Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

A first wireless communication device that communicates with a second wireless communication device is provided with: a reception unit that receives a signal; and a control unit that selects a path between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device, which is used in communication, on the basis of at least one of information relating to communication quality estimated on the basis of the signal and the number of relay devices between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication devices and wireless communication methods. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has standardized the 5th generation mobile communication system (also known as 5G, New Radio (NR) or Next Generation (NG)). Furthermore, the standardization of the next generation, known as Beyond 5G, 5G Evolution or 6G, is also underway.

[0003] In NR, research is underway on the introduction of wireless devices such as RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface) in order to achieve higher data rates and a wider coverage range, in addition to user terminals (also referred to as UE (User Equipment) or simply terminals) and wireless base stations (also referred to as base stations) (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 151016 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, there is still room for research into the path selection method for multi-hop wireless devices that are currently being investigated.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method capable of appropriately selecting multi-hop paths via a wireless device under investigation.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication device that is a first wireless communication device communicating with a second wireless communication device, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving signals; and a control unit for at least one of information related to communication quality estimated based on the signals, and the number of relay devices between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device, and for selecting a path between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device used in the communication. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A This is a diagram representing an example of a user located at a distance in the high-frequency band.

[0012] Figure 2B This is a diagram representing an example of a user outside the line of sight in the high-frequency band.

[0013] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating an example of communication utilizing the NCR structure.

[0014] Figure 3B This diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing RIS.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system architecture that incorporates RIS.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the near field (NF) and far field (FF) of RIS.

[0017] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of DFT-based beamforming (BF).

[0018] Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating an example of beam focusing accompanied by optimal phase.

[0019] Figure 6C This is a diagram illustrating an example of beam focusing accompanied by a near-range (NF) guide vector.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of SSB forwarding using RIS.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-hop NCR / RIS.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a RACH opportunity.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between SSB allocation and NCR / RIS hop count.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing the first example of the path between the base station and the UE.

[0025] Figure 12 It means based on Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of route information.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram representing the second example of the path between the base station and the UE.

[0027] Figure 14 It means based on Figure 13 The following is an example of route information in a diagram.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of NCR / RIS location information.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the delay in SSB.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a base station, terminal, and wireless device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle structure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] (One implementation method)

[0036] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates one embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are examples, and the application of this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0037] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure, existing technology is suitably used. However, this existing technology is, for example, existing LTE or existing NR, but is not limited to existing LTE or NR.

[0038] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure described below, terms such as SS (Synchronization Signal), PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal), SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal), PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel), PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), and PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel)) used in existing LTE or NR are used. This is for ease of description; signals, functions, etc., that are the same as these can also be referred to by other names. In addition, the above terms in NR correspond to NR-SS, NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, NR-PRACH, etc. However, even the signals used in NR are not necessarily explicitly labeled as "NR-".

[0039] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the duplex mode can be either TDD (Time Division Duplex), FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), or other modes (e.g., Flexible Duplex).

[0040] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the "configuration" of wireless parameters, etc., can be either a specific value being pre-configured or wireless parameters being set from a base station or terminal notification.

[0041] Wireless Communication Systems

[0042] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 10 is a wireless communication system that follows 5G NR or 6G NR and includes a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN 20) and a terminal 200 (hereinafter also referred to as UE (User Equipment) 200).

[0043] Alternatively, the wireless communication system 10 may also be a wireless communication system that follows a protocol known as Beyond 5G, 5G Evolution, or 6G.

[0044] NG-RAN20 includes base station 100 (hereinafter also referred to as gNB100). Furthermore, the number of gNBs and UEs is not limited to... Figure 1 Example shown.

[0045] NG-RAN20 actually comprises multiple NG-RAN nodes, specifically multiple gNBs (or ng-eNBs), and connects to a core network compliant with 5G or 6G. Additionally, NG-RAN20 and the core network can also be simply referred to as "network". Furthermore, below, gNB can also be rewritten as network (NW).

[0046] As an example, gNB100 is a 5G or 6G compliant base station and performs 5G or 6G compliant wireless communication with UE200.

[0047] In addition, Figure 1 In the example shown, a wireless device 300 is shown between gNB100 and UE200, which forwards signals. Hereinafter, wireless device 300 is sometimes also referred to as RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface).

[0048] For example, the wireless device 300 performs a forwarding operation, forwarding a signal transmitted from gNB100 to UE200. Alternatively, the wireless device 300 can also perform a forwarding operation, forwarding a signal transmitted from UE200 to gNB100. Furthermore, "forwarding" can also be rewritten as "relaying." Additionally, "operation" can also be rewritten as "processing," "control," etc. Furthermore, the following describes a RIS as an example of the wireless device 300 studied in NR.

[0049] The gNB100 and UE200 can also support MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) for generating more directional beams, carrier aggregation (CA) for bundling multiple component carriers (CC), and dual connectivity (DC) for communication between the UE and each of the two NG-RAN nodes by controlling the radio signals transmitted from multiple antenna elements.

[0050] Furthermore, the wireless communication system 10 can also support multiple frequency ranges (FRs). The wireless communication system 10 can also support FR1 and FR2. The frequency bands of each FR are as follows.

[0051] FR1: 410MHz~7.125GHz

[0052] • FR2: 24.25GHz~52.6GHz

[0053] In FR1, sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15kHz, 30kHz, or 60kHz can be used, with a bandwidth of 5~100MHz (BW). FR2 is at a higher frequency than FR1, and can also use SCS of 60kHz or 120kHz (including 240kHz), with a bandwidth of 50~400MHz (BW).

[0054] Additionally, SCS can also be interpreted as a parameter set (numerology). The parameter set is defined in 3GPP TS 38.300 and corresponds to a subcarrier spacing in the frequency domain.

[0055] Furthermore, the wireless communication system 10 can also support frequency bands higher than FR2. Specifically, the wireless communication system 10 can also support frequency bands exceeding 52.6 GHz, up to a maximum of 114.25 GHz. Such high-frequency bands can also be referred to as "FR2x" for convenience. When using a band domain exceeding 52.6 GHz, CP-OFDM (Cyclic Prefix-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) / DFT-S-OFDM (Discrete Fourier Transform-Spread-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) with a larger SCS can also be applied.

[0056] The time direction (t) can also be referred to as the time domain, symbol period, or symbol time, etc. Furthermore, the frequency direction can be referred to as the frequency domain, resource block, subcarrier, or bandwidth part (BWP), etc.

[0057] gNB100 can also send control information and configuration information of gNB100 to UE200 as downlink (DL) signals.

[0058] In addition, for example, gNB100 can also receive control information, data signals, and information related to the processing capabilities of UE200 (terminal capability (information); for example, UE capability) as uplink (UL) signals from UE200.

[0059] The wireless device 300 can also forward DL signals to the UE 200. Furthermore, the wireless device 300 can also forward UL signals to the gNB 100. Additionally, the UL signals received by the gNB 100 from the UE 200 and / or the DL signals received by the UE 200 from the gNB 100 can also be signals forwarded by the wireless device 300.

[0060] UE200 is a communication device with wireless communication capabilities, such as smartphones, portable phones, tablets, wearable terminals, and M2M (machine-to-machine) communication modules.

[0061] UE200 receives control signals or data signals from gNB100 via DL and transmits control signals or data signals to gNB100 via UL, thereby utilizing various communication services provided by wireless communication system 10. Furthermore, UE200 receives various reference signals transmitted from gNB100 and performs transmission path quality measurements based on the reception results of these reference signals.

[0062] The channels used in transmitting DL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, the data channel may include a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and the control channel may include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). For example, gNB100 uses PDCCH to send control information to UE200 and uses PDSCH to send DL data signals to UE200. Furthermore, PDSCH is an example of a downlink shared channel, and PDCCH is an example of a downlink control channel. Additionally, PDCCH can be rewritten to transmit downlink control information (DCI), control information, etc.

[0063] The reference signals included in the DL signal may also include at least one of the following: DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal), PTRS (Phase Tracking Reference Signal), CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Reference Signal), SRS (Sounding Reference Signal), and PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) for location information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulating the DL data signal and are transmitted using PDSCH.

[0064] The channels used in transmitting UL signals can also include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, a data channel can include a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and a control channel can include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). For example, UE200 uses PUCCH to transmit control information and uses PUSCH to transmit UL data signals. Furthermore, PUSCH is an example of an uplink shared channel, and PUCCH is an example of an uplink control channel. Shared channels can also be referred to as data channels. Additionally, PUSCH or PUCCH can be rewritten as Uplink Control Information (UCI), control information, etc., transmitted within PUSCH or PUCCH.

[0065] The reference signals included in UL signals may also include at least one of the following: DMRS, PTRS, CSI-RS, SRS, RS, and PRS for location information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulation of UL data signals and are transmitted using PUSCH.

[0066] <Utilization of Hertz Waves in the Asia-Pacific Region>

[0067] In future wireless communication systems (e.g., 6G and beyond), stringent requirements related to capacity, coverage, power consumption, and other factors are being introduced. Research is underway to utilize the Asia-Pacific Hertz (APH) band (e.g., 100GHz to 300GHz) at higher frequencies than existing systems (e.g., NR Rel.15 / 16 / 17) to achieve data rates of 100Gbps while maintaining adequate coverage.

[0068] Among them, research is underway to design a line-of-sight (LOS) - MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output) transmission mode suitable for access links, with a coverage range of 100GHz, 100Gbps, and 100m.

[0069] Figure 2A This is a diagram representing an example of a user located at a distance in the high-frequency band. Figure 2A In the example shown, for distant users, standard orthonormal transmission is not possible due to the size limitations of large-scale MIMO base stations (BS).

[0070] Figure 2BThis is a diagram showing an example of a user outside the line of sight in the high-frequency band. For a user outside the line of sight (non-line of sight (NLOS)), due to obstacles (such as buildings, etc.), efficient LOS-MIMO transmission cannot be carried out.

[0071] In the existing NR MIMO, LOS-MIMO is not supported. In the existing NR, to achieve a data rate of 100 Gbps, a very large bandwidth is required, and it is difficult to ensure it.

[0072] In NR MIMO, it is designed for use in the antenna far-field where only rank-1 transmission is supported for each polarization direction in the LOS channel. By using dual polarization, rank-2 multiplexing becomes possible, but ranks higher than this cannot be utilized. To achieve 100 Gbps, a bandwidth of dozens of GHz is required, but it is difficult to achieve this dozens of GHz bandwidth in a practical system, and high requirements are placed on RF components.

[0073] The LOS-MIMO scheme that has been discussed is not suitable for the access link because it requires fixed transmit and receive positions, or the required array size will be too large.

[0074] Therefore, research is underway on introducing fixed large-spacing antenna arrays, OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum)-MIMO, RIS-aided Mega MIMO that utilizes RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), etc.

[0075] Not limited to the above example of sub-terahertz waves, as a new device for network deployment, RIS has attracted attention due to its flexible and cost-effective approach. RIS can achieve very high data rates and wide-range coverage expansion, and is being studied as a promising technology within the topology of 6G wireless networks. For example, in Release 19 (Rel.19), research related to RIS is underway.

[0076] <RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface)>

[0077] The RIS relays communication between the BS and the UE by controlling the reflection angle in at least one of the reflections from the backhaul link to the access link and from the access link to the backhaul link. The RIS is an example of a wireless device that offers a flexible and cost-effective approach to network deployment compared to newer types of network (NW) nodes such as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), RF repeaters, and NCRs (Network-controlled Repeaters).

[0078] A RIS can also consist of multiple scattering components that can be reset. Hereinafter, these scattering components are sometimes referred to as elements or antenna elements.

[0079] The RIS can control both the direction of the reflected signal and the direction of the transmitted (refracted) signal.

[0080] Furthermore, in this disclosure, reflection, transmission, and refraction can be interchanged. Additionally, in this disclosure, the reflection, transmission, and refraction of a signal in the RIS can also be understood as the RIS receiving a signal transmitted from a specific direction and transmitting / or transmitting the signal in the same direction as the specific direction, or in a direction different from the specific direction. In this case, the signal transmitted by the RIS can be either the same signal received by the RIS or a signal for which specific processing has been applied. Furthermore, the forwarding processing in the RIS in this disclosure can also be understood as at least one of the processes of reflection, transmission, and refraction occurring in the RIS.

[0081] Unlike NCR, which amplifies the relay signal, RIS does not require RF amplification. This reduces power consumption.

[0082] RIS can achieve beam gain based on narrowband domain beams, but on the other hand, it is necessary to increase the number of RIS beams (beams reflected / refracted by RIS).

[0083] RIS can also reflect / refract signals outside the target frequency.

[0084] RIS can also use materials such as liquid crystals, metals, and semiconductors. For example, in RIS using liquid crystals, the beam scanning speed is slower compared to semiconductors, and it is considered unsuitable for current beam scanning operations.

[0085] Because of its thin and flexible shape, RIS can also be installed on objects such as buildings.

[0086] Figure 3AThis diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing the NCR structure. The NCR can also include NCR-MT (mobileermination) and NCR-Fwd (forwarding). The NCR-MT communicates with the BS (gNB) via the control link.

[0087] Communication between the NCR-MT and the BS may also include at least one of the following: receiving setting / instruction / control information from the BS, and sending requests / reports / responses to the BS. The NCR-Fwd relays communication between the BS and the UE by relaying / amplifying the access link from the backhaul link and relaying / amplifying the backhaul link from the access link.

[0088] Figure 3B This diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing RIS. RIS relays communication between the BS and UE by controlling the reflection angle in at least one of the reflections from the backhaul link to the access link and from the access link to the backhaul link.

[0089] <System architecture including RIS>

[0090] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system architecture incorporating RIS. The following uses... Figure 4 The system architectures that include RIS are described, but these are just examples.

[0091] System architectures that include RIS can also contain multiple (e.g., 2) design phases.

[0092] For example, a system architecture that includes RIS can also include an aperture pre-adaptation phase.

[0093] In the aperture pre-adaptation phase, UE positioning can also be performed first. During UE positioning, the UE can also report information related to its position / attitude to the network (NW). Furthermore, during UE positioning, the NW (base station) estimates information related to the UE's position / attitude based on signals transmitted from the UE (e.g., UL RS).

[0094] Alternatively, the UE positioning in the aperture pre-adaptation stage can be omitted.

[0095] Next, in the aperture pre-adaptation stage, the aperture (e.g., antenna element) of the RIS can also be pre-adapted.

[0096] In this disclosure, aperture adaptation can also mean determining / judging / selecting the antenna element / array used.

[0097] Next, in the aperture pre-adaptation stage, the aperture (e.g., antenna element) of the BS can also be pre-adapted.

[0098] In addition, system architectures that include RIS can also include beamforming stages.

[0099] The beamforming stage can also be performed after the aperture pre-adaptation stage, for example.

[0100] In the beamforming stage, beamforming in the BS can also be performed first.

[0101] Next, beamforming in RIS can also be performed during the beamforming stage.

[0102] Next, during the beamforming phase, UE-based reception is performed. The UE can also use a MIMO receiver based on CSI reception (CSIR).

[0103] Alternatively, the UE reception during the beamforming stage can be omitted.

[0104] <Beamforming methods for far-field and near-field>

[0105] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the near field (NF) and far field (FF) of a RIS. Figure 5 The example illustrates a RIS array, showing the near-field and far-field transmission characteristics of the RIS array. A RIS array can also be understood as an example of a surface within a RIS that transmits signals or emits radio waves. Furthermore, "near field" can be rewritten as "close distance," and "far field" as "far distance."

[0106] The large aperture of RIS refers to a specific property that extends the range of the near field. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, for a size D representing the aperture associated with the RIS, the near-field boundary (e.g., the boundary between the near and far fields) is proportional to the square of D; therefore, a larger aperture of the RIS expands the near-field range. Furthermore, the near-field boundary is inversely proportional to the wavelength λ; therefore, the shorter the wavelength, i.e., the higher the frequency, the larger the near-field range. Within this near-field region, it is possible to distinguish the phase delay of the RIS for a wide variety of elements. As a result, the assumption of a plane wavefront is not valid, and a spherical wavefront must be considered. Figure 5 As shown, in the far-field region, it is assumed that the electromagnetic waves emitted from each element of the RIS are plane waves, but in the near-field region, the wavefront of the electromagnetic waves generated from each element becomes a sphere.

[0107] As existing beamforming methods for both far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) fields, several approaches are being investigated.

[0108] For example, the beamforming method can also be DFT-based beamforming (BF), beamfocusing with optimal phase, and beamfocusing with near-range (NF) guide vectors.

[0109] DFT-based BF can also be primarily used for signal transmission to long-distance terminals. DFT-based BF can also use pre-encoders (matrices) based on angle-dependent linear phase.

[0110] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of DFT-based beamforming (BF). Additionally, Figure 6A An example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, xn is the distance from the center of the array to element n within the array, and ω is the angle of the beam perpendicular to the axis of the array.

[0111] Beam focusing with optimal phase can also be primarily used for signal transmission to near-field terminals. Beam focusing with optimal phase can also utilize a pre-encoder (matrix) based on a position (distance)-dependent non-linear phase.

[0112] Figure 6B This diagram illustrates an example of beam focusing accompanied by optimal phase. Additionally, Figure 6B An example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, DF is the focal distance, and x' is the distance from the axis perpendicular to the array to the focal point.

[0113] Beam focusing with a near-range guide vector can also be primarily used for signal transmission to near-range terminals. Beam focusing with a near-range guide vector can also utilize a pre-encoder (matrix) based on an angle- and position (distance)-dependent quadratic phase.

[0114] Figure 6C This diagram illustrates an example of beam focusing accompanied by a near-range (NF) guide vector. Additionally, Figure 6CAn example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, D is the distance from the center of the array to the focal point, and ω is the angle from the axis perpendicular to the array to the line connecting the center of the array and the focal point.

[0115] Past codebooks used in far-field beamforming, such as DFT codebooks, cannot be directly applied to the near field due to channel mismatch. It is assumed that applying DFT codebooks to near-field beamforming may cause significant SNR loss. On the other hand, in cluster beamforming, such as ring-type codebooks (RTCs) used in the near field as coherent beamformers, there is no limitation preventing their application to the near field.

[0116] For example, RIS is used in the forwarding of data channels, such as the RTC mentioned above, to generate UE-specific focused beams, making high-speed transmission possible.

[0117] On the other hand, the use of RIS in the forwarding of control channels (e.g., SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) etc.) is being studied.

[0118] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of SSB forwarding using RIS. Figure 7 The document shows that in SSB#0~#4 sent by the gNB, the RIS forwards SSB#2~#4.

[0119] In the case of RIS forwarding control channels (e.g., SSB, etc.), the possibility of expanding the beam for forwarding is being investigated.

[0120] <Research Items for This Implementation>

[0121] In recent years, research into Beyond 5G / 6G has begun both domestically and internationally. 6G envisions even higher performance requirements. Furthermore, 6G envisions a variety of use cases, as shown below.

[0122] • Extended coverage • Ultra-long-distance communication

[0123] • Ultra-large capacity

[0124] Ultra-reliable communication

[0125] • Virtual cell (User-centric no-cell cell)

[0126] • Flexible NW

[0127] Mesh Network (NW) / Side Link

[0128] In 6G, it is expected that the design of these use cases will be taken into account.

[0129] For 6G, the utilization of high-frequency bands and the expansion of coverage are considered. As one means to realize the utilization of high-frequency bands and the expansion of coverage, site layout designs using network controlled repeaters (NCRs) and / or reconfigurable intelligence surfaces (RISs) as described above are considered.

[0130] Additionally, NCR and / or RIS are sometimes referred to as NCR / RIS below. An NCR / RIS can be an NCR, a RIS, a RIS with NCR functionality, or an NCR with RIS functionality. Furthermore, an NCR / RIS can also be a UE with both NCR and / or RIS functionality. Moreover, in cases where multiple NCR / RIS exist, NCR and RIS can be mixed among multiple NCR / RIS.

[0131] Furthermore, in the following NCR / RIS, a structure having the same functions as the NCR-MT described above, such as having at least one function of receiving setting / instruction / control information from the base station and sending requests / reports / responses to the base station, is sometimes also referred to as NCR / RIS-MT. Furthermore, in the following NCR / RIS, a structure having the same functions as the NCR-Fwd described above, such as having a function of relaying communication between the base station and the UE by relaying / amplifying from the backhaul link to the access link and from the access link to the backhaul link, is sometimes also referred to as NCR / RIS-Fwd. Additionally, in the following description, "NCR / RIS" may also be rewritten as "NCR / RIS-MT" or "NCR / RIS-Fwd".

[0132] As a means of extending coverage, it is considered to use a path via NCR / RIS between the base station and the UE, and to apply multi-hop signal transmission and reception between the base station and the UE.

[0133] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-hop NCR / RIS. In Figure 8The diagram illustrates a path between the TRP (transmission reception point) and the UE via more than one NCR / RIS. Alternatively, the TRP can also be a base station. Furthermore, Figure 8 Although not illustrated, a TRP can also be connected to a CU (Central Unit) and / or a DU (Distributed Unit). Figure 8 In the example, the paths via NCR / RIS#1 and NCR / RIS#3 are shown, as well as the paths via NCR / RIS#1 and NCR / RIS#4.

[0134] Here, in the path via NCR / RIS#1 and NCR / RIS#3, NCR / RIS#1 is the first-hop NCR / RIS, and NCR / RIS#3 is the second-hop NCR / RIS. In other words, in this path, NCR / RIS#1 has 1 hop and NCR / RIS#3 has 2 hops. Furthermore, the case where NCR / RIS#1 has 1 hop can also correspond to the case where NCR / RIS#1 exists in hop count 1.

[0135] like Figure 8 For example, in multi-hop scenarios, there are sometimes multiple paths connecting the base station and the UE.

[0136] However, the multi-hop structure of NCR / RIS has not yet been standardized, leaving room for further research.

[0137] For example, it is desirable to configure (e.g., select) multi-hop paths that take into account factors such as which path enables more power-efficient transmission and / or which path enables lower latency transmission. That is, in multi-hop paths, it is desirable to configure (select) an appropriate path that takes into account power efficiency and / or transmission delay.

[0138] For example, resource conflicts may occur if multi-hop paths are not configured appropriately. For instance, conflicts may arise between the resources of the first hop and the resources of the second hop. In NCR / RIS, and specifically in NCR / RIS-MT, it is not possible to simultaneously decode signals destined for NCR / RIS-MT and forward (relay) them in NCR / RIS-Fwd. Therefore, appropriate scheduling of signal transmissions using resources is required (e.g., scheduling of PDCCH and PDSCH).

[0139] Thus, in multi-hop NCR / RIS, it is desirable to select appropriate paths that avoid resource conflicts and take into account power efficiency and / or transmission delay. Furthermore, in selecting appropriate paths that avoid resource conflicts and take into account power efficiency and / or transmission delay, it is desirable to determine which NCR / RIS is included in the multi-hop path. That is, it is desirable to determine the hop number of the NCR / RIS.

[0140] Therefore, the following describes the methods for obtaining information to set up appropriate paths for multi-hop routes and selecting the optimal path in the site layout design of NCR / RIS. For example, Proposal 1 explains the method for determining the number of hops in multi-hop scenarios and notifying the determined number of hops. Proposal 2 explains the method for holding information related to route selection in multi-hop scenarios and selecting a path based on that information.

[0141] <Proposal 1>

[0142] Proposal 1 describes the method for determining the number of hops in a multi-hop path, including those via NCR / RIS between the base station and the UE, and for notifying the determined number of hops. Option 1 of Proposal 1 shows an example of NW determining the number of hops, and Option 2 shows an example of NCR / RIS determining the number of hops.

[0143] <Option 1 of Proposal 1>

[0144] In option 1 of proposal 1, the NW (Network) determines the hop count. Furthermore, NW can be understood as either RAN (Radio Area Network) or a base station. Additionally, NW can also include base stations or higher-level information processing devices. "Determine" can also be rewritten as "identify," "know," or "determine." The method of determination is not particularly limited; for example, the base station obtains or holds information related to the correspondence between NCR / RIS operations and hop counts, and determines the hop count based on this information and the NCR / RIS operations.

[0145] Here, NCR / RIS operation can also refer to operations related to NCR / RIS signal transmission. Below, as an example of an operation related to NCR / RIS signal transmission, the transmission operation of RACH (random access channel) opportunity is given. Furthermore, the signal transmitted as an operation related to NCR / RIS signal transmission is not limited to RACH opportunity. Any signal that corresponds to the hop count of NCR / RIS is acceptable, and it can also be a signal different from RACH opportunity.

[0146] For example, the hop count of the NW (e.g., base station or RAN) with respect to the NCR / RIS is determined by the RACH occasion. For instance, determining the hop count by the RACH occasion can also correspond to determining it based on the signal transmitted within the RACH occasion. Furthermore, transmitting a signal within a RACH occasion can also correspond to transmitting a RACH occasion. The transmission of RACH occasions is performed by the NCR / RIS (e.g., NCR / RIS-MT). Additionally, the base station receives the RACH occasions transmitted by the NCR / RIS (e.g., NCR / RIS-MT) and determines the NCR / RIS that transmitted the received RACH occasion.

[0147] The base station holds or obtains information relating to the correspondence between RACH opportunities and hop counts. For example, this correspondence information can be in tabular form. The information may also show the relationship between RACH opportunities and hop counts. For instance, the information may show RACH opportunities #1, #2, and #3 corresponding to hop counts 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

[0148] Furthermore, the base station determines the hop count of each NCR / RIS by identifying the timing (or identification information) of the RACH opportunity in the time direction of the NCR / RIS. The base station then notifies the NCR / RIS of the determined hop count.

[0149] The NCR / RIS determines its hop count based on notifications from the base station.

[0150] The following uses Figure 9 This is an example illustrating the determination of the number of jumps.

[0151] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a RACH opportunity. Figure 9 Examples include one time slot with an SCS of 60 kHz and one time slot with an SCS of 120 kHz. Furthermore, the time slot shows the RACH opportunity (occasion) corresponding to two symbols (in...). Figure 9 (abbreviated as RO in Chinese). The base station holds information related to the correspondence between RACH opportunities and hop count. Based on the information held and the RACH opportunities that have sent NCR / RIS, the hop count of NCR / RIS is determined.

[0152] For example, in the presence of an opportunity to send RACH #5 (in Figure 9 In a scenario where the NCR / RIS of "RO#5" corresponds to hop count 2, if NCR / RIS#2 sends RACH opportunity #5, the base station identifies NCR / RIS#2 as being at hop count 2. In this case, after identifying NCR / RIS-MT#2 as being at hop count 2, the base station updates the table. The updated table could be, for example, a table representing the correspondence between NCR / RIS and hop count. The base station then notifies the NCR of the updated table.

[0153] Thus, in Option 1 of Proposal 1, the base station holds or obtains information relating to the correspondence between RACH opportunities (occasions) sent by the NCR / RIS (an example of NCR / RIS operation) and the number of hops. Based on this correspondence information and the RACH opportunities sent by the NCR / RIS and received by the base station, the number of hops in the NCR / RIS is determined. Therefore, since information related to the number of hops in the NCR / RIS, necessary for setting multi-hop paths appropriately, can be obtained, multi-hop paths can be selected appropriately. For example, by obtaining information related to the number of hops in the NCR / RIS, paths that avoid resource conflicts between different hop counts can be selected.

[0154] <Option 2 of Proposal 1>

[0155] In option 2 of proposal 1, the NCR / RIS determines the hop count. For example, this determination is performed via NCR / RIS-MT. The method of determination is not particularly limited; for example, the NCR / RIS holds or obtains information related to the correspondence between NCR / RIS operations and hop counts, and determines the hop count based on the information related to the correspondence and the NCR / RIS operations.

[0156] Here, the operation of NCR / RIS can also refer to operations related to the reception of NCR / RIS signals. Below, as an example of an operation related to the reception of NCR / RIS signals, the reception operation of SSB is given. Furthermore, the operation related to the reception of NCR / RIS signals here is not limited to the reception operation of SSB, but can also be a reference signal other than SSB. The reference signal can be, for example, CSI-RS or other RS. Alternatively, the operation related to the reception of NCR / RIS signals can also be the reception operation of at least one of SSB, CSI-RS, and RS. Additionally, below, at least one of SSB, CSI-RS, and RS is sometimes referred to as SSB / CSI-RS / RS. NCR / RIS can receive SSB / CSI-RS / RS directly from the base station, or it can receive SSB / CSI-RS / RS transmitted (relayed) from other NCR / RIS signals.

[0157] For example, the NCR / RIS holds information related to the correspondence between SSB / CSI-RS / RS and hop count. Additionally, the NW (e.g., RAN or base station) may also hold information related to the correspondence between SSB / CSI-RS / RS and hop count. For example, the NCR / RIS and / or the base station may hold information related to the correspondence between which SSB the NCR / RIS receives and in which hop communication occurs.

[0158] The base station determines the hop count using the SSB index assigned to the NCR / RIS. Additionally, SSBs with SSB indices 0-4 are sometimes referred to as SSB0-4 below.

[0159] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between SSB allocation and the number of hops in NCR / RIS. Figure 10 The image shows an example of an SSB being transmitted from a base station (e.g., a TRP) via NCR / RIS#1, NCR / RIS#2, and NCR / RIS#3.

[0160] For example, such as Figure 10 Thus, in the case where SSB0-4 is allocated for scanning from the base station (e.g., TRP) to the terminal, SSB5 and later (in...) Figure 10 In this case, SSB5-16 is assigned to NCR / RIS. In this case, if NCR / RIS-MT receives SSBs with SSB indices 0-4, it is determined that NCR / RIS-MT receiving SSBs with SSB indices 0-4 is the first hop.

[0161] In addition, Figure 10In the example, if the NCR / RIS-MT receives an SSB index of 5-8, the NCR / RIS-MT that receives the SSB index of 5-8 determines itself to be the second hop. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the example, when the NCR / RIS-MT receives an SSB index of 9-12, the NCR / RIS-MT that receives the SSB index of 9-12 determines that it is the 3rd hop.

[0162] Additionally, as exemplified, for newly configured NCR / RIS (hereinafter, NCR / RIS#x), the hop count can also be determined and notified in the following order.

[0163] • NCR / RIS#x determines its own hop count based on the SSB received by NCR / RIS#x.

[0164] • NCR / RIS#x reports its own hop count to the base station.

[0165] • The base station updates information representing the correspondence between SSB, hop count, and NCR / RIS (e.g., table information).

[0166] • The base station notifies the UE and / or NCR / RIS (e.g., NCR / RIS-MT) of a table showing the correspondence between SSB and hop count and NCR / RIS.

[0167] Thus, in option 2 of proposal 1, the NCR / RIS holds or obtains information related to the correspondence between the SSB (an example of NCR / RIS operation) received by the NCR / RIS and the hop count. Based on the information related to the correspondence and the SSB received by the NCR / RIS, the hop count of the NCR / RIS is determined. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information related to the hop count of the NCR / RIS necessary for setting multi-hop paths to appropriate paths, and thus, multi-hop paths can be selected appropriately. For example, by obtaining information related to the hop count of the NCR / RIS, it is possible to select paths that avoid resource conflicts between different hop counts.

[0168] <Option 3 of Proposal 1>

[0169] In option 3 of proposal 1, the NW and NCR / RIS determine the hop count. For example, as in option 1 of proposal 1, the NW (e.g., a base station) holds or obtains information relating to the correspondence between the RACH occasions (an example of NCR / RIS operation) sent by the NCR / RIS and received by the base station, and the hop count. Based on the information relating to the correspondence and the RACH occasions sent by the NCR / RIS, the hop count of the NCR / RIS is determined. Furthermore, as in option 2 of proposal 1, the NCR / RIS holds or obtains information relating to the correspondence between the SSBs (an example of NCR / RIS operation) received by the NCR / RIS and the hop count. Based on the information relating to the correspondence and the SSBs received by the NCR / RIS, the hop count of the NCR / RIS is determined.

[0170] In this way, the NW (e.g., base station) and NCR / RIS can more accurately determine the hop count by performing hop count determination. In addition, one of the NW (e.g., base station) and NCR / RIS can notify the other of information related to the hop count, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0171] <Proposal 2>

[0172] The base station is envisioned to hold route information and select a path based on that route information. The route information includes information related to the path formed between the base station and the UE. For example, if multiple paths may be formed for a given UE, the route information includes information related to each of the multiple paths for that UE. If there are two or more UEs, route information is held for each of the two or more UEs. For example, the route information includes information representing the NCR / RIS of the first hop, the NCR / RIS of the second hop, and the NCR / RIS of the third hop in a three-hop multi-hop path.

[0173] The base station obtains information related to the number of hops in NCR / RIS, and determines the correspondence between the number of hops and NCR / RIS based on the obtained information related to the number of hops.

[0174] Furthermore, for example, the base station determines the hop count of each NCR / RIS according to the method shown in Proposal 1. And, based on the determined hop count of each NCR / RIS, the base station determines the correspondence between the hop count and the NCR / RIS. Alternatively, as an alternative to determining the hop count according to the method shown in Proposal 1, other methods can also be used to determine the hop count.

[0175] The NW side receives reports from each NCR / RIS that they are communicating via OAM (Operation, Administration and Maintenance). Based on these reports, the paths between each NCR / RIS are determined. Therefore, the NCR / RIS paths are also known. This can also be assumed that the NCR / RIS are fixed in a specific configuration.

[0176] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing the first example of the path between the base station and the UE. Figure 12 It means based on Figure 11 The following is an example of route information in a diagram. Figure 11 This shows the three paths for a given UE#1. Figure 12 The route information includes representations Figure 11 Information for each of the three paths.

[0177] For example, in route #1, the NCR / RIS for the first hop is NCR / RIS#1, the NCR / RIS for the second hop is NCR / RIS#3, the NCR / RIS for the third hop is NCR / RIS#5, and the NCR / RIS for the fourth hop is NCR / RIS#7. Routes #2 and #3 are similarly shown with NCR / RIS for each hop, as in route #1.

[0178] In addition, Figure 11 , Figure 12 The example shown illustrates that each path has the same number of hops up to the 4th hop (NCR / RIS), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of hops for each path may also be different.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a diagram representing the second example of the path between the base station and the UE. Figure 14 It means based on Figure 13 The following is an example of route information in a diagram. Figure 13 This shows the three paths for a given UE#2. Figure 14 The route information includes representations Figure 13 Information for each of the three paths. Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 11 , Figure 12 The number of hops varies depending on the path.

[0180] For example, in route #1, the NCR / RIS of the first hop is NCR / RIS#1, the NCR / RIS of the second hop is NCR / RIS#3, the NCR / RIS of the third hop is NCR / RIS#5, and the NCR / RIS of the fourth hop is NCR / RIS#7. In route #2, the NCR / RIS of the first hop is NCR / RIS#2, the NCR / RIS of the second hop is NCR / RIS#3, the NCR / RIS of the third hop is NCR / RIS#5, the NCR / RIS of the fourth hop is NCR / RIS#8, and the NCR / RIS of the fifth hop is NCR / RIS#9. In route #3, the NCR / RIS of the first hop is NCR / RIS#2, the NCR / RIS of the second hop is NCR / RIS#3, and the NCR / RIS of the third hop is NCR / RIS#9.

[0181] For example, in one instance of existing operation, during measurement, the beam with the stronger receiving strength of the SSB is selected. If we take... Figure 11 , Figure 12 To illustrate, in one example of existing operation, if the SSB received by UE#1 from NCR / RIS#7 has a stronger reception strength than the SSB received from NCR / RIS#8 and NCR / RIS#9, then route #1 corresponding to NCR / RIS#7 is selected. However, in this example of existing operation, the appropriate path may not be selected. For example, as... Figure 13 , Figure 14 When the number of hops varies along different paths, the method of selecting the beam with the stronger SSB reception strength may not be able to select an appropriate path during measurement.

[0182] In Proposal 2, as described below, a path is selected based on specific conditions in the base station or UE.

[0183] <Option 1 of Proposal 2>

[0184] In option 1 of proposal 2, the base station selects a path.

[0185] The base station makes its selection based on at least one of the following: base station location information, NCR / RIS location information, NCR / RIS hop count, radio wave strength in the UE (e.g., RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)), and BLER (block error rate). The NCR / RIS location information can also be estimated from the NCR / RIS and transmitted to the base station. The radio wave strength in the UE (e.g., RSRP) can also be transmitted from the UE to the base station via a measurement report.

[0186] The location information of the base station and the location information of the NCR / RIS are information related to transmission distance, and therefore can also be an example of information related to communication quality. The hop count of the NCR / RIS can also be an example of the number of relay devices between the base station and the UE. In addition, either the radio wave strength in the UE (e.g., RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)) or BLER (block error rate) represents communication quality, and therefore can also be an example of information related to communication quality.

[0187] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of NCR / RIS location information. Figure 15 The image shows the location information of five NCR / RIS units, from NCR / RIS#1 to NCR / RIS#5. Figure 15 In this context, the location information of NCR / RIS is shown using latitude and longitude, but location information can also be shown using other methods. For example, location information can also be shown as the relative position to a location (e.g., the location of a base station).

[0188] Alternatively, the location information can be rewritten as distance information representing the distance between each NCR / RIS.

[0189] It is also possible to set a priority order for each of the base station location information, NCR / RIS location information, NCR / RIS hop count, radio wave strength in the UE (e.g., RSRP), and BLER. For example, characteristics can be evaluated in the order of hop count, transmission distance estimated based on location information, BLER, and RSRP, and a path can be selected based on the evaluated information. For example, path selection can also be performed after initial access.

[0190] For example, in path selection, the path with the fewest hops can be given top priority. Furthermore, if multiple paths with the fewest hops exist, the path with the shortest estimated transmission distance based on location information can be selected. If multiple paths have the same number of hops and transmission distance, the path with the smallest BLER can be selected.

[0191] The base station sets the communication configuration information based on the selected path. This configuration information includes, for example, the TCI (Transmission Configuration Indication) state. For instance, the base station sets the TCI state based on the selected path. The TCI state can also be configured to ensure that the selected path is used.

[0192] As described above, in Option 1 of Proposal 2, the base station (an example of a first wireless communication device) communicating with the UE receives a signal and selects a path between the UE and the base station based on at least one of the following: information related to communication quality estimated based on the received signal (e.g., radio wave strength (RSRP), BLER), and the number of NCR / RIS between the UE and the base station (e.g., hop count). This allows for the selection of an appropriate path that takes into account transmission delay and / or power efficiency.

[0193] <Option 2 of Proposal 2>

[0194] In option 2 of proposal 2, the UE selects a path.

[0195] Alternatively, the UE can estimate the transmission delay and select a path based on the estimated delay. The method for estimating the transmission delay is not particularly limited; for example, when the signal reception timing is known, the transmission delay can be estimated based on the deviation between the known reception timing and the actual reception timing. For instance, the UE estimates the transmission delay based on the deviation of the SSB's reception timing.

[0196] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the delay in SSB. Figure 16 The known and actual receive timings for each of SSB#0-#5 are shown.

[0197] For example, based on the relative positions of the known SSB reception timing and the actual SSB reception timing in the time direction, SSBs with relatively larger position differences (i.e., larger delays) are weighted as SSBs with larger delays, while SSBs with relatively smaller position differences are weighted as SSBs with smaller delays.

[0198] exist Figure 16In the example, SSB#2 and SSB#5 are SSBs with relatively large delays, while SSB#3 and SSB#4 are SSBs with relatively small delays. In this case, it is determined that SSB#2 and SSB#5 are sent from the source on the path with the relatively large transmission delay, while SSB#3 and SSB#4 are sent from the source on the path with the relatively small transmission delay.

[0199] The UE selects a path based on transmission delay (e.g., the timing deviation of SSB reception), the number of hops of NCR / RIS, the radio wave strength of each SSB estimated by the UE itself (e.g., RSRP), and at least one BLER.

[0200] Transmission delay, the radio wave strength of each SSB estimated by the UE itself (e.g., RSRP), and BLER are all examples of information related to communication quality.

[0201] Priority can also be set for transmission delay (e.g., SSB reception timing deviation), NCR / RIS hop count, radio wave strength of each SSB estimated by the UE itself (e.g., RSRP), and BLER. For example, characteristics can be evaluated in the order of hop count, transmission delay, BLER, and RSRP, and the path can be selected based on the evaluated information. Path selection can also be performed after initial access.

[0202] Communication-related configuration information can also be set based on the selected path. This configuration information could be, for example, a TCI state. For instance, the UE and / or base station set the TCI state based on the selected path. The TCI state can also be set to ensure the selected path is used. When the base station sets the communication-related configuration information, the UE notifies the base station of information related to the selected path, and the base station sets the communication-related configuration information based on the notified path-related information.

[0203] As described above, in option 2 of proposal 2, the UE (an example of the first wireless communication device) communicating with the base station receives a signal and selects a path between the UE and the base station based on at least one of the following: information related to the communication quality estimated based on the received signal (e.g., radio wave strength (RSRP), BLER, transmission delay) and the number of NCR / RIS between the UE and the base station (e.g., hop count). Thus, it is possible to select an appropriate path that takes into account transmission delay and / or power efficiency.

[0204] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "A / B" and "at least one of A and B" can be rewritten interchangeably. Additionally, in this disclosure, "A / B / C" can also mean "at least one of A, B, and C".

[0205] In this disclosure, terms such as notification, activation, deactivation, indication (or indication), selection, configuration, update, and determination can be overridden. Similarly, terms such as support, control, ability to control, operation, and ability to operate can also be overridden.

[0206] In this disclosure, Radio Resource Control (RRC), RRC parameters, RRC messages, higher-level parameters, fields, Information Elements (IE), settings, etc., can also be modified interchangeably. In this disclosure, Medium Access Control (MAC) control elements (CE), update commands, activation / deactivation commands, etc., can also be modified interchangeably.

[0207] In this disclosure, higher-layer signaling may also be any one or a combination of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information, other messages (e.g., positioning protocol messages (e.g., NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) / LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages, etc. from the core network)).

[0208] In this disclosure, MAC signaling may also use, for example, a MAC Control Element (MACCE) or a MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU). Broadcast information may also be, for example, a Master Information Block (MIB), a System Information Block (SIB), a Minimum System Information (Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI)), or Other System Information (OSI).

[0209] In this disclosure, physical layer signaling may also be, for example, downlink control information (DCI) or uplink control information (UCI).

[0210] In this disclosure, the terms aperture, antenna array, array, subarray (multiple antenna elements, a part of an array), panel, RIS, RIS array, scattering element array, etc., can be rewritten interchangeably. In this disclosure, the terms antenna, antenna element, scattering element, etc., can also be rewritten interchangeably.

[0211] In this disclosure, NCR, RIS, NCR including RIS, network node, device, IAB, IAB-MT (Mobile Termination), IAB-DU (Distribution Unit), IAB-CU (Central Unit), terminal, base station, relay station, relay device, repeater, reflector, transmissive plate, RIS-NCR, RIS-type NCR, extended NCR, etc. can also be rewritten interchangeably.

[0212] <Structure Diagram>

[0213] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 100 includes, for example, a transmitting unit 101, a receiving unit 102, and a control unit 103. The base station 100 and the terminal 200 (see reference) Figure 18 Communication is conducted wirelessly. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 101 and the receiving unit 102 can also be collectively referred to as a communication unit. Additionally, the control unit can also be referred to as a processing unit, processor, etc.

[0214] The transmitting unit 101 transmits a DL signal to the terminal 200. For example, the transmitting unit 101 transmits the DL signal under the control of the control unit 103. For example, the DL signal may also contain information indicating scheduling related to signal transmission of the terminal 200 (e.g., UL permission), higher-level control information, etc.

[0215] For example, the transmitting unit 101 may also transmit various control signals (control signals from higher layers, etc.), reference signals, data signals, etc., as DL signals to the terminal 200 and / or the wireless device 300. For example, the transmitting unit 101 may transmit various signals, channels, setting information, control information, etc., as described in the above embodiments to the terminal 200 as DL signals.

[0216] For example, the transmitting unit 101 may also transmit information related to the control of the terminal 200 generated by the control unit 103 to the terminal 200. Furthermore, for example, the transmitting unit 101 may also transmit information related to the control of the wireless device 300 generated by the control unit 103 to the wireless device 300. Additionally, the transmitting unit 101 may also transmit data signals generated by the control unit 103 to the terminal 200.

[0217] The receiving unit 102 receives UL signals transmitted from the terminal 200. For example, the receiving unit 102 receives UL signals under the control of the control unit 103. In addition, the receiving unit 102 can also receive UL signals transmitted from the wireless device 300.

[0218] For example, receiving unit 102 receives signals containing terminal capability information (e.g., UE capability) of terminal 200, as well as various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc., as UL signals from terminal 200. Furthermore, receiving unit 102 may also receive signals containing capability information (e.g., capability) of wireless device 300.

[0219] The control unit 103 can also control the overall (communication) operation of the base station 100, including the transmission processing in the transmission unit 101 and the reception processing in the reception unit 102.

[0220] For example, the control unit 103 acquires data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to the transmitting unit 101. Furthermore, the control unit 103 outputs data and control information received from the receiving unit 102 to higher layers.

[0221] For example, the control unit 103 allocates resources for transmitting and receiving DL signals and / or UL signals based on signals (e.g., data and control information) received from the terminal 200 and / or data and control information obtained from higher layers. Information related to the allocated resources can be included in the control information transmitted to the terminal 200.

[0222] The control unit 103 can also perform operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, such operations can also be performed by the sending unit 101 and / or the receiving unit 102).

[0223] In addition, the control unit 103 can also generate control information related to the forwarding operation of the wireless device 300. The control unit 103 can also send instructions (e.g., control information) related to the communication control of the wireless device 300 via the transmitting unit 101.

[0224] In Proposal 1 above, for example, the receiving unit 102 of base station 100 (an example of a first wireless communication device) receives signals (e.g., RACH opportunities) transmitted by NCR / RIS (an example of a second wireless communication device). Furthermore, the control unit 103 of base station 100 determines the hop count of NCR / RIS based on the received signals and the relationship between the signals (e.g., RACH opportunities) and the hop count.

[0225] Furthermore, in Proposal 2 above, the receiver unit 102 of base station 100 (an example of a first wireless communication device) receives signals. The control unit 103 of base station 100 selects a path between base station 100 and terminal 200 based on at least one of information related to the communication quality estimated based on the received signals (e.g., radio wave strength (RSRP), BLER) and the number of relay devices (e.g., NCR / RIS) between base station 100 and terminal 200.

[0226] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal 200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The terminal 200 includes, for example, a receiving unit 201, a transmitting unit 202, and a control unit 203. The terminal 200 communicates wirelessly with, for example, a base station 100 (see reference 100). Figure 17 They communicate with each other. In addition, the receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 can also be referred to as a communication unit.

[0227] The receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal transmitted from the base station 100. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0228] For example, the receiving unit 201 receives various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc. from the base station 100 as DL signals. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives various signals, channels, setting information, control information, etc., as described in the above embodiments from the base station 100 as DL signals.

[0229] For example, receiving unit 201 receives signals from base station 100.

[0230] The transmitting unit 202 transmits a UL signal to the base station 100. For example, the transmitting unit 202 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0231] For example, the transmitting unit 202 transmits signals containing information related to the processing capabilities of the terminal 200, various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc., as UL signals to the base station 100.

[0232] The control unit 203 controls the entire (communication) operation of the terminal 200, including the receiving process in the receiving unit 201 and the sending process in the sending unit 202.

[0233] For example, control unit 203 obtains data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to transmitting unit 202. Furthermore, control unit 203 may output data and control information received from receiving unit 201 to higher layers, for example.

[0234] The control unit 203 performs operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, these operations may also be performed by the receiving unit 201 and / or the sending unit 202).

[0235] Furthermore, the signal received by terminal 200 from base station 100 can be either a signal directly transmitted from base station 100 or a signal transmitted from base station 100 and forwarded by wireless device 300. Additionally, the signal transmitted by terminal 200 to base station 100 can be either directly received by base station 100 or forwarded by wireless device 300 and received by base station 100. In this case, terminal 200 may not need to distinguish whether the signal is forwarded by wireless device 300.

[0236] In Proposal 2 above, the receiver unit 201 of terminal 200 (an example of a first wireless communication device) receives a signal (e.g., SSB). The control unit 203 of terminal 200 selects a path between base station 100 and terminal 200 based on at least one of information related to the communication quality estimated based on the received signal (e.g., transmission delay, radio wave strength (RSRP), BLER) and the number of relay devices (e.g., NCR / RIS) between base station 100 and terminal 200.

[0237] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless device 300 corresponds to an example of an NCR / RIS or relay device. The wireless device 300 includes, for example, a receiving unit 301, a transmitting unit 302, and a control unit 303. The wireless device 300, for example, is associated with a base station 100 (see reference 100). Figure 17 ) and Terminal 200 (reference) Figure 18 Communication is achieved wirelessly. Additionally, the receiving unit 301 and the transmitting unit 302 can also be collectively referred to as a communication unit. The communication unit has a transmitting surface (e.g., a RIS array) for transmitting radio waves, and can both transmit and receive signals from the transmitting surface.

[0238] The receiving unit 301 receives DL signals transmitted from the base station 100. Additionally, the receiving unit 301 receives UL signals transmitted from the terminal 200. For example, the receiving unit 301 receives both DL and UL signals under the control of the control unit 303. Furthermore, the received signals may include signals destined for the base station 100, signals destined for the terminal 200, and signals destined for the wireless device 300. For example, the receiving unit 301 receives signals from the base station 100 destined for the terminal 200 (e.g., signals specific to the terminal 200). Additionally, the forwarding process may include at least one of the following: processing of transmitting signals received from the base station 100 destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200, and processing of receiving signals destined for the base station 100 from the terminal 200.

[0239] The transmitting unit 302 transmits the UL signal received from the terminal 200 and destined for the base station 100 to the base station 100. Additionally, the transmitting unit 302 transmits the DL signal received from the base station 100 and destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200. For example, the transmitting unit 302 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 303. For example, the transmitting unit 302 forwards the signal received from the base station 100 and destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200.

[0240] The control unit 303 controls the overall (communication) operation of the wireless device 300, including the receiving processing in the receiving unit 301 and the transmitting processing in the transmitting unit 302.

[0241] For example, the control unit 303 generates the beam used by the transmitting unit 302. The control unit 303 uses information related to the acquired target area (the area covered by the wireless device 300) to select (determine) codewords based on the geometric relationship (e.g., focal position or focal distance) between the wireless device 300 and the target area. Furthermore, the control unit 303 applies the determined codewords to control the beam generation.

[0242] The control unit 303 performs operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, these operations may also be performed by the receiving unit 301 and / or the sending unit 302).

[0243] In Proposal 1 above, for example, the receiving unit 301 of the wireless device 300 (an example of a first wireless communication device) receives signals (e.g., SSBs) transmitted by other NCR / RIS or base stations (an example of a second wireless communication device). Furthermore, the control unit 303 of the wireless device 300 determines the hop count of the wireless device 300 based on the received signals and the relationship between the signals (e.g., SSBs) and the hop count.

[0244] Additionally, the wireless device 300 in this disclosure (e.g., NCR / RIS) can also be an example of a communication device. Furthermore, the wireless device 300 in this disclosure can also be referred to by other names such as relay device, repeater, or relay. Furthermore, the wireless device 300 in this disclosure can also be rewritten as terminal 200 (e.g., UE). For example, the wireless device 300 can also be understood as a terminal 200 with repeater (or relay) functionality.

[0245] The above provides an explanation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the distinctions between items mentioned above are not essential distinctions in this disclosure. Items described in two or more items may be combined as needed, or items described in one item may be applied to items described in other items (as long as there is no contradiction).

[0246] <Hardware architecture, etc.>

[0247] The block diagrams used in the description of the above embodiments illustrate functional units. These functional blocks (structural units) are implemented through any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the implementation method of each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block can be implemented using a single device that is physically or logically combined, or it can be implemented by directly or indirectly (e.g., using wired, wireless, etc.) connecting two or more physically or logically separate devices. Functional blocks can also be implemented by incorporating software into the aforementioned single device or multiple devices.

[0248] The functions include judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, export, investigation, search, confirmation, receiving, sending, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard as, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning, but are not limited to these. For example, the functional block (structural unit) that implements the sending function is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. Each of these functions is implemented in a way that is not particularly limited, as described above.

[0249] For example, the base station, terminal, and wireless device in one embodiment of this disclosure can also function as a computer for processing the wireless communication method of this disclosure. Figure 20This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of a base station, terminal, and wireless device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The base station 100, terminal 200, and wireless device 300 described above can also be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0250] In addition, in the following description, the term "device" can be replaced with circuit, equipment, unit, etc. The hardware structure of base station 100, terminal 200 and wireless device 300 can be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it can be configured not to include some of the devices.

[0251] The functions of the base station 100, terminal 200 and wireless device 300 are realized by reading specific software (programs) into hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, so that processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication based on communication device 1004, or controls at least one of reading and writing data in memory 1002 and storage device 1003.

[0252] The processor 1001, for example, enables the operating system to operate and control the computer as a whole. The processor 1001 may also be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic devices, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 103, control unit 203, and control unit 303 described above may also be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0253] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and performs various processes accordingly. As a program, a program that causes the computer to perform at least a portion of the operations described in the above embodiments can be used. For example, the control unit 203 of the terminal 200 can also be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated in the processor 1001; similar implementations can be made for other functional blocks. The various processes described above refer to execution by one processor 1001, but they can also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 can also be implemented using one or more chips. Additionally, programs can be transmitted from a network via electrical communication lines.

[0254] The memory 1002 may also be a computer-readable recording medium, such as at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 1002 may also be referred to as a register, cache, main memory (main storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing the wireless communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0255] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be comprised of at least one of the following: CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM) or other optical discs; hard disk drives; flexible discs; optical discs (e.g., compact discs, digital multifunction discs, Blu-ray discs); smart cards; flash memory (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives); floppy disks; magnetic stripes; etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The aforementioned storage medium may also be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0256] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting and receiving device) used for communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. It is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network interface card (NIC), communication module, etc. To implement at least one of, for example, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD), the communication device 1004 may also be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. For example, the aforementioned transmitting unit 101, receiving unit 102, receiving unit 201, transmitting unit 202, receiving unit 301, and transmitting unit 302 can also be implemented using the communication device 1004.

[0257] Input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from external sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). Output device 1006 is an output device that performs output to external sources (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, etc.). Alternatively, input device 1005 and output device 1006 can also be an integrated structure (e.g., touch panel).

[0258] Furthermore, the processor 1001, memory 1002, and other devices are connected via a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 can be configured as a single bus or as different buses used between each device.

[0259] Furthermore, the base station 100, terminal 200, and wireless device 300 can be configured to include hardware such as microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and can also implement some or all of the functional blocks using such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 can also be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0260] <Information notification and signaling>

[0261] The notification of information is not limited to the implementation methods described in this disclosure, and other methods may also be used. For example, the notification of information may also be implemented through physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block)), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. In addition, RRC signaling may also be referred to as RRC messages, such as RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0262] <Application System>

[0263] The implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), systems utilizing other suitable systems, and at least one next-generation system derived from, extended by, modified by, created by, or defined based on these. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE and at least one of LTE-A with 5G, etc.) for application.

[0264] <Processing procedures, etc.>

[0265] The processing procedures, timing, flowcharts, etc., of the various methods / implementations described in this disclosure may be rearranged in order, provided they do not contradict each other. For example, for the methods described in this disclosure, an exemplary order is used to indicate the elements of various steps, but the order is not limited to the specific order indicated.

[0266] <Base Station Operation>

[0267] In this disclosure, specific operations are described as being performed by the base station, but sometimes, depending on the circumstances, they are also performed by its upper node. Clearly, in a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal can be performed by the base station and at least one of other network nodes besides the base station (e.g., consider an MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). The above illustration depicts a single other network node besides the base station, but it could also be a combination of multiple other network nodes (e.g., an MME and an S-GW).

[0268] <Direction of input / output>

[0269] Information (see the items under <Information, Signals>) can be output from higher (or lower) layers to lower (or higher) layers. It can also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0270] Processing of input and output information, etc.

[0271] Input and output information can be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information can be overwritten, updated, or appended. Output information can also be deleted. Input information can also be sent to other devices.

[0272] <Judgment Method>

[0273] The determination can be made by a value represented by a single bit (0 or 1), by a true or false value (Boolean: true or false), or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a specific value).

[0274] <Transformations of methods, etc.>

[0275] The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can be used individually, in combination, or switched during execution. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., a "It is X" notification) is not limited to explicit notification; it can also be implicit (e.g., not notifying the recipient of that specific information).

[0276] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0277] <Software>

[0278] Whether software is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any other name, it should be broadly interpreted to refer to instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc.

[0279] Furthermore, software, instructions, and information can also be sent and received via a transmission medium. For example, when software is sent from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technologies (infrared, microwave, etc.), at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of a transmission medium.

[0280] <Information, Signals>

[0281] The information, signals, etc., described in this disclosure can also be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc., which may be mentioned throughout the above description, can also be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0282] Furthermore, the terms described in this disclosure, as well as those necessary for understanding this disclosure, may be replaced with terms that have the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and the symbol may also be a signal (signaling). Additionally, a signal may also be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may also be referred to as a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0283] <Systems, Networks>

[0284] The terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably in this disclosure.

[0285] <Parameters, Channel Name>

[0286] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure can be represented by absolute values, relative values ​​with respect to a specific value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources can also be indicated by an index.

[0287] The names used for the parameters described above are not limiting names in any respect. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas, etc., using these parameters sometimes differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name; therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not limiting names in any respect.

[0288] <base station>

[0289] In this disclosure, the terms "base station (BS)," "wireless base station," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission / reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" are used interchangeably. There are also instances where terms such as macro cell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell are used to refer to base stations.

[0290] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, its overall coverage area can be divided into several smaller areas, each of which can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station (Remote Radio Head (RRH))). Terms such as "cell" or "sector" refer to a portion or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and base station subsystem providing communication services within that coverage area.

[0291] <Mobile Station>

[0292] In this disclosure, the terms “Mobile Station (MS),” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” and “terminal” are used interchangeably.

[0293] For those skilled in the art, there are also instances where mobile stations are referred to as subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile subscriber stations, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, handsets, user agents, mobile clients, clients, or several other appropriate terms.

[0294] <Base station / Mobile station>

[0295] At least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be equipment mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object whose speed of movement is arbitrary. In addition, it naturally includes situations where the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, for example, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, autonomous two-wheelers, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, trailers, rickshaws, ships (boats and other watercraft), airplanes, rockets, artificial satellites, drones (registered trademark), multi-rotor aircraft, quadcopters, balloons, and objects mounted on them, and is not limited to these. Furthermore, the mobile body can also be a mobile body that moves autonomously based on operating commands. It can be a means of transportation (e.g., vehicles, airplanes, etc.), a mobile body that moves unmanned (e.g., drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.), or a robot (humanized or unmanned). In addition, at least one of the base station and the mobile station also includes a device that is not necessarily mobile during the communication operation. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0296] Furthermore, the base station in this disclosure can also be replaced by a terminal. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between the base station and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, it can also be configured such that the terminal 200 and the wireless device 300 have the functions of the base station 100 described above. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can also be replaced with side channel.

[0297] Similarly, the terminal in this disclosure can also be replaced by a base station. In this case, it can also be configured such that the base station 100 and the wireless device 300 have the functions of the terminal 200 described above.

[0298] exist Figure 21 An example of the structure of vehicle 2001 is shown. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering control unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021-2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to communication devices mounted on the vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0299] The drive unit 2002 is configured, for example, as an engine, a motor, or a combination of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 is configured to include at least a steering wheel (also called a handlebar) and to perform directional control on at least one of the front and rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel by the user.

[0300] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021-2029 of the vehicle 2001 are input into the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 can also be referred to as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0301] The signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, speed signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by speed sensor 2022, air pressure signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals obtained by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals obtained by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depress amount signals obtained by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depress amount signals obtained by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals obtained by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals obtained by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0302] The information service unit 2012 consists of various devices such as a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, used to provide (output) various information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The information service unit 2012 uses information obtained from external devices via the communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001.

[0303] The information service unit 2012 may include input devices that accept input from the outside (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) or output devices that implement output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, touch panel, etc.).

[0304] The driver assistance system unit 2030 comprises various devices used to provide functions for preventing accidents or reducing the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning devices (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-resolution (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps), gyroscope systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. Furthermore, the driver assistance system unit 2030 sends and receives various information via a communication module 2013 and implements driver assistance or autonomous driving functions.

[0305] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and the constituent elements of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data between the drive unit 2002, steering control unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheel 2007, rear wheel 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 in the electronic control unit 2010, and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 and sensors 2021-29 in the vehicle 2001 via the communication port 2033.

[0306] The communication module 2013 can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and is a communication device capable of communicating with external devices. For example, it can send and receive various types of information wirelessly with external devices. The communication module 2013 can be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. External devices can be, for example, base stations, mobile stations, etc.

[0307] The communication module 2013 can also wirelessly transmit to an external device at least one of the signals input to the electronic control unit 2010 from the various sensors 2021-2029 described above, information obtained based on these signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2029, and the information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as input units that receive input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 can also contain information based on the aforementioned input.

[0308] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) sent from external devices and displays it to the information service unit 2012 of the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH received by the communication module 2013 (or the data / information decoded from the PDSCH).

[0309] Furthermore, the communication module 2013 stores various information received from external devices in a memory 2032 that can be utilized by the microprocessor 2031. The microprocessor 2031 can also control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., of the vehicle 2001 based on the information stored in the memory 2032.

[0310] <Meaning and Explanation of Terms>

[0311] The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining. Furthermore, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Additionally, "determining" or "determining" can include actions such as resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and comparing. That is, "judgment" and "decision" can include situations where certain actions are regarded as having been "judged" or "decided". In addition, "judgment (decision)" can also be rewritten as "assuming", "expecting", "considering", etc.

[0312] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or all variations thereof, refer to all direct or indirect connections or combinations between two or more elements, and can include cases where there is one or more intermediate elements between two mutually “connected” or “coupled” elements. The connection or combination between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connected” can also be replaced by “access.” In the context of this disclosure, it is possible to consider two elements being mutually “connected” or “coupled” using at least one or more wires, cables, or printed electrical connections, and as several non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, using electromagnetic energy with wavelengths in the wireless frequency domain, microwave region, and light (both visible and invisible) region.

[0313] <Reference signal>

[0314] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and can also be referred to as Pilot according to the applied standard.

[0315] <Meaning of "based on">

[0316] In the present disclosure, the description such as "based on" used herein does not mean "only based on" unless specifically stated. In other words, the description such as "based on" means both "only based on" and "at least based on".

[0317] <"First", "Second">

[0318] Any reference to an element using the designations such as "first", "second", etc. used in the present disclosure does not comprehensively limit the quantity or order of these elements. These designations can be used in the present disclosure as a convenient method for distinguishing between two or more elements. Therefore, the reference to the first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be adopted, or that the first element must be prior to the second element in a certain form.

[0319] <Means>

[0320] The "means" in the structure of each of the above devices can also be replaced with "unit", "circuit", "equipment", etc.

[0321] <Open form>

[0322] In the present disclosure, when using "include", "including", and their variants, these terms, like the term "comprising", mean an inclusive meaning. Further, the term "or" used in the present disclosure does not mean an exclusive or meaning.

[0323] <Time units such as TTI, frequency units such as RB, radio frame structure>

[0324] The radio frame can also be composed of one or more frames in the time domain. One or more frames in the time domain can also be referred to as subframes. Further, a subframe can also be composed of one or more time slots in the time domain. A subframe can also be a fixed time length (e.g., 1 ms) independent of the numerology.

[0325] A parameter set can also be a set of communication parameters applied in at least one of the transmission and reception of a signal or channel. For example, a parameter set can also represent at least one of the following: subcarrier spacing (SCS), bandwidth, symbol length, cyclic prefix length, transmission time interval (TTI), number of symbols per TTI, radio frame structure, specific filtering processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the frequency domain, and specific windowing processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the time domain.

[0326] In the time domain, a time slot can also be composed of one or more symbols (OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols, SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols, etc.). A time slot can also be a time unit based on a set of parameters.

[0327] A time slot can also contain multiple mini-time slots. Each mini-time slot can also consist of one or more symbols in the time domain. Furthermore, a mini-time slot can also be called a sub-time slot. A mini-time slot can also consist of fewer symbols than a time slot. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted in a time unit larger than a mini-time slot can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type A. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted using mini-time slots can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type B.

[0328] Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols all represent time units for transmitting signals. Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols can also be referred to by their respective other names.

[0329] For example, a subframe can also be called a Transmission Time Interval (TTI), multiple consecutive subframes can also be called a TTI, and a time slot or a mini-time slot can also be called a TTI. That is, at least one of a subframe and a TTI can be a subframe in existing LTE (1ms), a period shorter than 1ms (e.g., 1-13 symbols), or a period longer than 1ms. In addition, the unit representing TTI may not be called a subframe, but rather a time slot, mini-time slot, etc.

[0330] Here, TTI refers, for example, to the smallest unit of time for scheduling in wireless communication. For instance, in an LTE system, the base station schedules radio resources (frequency bandwidth, transmit power, etc., available to each user terminal) in TTI units. However, the definition of TTI is not limited to this.

[0331] TTI can also be a unit of time for transmitting channel-coded data packets (transmission blocks), code blocks, codewords, etc., and can also be a unit of processing such as scheduling and link adaptation. In addition, when a TTI is given, the actual time interval (e.g., the number of symbols) mapped to transmission blocks, code blocks, codewords, etc. can be shorter than the TTI.

[0332] In addition, where one time slot or one mini-time slot is referred to as a TTI, more than one TTI (i.e., more than one time slot or more than one mini-time slot) can also be the minimum time unit for scheduling. Furthermore, the number of time slots (mini-time slots) constituting the minimum time unit of the schedule can also be controlled.

[0333] A TTI with a duration of 1ms can also be referred to as a normal TTI (TTI in LTE Rel.8-12), standard TTI, long TTI, normal subframe, standard subframe, long subframe, time slot, etc. A TTI shorter than a normal TTI can also be referred to as a shortened TTI, short TTI, partial TTI (partial or fractional TTI), shortened subframe, short subframe, mini time slot, sub-time slot, time slot, etc.

[0334] In addition, long TTIs (e.g., normal TTIs, subframes, etc.) can be replaced with TTIs with a duration of more than 1ms, and short TTIs (e.g., shortened TTIs, etc.) can be replaced with TTIs with a duration of less than long TTIs but more than 1ms.

[0335] A resource block (RB) is a unit of resource allocation in both the time and frequency domains. In the frequency domain, it can also contain one or more consecutive subcarriers. The number of subcarriers in an RB can be the same regardless of the parameter set, for example, it can be 12. The number of subcarriers in an RB can also be determined based on the parameter set.

[0336] Furthermore, the time domain of an RB can also contain one or more symbols, and can also be a time slot, a mini-time slot, a subframe, or the length of a TTI. A TTI, a subframe, etc., can also be composed of one or more resource blocks.

[0337] In addition, one or more RBs can also be referred to as Physical Resource Block (PRB), Sub-Carrier Group (SCG), Resource Element Group (REG), PRB Pair, RB Pair, etc.

[0338] Furthermore, a resource block can also consist of one or more resource elements (REs). For example, an RE can also be a radio resource area consisting of a subcarrier and a symbol.

[0339] The Bandwidth Part (BWP) (also known as partial bandwidth, etc.) can also represent a subset of consecutive common resource blocks (RBs) used for a certain parameter set in a certain carrier. Here, common RBs can also be determined by the index of RBs based on the common reference point of that carrier. PRBs can also be defined in a BWP and appended with numbers within that BWP.

[0340] A BWP can also include a UL BWP and a DL BWP. For a UE, one or more BWPs can be set within a single carrier.

[0341] At least one of the configured BWPs can be active, and the UE may not intend to transmit or receive specific signals / channels outside of the active BWPs. Furthermore, terms such as "cell" and "carrier" in this disclosure can be replaced with "BWP".

[0342] The structures described above, such as radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols, are merely illustrative. For example, the number of subframes contained in a radio frame, the number of time slots in each subframe or radio frame, the number of mini-time slots contained within a time slot, the number of symbols and RBs contained in a time slot or mini-time slot, the number of subcarriers contained in an RB, and the number of symbols in a TTI, symbol length, and cyclic prefix (CP) length can be varied in many ways.

[0343] Maximum transmit power

[0344] The term "maximum transmit power" as used in this disclosure may refer to the maximum value of the transmit power, the nominal maximum transmit power (the nominal UE maximum transmit power), or the rated maximum transmit power (the rated UE maximum transmit power).

[0345] <article>

[0346] In this disclosure, for example, in cases where articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may also include cases where the noun following these articles is in a plural form.

[0347] <“Different>>

[0348] In this disclosure, the term "A is different from B" can also mean "A and B are different from each other." Additionally, the term can also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" can also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0349] Industrial availability

[0350] One aspect of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems.

[0351] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0352] 10. Wireless communication system;

[0353] 20 NG-RAN;

[0354] 100 base stations (gNB);

[0355] 200 Terminals (UEs);

[0356] 300 Wireless Devices (RIS);

[0357] Transmitting units 101, 202, and 302;

[0358] Receiver units 102, 201, and 301;

[0359] 103, 203, 303 control units;

[0360] 1001 processor;

[0361] 1002 Memory;

[0362] 1003 Storage;

[0363] 1004 Communication devices;

[0364] 1005 Input device;

[0365] 1006 Output device;

[0366] 1007 bus.

Claims

1. A first wireless communication device for communicating with a second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device comprising: The receiving unit receives signals; and The control unit selects, based on information related to the communication quality estimated based on the signal, and at least one of the number of relay devices between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device, the path between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device used in the communication.

2. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Information related to the communication quality estimated based on the signal is at least one of the signal's transmission delay, the signal's radio wave strength, and the error rate based on the signal.

3. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit prioritizes information related to the estimated communication quality based on the signal and the number of relay devices through which the signal passes, and selects the path based on the information with the higher priority.

4. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit selects the path to be used in the communication from the candidate paths based on information related to the communication quality estimated based on the signal for each of the candidate paths and the number of relay devices between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device.

5. A wireless communication method, wherein, The first wireless communication device, which communicates with the second wireless communication device, performs the following operations: Receive signal; as well as Based on information related to the communication quality estimated based on the signal, and the number of at least one relay device between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device, a path between the second wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device used in the communication is selected.

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