot. Similarly, in the second slot configuration, SSB#2 is arranged at the third symbol from the start position of the slot.

[0243] As mentioned above, in Fig. 27In the example shown in the diagram, the detection position of the SSB relative to the start position of the time slot is fixed in the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration. Since the start positions of the time slots are different in the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration, the base station device 60 transmits the SSB at different transmission timings in the first time slot configuration and the second time slot configuration, respectively. In other words, the base station device 60 transmits the SSB non-periodically.

[0244] The terminal device 40 recognizes the slot configuration based on the timing of the detected SSB. Here, for example, the terminal device 40 recognizes that the timing 3 symbols before the detected SSB is the slot start position.

[0245] Note that the interval in which the SSB is periodically transmitted or the number of times the SSB is periodically transmitted may be defined. For example, the SSB is transmitted at least periodically and constantly in a predetermined number of times or in a predetermined interval. Above the predetermined number of times or outside the predetermined interval, the transmission period of the SSB may be different. Since the SSB is transmitted at a constant period as described above, the terminal device 40 can perform soft synthesis of the SSB transmitted at a constant period, and the detection accuracy of the SSB can be improved.

[0246] Note that here, the base station device 60 uses SSB (SS / PBCH block) to notify the setting of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. However, the base station device 60 may not use all signals of the SSB to notify the setting. Examples of the signal used by the base station device 60 to notify the setting include the following signals.

[0247] -Synchronization signal (SS)

[0248] - Tracking Reference Signal (TRS)

[0249] -CSI-RS

[0250] -Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) for the common PDCCH of the terminal device

[0251] -Wake-up signal for terminal device 40

[0252] -The preamble signal at the beginning of the transmission

[0253] - Other synchronization signals or reference signals for detecting frame and / or symbol timing

[0254] The above signals may be combined to notify the setting of the slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0255] Note that when implementing the above embodiment, it is not necessary to introduce SSB in the RAT of 6G. This embodiment can be implemented using other physical signals and / or physical channels that have some of the functions of SSB. An example of other physical signals that have some of the functions of SSB is a physical signal or physical channel that enables downlink time synchronization between the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40.

[0256] <3.3. Relationship with multiple slot configurations and / or symbol configurations>

[0257] Each of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration can be set in association with other settings. For example, the base station device 60 can use the RRC settings described above or the setting notification through the SSB to associate other settings or SSBs notified through the RRC with the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. In the following description, examples of other settings and elements associated with the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration are listed.

[0258] (BWP)

[0259] As a specific example associated with the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a BWP. Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations can be set for different BWPs. In this case, it is preferred that the setting of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is notified by RRC signaling while being linked to the BWP setting.

[0260] (Configure authorization)

[0261] As another specific example associated with time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a configuration authorization. Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations can be set for different configuration authorization resources. In this case, it is preferred that the setting of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is notified by RRC signaling while being linked to the configuration authorization setting.

[0262] (SPS)

[0263] As another specific example associated with time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is SPS. Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations can be set for different SPS resources. In this case, it is preferred that the setting of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is notified by RRC signaling while linking with the SPS setting.

[0264] (C-DRX)

[0265] As another specific example associated with the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is C-DRX. Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations may be applied to the C-DRX setting and the second C-DRX (C-DRX auxiliary group). In this case, it is preferred that the setting of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is notified by RRC signaling while being linked to the C-DRX setting.

[0266] (Traffic Type)

[0267] As another specific example associated with time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a traffic type. Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are applied to different traffic types (e.g., data with different 5QIs (5G QoS identifiers) or physical shared channels with different priority indices).

[0268] (Priority)

[0269] As another specific example related to time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a priority. When a priority is set for a time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, and multiple time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are set for the same cell / frequency band at the same time, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration with the highest priority is applied.

[0270] (Cell (and / or TRP))

[0271] As another specific example associated with time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there are cells (and / or TRPs (transmit and receive points)). Different cells can provide different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations. Different TRPs can provide different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations.

[0272] In this case, the settings for different slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are preferably provided when included in system-related signaling, but may also be provided via dedicated RRC signaling. Preferably, information on the setting switching for slot configurations and / or symbol configurations is provided upon handover or Scell ​​addition.

[0273] (link)

[0274] As another specific example associated with the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a link (uplink, downlink or sidelink). Different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations may be applied to the uplink, downlink and sidelink.

[0275] (Physical Channel)

[0276] As another specific example associated with time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, there is a physical channel. For example, different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations may be applied in a physical control channel (PDCCH or PUCCH) and a physical shared channel (PDSCH or PUSCH).

[0277] <3.4. Switching between different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations>

[0278] When a plurality of time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations are set, an appropriate time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is applied according to the state of communication, etc. That is, in the following description, the communication device can communicate by switching a plurality of different and / or symbol configurations. In the following description, a switching method in the case of setting different time slot configurations and / or symbol configurations is described.

[0279] (Switch via BWP)

[0280] When the BWP is linked to the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, the communication device may also switch the settings of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration based on the switching of the active BWP.

[0281] The active BWP is switched based on instructions according to the bandwidth part indication included in the DCI (DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 1_1), expiration of the BWP timer, instructions according to RRC settings, etc. The slot configuration and / or symbol configuration are also switched together with the switching instructions of the active BWP.

[0282] Note that the timing of switching the BWP and the timing of switching the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration may be the same or different. For example, the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration may be switched before the time slot in which the BWP is switched. At the timing of switching the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration, the calculation of the time line from reception to transmission may be changed.

[0283] (Switching via DCI command)

[0284] For example, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is switched based on a DCI instruction. For example, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is switched based on information about a field included in the DCI. For another example, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is switched based on the type of the received DCI.

[0285] (Switching of physical parameters via SSB)

[0286] The time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration are switched based on the physical parameters of the SSB.

[0287] As an example of the physical parameters of the SSB, the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration are switched based on the reception timing of the SSB. The terminal device 40 can detect the time slot start position according to the reception timing of the SSB and switch the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration. That is, it can be said that the base station device 60 notifies the switching of the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration by making the transmission timing of the SSB different.

[0288] As another example of the physical parameters of the SSB, the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration is switched based on the reception cycle of the SSB. If the number of time slots relative to the cycle of the SSB is fixed, the terminal device 40 can recognize the length of the time slot from the reception cycle of the SSB. That is, it can be said that the base station device 60 notifies the switching of the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration by making the transmission cycle of the SSB different.

[0289] As another example of the physical parameters of the SSB, the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration is switched based on the length of the SSB. If the number of symbols of the SSB is fixed, the terminal device 40 can recognize the symbol length from the length of the SSB. That is, it can be said that the base station device 60 notifies the switching of the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration by making the length of the SSB different.

[0290] (Switching by timer)

[0291] The time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration are switched based on a timer corresponding to the switching of the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. As a specific example, when the timer starts at the timing of switching the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration and the timer expires, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration returns to the default time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0292] This switching by timer is preferably applied together with other switching methods (e.g., switching by BWP and switching by DCI instruction). The timer used for this switching may be the same as other timers (e.g., bwp-InactivityTimer). Alternatively, a separate timer (e.g., slotConfig-InactityTimer) for switching slot configuration and / or symbol configuration may be defined.

[0293] (Switch set by RRC)

[0294] When receiving an RRC Setup message or an RRC Reconfiguration message, the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is switched based on the RRC information included in the message. For example, the terminal device 40 switches from the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration based on the system information to the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration indicated by the dedicated RRC information.

[0295] (Switch through system information)

[0296] When the contents of the MIB and the SIB are changed, the slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration are switched based on the information on the changed MIB and SIB.

[0297] <<4. Communication Processing>>

[0298] Subsequently, the communication processing according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. As the communication processing according to the present embodiment, two examples can be thought of, namely, the case where the base station device 60 determines the switching of the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration and the case where the terminal device 40 determines the switching of the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration. Note that the case where the communication device determines one time slot configuration from different multiple time slot configurations is described below. However, the communication device can determine one symbol configuration from different multiple symbol configurations.

[0299] <4.1. Processing based on determination of base station equipment>

[0300] Fig.28 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.28 In FIG. 1 , the base station device 60 is shown as a gNB and the terminal device 40 is shown as a UE. Fig.28 In the process, the gNB determines the switching time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, and instructs the UE to switch the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration.

[0301] like Fig.28 As shown in the diagram, first, the gNB provides the UE with settings for multiple time slot configurations (an example of configuration information) (step S101).

[0302] Thereafter, the gNB determines the time slot configuration to be applied to future communications (step S102). Fig.28 It is not shown in the figure, but it is also assumed that the gNB obtains the information required to determine the time slot configuration to be applied to future communications from the UE, other gNBs and / or the core network. Examples of the information required to determine the time slot configuration include UE capability information, communication quality and information about traffic.

[0303] The gNB instructs the switching of the time slot configuration (step S103). The switching instruction may, for example, include information about the time slot configuration determined by the gNB in ​​step S102.

[0304] The UE that receives the switching instruction sets the time slot configuration according to the instruction (step S104). As the timing for setting the time slot configuration, for example, the timing of receiving the instruction for switching the time slot configuration normally, the timing of sending the HARQ feedback for the PDSCH including the instruction for switching the time slot configuration, and the timing of sending the message (for example, RRCReconfigurationComplete) in reply to the RRC reconfiguration including the switching of the time slot configuration, indicating that the reconfiguration was performed normally.

[0305] After the timing of the time slot configuration is set, communication using the set time slot configuration starts between the gNB and the UE (step S105).

[0306] Note that an example in which the base station device 60 (gNB) notifies the switching instruction is described here. However, the entity that sends the instruction is not limited to the base station device 60. For example, a communication device that can send instructions to the terminal device 40 can notify the switching instruction. For example, instead of the base station device 60, a relay station device (not shown) to which the terminal device 40 is connected can notify the switching instruction, or another terminal device 40 that communicates on the side link can notify the instruction.

[0307] <4.2. Processing based on determination of terminal device>

[0308] Fig.29 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.29 In FIG. 1 , the base station device 60 is shown as a gNB and the terminal device 40 is shown as a UE. Fig.29 In the UE, the UE determines the switching slot configuration and / or symbol configuration and notifies the gNB of the switching. Fig.28 The same processing is represented by the same figure mark and its description is omitted.

[0309] When a trigger for switching the time slot configuration occurs (step S201), the UE determines to switch the time slot configuration and sets the time slot configuration (step S202). Thus, the time slot configuration is switched.

[0310] Subsequently, the UE notifies the gNB of the switching of the timeslot configuration (step S203). Note that the switching notification may be sent to the gNB before the UE switches the timeslot configuration or after the switching. When the switching notification is sent before the switching of the timeslot configuration, the timeslot configuration used for notification is the timeslot configuration before the switching or the default timeslot configuration. When the switching notification is sent after the switching of the timeslot configuration, the timeslot configuration used for notification may be any one of the timeslot configuration before the switching, the timeslot configuration after the switching, and the default timeslot configuration.

[0311] Note that Fig.29In the example illustrated in FIG, the UE determines (selects) the time slot configuration to be switched after a trigger for switching the time slot configuration occurs. However, unlike this example, a process in which the gNB determines (selects) the time slot configuration to be switched can also be assumed.

[0312] Fig.30 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of the flow of communication processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.30 In FIG. 1 , the base station device 60 is shown as a gNB and the terminal device 40 is shown as a UE. Fig.30 In the UE, the UE determines to switch the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration, and the gNB instructs the UE to switch the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration. Fig.29 The same processing is represented by the same figure mark and its description is omitted.

[0313] When a trigger for switching the time slot configuration occurs (step S201), the UE determines the switching time slot configuration and notifies the gNB of the occurrence of the trigger for switching the time slot configuration (step S301). In other words, the UE notifies the gNB of a request to switch the time slot configuration.

[0314] The gNB receiving the notification of the occurrence of the trigger for switching the time slot configuration determines the time slot configuration to be applied to future communications (step S302). The gNB issues an instruction to switch the time slot configuration (step S303). The switching instruction may, for example, include information about the time slot configuration determined by the gNB in ​​step S302.

[0315] The UE that receives the handover instruction sets the time slot configuration according to the instruction (step S304).

[0316] Note that with Fig.28 Same situation, Fig.30 The gNB in ​​the example may be replaced by a relay station device or other terminal device 40 that communicates via a side link.

[0317] <<5. Other embodiments>>

[0318] The embodiment described above indicates an example. Various changes and applications of the embodiment are possible.

[0319] For example, the control device that controls the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a dedicated computer system, or may be implemented by a general-purpose computer system.

[0320] For example, the communication program for performing the above operation is distributed by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a floppy disk. Then, for example, the control device is configured by installing the program in a computer and performing the above process. At this time, the control device may be a device (e.g., a personal computer) outside the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40. The control device may be a device (e.g., control units 63 and 43) inside the base station device 60 and the terminal device 40.

[0321] The above-mentioned communication program may be stored in a disk device included in a server device on a network such as the Internet, so that the communication program can be downloaded to a computer. The above-mentioned functions may be realized by the cooperation of an OS (operating system) and application software. In this case, the part other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed, or the part other than the OS may be stored in a server device, so that the part may be downloaded to a computer.

[0322] Among the various processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, the processes, specific names, and information including various data and parameters described in the document and illustrated in the drawings may be optionally changed. For example, the various types of information illustrated in the drawings are not limited to the information illustrated.

[0323] The components of the equipment shown in the diagram are functionally conceptual and do not always need to be physically configured as shown in the diagram. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of the equipment is not limited to the form shown in the diagram, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that such configuration generated by distribution and integration can be performed dynamically.

[0324] The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the range in which the processing contents do not contradict each other. The order of each step illustrated in the sequence diagram of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0325] For example, the present embodiment can be implemented as any configuration constituting a device or a system, such as a processor functioning as a system LSI (large scale integration) or the like, a module using a plurality of processors or the like, a unit using a plurality of modules or the like, a collection obtained by further adding other functions to a unit, etc. (i.e., the configuration of a part of a device).

[0326] Note that in this embodiment, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.). It is not important whether all components exist in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and one device in which multiple modules are housed in one housing are both systems.

[0327] For example, this embodiment may adopt a cloud computing configuration, in which a function is shared and processed by multiple devices via a network collaboration.

[0328] <<6. Conclusion>>

[0329] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments themselves, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Components in different embodiments and modified examples can be appropriately combined.

[0330] The effects described in the embodiments of this specification are merely illustrative and not limiting. Other effects may exist.

[0331] Note that the present technology can also adopt the following configurations.

[0332] (1) A communication device comprising

[0333] control unit, the control unit

[0334] selecting a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations, and

[0335] Communicating with the other communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

[0336] (2) The communication device according to (1), wherein the plurality of slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations are configurations in which the number of symbols per slot is respectively different.

[0337] (3) The communication device according to (1) or (2), wherein parameter sets of the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations are the same.

[0338] (4) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations have the same subcarrier spacing and / or cyclic prefix.

[0339] (5) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the plurality of slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations have different slot start positions, respectively.

[0340] (6) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the plurality of slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations have different symbol lengths, respectively.

[0341] (7) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit notifies the other communication devices of selection information regarding the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

[0342] (8) The communication device according to (7), wherein the selection information is included in system information and / or dedicated RRC signaling and is notified.

[0343] (9) The communication device according to (7), wherein the selection information is notified by using SSB.

[0344] (10) The communication device according to (9), wherein the control unit notifies the selection information according to a cycle of SSB or a transmission timing of SSB.

[0345] (11) A communication device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein each of the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations is associated with at least one of a BWP, a configuration grant, an SPS, a C-DRX, a traffic type, a priority, a cell, a communication link, and a physical channel.

[0346] (12) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the time slot configuration and / or symbol configuration is switched according to the communication.

[0347] (13) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the control unit selects a configuration of at least one of a time slot and a symbol to be used for the communication based on a notification from the other communication device.

[0348] (14) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control unit notifies the other communication devices of configuration information about the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations.

[0349] (15) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit

[0350] obtaining, from said other communication device, selection information on the configuration of time slots and / or symbols for said communication, and

[0351] Based on the obtained selection information, a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for the communication is selected.

[0352] (16) A communication method, comprising:

[0353] selecting a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations; and

[0354] Communicating with the other communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

[0355] (17) A communication system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein

[0356] The first communication device comprises a control unit that selects a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with the second communication device from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations, and communicates with the second communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration, and

[0357] The second communication device includes a control unit that acquires selection information about a time slot configuration and / or a symbol configuration selected by the first communication device and communicates with the first communication device using the acquired time slot configuration and / or the acquired symbol configuration.

[0358] Reference numerals list

[0359] 1. Communication System

[0360] 40Terminal equipment

[0361] 41,61 wireless communication unit

[0362] 42,62 storage units

[0363] 43,63Control Unit

[0364] 60 Base station equipment

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: control unit, the control unit selecting a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations, and Communicating with the other communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of time slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations are configurations in which the number of symbols per time slot is respectively different.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein parameter sets of the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations are the same.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple time slot configurations and / or the multiple symbol configurations have the same subcarrier spacing and / or cyclic prefix.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of time slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations respectively have different time slot start positions.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of time slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations have different symbol lengths, respectively.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the other communication devices of selection information on the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the selection information is included in system information and / or dedicated RRC signaling and is notified.

9. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the selection information is notified by using SSB.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit notifies the selection information according to a cycle of SSB or a transmission timing of SSB.

11. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of time slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations is associated with at least one of a BWP, a configuration grant, an SPS, a C-DRX, a traffic type, a priority, a cell, a communication link, and a physical channel.

12. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the time slot configuration and / or the symbol configuration is switched according to the communication.

13. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects a configuration of at least one of a time slot and a symbol to be used for the communication based on a notification from the other communication device.

14. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit notifies the other communication devices of configuration information on the plurality of time slot configurations and / or the plurality of symbol configurations.

15. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit obtaining, from said other communication device, selection information on the configuration of time slots and / or symbols for said communication, and Based on the obtained selection information, a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for the communication is selected.

16. A communication method, comprising: selecting a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with other communication devices from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations; as well as Communicating with the other communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration.

17. A communication system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein The first communication device comprises a control unit that selects a configuration of time slots and / or symbols for communication with the second communication device from a plurality of time slot configurations and / or a plurality of symbol configurations, and communicates with the second communication device using the selected time slot configuration and / or the selected symbol configuration, and The second communication device includes a control unit that acquires selection information about a time slot configuration and / or a symbol configuration selected by the first communication device and communicates with the first communication device using the acquired time slot configuration and / or the acquired symbol configuration.

Images