Terminal device communication

Abstract

A method, an apparatus and a computer program are described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communication with a terminal device, where the configuration information further comprises instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; receiving an activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal equipment; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to an activation signal transmitted to the terminal device by the transmitting node; and removing the estimated contribution of the activation signal transmitted by the transmission node to the terminal device from a response signal on the basis of an updated estimated channel response between the transmission node and the reception node when the activation signal is transmitted by the transmission node to the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments may relate to systems, methods, and / or computer programs for communicating with end devices such as Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices. Background Art

[0002] Arrangements for communicating with end devices such as AIoT devices are known. Further developments are still needed in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims (if any) are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] According to a first aspect, an apparatus (e.g., a reader device of a mobile communication system) is described, comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network node of the mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further comprises instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node. Means for receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; means for receiving, at the apparatus, an activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; means for receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal comprises a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; means for removing from the response signal an estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal. The configuration information may also comprise a validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information. The instantaneous propagation similarity information comprises instantaneous quasi-co-location information.

[0005] The apparatus may also include a component for estimating a channel response between a transmitting node and a receiving node based on a selected one of the reference signals (e.g., based on a definition in an ordered list of quasi co-location (QCL) information); and a component for modifying the estimated channel response to generate an updated estimated channel response when an activation signal is sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device, wherein the channel information is based on the updated estimated channel response. The apparatus may also include a component for defining a filter function based on a quasi-propagation similarity method, wherein the updated estimated channel response is estimated by applying the filter function to the estimated channel response.

[0006] Some example embodiments further comprise means for providing the terminal device detection result to the network node.The apparatus may further comprise means for receiving updated instantaneous propagation similarity information from the network node in response to the terminal device detection result.

[0007] The selected one of the reference signals is defined by the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0008] Some example embodiments further comprise means for determining a terminal device detection result.

[0009] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is described, comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communication with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further comprises instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; means for transmitting reference signals in accordance with the configuration information; and means for transmitting an activation signal to the terminal device in accordance with the configuration information. The apparatus may be the transmitting node (e.g., an activator node). The apparatus may comprise a gNB or a UE. The configuration information further comprises a validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information. The instantaneous propagation similarity information comprises instantaneous quasi-co-location information.

[0010] According to a third aspect, an apparatus (e.g., a network node of a mobile communication system) is described, comprising: means for providing configuration information identifying the transmitting node and the receiving node to a transmitting node and a receiving node for terminal device communication, wherein the configuration information further comprises instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; and means for receiving a terminal device detection result from the receiving node. The configuration information may also include a validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information. The instantaneous propagation similarity information comprises instantaneous quasi-co-location information.

[0011] Some example embodiments further include: means for providing updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the terminal device detection result.The apparatus may also include means for generating updated instantaneous propagation similarity information by selectively reconfiguring or disabling the propagation similarity information.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information also includes instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node. Receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; receiving an activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; and removing an estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the response signal, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal. The configuration information may also include a validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information. The instantaneous propagation similarity information includes instantaneous quasi-co-location information.

[0013] The method may further include estimating a channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node based on the selected one of the reference signals; and modifying the estimated channel response to generate an updated estimated channel response when the transmitting node sends an activation signal to the terminal device, wherein the channel information is based on the updated estimated channel response. The method may further include defining a filter function based on a quasi-propagation similarity method, wherein the updated estimated channel response is estimated by applying the filter function to the estimated channel response.

[0014] Some example embodiments may further comprise providing the terminal device detection result to the network node.The method may further comprise receiving updated instantaneous propagation similarity information from the network node in response to the terminal device detection result.

[0015] The selected one of the reference signals is defined by the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0016] Some example embodiments further comprise determining an end device detection result.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further comprises transient propagation similarity information, the transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; transmitting the reference signal in accordance with the configuration information; and transmitting an activation signal to the terminal device in accordance with the configuration information. The configuration information may further comprise a validity period for transient propagation of the transient similarity information. The transient propagation similarity information comprises transient quasi-co-location information.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect, a method is described, comprising: providing configuration information identifying the transmitting node and the receiving node to the transmitting node and the receiving node for terminal device communication, wherein the configuration information also includes instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; and receiving a terminal device detection result from the receiving node. The configuration information also includes a validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information. The instantaneous propagation similarity information includes instantaneous quasi-co-location information. Some example embodiments further include providing updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the terminal device detection result. The method may also include generating updated instantaneous propagation similarity information by selectively reconfiguring or disabling the propagation similarity information.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect, a computer-readable instruction is provided which, when executed by a computing device, causes the computing device to (at least) perform any method described herein (including the methods of the fourth to sixth aspects above).

[0020] According to an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is provided, which includes program instructions stored thereon for (at least) executing any method described herein (including the methods of the fourth to sixth aspects above).

[0021] According to the ninth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the memory comprising computer program code, which, when the computer program code is executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to (at least) perform any method described herein (including the methods of the fourth to sixth aspects above). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is a message flow diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Figures 3 to 6 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 9is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 is a message flow diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating modules according to an example embodiment;

[0033] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating components of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0034] Figure 15 An example of a tangible medium for storing computer-readable code is shown. The computer-readable code, when executed by a computer, can perform the method according to the above-described exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] System 10 includes a transmitting node 12, a receiving node 14, and a terminal device 16. The transmitting node and the receiving node may be nodes of a mobile communication system and may be, for example, a user equipment (UE), a base station, or a global node B (gNB) or the like. As described in detail below, the transmitting node can also operate as a receiving node (e.g., receiving signals from a network node). Similarly, the receiving node can operate as a transmitting node (e.g., sending signals to a network node). However, from the perspective of terminal device 16, transmitting node 12 is transmitting signals and receiving node 14 is receiving signals.

[0037] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG, a transmitting node 12 may transmit a radio signal to a terminal device 16. The terminal device 16 may modify the radio signal in some manner and retransmit the modified radio signal so that the retransmitted signal can be detected by the receiving node 14. For example, the terminal device 16 may use a backscattering process to modify the transmitted signal.

[0038] The terminal device 16 can be a battery-free device or a device with limited energy storage capacity, and can provide energy by collecting radio waves, visible light, other electromagnetic radiation, motion, etc. Such a device can be suitable for operating as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). In some examples, IoT devices that rely in part on collected ambient energy can be referred to as the Environmental Internet of Things (AIoT). Environmental IoT can be used in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, transportation, energy, etc. In some example embodiments described below, the terminal device is an AIoT device that uses backscatter to provide an AIoT response. It should be noted that backscatter is not required for all example embodiments.

[0039] End devices (e.g., AIoT devices) that can harvest energy and communicate wirelessly have advantages, such as in applications where running wires and / or regularly replacing batteries is impractical. For example, in manufacturing or logistics, if a large number of devices are to be used, or if the items to which these devices are to be fixed must be lightweight and / or portable, then providing wired devices or devices with large batteries may be cost-prohibitive. In addition, if the device (such as a sensor) may be subject to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, humidity, vibration, etc.), then energy harvesting may be more practical than providing a wired connection or regularly replacing batteries.

[0040] Methods for communicating via passive devices are provided. For example, as discussed in detail below, it is possible for some devices to modulate data into a backscatter signal upon receiving an appropriate activation signal. The source of the activation signal may be the intended recipient of the data modulated into the backscatter signal, or the source may be some other device.

[0041] Devices capable of performing the above energy harvesting may, for example, be referred to as ambient Internet of Things devices (AIoT devices). Three types of AIoT devices have been proposed:

[0042] Type A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e. backscatter transmission.

[0043] Type B: With energy storage but no independent signal generation, i.e. backscatter transmission. Utilization of stored energy may include amplification of the reflected signal.

[0044] Type C: has energy storage and independent signal generation, i.e. active RF components for transmission.

[0045] Type A and Type B AIoT devices are usually unable to connect to the network if they do not receive an activation signal, while Type C AIoT devices are usually unable to connect to the network if they have insufficient energy.

[0046] For example, power consumption targets for different types of AIoT devices may be:

[0047] Type A≤1μW or ≤10μW

[0048] Type A < Type B < Type C

[0049] Type C≤1mW≤10mW

[0050] Similarly, device complexity targets for different types of AIoT devices could be, for example:

[0051] Type A: Equivalent to UHF RFID

[0052] Type A ≤ Type B ≤ Type C

[0053] Type C: Lower than NB-IoT

[0054] Reading an AIoT or similar device (e.g., reading the output of the terminal device 16 at the receiving node 14) can be a challenging task due to, for example, the inherent properties of the AIoT radio. For example, AIoT Type A and Type B do not have independent power supplies, are typically mobile, and due to low receiver complexity, can only hear other radio devices (e.g., transmitting node 12) when they are physically close (e.g., within a radius of 5-10m). For these reasons, AIoT radio devices (commonly referred to as tags) are generally unable to perform typical initial access procedures such as paging responses, random access, and neighboring cell monitoring procedures. In addition, new AIoT devices are introduced into the area, and the mobility, data collection, and transmission capabilities of the tags should be transparent to the relevant networks. As a result of these limitations, mobile communication networks (e.g., new radio (NR) networks NW) are generally unable to apply traditional NR UR paging operations.

[0055] In system 10, if the terminal device receives an activation signal from the sending node with sufficient strength (e.g., strength sufficient to charge a type A or type B terminal device), the receiving node 14 can read the terminal device 16 (e.g., an AIoT device), and the terminal device can generate a signal sufficient to be detected at the receiving node 14 in response to the activation signal received from the sending node.

[0056] It may be difficult to enable the terminal device 16 to generate signals such as:

[0057] Multiple end devices (e.g., multiple AIoT devices) may respond on the same time-frequency resources and therefore interfere with each other during their responses. This type of interference is sometimes referred to as tag-to-tag (TT) interference, and it may affect the ability of the receiving node 14 to distinguish between AIoT devices that respond simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources.

[0058] The end device 16 may respond / reflect on the same carrier as the activation signal sent by the sending node 12. Because the physical area of an AIoT device is typically small, the power level of the reflected signal will typically be orders of magnitude lower than the activation signal itself, and a phenomenon known as activator-to-tag (AT) interference sometimes occurs. In other words, the AIoT response may be overwhelmed by the activation signal, and the reader must be able to isolate the activation signal before attempting to detect the tag.

[0059] Figure 2 is a message flow diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in accordance with an example embodiment. Message flow sequence 20 illustrates example messages exchanged between the sending node 12, the receiving node 14, and the terminal device 16 and network node 18 of the system 10 described above.

[0060] As discussed above, the terminal device 16 can be an AIoT device. The sending node 12 and the receiving node 16 can be an activator device and a reader device, respectively, for communicating with the terminal device. The network node 18 can be, for example, a location management function (LMF) of a mobile communication system, a serving gNB, or some other network node. As described above, the sending node can also operate as a receiving node (e.g., receiving signals from the network node 18). Similarly, the receiving node can operate as a sending node (e.g., sending signals to the network node). However, from the perspective of the terminal device 16, the sending node 12 is sending the signal and the receiving node 14 is receiving the signal.

[0061] The message sequence 20 begins with the network node 18 providing configuration information (in a message 22) to both the sending node 12 and the receiving node 14. The message 22 may provide configuration information identifying one or more of the sending node, the receiving node, and the terminal device. The configuration information provided in the message 22 may include instantaneous propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi co-location (QCL) information) that provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node 12 to the receiving node 14, along with a validity period for the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0062] The sending node 12 provides one or more reference signals (eg, message 23) that are received at the receiving node 14. The reference signal(s) may be used to estimate the channel between the sending node and the receiving node, as discussed in detail below.

[0063] Then, the sending node 12 sends a signal (message 24) to the end device 16. The message 24 is also received at the receiving node 14. The message 24 may be an activation signal for the end device (e.g., an activation signal for an AIoT device).

[0064] In response to the signal received in message 24, the end device 16 transmits a response signal (message 25) that is received at the receiving node 14. The response signal 25 (e.g., an AIoT response) is transmitted in response to the signal transmitted in message 24. For example, message 26 may be generated at the end device by backscattering.

[0065] As discussed in detail below, the channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node can be determined based on a selected one of the reference signals received in message 23. The channel estimate can be modified to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node when sending message 24, which can be relevant, for example, if the nodes of system 10 are moving. The updated estimated channel response can then be used to remove the estimated contribution of the signal (message 24) sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the total signal (message 25), so that the response signal 25 (e.g., the AIoT response) can be isolated. The selected one of the reference signals used to determine the channel response can be defined by the configuration message 22.

[0066] In the context of the AIoT system described above, the message sequence 20 can be used to enable the channel response of the activation channel to be determined at the receiving node 14 before the AIoT device reads the session. A reading method can then be applied that uses the contribution of the sent activation signal (message 24) to be removed (at least to a reasonable degree of approximation) from the signal received at the receiving node 14 when the response signal 25 is provided by the end node 16. Thus, the AIoT response can be isolated from the activation signal.

[0067] In message 26, network node 18 receives a terminal device detection result message 26 from receiving node 14. As discussed further below, in response to terminal device detection result 26, network node 18 may provide updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to receiving node 14 in an update message 27.

[0068] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 30. Algorithm 30 may be implemented, for example, at a sending node 12 (e.g., an activator device of an AIoT system).

[0069] Algorithm 30 begins at operation 32, where configuration information is received at a sending node (such as an activator device) from a network node of a mobile communication system. The configuration information identifies a sending node (e.g., an activator device) and a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) for communicating with a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device). As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include instantaneous propagation similarity information and a validity period for the instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sender device to the receiver device.

[0070] At operation 34, one or more reference signals are transmitted (by the transmitting node) according to the configuration information.

[0071] At operation 36 , a signal (eg, an activation signal) is sent according to the configuration information.

[0072] Figure 4 1 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 40. Algorithm 40 may be implemented, for example, at an end device 16 (eg, an AIoT device).

[0073] A transmission is received at operation 42. The transmission may be an activator signal, and may be the signal sent in operation 36 described above.

[0074] A response to the transmission is provided at operation 44. For example, the response may be provided using backscatter, although this is not necessary for all exemplary embodiments. For example, the response may be independently generated at the terminal device without backscatter (e.g., if the terminal device includes an energy storage device such as a battery).

[0075] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 50. Algorithm 50 may be implemented, for example, at a receiving node 14 (e.g., a reader device of an AIoT system).

[0076] Algorithm 50 begins at operation 52, where configuration information is received at a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) from a network node of a mobile communication system. The configuration information identifies a receiving node and a sending node (e.g., an activator device) for communicating with a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device). As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include instantaneous propagation similarity information and a validity period for the instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitter device to the receiver device.

[0077] At operation 53, one or more reference signals are received (from the transmitting node) according to the configuration information.

[0078] At operation 54 , a signal (eg, an activation signal) transmitted according to the configuration information is received.

[0079] At operation 55, a signal is received from a terminal device. The signal received in operation 55 may be processed as discussed in detail below.

[0080] Finally, at operation 56, a detection result related to the success of algorithm 50 is determined. This result may be an AIoT device detection result. In some example embodiments, the configuration received in operation 52 includes a request to provide an indication of the results of using the transient propagation similarity information. The detection result provided in operation 56 may be provided in response to this request.

[0081] Figure 6 6 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 60. Algorithm 60 may be implemented, for example, at a network node 18 (e.g., a serving gNB or LMF).

[0082] Algorithm 60 begins at operation 62 where configuration information is provided. The configuration information may be received at a sending node (see operation 32 above) and at a receiving node (see operation 52 above). As discussed above, the configuration information may identify a sender device and a reader device.

[0083] As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include a request to provide an indication of a result of the use of the transient propagation similarity information; and / or an indication of a time period between transmission of the reference signal and transmission of the activation signal.

[0084] At operation 64, a result is received (eg, a decision result generated as in operation 56). The result may be an ambient IoT device detection result.

[0085] As described above, the sending node 12 may receive configuration information from the network node 18 that identifies the sending node 12 and the receiving node 14 for the terminal device 16. The sending node 12 transmits the signals in the above-mentioned messages 23 and 24 according to the configuration information. As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include instantaneous propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi co-location (QCL) information) along with a validity period for the instantaneous propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node to the receiving node.

[0086] Thus, the receiving node 14 receives one or more reference signals from the sending node 12, receives a signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device, and receives a response signal comprising a response generated at the terminal device in response to the signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device.

[0087] As discussed in detail below, receiving node 14 may receive configuration information from network node 18 that identifies sending node 12 and receiving node 14 for communicating with terminal device 16. Receiving node 14 may provide the terminal device detection results to the network node.

[0088] In an example embodiment discussed in detail below, a method is provided for predicting and eliminating activator-to-tag (AT) interference in an AIoT system (or similar system) by using information about the degree of similarity between the channel propagated by an end device (e.g., an AIoT device) and other channels of other reference signals. Note that this similarity can be expressed in the form of identical delay spread / Doppler spread, angle of arrival / angle of departure, etc.

[0089] A signaling framework is proposed to associate the activation signal with one or more reference signals (DL (activator is the gNB) and UL or SL (activator is the UE), or a previous activation signal), for example by defining:

[0090] One or more transient AIoT QCL types, including an existing and / or enhanced list of QCL types, and how the hierarchy of different types applies, or

[0091] o The instantaneous AIoT TCI state ID, which specifies the QCL’s signal groups and their respective types, and

[0092] o Indication of the time (or interval) between different QCL signals. For example, between the QCL signal and the activation signal.

[0093] • The type of AIOT QCL transientness (eg, how long is the validity period for activation channel similarity relative to the channel of the signal of one or more QCLs).

[0094] Corrective signals and actions to be taken when the QCL type expires prematurely.

[0095] A receiving node (e.g., a reader device) can use the QCL association type to generate a processed received signal (e.g., to compensate for RF RX imperfections) and combine it with a learned activation channel to suppress the activation signal in the spatial domain and / or time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0096] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by the reference numeral 70. The system 70 includes a first module 72 for estimating a reference channel and a second module 74 for modifying the channel estimate generated by the first module.

[0097] The first module 72 receives reference signal(s) transmitted by the transmitting node 12 (and, for example, the reference signal(s) received in operation 53 described above). The first module 72 uses at least one of the one or more received reference signals to generate a channel estimate for the channel.

[0098] Because the channel may change over time (because the various nodes of the system are mobile), when the sending node sends an activation signal to the terminal device, the second module 74 uses the estimated channel response generated by the first module 72 to generate an updated estimated channel response between the sending node and the receiving node.

[0099] Figure 8 8 is a block diagram of a system generally indicated by reference numeral 80 according to an example embodiment. The system 80 includes a first module 82 for estimating the contribution of a signal sent by a transmitting node to a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device) to a signal received at a receiving node. The first module 82 can utilize the modified channel estimate generated by the second module 74 of the system 70 described above.

[0100] The second module 84 removes the estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device from the response signal.The output of the second module 84 is therefore an estimate of the response to the activation signal provided by the terminal device.

[0101] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 90, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 90 may be implemented by a receiving node, such as receiving node 14 described above. Algorithm 90 shares many similarities with algorithm 50 described above.

[0102] Algorithm 90 begins at operation 91, where configuration information is received (at a receiving node) from a network node of a mobile communication system, such as network node 18. The configuration information identifies a transmitting node (e.g., transmitting node 12) and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 16). The configuration information also includes instantaneous propagation similarity information that provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node. The propagation similarity information is "instantaneous" because the information can change (e.g., due to movement of one or more elements in the system).

[0103] At operation 92, one or more reference signals are received at a receiving node (eg, a reader device) from a sending node (eg, an activator device). Thus, operations 91 and 92 are similar to operations 52 and 53 of algorithm 50 described above.

[0104] At operation 93, an activation signal (such as sent by a sending node to a terminal device) and a response to the activation signal (e.g., an AIoT response) are received at a receiving node, for example, a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device.

[0105] At operation 94, a channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node is estimated based on one of the reference signals selected from the reference signals sent from the transmitting node to the receiving node in operation 92. As described below, the reference signal(s) may be selected based on instantaneous propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-QCL information). Operation 94 may be implemented, for example, by the first module 72 of the system 70 described above.

[0106] At operation 95 , the channel response in operation 94 is modified when the transmitting node sends an activation signal to the terminal device to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node. Operation 95 may be implemented by the second module 74 of the system 70 described above, for example.

[0107] At operation 96, based on a combination of the channel information based on at least one of the reference signals and the activation signal received in operation 92, the estimated contribution of the signal received in operation 93 to the activation signal is removed. For example, operation 96 may include removing the estimated contribution of the activation signal to the signal received in operation 93 based on an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node when the activation signal is transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device (e.g., as generated in operation 95). Operation 96 may be implemented, for example, by the system 80 described above.

[0108] It should be noted that in some example embodiments, operations 94 and 95 may be omitted (e.g., the updated channel response may be generated elsewhere or in some other manner, or the combination of channel information and activation signal may be generated in some other manner).

[0109] As mentioned above, the propagation similarity information is “transient.” The algorithm may include receiving updated transient propagation similarity information from the network node in response to said terminal device detection result.

[0110] Figure 10 is a message flow diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 100 in accordance with an example embodiment. Sequence 100 is an example implementation of algorithm 90.

[0111] Message sequence 100 illustrates messages sent between a network 101 (such as network node 18), a first activator device 102 and a second activator device 103 (such as sending node 12), a network node 104, a reader device 105 (such as receiving node 14), and a first tag 106 and a second tag 107 (such as terminal device 16), and actions taken at these nodes. Figure 10 The tags shown in the message sequence 100 may be AIoT devices. It should be noted that the number of each type of node shown in the message sequence 100 is provided as an example only, and different numbers of network nodes, activators, readers, and tags / AIoT devices may be provided in other example embodiments.

[0112] Sequence 100 seeks to exploit the transient quasi-co-location of activation signals to other reference signals, enabling reader device 105 to gain knowledge of the activation channel response prior to tag reading. This knowledge can be exploited to isolate the tag signal from the activation signal at the reader edge.

[0113] Note that the standard QCL framework described in this paper is transient due to the mobility mechanism of the signal source. In other words, the QCL is not static, and the QCL type can also change over time due to the moving source, in contrast to standard QCLs defined at each fixed TRP level. For the reasons mentioned above, when the QCL type is deviated, the QCL type needs to be improved and / or corrected, thus requiring a new interaction between QCL users and QCL sources.

[0114] The message sequence 100 includes the following steps.

[0115] The network 101 (e.g., LMF, serving gNB) configures the activation signal transmission by the activator device 101 or 102 (where the device can be, for example, a UE or gNB). This configuration typically consists of at least the time, frequency, and code source for the activation signal. In addition, the configuration may also include:

[0116] An ordered list of instantaneous AIoT QCL types (e.g., A / B / C / D / other, discussed in detail below) of one or more reference signals preceding the activation signal. For example, for FR1, if the activator device 102, 103 is a UE, the activation signal may be type A with QCL for UL SRS, SL RS (e.g., SL CSI-RS, UL DMRS), or with a previous activation signal for another tag. Alternatively, the TCI state may be configured with a list indicating at least the QCL types of one or more reference signals, e.g., QCL type A with UL SRS, QCL type D with UL DMRS, etc. The ordering of the list indicates the order in which the QCL should be applied when the activation signal is co-located with more than one other signal.

[0117] Validity period for the QCL type. This is relevant because at least some nodes are mobile. This ensures that the QCL remains up-to-date and complies with the mobility profile of the activator radio. The validity period can be expressed as a number of sampling frequencies from the time the configuration was received. At the end of the validity period of the QCL type, the NR NW refreshes the QCL type.

[0118] QCL usage result request. The NW 101 requests an evaluation of the correctness of the QCL type and / or its validity period. In other words, the NW uses assistance from the reader device to improve the AIoT QCL definition.

[0119] • The time indication (or interval) between different QCL signals, for example the time indication between the start of the reference signal and the start of activation of the QCL.

[0120] The NR NW 101 sends the activation signal configuration of the new QCL activation information to both the activator device and the reader device. Depending on whether the activator / reader device is a UE or a gNB, the configuration can be implemented via RRC IE / MAC CE / LPP or via the backhaul Xn / NRPPa interface, respectively. Note that if the NR NW element is a LMF, LPP / NRPPa can be used.

[0121] The activator devices 101 , 102 perform their Uu functionality until the AIoT session starts (including the transmission of reference signal(s) defined as QCLs with future activation signals).

[0122] The reader device 105 monitors the QCL's reference signal(s) and estimates the RS channel response(s).Depending on the QCL type(s), the reader device uses the estimated RS channel response to construct an approximation of the activation signal response.

[0123] The activator device 102 , 103 sends a configured activation signal.

[0124] Tags 106 , 107 (eg, AIoT devices) reflect the activation signal without amplification (for Type B and Type A, respectively), or actively generate an AIoT response (for tag type C).

[0125] The reader device 105 observes the received signal, which consists of the activation signal contribution and the AIoT response. Using the learned channel response, the reader device applies a combination of the learned activation channel, the transmitted activation signal, and the received total signal, and isolates the residual signal, which contains the AIoT response convolved with the tag channel response. The residual signal is then used to isolate the AIoT response.

[0126] The reader device reports the results of the tag detection back to the NR NW. The reader uses the detection results to verify or otherwise request correction of the AIoT QCL type.

[0127] The reader device 105 reports the QCL verification result to the NW 101 and can request a correction of the QCL type if the detection result is poor / negative. The reader device can report AIoT verification per pair of signals, or on a per AIoT response basis.

[0128] NW 101 evaluates the QCL correction request and can redefine the QCL type for a signal pair, or disabling its refinement altogether is possible.

[0129] This corrective action is sent to the reader device.Such corrective action may consist of redefining the QCL type, and / or changing its validity period, and / or disabling the QCL altogether.

[0130] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment, generally indicated by reference numeral 110. Algorithm 110 illustrates steps that may be implemented by a network node, such as network nodes 18 and 101 described above.

[0131] Algorithm 110 begins at operation 112, where an indication of a result of using the initial transient propagation similarity information is received from a receiving node of the mobile communication system (e.g., a reader device as described above). The result may be provided in response to a request to provide an indication of a result of using the initial transient propagation similarity information, which may form part of the configuration information described above.

[0132] At operation 114, an evaluation is made as to whether corrective action is required, and if so, the instantaneous propagation similarity information is updated accordingly.

[0133] At operation 116 , the network node provides updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the result received in operation 112 .

[0134] The corrective action may include at least one of: redefining the instantaneous propagation similarity information; changing the validity period of the instantaneous propagation similarity information; or disabling the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0135] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 120, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 120 illustrates steps that may be implemented by a receiving node (eg, a reader device).

[0136] Algorithm 120 begins at operation 122, where an indication of a result of using the initial instantaneous propagation similarity information is provided to a network node of the mobile communication system. The result may be the result received in operation 112. As described above, the result may be provided in response to a request to provide an indication of a result of using the initial instantaneous propagation similarity information, which may form part of the configuration information.

[0137] At operation 124, in response to the terminal device detection result, updated instantaneous propagation similarity information is received from the network node. The update may be the update generated in the above operation 116. The updated instantaneous propagation similarity information may include at least one of the following: redefined instantaneous propagation similarity information; instantaneous propagation similarity information with a different validity period; or disabled initial instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0138] At operation 126, the instantaneous propagation similarity information is updated accordingly (at the receiving node).

[0139] Figure 13 is a block diagram of module 130 according to an example embodiment. Module 130 is a signal detection module that receives signals such as the activation and response signals discussed above with reference to operation 93 and a channel estimate such as the modified channel response discussed above with reference to operation 95. Module 130 generates an estimated response by seeking to cancel the activation signal, thereby implementing operation 96 described above.

[0140] In some example embodiments, a filter function is defined based on a quasi-propagation similarity method, wherein an updated estimated channel response is estimated by applying the filter function to the estimated channel response.

[0141] The following describes a number of embodiments that can be used to implement the receiver module. These depend on the "type" of the transient propagation similarity information (eg, quasi-QCL type).

[0142] For Example 1 of "Type A": {Doppler shift fD, Doppler spread dfD, mean delay tm, delay spread dt}:

[0143] When the activation signal a(t) and another reference signal s(t) (e.g., DMRS, CSI-RS, past activation signal) are of QCL type A, this indicates that the two channels have similar time and frequency selectivity, or in other words, the correlation in the time and frequency domains is approximately the same. In this case, the UE may apply the following procedure, hereinafter referred to as method type A:

[0144] • Use a reference signal (RS) s(t) and estimate the RS channel response in either the time domain h(t) or the frequency domain H(f).

[0145] Use s(t) to estimate fD, dfD, tm, and dt.

[0146] Use (fD, dFD, tm, dt) and generate a time domain with g (fD，dFD，tm，dt) (t) or frequency domain G (fD，dFD，tm，dt) A typical choice of such a filter could be a 2D robust Wiener filter.

[0147] The UE can then filter the RS channel response h(t) using the generated filter to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain:

[0148] v(t)=(g (fD，dFD，tm，dt) *h)(t) or

[0149] V(f)=G fD，dFD，tm，dt (f)·H(f)

[0150] For Example 2 of "Type B": {Doppler shift fD, Doppler spread dfD}:

[0151] In the case where the activation signal a(t) is of type B QCL with RS s(t), then this indicates that the two channels have similar frequency selectivity, or in other words, the UE's speed relative to the two signal sources is the same and the spread of the signatures of the two channels in the angular domain is also the same. In this case, the UE may apply the following procedure, hereinafter referred to as method type B:

[0152] Use RS s(t) and estimate the response of the RS channel in the time domain h(t) or the frequency domain H(f).

[0153] Use s(t) to estimate fD and dfD.

[0154] Use (fD, dFD) and generate a time domain with g (fD，dFD) (t) or frequency domain G (fD，dFD) A typical choice of such a filter could be a 1D robust Wiener filter.

[0155] The UE can then filter the RS channel response h(t) using the generated filter to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain:

[0156] v(t)=(g (fD，dFD) *h)(t) or

[0157] V(f)=G fD，dFD (f)·H(f)

[0158] For Example 3 of "Type C": {Doppler shift fD, mean delay tm}:

[0159] In the case where the activation signal a(t) is type B of QCL with RS s(t), then this indicates that the speed of the UE relative to the two signal sources is the same, and similarly, the average delay is approximately the same.

[0160] In this case (method type C), the UE may approximate the delay spread of the activation signal dt to a conservative value, eg, corresponding to the CP duration.

[0161] Similarly, for Doppler spread, the UE can consider a uniform distribution of the angles of arrival of the principal taps from all directions Unif[0, 2π]. This can then be used to calculate the Doppler spread dfD, for example, as twice the Doppler frequency shift fD. The UE can then proceed as in Example 1:

[0162] • Use RS s(t) and estimate the response of the RS channel in the time domain h(t) or frequency domain H(t).

[0163] Use s(t) to estimate fD, dfD, tm, and dt.

[0164] Use (fD, dFD, tm, dt) and generate a time domain with g (fD，dFD，tm，dt) (t) or frequency domain G (fD，dFD，tm，dt) A typical choice of such a filter could be a 2D robust Wiener filter.

[0165] The UE can then filter the RS channel response h(t) using the generated filter to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain:

[0166] v(t)=(g (fD，dFD,tm，dt) *h)(t) or

[0167] V(f)=G fD，dFD,tm,dt (f)·H(f)

[0168] For Example 4 of "Type D": {Spatial Rx Parameters}:

[0169] In the case where the activation signal a(t) is of type D QCL with RS s(t), this indicates that the two signals have the same direction of arrival. Therefore, the UE can use the same RX combiner / beam as it used for s(t) to collect signal a(t), and thus forgo the alternative exhaustive beam search required to receive the activation signal. This is referred to as method type D.

[0170] Example 5:

[0171] Once the activation channel (v(t), V(f)) has been reconstructed using one of the above embodiments 1 to 4, the received activation signal can be reconstructed by time domain convolution / frequency domain multiplication, for example, r(t) = (a*v)(t).

[0172] Once the received activation signal is reconstructed, it can now be subtracted from the total received signal and the remaining signal is used to detect the tag response.

[0173] For Example 6 with multiple QCL pairs of multiple signals:

[0174] In another embodiment, the activation signal a(t) may indicate multiple QCL pairs. In this case, the reader may sequentially apply the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0175] For example, if a reader receives two different signal QCL types, say Type A and Type B, the reader can:

[0176] Apply Example 1 (corresponding to QCL type A) and obtain a first approximation of the active channel

[0177] • Then, apply embodiment 2 (corresponding to QCL type B) and use the first approximation as initial value, then calculate the second approximation of the active channel, and so on.

[0178] Example 7 for multiple QCL pairs with the same signal:

[0179] In another example, if the reader receives 2 QCL types with the same signal, such as type A and type D, the reader can apply embodiment 1 to both (corresponding to QCL type A) and use the same RX beam (corresponding to QCL type D) to obtain an approximate activation channel response.

[0180] For the sake of completeness, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of components of one or more of the example embodiments described previously, which are collectively referred to below as processing system 300. Processing system 300 may be, for example, an apparatus as recited in the following claims.

[0181] Processing system 300 may include a processor 302, memory 304 tightly coupled to the processor and including RAM 314 and ROM 312, and optionally, a user input 310 and a display 318. Processing system 300 may include one or more network / device interfaces 308 for connecting to a network / device, such as a wired or wireless modem. Network / device interface 308 may also operate as a connection to other devices, such as devices / devices that are not network-side devices. Thus, direct connections between devices / devices without network involvement are possible.

[0182] The processor 302 is connected to each of the other components to control the operation thereof.

[0183] The memory 304 may include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The ROM 312 of the memory 304 stores an operating system 315 and may store software applications 316. The RAM 314 of the memory 304 is used by the processor 302 to temporarily store data. The operating system 315 may include code that, when executed by the processor, implements aspects of the algorithms and sequences 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 100, 110, and 120 described above. Note that in the case of small devices / apparatuses, the memory may be best suited for small size use, i.e., a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) is not always used.

[0184] Processor 302 may take any suitable form. For example, it may be a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a processor, or multiple processors.

[0185] The processing system 300 can be a standalone computer, server, console, or network thereof. The processing system 300 and the required structural components can all be inside a device / apparatus, such as an IoT device / apparatus, i.e., embedded in a very small size.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the processing system 300 may also be associated with external software applications. These applications may be applications stored on a remote server device / apparatus and may be partially or completely executed on the remote server device / apparatus. These applications may be referred to as cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 300 may communicate with the remote server device / apparatus in order to utilize the software applications stored on the remote server device / apparatus.

[0187] Figure 15 A tangible medium in the form of a removable storage unit 365 is shown storing computer-readable code that, when executed by a computer, can perform the methods according to the exemplary embodiments described above. Removable storage unit 365 can be a memory stick, such as a USB memory stick, having internal memory 366 storing the computer-readable code. The computer system can access internal memory 366 via connector 367. Of course, other forms of tangible storage media can be used, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Tangible media can be any device / apparatus capable of storing data / information, where the data / information can be exchanged between devices / apparatuses / networks.

[0188] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside in memory or any computer medium. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, "memory" or "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory medium or component that can contain, store, convey, propagate, or transmit instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0189] Where relevant, references to "computer-readable media," "computer program products," "tangibly embodied computer programs," or the like, or to "processors," "processing circuitry," or the like, should be understood to include not only computers having different architectures, such as single-processor / multi-processor architectures and sequential / parallel architectures, but also dedicated circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices / apparatuses, and other devices / apparatuses. References to computer programs, instructions, code, or the like should be understood to refer to software for programmable processor firmware, such as the programmable content of a hardware device / apparatus as instructions for a processor, or configurations or configuration settings for a fixed-function device / apparatus, gate array, programmable logic device / apparatus, or the like.

[0190] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the functions described above may be optional or may be combined. Similarly, it should also be understood that Figures 2 to 6 and Figures 9 to 12 The flowcharts and sequences shown are merely examples, and the various operations described therein may be omitted, reordered, and / or combined.

[0191] It should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are purely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Other changes and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art after reading this specification.

[0192] Furthermore, the disclosure of this application should be understood to include any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed explicitly or implicitly in this disclosure, or any generalization thereof, and new claims may be formulated during the prosecution of this application or any application derived therefrom to cover any such feature and / or combination of such features.

[0193] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, further aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features of the described example embodiments and / or dependent claims with features of the independent claims, not just the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0194] It should also be noted herein that although various examples are described above, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, numerous changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a sending node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further comprises transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node to the receiving node; means for receiving one or more reference signals from the sending node; means for receiving, at the apparatus, an activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; means for receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal comprises a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; as well as A component for removing an estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device from the response signal, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for estimating a channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node based on the selected one of the reference signals; as well as means for modifying the estimated channel response to generate an updated estimated channel response when the activation signal is sent by the sending node to the terminal device, wherein the channel information is based on the updated estimated channel response.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: means for defining a filter function based on a quasi-propagation similarity method, wherein the updated estimated channel response is estimated by applying the filter function to the estimated channel response.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A component for providing a terminal device detection result to the network node.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: means for receiving updated instantaneous propagation similarity information from the network node in response to the terminal device detection result.

6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the selected one of the reference signals is defined by the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A component for determining a detection result of the terminal device.

8. A device for communication, comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a sending node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further comprises transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node to the receiving node; A component for sending the reference signal according to the configuration information; A component for sending an activation signal to the terminal device according to the configuration information.

9. A device for communication, comprising: means for providing configuration information identifying the sending node and the receiving node to a sending node and a receiving node for terminal device communication, wherein the configuration information further comprises transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node to the receiving node; and A component for receiving a terminal device detection result from the receiving node.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: A component for providing updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the terminal device detection result.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: Means for generating said updated instantaneous propagation similarity information by selectively reconfiguring or disabling said propagation similarity information.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration information further comprises: The validity period for instantaneous propagation of the instantaneous similarity information.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instantaneous propagation similarity information comprises instantaneous quasi-co-location information.

14. A method for communication, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further includes transient propagation similarity information, the transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; receiving one or more reference signals from the sending node; receiving an activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal comprises a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; as well as An estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device is removed from the response signal, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further includes transient propagation similarity information, the transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; receiving one or more reference signals from the sending node; receiving an activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal comprises a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; as well as An estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device is removed from the response signal, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal.

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