Node, method and computer program in wireless telecommunications system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a first node in a wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time domain multiple access scheme, the first node comprising circuitry, the circuitry is configured to: determine that the fourth node should simultaneously serve the second node and the third node; generating indication information including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that the transmission by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node; and transmitting data of the second node and the third node, the data of the second node and the third node being transmitted in at least one of a time domain mode of a frame, a frequency domain mode of the frame, a code division mode of the frame and / or a polarization mode of the frame at the time indicated by the time indication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to nodes, methods, and computer programs in wireless telecommunications systems. Background Technology

[0002] The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this background section, the work of the currently designated inventors and aspects of the description that may not conform to the prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor implied to be considered prior art of this disclosure.

[0003] Next-generation mobile telecommunications systems (such as systems based on the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and 5G New Radio (NR) architectures defined by the 3GPP® program) can support a wider range of richer services than the simple voice and messaging services offered by previous generations of mobile telecommunications systems. For example, with the improved radio interfaces and enhanced data rates provided by LTE and NR systems, users can experience high-data-rate applications such as mobile video streaming and mobile video conferencing, which were previously only possible through fixed-line data connections.

[0004] However, the general expectation is to improve the efficiency of wireless telecommunications systems. This goal may be difficult to achieve when the operation of a telecommunications system is subject to one or more constraints.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to this disclosure, the efficiency of wireless telecommunications systems can be improved.

[0008] However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this advantageous technical effect. Other advantageous technical effects will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure and their advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 Some components of an LTE-type wireless telecommunications system are schematically shown; Figure 2 Some components of an NR-type wireless telecommunications system are schematically shown; Figure 3 It schematically shows that in Figure 2 Some components of the wireless telecommunications system are shown in more detail below; Figure 4AThe use of coverage enhancement devices in a wireless telecommunications system is illustrated schematically; Figure 4B The capacity curves for two different scenarios are illustrated schematically. Figure 5 The first node in a wireless telecommunications system is schematically shown. Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a second or third node in a wireless telecommunications system; Figure 7 The fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system is schematically shown; Figure 8A The diagram schematically illustrates the transmission between the first, second, third, and fourth nodes in a wireless telecommunications system. Figure 8B The diagram illustrates a data frame sent by the first node. Figure 9 A first exemplary method for controlling wireless telecommunications equipment is shown; Figure 10 A second exemplary method for controlling wireless telecommunications equipment is shown; and Figure 11 A third exemplary method for controlling wireless telecommunications equipment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general description and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. The described embodiments and other advantages will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (where like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts).

[0011] In the following description, several specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to practice the invention. Rather, for clarity, specific details known to those skilled in the art have been omitted where appropriate.

[0012] Furthermore, the terms “coupled” and “connected” and their derivatives are used herein to describe the structural relationships between components of a device or system performing the operations described herein. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonyms. Rather, in specific embodiments, “connected” is used to indicate that two or more elements form direct physical or electrical contact with each other; while “coupled” is used to indicate that two or more elements form direct or indirect physical or electrical contact with each other (with other intermediate elements between the elements), and / or that these elements cooperate or communicate with each other (e.g., in a causal relationship).

[0013] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended to be schematic and the elements shown are not necessarily to scale. Rather, the illustrations of the elements are intended to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand their function and general purpose. Any connections or couplings between functional blocks, devices, components, or other physical / functional units shown in the drawings or described herein may also be achieved through indirect connections or couplings. Couplings between components may also be established via wireless connections. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0014] Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication systems

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is provided illustrating some basic functions of a mobile telecommunications network / system 6 that typically operates according to LTE principles, but it may also support other radio access technologies and can be adapted to implement embodiments of this disclosure as described herein. Figure 1 The various components and certain aspects of their respective operating modes are well known and defined in relevant standards managed by the 3GPP organization, as well as described in numerous books on the subject (e.g., Holma H. ​​and Toskala A[1]). It should be understood that aspects of telecommunications network operation not specifically described herein (e.g., those related to specific communication protocols and physical channels used for communication between different components) can be implemented according to any known technology, such as in accordance with relevant standards, and proposed modifications and additions to those standards.

[0016] Network 6 includes multiple base stations 1 connected to core network 2. Each base station provides coverage area 3 (that is, a cell) within which data can be transmitted to and received from communication device 4.

[0017] Although each base station 1 is Figure 1 While shown as a single entity, those skilled in the art will understand that some functions of a base station can be performed by different interconnecting elements, such as antennas (antenna assemblies), remote radio heads, amplifiers, etc. Overall, one or more base stations can form a radio access network.

[0018] Data is transmitted from base station 1 to communication device 4 within its respective coverage area 3 via radio downlink (DL). Data is transmitted from communication device 4 to base station 1 via radio uplink (UL). Core network 2 routes data to communication device 4 through each base station 1, and also routes data from communication device 4, providing functions such as authentication, mobility management, and billing. Communication device may also be referred to as mobile station, user facility (UE), user terminal, mobile radio station, terminal device, etc.

[0019] The services provided by core network 2 may include connectivity to the Internet or external telephone services. Core network 2 may further track the location of communication device 4 in order to efficiently contact (i.e. call) communication device 4 and send downlink data to communication device 4.

[0020] A base station (as an example of network infrastructure equipment) may also be referred to as a transceiver station, nodeB, e-nodeB, eNB, g-nodeB, gNB, etc. (Note: g-nodeB and gNB are both related to 5G New Radio – see description below for details). In this regard, different generations of wireless telecommunication systems are typically associated with different terms for components that provide substantially equivalent functionality. However, some embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented equivalently in different generations of wireless telecommunication systems, and for the sake of brevity, specific terms may be used without being limited to the underlying network architecture. That is, the use of specific terms in some exemplary implementations is not intended to indicate that these implementations are limited to the generation of networks most closely associated with that specific term.

[0021] In this disclosure, any device (e.g., a communication device, infrastructure device, etc.) that transmits and / or receives wireless telecommunication signals in any exemplary wireless telecommunication network / system may generally be referred to as a wireless telecommunication device.

[0022] 5G New Radio (NR) Wireless Communication System

[0023] Figure 2 An exemplary configuration of a wireless communication network is shown, which uses some of the terminology proposed and used for NR. Figure 2 In this configuration, multiple Transmitter-Receiver Points (TRPs) 10 are connected to Distributed Control Units (DUs) 41, 42 via a connection interface represented as line 16. Each TRP 10 is configured to transmit and receive signals within the available radio frequency bandwidth of the wireless communication network via a wireless access interface. Therefore, within the range of radio communication via the wireless access interface, each TRP 10 forms a cell of the wireless communication network, as indicated by circle 12. Thus, wireless communication devices 14 within the wireless communication range provided by cell 12 can transmit and receive signals with TRPs 10 via the wireless access interface. Each of the distributed units 41, 42 is connected to a Central Unit (CU) 40 (which may be referred to as a control node) via interface 46. The Central Unit 40 is then connected to a core network 20, which may contain all other functions required for bidirectional data communication between the wireless communication devices and the core network 20. The core network 20 may be connected to other networks 300.

[0024] Figure 2 The components of the wireless access network shown can be configured according to the relevant provisions. Figure 1The example describes a similar operation to the corresponding components of an LTE network. It should be understood that, in Figure 2 The operational aspects of the telecommunications network represented, and the operational aspects of other networks according to embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein, wherein the parts not specifically described (e.g., regarding specific communication protocols and physical channels for communication between different components) may be implemented according to any known technology, such as methods currently used for implementing such operations of wireless telecommunications systems, for example, according to relevant standards.

[0025] Figure 2 The TRP 10 in the NR network may partially possess functions corresponding to a base station or eNodeB in an LTE network. Similarly, the communication device 14 may possess functions corresponding to a UE device 4 known for operation with an LTE network. Therefore, it should be understood that operational aspects of the NR network (e.g., specific communication protocols and physical channels for communication between different components) may differ from known operations in LTE or other known mobile telecommunications standards. However, it should also be understood that each of the core network components, base stations, and communication devices in the NR network will functionally resemble, respectively, the core network components, base stations, and communication devices of an LTE wireless communication network.

[0026] In terms of broad top-level functionality, connecting to Figure 2 The core network 20 of the NR telecommunications system can be roughly considered to be... Figure 1 Corresponding to the core network 2 represented, and the central unit 40 and the associated DUs 41, 42 / TRP 10 can be considered to provide a similar functionality to... Figure 1 The functions corresponding to base station 1. The term "network infrastructure equipment / access node" can be used to encompass these elements as well as more traditional base station types in wireless telecommunications systems. Depending on the specific application, the responsibility for scheduling transmissions at the radio interfaces between the distributed units and communication devices may be undertaken by CU 40, DU 41, 42 and / or TRP 10. Figure 2 In this context, communication devices 14 are represented within the coverage area of ​​each communication cell 12. Therefore, these communication devices 14 can exchange signaling with CU 40 via TRP 10 associated with their respective communication cells 12.

[0027] It should also be understood that Figure 2 This is merely one example of the proposed architecture for an NR-based telecommunications system, in which methods based on the principles described herein can be employed, and the functionalities disclosed herein can also be applied to wireless telecommunications systems with different architectures.

[0028] Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure discussed herein can be implemented according to various different architectures (such as, Figure 1 and Figure 2The exemplary architecture shown is implemented in a wireless telecommunications system / network. Therefore, it should be understood that the specific wireless telecommunications architecture is not of primary significance to the principles described herein in any particular implementation. In this regard, some embodiments of this disclosure are generally described in the context of communication between network infrastructure equipment / access nodes and communication devices, wherein the specific form of the network infrastructure equipment / access nodes and communication devices will depend on the network infrastructure in the specific implementation scenario. For example, in some scenarios, the network infrastructure equipment / access node may include a base station (such as...) suitable for providing functions consistent with the principles described herein. Figure 1 The LTE-type base station 1 shown, in other examples, network infrastructure equipment may include CU 40, DU 41, 42 and / or DU 42 adapted to provide functionality consistent with the principles described herein. Figure 2 TRP 10 of the type shown.

[0029] Figure 3 Provided Figure 2 A more detailed illustration of some components of the network is shown. Figure 3 In, such as Figure 2 The TRP 10 shown (in simplified form) includes a radio transmitter 30, a radio receiver 32, and a controller or control processor 34 configured to control the transmitter 30 and receiver 32 to transmit and receive radio signals to one or more UEs 14 within the cell 12 formed by the TRP 10. Figure 3 As shown, the exemplary UE 14 is shown to include a corresponding wireless transmitter 49, a wireless receiver 48, and a controller or control processor 44 configured to control the transmitter 49 to transmit signals representing uplink data to the wireless communication network through the wireless access interface formed by the TRP 10, and to control the receiver 48 to receive downlink data (such as signals transmitted by the transmitter 30).

[0030] Transmitters 30, 49 and receivers 32, 48 (and other transmitters, receivers, and transceivers described in connection with the examples and embodiments of this disclosure) may include radio frequency filters, amplifiers, and signal processing components and devices for transmitting and receiving radio signals, for example, according to 5G / NR standards. Controllers 34, 44 (and other controllers described in connection with the examples and embodiments of this disclosure) may be, for example, microprocessors, CPUs, or dedicated chipsets, configured to execute instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as non-volatile memory. The processing steps described herein may be executed by, for example, a microprocessor in conjunction with random access memory, and the microprocessor operates according to instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, TRP 10 also includes a network interface 50, which is connected to DU 42 via physical interface 16. Therefore, network interface 50 provides a communication link for transmitting data and signaling from TRP 10 to core network 20 via DU 42 and CU 40.

[0032] The interface 46 between DU 42 and CU 40 is referred to as the F1 interface, which can be a physical interface or a logical interface. The F1 interface 46 between the CU and DU can operate according to the 3GPP TS 38.470 and 3GPP TS 38.473 specifications and can be formed by fiber optic or other wired or wireless high-bandwidth connections. In one example, the connection 16 from TRP 10 to DU 42 is implemented via fiber optic. The connection between TRP 10 and the core network 20 is typically referred to as the backhaul, which includes the interface 16 from the network interface 50 of TRP 10 to DU 42, and the F1 interface 46 from DU 42 to CU 40.

[0033] Coverage enhancement device

[0034] Coverage enhancement devices (CEDs) can be used to increase the coverage area of ​​wireless communications in a telecommunications system. Coverage enhancement devices include reconfigurable repeater devices (RRDs). RRDs include, for example, reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS) or network reconfigurable repeaters (NCRs).

[0035] More specifically, a RIS is an electrical device (preferably low-cost). Its task is to transmit signals from a given direction. As input, this signal is reflected in another direction. This should occur within a given frequency band, for example... Hz. That is to say, under normal circumstances, RIS is considered to be in the frequency band. It possesses "ideal reflection" characteristics, and the frequency band External reflections are neglected. In this disclosure, the frequency characteristics of RIS and its subsequent effects are considered.

[0036] There are scenarios where a single CED (such as a single RIS) serves multiple nodes (such as multiple UEs). In this case, the CED can be rapidly or abruptly reconfigured so that it can alternate between two or more configurations to serve multiple nodes. This configuration method is described in this disclosure. Figure 4A It is shown schematically in the middle.

[0037] exist Figure 4AIn this example, the TRP communicates with the UE via the CED. That is, in this example, the TRP communicates with the UE via the CED during Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) operation. At time T1, the TRP sends data transmission for the first UE to the CED and configures the CED to transmit this data transmission to the first UE. Subsequently, at time T2, the TRP sends data transmission for the second UE to the CED and configures the CED to transmit this data transmission to the second UE. As disclosed in this disclosure... Figure 4A As shown, to achieve this type of transmission, a rapid or burst reconfiguration of the CED is required.

[0038] Although Figure 4A The example describes TDMA operation, but this disclosure is also applicable to other situations. For example, this disclosure can also be applied to Time Division Duplex (TDD) operation. In TDD operation, the CED is configured to switch between UL and DL transmissions for the same device (e.g., the same UE served by the TRP).

[0039] Ideally, RIS will be in the frequency band Perfect internal reflection, but in the frequency band While it exhibits no external reflection, this is not necessarily a very accurate model for RIS. A more reasonable model assumes that the RIS's spectral characteristics resemble a bandpass filter with a non-ideal roll-off. That is, compared to the center frequency, The reflection at the edges is reduced, but... In addition, there may be non-negligible reflections. In RIS ETSI ISG, the frequency range in which RIS reflects with non-negligible efficiency is called the RIS's "Bandwidth of Influence (BoI)". If the BoI of RIS is strictly limited, the effective bandwidth of RIS may be much smaller than the frequency band used by the operator, which may result in a considerable loss of spectral efficiency.

[0040] On the other hand, if the restrictions on BoI are defined too loosely, it means that signals from other operators (here referred to as B) may be reflected by the RIS. Superficially, this seems harmless, since signals are reflected by various objects anyway, whether man-made or natural. However, the core essence of the RIS lies in its ability to be reconfigured (by owner A) to adapt to the current environment. But each reconfiguration causes a sudden change in the propagation channel of operator B (whose signals may also be reflected by the RIS). This channel discontinuity can occur so rapidly that the reference signal struggles to track it. On the other hand, this is not a problem for operator A (the owner of the RIS), because A is aware of the new reconfiguration and can design its reference signal structure accordingly.

[0041] Implicit in the above discussion is that B serves a UE, which may be located near the RIS of A, and that part of the channel traversed by B's communication is induced by the RIS. Now, consider an example where B serves a UE on a specific subcarrier, and the channel model is represented as: (1) Now assume that the component introduced by RIS is The propagation channel independent of RIS is Noise has variance. The channel input is a zero-mean, circularly symmetric complex Gaussian, and we assume it to be a complex Gaussian with unit variance. Under these assumptions, the channel capacity is only... Now, suppose the RIS is suddenly reconfigured and the components introduced by the RIS disappear, that is: Then, after reconfiguration, we obtain the following model: (2) However, the receiver still relies on compliance Data decoding is performed on channels with specific characteristics; therefore, we enter a receiver mismatch situation. Using a generalized mutual information framework, we obtain the achievable capacity in this scenario. (We assume) In the case of a real value, the capacity is expressed as: (3) Its first item can be identified as capacity. This refers to the capacity before reconfiguration. The other two items are penalties for mismatches. In our example, ,and In comparison, its corresponding power is much smaller, and the speed comparison between the two is as follows: Figure 4B As shown, abrupt changes in channel propagation conditions lead to a significant rate loss. For larger... The value indicates that the peak of the curve below shifts to the left.

[0042] In the above equation, it is assumed that and All values ​​are real and positive. However, this is merely one exemplary case to which the implementation of this disclosure is applicable. More generally, and The value of is not particularly limited in this respect. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that, with appropriate modifications known in the art, the above formula can be applied (more generally). and Other possible values.

[0043] Figure 4BThe results clearly demonstrate that countermeasures are needed in this regard.

[0044] In other words, a known problem with RIS technology is that the bandwidth of the RIS is typically wider than the signal it is intended to reflect. This can lead to inter-operator interference because if operator A configures the RIS within its frequency band, the RIS will actually reflect portions of operator B's signal in different frequency bands (i.e., the bands used by operator B). In fact, from a channel estimation perspective, RIS reflection is particularly poor. When a signal reflects from a building, the resulting channel contribution changes slowly and smoothly. However, for the RIS, reconfiguration can theoretically be done at the symbol level, and the channel will change abruptly (due to its switching between different spatial beam directions, or "ping-pong" switching, e.g., serving different UEs), making it impossible for operator B's gNB to estimate the channel using methods such as DMRS.

[0045] In other words, during TDMA operation, RIS serves two (or more) UEs by alternating PRBs (Physical Resource Blocks), as described in this disclosure. Figure 4A As shown, RIS will reconfigure based on each PRB (i.e., configure the first configuration for the first UE and the second different configuration for the second UE, depending on the expected receiver of the PRB).

[0046] However, the RIS can be informed that burst beam reconfiguration is not allowed (e.g., the RIS no longer allows "ping-pong" switching between two different spatial beam directions). Alternatively, for TDD operation, the RIS (or other CED) can be configured to full-duplex mode (using static configuration (no handover) for uplink / downlink transmission).

[0047] When coverage enhancement devices (such as RIS) are unable to perform burst beam reconfiguration, there is a need to improve the efficiency of wireless communication. For example, it is desirable to improve communication efficiency and / or power efficiency in this wireless communication system despite this operational limitation.

[0048] Therefore, in view of the foregoing (and the information in the background art), this disclosure provides nodes, methods and computer programs.

[0049] First node: Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a first node in a wireless telecommunications system. The first node 5000 is a wireless telecommunications device. In this example, the first node 5000 may be a TRP (e.g., a gNB). In this example, the first node may be a UE, for instance, when performing device-to-device communication.

[0050] The wireless telecommunications system includes a first node 5000, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node. The first node 5000 serves the second and third nodes via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme. For example, the second and third nodes can be UEs within the wireless telecommunications system served by the first node. In this example, the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device, through which the first node serves the second and third nodes. In this example, the fourth node can be a RIS (Real-Integrated System).

[0051] The first node 5000 includes circuit 5002.

[0052] Circuit 5002 may be a microprocessor that executes computer instructions, or it may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the example, circuit 5002 may be configured as a determining circuit 5004, a generating circuit 5006, and a transmitting circuit 5008.

[0053] Circuit 5004 is configured to determine that the fourth node should serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously. This can be in response to an instruction that the fourth node (such as a RIS or other coverage enhancement device) is no longer authorized to perform burst reconfiguration (e.g., switching between different spatial beam directions).

[0054] Circuit 5006 is configured to generate indication information, including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes. The time indication may indicate, for example, the time when a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes (such as an initial time), or the time when the fourth node begins simultaneous transmission. The time indication may also indicate a period of time during which a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes (such as the duration of simultaneous transmission by the fourth node).

[0055] Circuit 5008 is configured to transmit data of a second node and a third node, wherein the data of the second node and the third node are transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

[0056] Second node and third node

[0057] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a second (or third) node in a wireless telecommunications system. In the example, the second (or third) node 6000 can be a UE.

[0058] The wireless telecommunications system includes the first node 5000 (as referenced) Figure 5The first node 5000 serves the second and third nodes 6000 via the fourth node using time-division multiple access. For example, the second and third nodes can be UEs within a wireless telecommunications system served by the first node. In this example, the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device, through which the first node serves the second and third nodes. In this example, the fourth node can be a RIS (Real-Integrated System).

[0059] The second node 6000 includes circuit 6002.

[0060] Circuit 6002 may be a microprocessor that executes computer instructions, or it may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the example, circuit 6002 may be configured as a receiving circuit 6004, a determining circuit 6006, and an executing circuit 6008.

[0061] The receiving circuit 6002 is configured to receive indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes.

[0062] In addition, the receiving circuit 6004 is configured to receive transmissions from the first node.

[0063] The determining circuit 6006 is configured to determine whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second or third node.

[0064] The execution circuit is configured to perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node.

[0065] Fourth node: Figure 7 A fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system is schematically illustrated. In this example, the fourth node 7000 can be a coverage enhancement device. In this example, the coverage enhancement device can be a RIS (Reinforced Integrated Circuit).

[0066] The wireless telecommunications system includes the first node 5000 (as referenced) Figure 5 The second node 6000 and the third node 6000 (as described above) Figure 6 The second and third nodes may be UEs in a wireless telecommunications system, provided by the first node (such as a gNB) via the fourth node 7000, which acts as a coverage enhancement device.

[0067] Circuit 7002 may be a microprocessor that executes computer instructions, or it may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the example, circuit 7002 may be configured as receiving circuit 7004 and fixed circuit 7006.

[0068] The receiving circuit 7004 can be configured to receive control information from the first node.

[0069] The fixed circuit 7006 can be configured to, in response to receiving control information from the first node, fix the configuration of the fourth node to a static configuration so that data can be transmitted from the first node to the second and third nodes, thereby enabling the fourth node to serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously. In this manner, each of the second and third nodes 6000 can receive all frames sent by the first node.

[0070] The efficiency of the telecommunications system can be improved by using each of the first, second (third) and fourth nodes.

[0071] In other words, the first node (serving the second and third nodes via the fourth node) can determine that the fourth node should simultaneously serve both the second and third nodes. For example, the first node can determine that burst reconfiguration by the fourth node is no longer permitted (e.g., for reasons detailed above). At this stage, the first node can (by generating indication information) inform the second and third nodes that they will receive all frames transmitted by the first node. Subsequently, the first node can continue to transmit signals to the second and third nodes in the same manner (e.g., using time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode). However, since the second node has been informed that it will receive all frames transmitted from the first node, the second node is able to use all reference signals embedded in the frames of another UE (i.e., the third node). That is, the second node can use the reference signals contained in the frames of the second node as well as the reference signals contained in the frames of the third node. In a similar manner, the third node is able to use the transmissions of the second node. Thus, improved synchronization, channel estimation, and phase tracking can be achieved. This, in turn, improves the efficiency of the telecommunications system.

[0072] In the example, an indication can be provided that two (or more) UEs have the same spatial configuration at the gNB and / or CED and are therefore able to (e.g.) benefit from other UE reference signals by indicating that two (or more) UEs are in a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship with each other. That is, in the example, a QCL framework can be used to indicate to the UEs which reference signals are relevant. In the example, a reference signal of another UE (such as a reference signal of a third UE) can be indicated as having a QCL relationship with a reference signal of a second (dedicated) UE.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the second node may also use frames from another UE (i.e., the third node) for energy harvesting. That is, the second node will receive transmissions from the first node specifically for the second and third nodes (as described above). Data for the second node is not present in the transmissions for the third node (although the second node may use the reference signal embedded in the frames for the third node as described above). Since data for the second node is not present in the transmissions for the third node, the second node can instead use the transmission power of the frames for the third node for energy harvesting. In other words, the second node can use the energy harvested from the radio waves of the transmissions from the first node (for the third node) and store this energy in an energy storage device (such as a battery, capacitor, etc.) to power one or more functions of the second node. Thus, the energy received at the second node from the transmissions (for the third node) can be used to power the second node, thereby improving the efficiency of the telecommunications system.

[0074] Further details will now be described with reference to a specific example implementation. However, while certain details of this disclosure have been described with reference to this particular example implementation, it should be understood that this disclosure is not particularly limited in this respect. The techniques of this disclosure can be applied more generally to any suitable wireless telecommunications system as needed.

[0075] Exemplary Implementation

[0076] Now, consider this disclosure Figure 8A . Figure 8A The diagram schematically illustrates the transmission between the first, second, third, and fourth nodes in a wireless telecommunications system.

[0077] In this example, the first node is the TRP (specifically, the gNB in ​​this case), the second and third nodes are the second and third UEs served by the gNB, and the fourth node is the RIS (as a coverage enhancement device).

[0078] In the first state, operator A operates its RIS (fourth node) according to the TDMA configuration. This can be seen as follows: Figure 4A The example describes the way.

[0079] In other words, we assume that A operates the RIS according to the TDMA method outlined above, meaning that the RIS switches rapidly ("ping-pong") between two different spatial beam directions. This allows frames from the gNB to be alternately provided to the UE served by the gNB.

[0080] In this manner, the gNB transmits frames for the second UE and the third UE (i.e., UEs served by the gNB). The frames transmitted by the gNB are transmitted in at least one of time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode.

[0081] Now, consider this disclosure Figure 8B . Figure 8B The diagram illustrates a data frame sent by the first node.

[0082] Specifically, in Figure 8B The image shows the time-domain mode of frames transmitted by a gNB for a second and a third UE served by that gNB. Although this example is described with reference to the time-domain mode of the frame, it should be understood that the gNB may also transmit frames in frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode.

[0083] Taking time-domain mode as an example (e.g.) Figure 8B As shown), the gNB can transmit frames for the second UE (more generally, the second node) at the times corresponding to frames A, C, and E, and frames for the third UE (more generally, the third node) at the times corresponding to frames B, D, and F. Therefore, in the example, the temporal mode of the frames (such as...) Figure 8B The frame pattern shown is for transmitting data to the second node and then to the third node.

[0084] In the example, the frame can be a PRB. In the example, the frame (as referenced) Figure 8B The described data may include time slots or symbols. However, this disclosure is not particularly limited in this respect. More generally, however, it should be understood that each frame may include data and reference information of a second or third UE. In the example, the reference information may include demodulation reference signals and / or probe reference signals (or probe reference signal configuration information).

[0085] When the RIS (more generally, the fourth node) is operated according to TDMA, the gNB (more generally, the first node) can reconfigure the RIS such that frames sent to the second UE (i.e., frames A, C, and E) are sent to the second UE only (via the RIS), and frames sent to the third UE (i.e., frames B, D, and F) are sent to the third UE only.

[0086] In other words, the gNB uses the same RIS to switch between two RIS configurations via TDMA, thereby serving both UEs.

[0087] However, as explained above, this requires burst reconfiguration of the RIS throughout the transmission. Burst reconfiguration of the RIS can be detrimental because it may limit the ability of a second operator (e.g., operator B) to perform channel estimation. Therefore, if the RIS reflects a portion of operator B's signal (at a different frequency band), a burst reconfiguration of the RIS by operator A could interfere with operator B.

[0088] Therefore, at some point, the network will notify operator A that its RIS must now strictly adhere to coherence time constraints. In other words, operator A may be notified to terminate the "ping-pong" handover between configurations (i.e., the sudden reconfiguration of the RIS).

[0089] This could impact efficiency within the telecommunications system, as operator A may no longer be able to separate transmissions for the second and third UEs via the RIS. In other words, a pressing issue is that operator A can no longer provide services to both UEs by switching between two RIS configurations using TDMA through the same RIS.

[0090] To solve this problem, operator A can use a fixed (or static) configuration, using the same RIS to serve two UEs. That is, the RIS can serve two UEs simultaneously (receiving transmissions from operator A's gNB).

[0091] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, operator A's gNB is configured to perform a series of operations to configure RIS and instruct a second and a third UE (i.e., a UE served by the gNB) that these UEs will receive all transmissions from the gNB. This is advantageous because it improves the efficiency of the telecommunications system. Specifically, the fact that the second and third UEs are aware that they will receive transmissions (even though they are not scheduled) enables the second and third nodes to advantageously utilize these transmissions. As explained, this includes, for example, using reference signals embedded in the signals of other UEs.

[0092] Therefore, in S1, after determining that the RIS can no longer operate by switching between two RIS configurations, the gNB (first node) sends a signal to the RIS to configure the RIS to serve both the second UE and the third UE simultaneously.

[0093] In the example, the gNB (more generally, the first node) can be configured to, in response to a received instruction, determine that the RIS can no longer operate by switching between two RIS configurations (i.e., the RIS should simultaneously serve the UE). The instruction can be from the network. The instruction can also be from a second operator within the network (e.g., operator B).

[0094] In this example, the gNB can be configured to make a determination in response to detected conditions. The detected conditions can be detected network conditions. For example, detected conditions may include one or more of interference conditions and / or channel rate of change conditions. Interference conditions may include situations where interference caused by the gNB operating the RIS in a TDMA manner (e.g., to operator B) exceeds a threshold. Channel rate of change conditions may include situations where the channel rate of change caused by the gNB operating the RIS in a TDMA manner exceeds a threshold.

[0095] This disclosure is not particularly limited to these example arrangements, in which the gNB can determine that the RIS should use a static configuration (thus serving the UE simultaneously). However, it should be understood that once this determination is made, the gNB (the first node) signals to the RIS to configure the RIS to serve both the second and third UEs simultaneously. In the examples, the signaling from the gNB to the RIS can be provided via control information from the gNB to the RIS.

[0096] Once the RIS receives the signal (control information) from the gNB, it will operate in static configuration in response to the reception of the signal to enable data transmission from the gNB to the second UE and the third UE, so that the signal from the gNB (via the RIS) arrives at the second UE and the third UE simultaneously.

[0097] In the example, the RIS can be configured to run in a static configuration for a period of time indicated by the gNB (that is, a given duration). This duration can be indicated by time indication information. In the example, the RIS can be configured to run in a static configuration until further instructions are received from the first node.

[0098] In the example, the gNB can be configured (using signal S1) to control the RIS to use beam splitting when transmitting data for the second and third nodes, thereby serving both the second and third nodes simultaneously. When beam splitting is performed, the RIS (or other coverage enhancement device) can simultaneously reflect the incident signal along the input spatial direction (e.g., the signal from the gNB) to multiple output spatial directions (e.g., signals to the second UE and signals to the third UE). In the example, this can be performed by configuring one or more antenna elements of the RIS (or other coverage enhancement device) to apply phase shifts to reflect the incident signal to multiple output spatial directions. So-called beam splitting (multi-device transmission via coverage enhancement device) is described in WO 2023 / 021062 A1. The teachings of WO 2023 / 021062 A1 can be applied to embodiments of this disclosure and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] However, this is just one example of how a gNB (more generally, the first node) can control a RIS (more generally, the fourth node) to serve both the second and third UEs (more generally, the second and third nodes) simultaneously.

[0100] In some examples, the RIS can initially assign both polarizations to a single UE; since the RIS is initially capable of "ping-pong" switching between configurations, it can use both polarizations for both UEs while still independently serving both UEs. However, upon receiving a message that the "ping-pong" switching between UEs must cease (i.e., simultaneous service for both UEs is required), the RIS can be controlled to assign one polarization to one spatial direction (e.g., the second UE) and the other polarization to another spatial direction (e.g., the third UE). Therefore, the RIS can use a specific polarization for a given UE, thereby separating transmissions from the gNB.

[0101] In this scenario, the second (and third) UEs will receive the following information: although they previously received two transport layers (one for each polarization), they will now receive only one transport layer (because the other polarization is used for other purposes (i.e., another UE)). However, the second (and third) UEs can be informed that they can still utilize signals in the other polarization (such as embedded reference signals) for purposes such as channel estimation. This information can be contained in signals S2 and S3 (described in more detail below).

[0102] Therefore, in the example, the gNB can be configured to control the RIS to serve both the second UE and the third UE simultaneously by controlling the polarization used by the RIS to transmit signals to both the second UE and the third UE.

[0103] However, more generally, it should be understood that signal S1 from gNB to RIS is a signal (control information) that causes RIS to operate in a static configuration to transmit data from gNB to the second UE and the third UE, thereby enabling signals from gNB (via RIS) to reach the second UE and the third UE simultaneously.

[0104] Once the first node (gNB in ​​this case) has signaled to the fourth node (RIS in this case) that it is simultaneously serving both the second and third nodes (the second and third UEs in this case), then the gNB can (in this example) Figure 8A (In signals S2 and S3) the signaling notification of indication information is sent to the second UE and the third UE.

[0105] In the example, signals S2 and S3 include indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission made by the gNB can reach each of the second UE and the third UE.

[0106] In this way, the second and third UEs are notified that they will receive transmissions from the gNB even if they are not scheduled. Therefore, in the example, the transmission indication information tells the UEs that they will continuously receive (nearly) constant power from the gNB (via the RIS), even if there is sometimes no data available for them to decode (because the data may belong to the other of the second and third UEs respectively).

[0107] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the time indication is not particularly limited. However, in the example, the time indication information may include the initial time when the transmission carried out by the gNB can reach each of the second and third UEs (i.e., the time when the simultaneous transmission of RIS will begin).

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, the timing information may include information about the duration during which a transmission carried out by the gNB can reach each of the second and third UEs. In this way, the duration can be signaled to the second and third UEs, so that each of the second and third UEs can receive all transmissions from the gNB during that duration.

[0109] The instruction information may be sent by the gNB (via RIS) to the second UE and / or the third UE (as disclosed herein). Figure 8A (As shown). In other examples, the gNB can generate indication information, which can be sent to the second and third UEs in other ways.

[0110] In the example, the gNB may use at least one of the Radio Resource Control Unit (RRU), MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH to transmit information to the second and / or third UE (via RIS). Of these signaling elements, it should be understood that the RRU is the slowest in signaling the change to the second and / or third UE. However, since the signaling is provided to the second and / or third UE at some point before the change (described in more detail below), the gNB has the capacity to execute the signaling.

[0111] In the example, the indication information may include configuration information for the second UE and / or the third UE. The configuration information can configure the second UE and / or the third UE to perform one or more operations (described in more detail below) to utilize transmissions sent to the other of the second UE and / or the third UE. In the example, the indication information may include indications of predetermined modes for the second UE and / or the third UE (e.g., predetermined operating modes corresponding to simultaneous transmission with RIS). This provides an efficient way for the gNB to signal to the second UE and the third UE.

[0112] Furthermore, in the example, the indication information may include at least one of the time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode used by the gNB to transmit frames for the second UE and the third UE. Therefore, even if the second UE and the third UE receive all transmissions from the first node (since the RIS serves both the second UE and the third UE simultaneously), the second UE and the third UE can easily and effectively identify which frames contain their associated data.

[0113] Therefore, signals S2 and S3 notify the respective UEs that they will receive signals from the gNB even if they are not scheduled. This is important because it allows the UE to use all reference signals embedded in the other UE's signals.

[0114] It should be understood that, typically, when the RIS serves both a second and a third UE simultaneously (i.e., spatially serves both UEs at the same time), the received power of each UE will generally experience a slight loss compared to the case where each UE receives a dedicated narrow beam (i.e., the case where the RIS performs a burst reconfiguration). As an example, the received power of each UE may experience a 4 dB loss compared to the case where each UE receives a dedicated narrow beam. However, this disclosure is not specifically limited to the power loss in this example.

[0115] In the example, when the gNB notifies the second and third UEs (via signals S1 and S2) through signaling, it can perform specific actions to enable these UEs to prepare for this loss of received signal power (which may apply to UL and DL signals).

[0116] In other words, in the example, the gNB can generate indication information that further includes an indication of channel condition changes when the RIS simultaneously serves both the second and third UEs. Channel condition changes may include a reduction in received signal power. Therefore, when the RIS is configured to be static (so that the RIS simultaneously serves both the second and third UEs), the UE can be aware of the impending change in received signal power.

[0117] In the example, this allows the UE to compensate for changes in received power. As an example, when RIS serves both a second and a third UE simultaneously, the UE can adjust its transmission power based on a decrease in received power.

[0118] In the example, the gNB may further include one or more additional reference signals in the indication information and / or subsequent transmissions to the UE (once the RIS is also serving the UE) so that the UE can more reliably and accurately estimate the power loss (which occurs when the gNB jointly schedules broadcast information to both UEs).

[0119] In this way, the UE can learn about the simultaneous transmission of RIS through signals S2 and S3 (which contain the aforementioned indication information).

[0120] At a later time (after the second, third, and fourth nodes have all been signaled), the first node (here, the gNB) may transmit data from the second and third nodes (this disclosure). Figure 8A (S4A in the middle).

[0121] In other words, the gNB transmits data from the second and third nodes, wherein the data from the second and third nodes is transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

[0122] In an example where the gNB employs a time-domain mode of frames (as disclosed herein) Figure 8B As described above, the gNB will continue to use the time-domain mode of that frame. That is, at the time corresponding to frame A (and at the time corresponding to frames C and E), the gNB will transmit the data of the second UE, and at the time corresponding to frame B (and at the time corresponding to frames D and F), the gNB will transmit the data of the third UE. Therefore, once the gNB has signaled to the second UE, the third UE, and the fourth UE, the gNB (here) will continue its time-division multiple access (TDMA) operation.

[0123] These frames are transmitted to the second and third UEs via the fourth node (RIS in this specific example).

[0124] However, the difference lies in the fact that the gNB controls the RIS, fixing its configuration to a static setting. Therefore, the RIS will serve both the second and third UEs simultaneously. Accordingly, the RIS will simultaneously reflect (or transmit) signals from the gNB to both the second and third UEs (as disclosed in this disclosure). Figure 8A The S4B signal in the document). This means that the second UE will receive all frames sent by the gNB (i.e., the S4B signal in this disclosure). Figure 8B (Frames A, B, C, D, E, and F in the example) The third UE will also receive all of the above frames sent by the gNB. Once a signal is received from the gNB, the RIS can immediately reflect (or transmit) the signal from the gNB to both the second and third UEs simultaneously. Alternatively, once a signal is received from the gNB, the RIS can buffer the signal for a period of time before reflecting (or transmitting) it to both the second and third UEs simultaneously.

[0125] This contrasts with the situation preceding signaling S1, S2, and S3, where the second UE only receives frames containing its own data (i.e., ...). Figure 8B In the example, A, C, and E), while the third UE only receives frames containing data from that third UE (i.e., Figure 8B (B, D, and F in the example).

[0126] However, since these UEs know that they will receive signals from the gNB, even if they are not scheduled (because this has been signaled in S2 and S3), these UEs can take advantage of frames sent by the gNB that contain data from another UE, thereby further improving the communication efficiency of the telecommunications system, while also compensating for the impact of the RIS (or more broadly, the fourth node) being prohibited from performing burst reconfiguration.

[0127] Therefore, in this example, the second UE can use frames B, D, and F (frames for the third node) in this way, while the third UE can use frames A, C, and E in this way.

[0128] Therefore, in these examples, each UE is configured to determine whether a transmission from the gNB node includes data from a second UE or a third UE. Then, when it is determined that a transmission from the gNB includes data from another UE (e.g., a third UE if the determination is made by the second UE), that UE is configured to perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting using the transmission from the gNB.

[0129] by Figure 8B For example, the second UE can receive frame A from the gNB and determine that the frame contains data for the second UE. Therefore, the UE can decode frame A received from the gNB and use the data accordingly.

[0130] The UE can determine that a frame contains data to be decoded in several different ways. In one example, the UE can determine that a frame contains data to be decoded based on the attributes of the received frame. In another example, the UE can determine that a frame contains data to be decoded when it is able to decode the data in the frame. In yet another example, the UE can determine this from the indication information (i.e.,...) Figure 8A In the example, signal S2 or S3 receives at least one of the time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode of a frame from the gNB. The UE can then identify, based on this indication information, which frame(s) in the data received from the gNB contain the data to be decoded.

[0131] However, this disclosure does not impose any particular restrictions on the manner in which the determination is made.

[0132] Then, the second UE can receive frame B from the gNB and determine that the frame contains data from the third UE.

[0133] During this phase, the UE can use the gNB's transmission in frame B to perform channel estimation and / or energy harvesting. That is, even if frame B does not contain data from the second node, the UE can utilize this frame to improve efficiency (by performing channel estimation and / or energy harvesting through transmissions from the gNB) because it knows it will receive all frames.

[0134] The channel estimation performed for frame B still enables the second UE to improve its channel estimation for subsequent frames (thus more reliably removing noise and distortion effects from the received signal), because the same channel is used for transmission to both the second and third UEs.

[0135] The UE can then receive frame C from the gNB. Since channel estimation has already been performed (in frame B), the UE can receive frame C more accurately and reliably. After determining that frame C contains data to be decoded (i.e., data from the second UE), the UE can subsequently decode the data in that frame.

[0136] This process can continue until a stage is reached where a recoverable burst reconfiguration of the RIS (serving the second and third UEs separately in an alternating manner) is achieved.

[0137] Therefore, in the example, when the fourth node's configuration is static, the first node sends signaling to the second node informing it of energy-available frames (e.g., time slots or symbols) in which the energy transmitted by the first node can be received by the second node (e.g., in time-domain mode). Some of these frames may contain data from the second node, while others may not (e.g., containing data from the third node). However, frames without data may still contain DM-RS, PT-RS, and / or other signals that can help the second node improve the reception quality of upcoming transmissions from the first node (e.g., for frames containing data from the second node). Alternatively or additionally, the second node may also use time slots with no data (for that node) for energy harvesting.

[0138] It should be understood that, although it has been referred to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The specific examples described herein illustrate certain aspects of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not particularly limited in this respect. More generally, aspects of this disclosure can be applied to any suitable telecommunications system.

[0139] For example, in reference Figure 8A and Figure 8BIn the discussion, the first node is described as a TRP (more specifically, gNB). This is an example where the first and second nodes can be a BS and a UE for downlink transmission based on the Uu interface. However, this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation in this regard. In other examples, the first node can be a UE. For example, the first node can be a UE that serves a second and a third UE via a coverage enhancement device (such as a RIS) in a device-to-device communication manner.

[0140] In addition, refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The discussion pertains to the scenario where the first node serves the second and third nodes. However, this disclosure does not impose any particular limitations in this regard. In the examples, the first node may serve more nodes (i.e., more UEs) than illustrated in this example.

[0141] In addition, refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The discussion here pertains to the scenario where the first node serves the second and third nodes using the time-domain mode of the frame. However, this disclosure does not impose any particular limitation in this regard. In other examples, the first node may serve the second and third nodes using at least one of the time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode of the frame.

[0142] For example, time-domain mode (TDMA) and / or frequency-domain mode (FDMA) can be used to separate the data of two (or more) UEs served by the first node, so that in each time-frequency resource, only the data of the second or third UE exists, and the data of both of them does not exist.

[0143] In addition, refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The discussion concerns the scenario where the first node sends a signal (signal S1) to the fourth node before sending signaling instructions (S2 and S3) to the second and third nodes. However, this disclosure does not impose any particular limitations in this regard. These signals can be arranged according to... Figure 8A and Figure 8B Send them in the order shown. Alternatively, they can be sent in the order shown. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The different transmission sequences are shown. In effect, these signals indicating coherence time activation suggest that the coherence time (i.e., the period during which the fourth node simultaneously serves both the second and third nodes) will be applied after a certain time, providing margin for the first node to perform rescheduling and configure the RIS for beam splitting mode. Therefore, references in this disclosure... Figure 8A and Figure 8B There are no special restrictions on the transmission order of the described signals S1, S2 and S3.

[0144] In addition, Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the example, each UE can perform channel estimation using reference signals in all frames (regardless of whether these frames are for the second UE or the third UE). This enables more accurate channel estimation. However, in the example, the gNB can embed reference signals for channel estimation only in a subset of frames (e.g., frames containing data from the second UE). Since these frames can be used for channel estimation by both the second and third UEs, the third UE can still perform channel estimation even if the frame containing data from the third UE does not contain reference information for channel estimation (because it can use reference signals from frames for the second UE). Therefore, the gNB reduces the transmission of reference signals, which reduces transmission overhead and further improves efficiency within the telecommunications system.

[0145] Exemplary methods

[0146] Therefore, more generally, embodiments of this disclosure provide methods for each of the first node, the second node (or the third node), and the fourth node to be executed.

[0147] Figure 9 An exemplary method according to this technology is shown. Figure 9 The exemplary method can be implemented by the circuitry of a wireless telecommunications device, such as by the controller 44, receiver 48, and / or transmitter 49 of the UE 14, or by the controller 34, receiver 32, and / or transmitter 30 of a TRP (such as a gNB). In the example, Figure 9 The method is the one executed by the first node in the wireless telecommunications system.

[0148] This method begins with S901.

[0149] In S902, the method includes determining, via circuitry, that the fourth node should simultaneously serve both the second and third nodes. In one example, this determination may be made in response to a received instruction, such as (e.g., an instruction to prohibit the fourth node, such as RIS, from performing burst beam reconfiguration). In another example, the determination may be made in response to detected conditions, such as interference conditions and / or channel rate of change conditions.

[0150] In step S903, the method includes generating indication information via circuitry, the indication information including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission from the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes (via the fourth node). The time indication may indicate, for example, the time when a transmission from the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes (e.g., an initial time), such as the time when the fourth node begins simultaneous transmission. The time indication may also indicate a period of time during which a transmission from the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes (e.g., the duration of simultaneous transmission by the fourth node).

[0151] In step S904, the method includes transmitting data from the second and third nodes via circuitry, wherein the data from the second and third nodes is transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information transmission, in at least one of the following: a time-domain mode of the frame, a frequency-domain mode of the frame, a code-division mode of the frame, and / or a polarization mode of the frame. In summary, since the data transmission of the first node is sent to the second and third nodes via the fourth node, both the second and third nodes can receive all frames sent by the first node (regardless of whether those frames contain information from the second or third node, respectively). Since the second and third nodes can be aware of this situation (based on the indication information generated by the first node), both the second and / or third nodes can utilize the data frames received from the first node (even if such frames do not specifically contain data from that node) to improve reception quality (through channel estimation) and / or perform energy harvesting.

[0152] This method ends at S905.

[0153] Figure 10 An exemplary method according to this technology is shown. Figure 10 The exemplary method can be implemented by the circuitry of a wireless telecommunications device, such as by the controller 44, receiver 48, and / or transmitter 49 of UE 14. In the example, Figure 10 The method is executed by the second (or third) node in the wireless telecommunications system.

[0154] Figure 10 The method begins with S1001.

[0155] In S1002, the method includes receiving indication information via a circuit, the indication information including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission from the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes. In the example, the indication information can be received from the first node. In the example, the indication information can be received using at least one of a radio resource control unit, MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH.

[0156] In S1003, the method includes receiving a transmission from the first node via a circuit. The transmission from the first node may include data from either the second or third node. This is because the fourth node has been configured by the first node to transmit data to both the second and third nodes simultaneously. The second node is aware of this due to the received instruction information.

[0157] In S1004, the method includes determining, via circuitry, whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second or third node. In this example, this can be determined based on received indication information (e.g., whether the indication information includes an indication of the frame pattern sent by the first node).

[0158] In S1005, the method includes performing channel estimation and / or energy harvesting via circuitry using the transmission from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node. That is, since the second node knows that all frames from the first node will be received (regardless of whether they contain data from the second node), the second node is able to utilize frames that do not contain data from the second node in order to improve reception quality and / or perform energy harvesting (through channel estimation).

[0159] This method ends at S1006.

[0160] Figure 11 An exemplary method according to this technology is shown. Figure 11 The exemplary method can be implemented by the circuitry of a wireless telecommunications device, such as a controller 34, receiver 32, and / or transmitter 30 of a TRP (e.g., gNB). In the example, Figure 11 The method is executed by the fourth node in the wireless telecommunications system.

[0161] The method begins at S1101.

[0162] In step S1102, the method includes receiving control information from the first node via a circuit. In the example, the fourth node could be a RIS. The control information from the first node can therefore notify the RIS that it must no longer perform burst beam reconfiguration.

[0163] In step S1103, the method includes, in response to receiving control information from the first node, fixing the configuration of the fourth node to a static configuration for transmitting data from the first node to the second and third nodes, such that the fourth node simultaneously serves both the second and third nodes. In this manner, all frames from the first node are transmitted to each of the second and third nodes in the wireless communication system.

[0164] This method ends at S1104.

[0165] Computer program

[0166] It should be understood that the methods of this technology can be executed on hardware (as described above), which can be appropriately adapted by software instructions or by adding or replacing dedicated hardware. Therefore, the adaptation required for existing portions of conventional equivalent devices can be implemented in the form of a computer program product containing processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium (such as a floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk, PROM, RAM, flash memory, or any combination of the above media with other storage media), or implemented in hardware as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other configurable circuitry suitable for adapting to conventional equivalent devices. Furthermore, the computer program can be transmitted via data signals over a network, such as Ethernet, a wireless network, the Internet, or a combination of the above networks with any other network.

[0167] Terms and Conditions

[0168] Furthermore, examples of this technology can be set up according to the following numbered clauses: 1. A first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, the first node serving the second and third nodes via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the first node comprising circuitry configured to: The fourth node should serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously. Generate indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes; and Transmit data of the second node and the third node, wherein the data of the second node and the third node are transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

[0169] 2. The first node as described in Clause 1, wherein the time indication information includes at least one of the following: the initial time at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes, and / or the time period at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes.

[0170] 3. The first node as described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the indication information includes at least one of time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode.

[0171] 4. The first node according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the instruction information includes configuration information for the second node and / or the third node.

[0172] 5. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the instruction information includes an instruction on a predetermined pattern for the second node and / or the third node.

[0173] 6. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the circuit is further configured to send indication information to the second node and / or the third node.

[0174] 7. The first node as described in Clause 6, wherein the circuit is further configured to transmit indication information using at least one of the radio resource control unit, MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH.

[0175] 8. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the circuit is further configured to make a determination in response to a received instruction.

[0176] 9. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the circuit is further configured to make a determination in response to a detected condition.

[0177] 10. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the detected condition is at least one of an interference condition and / or a channel rate of change condition.

[0178] 11. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the time-domain mode includes a frame mode for transmitting data to the second node and for transmitting data to the third node.

[0179] 12. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a frame is a time slot or a symbol.

[0180] 13. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each frame includes: i) data of the second or third node and ii) reference information.

[0181] 14. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the reference information includes a demodulated reference signal or a probed reference signal.

[0182] 15. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device, and the circuitry is further configured to control the coverage enhancement device to transmit data to the second and third nodes.

[0183] 16. The first node as described in Clause 15, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable smart surface.

[0184] 17. The first node as described in Clause 16, wherein the circuit is further configured to statically configure the reconfigurable smart surface for a period of time indicated by the time indication information.

[0185] 18. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the circuitry is further configured to control the fourth node to use beam splitting when transmitting data from the second and third nodes, so as to serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously.

[0186] 19. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the indication information further includes an indication of changes in channel conditions when the fourth node simultaneously serves the second and third nodes.

[0187] 20. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the channel condition change includes an indication of a reduction in received power over a period of time.

[0188] 21. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first node is one of a base station and a user facility.

[0189] 22. The first node according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein when the first node is a user facility, the first node performs device-to-device communication with the second node and the third node.

[0190] 23. A method performed by a first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second and third nodes via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: The fourth node should serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously. Generate indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes; and Transmit data of the second node and the third node, wherein the data of the second node and the third node are transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

[0191] 24. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in accordance with clause 23.

[0192] 25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program as described in Clause 24.

[0193] 26. A second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the second node comprising circuitry configured to: Receive indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes; Receive transmissions from the first node; Determine whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second or third node; and When it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node, channel estimation and / or energy harvesting are performed using the transmission from the first node.

[0194] 27. The second node as described in Clause 26, wherein the time indication information received by the circuit includes at least one of the following: the initial time at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes, and / or the time period at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes.

[0195] 28. The second node as described in Clause 26 or 27, wherein the circuit is further configured to receive instruction information from the first node.

[0196] 29. The second node according to any one of Clauses 26 to 28, wherein the circuit is further configured to receive indication information using at least one of a radio resource control unit, MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH.

[0197] 30. The second node according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the indication information received by the circuit includes at least one of a time-domain mode, a frequency-domain mode, a code-division mode, and / or a polarization mode, the aforementioned modes including frame modes for transmitting data to the second node and for transmitting data to the third node.

[0198] 31. The second node as described in Clause 30, wherein a frame is a time slot or symbol.

[0199] 32. A second node according to any one of clauses 26 to 31, wherein it receives transmissions from a first node in at least one of a time-domain mode of a frame, a frequency-domain mode of a frame, a code-division mode of a frame, and / or a polarization mode of a frame, and wherein each frame includes i) data for a node or a third node and ii) reference information.

[0200] 33. The second node as described in Clause 32, wherein the circuit is further configured to perform channel estimation using reference information from frames in the frame mode.

[0201] 34. The second node as described in clause 32 or 33, wherein the reference information includes a demodulated reference signal or a probed reference signal.

[0202] 35. The second node according to any one of clauses 26 to 34, wherein the indication information further includes an indication of changes in channel conditions.

[0203] 36. The second node according to any one of clauses 26 to 35, wherein the indication information further includes an indication of a decrease in received power over a period of time, and wherein the circuitry is further configured to adjust the transmission power of the second node according to the decrease in received power over a period of time.

[0204] 37. The second node according to any one of clauses 26 to 36, wherein the circuit is further configured to perform energy harvesting using the energy received from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node.

[0205] 38. A second node according to any one of Clauses 26 to 37, wherein the second node is a user facility.

[0206] 39. A method performed by a second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: Receive indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission performed by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes; Receive transmissions from the first node; and Determine whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second or third node; and When it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node, channel estimation and / or energy harvesting are performed using the transmission from the first node.

[0207] 40. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in accordance with clause 39.

[0208] 41. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program as described in Clause 40.

[0209] 42. A fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second and third nodes via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the fourth node comprising circuitry configured to: Receive transmissions from the first node; and In response to receiving control information from the first node, the configuration of the fourth node is fixed to a static configuration for transmitting data from the first node to the second and third nodes, so that the fourth node can serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously.

[0210] 43. The fourth node as described in Clause 42, wherein the fourth node is a coverage enhancement device.

[0211] 44. The fourth node as described in Clause 43, wherein the coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable smart surface.

[0212] 45. The fourth node according to any one of Clauses 42 to 44, wherein the circuitry is configured to use beam splitting to serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously.

[0213] 46. ​​A method performed by a fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second and third nodes via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: Receive transmissions from the first node; and In response to receiving control information from the first node, the configuration of the fourth node is fixed to a static configuration for transmitting data from the first node to the second and third nodes, so that the fourth node can serve both the second and third nodes simultaneously.

[0214] 47. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in accordance with clause 46.

[0215] 48. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program as described in Clause 47.

[0216] In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein, within the scope of the claims.

[0217] Since embodiments of this disclosure are described as being implemented at least in part by an information processing device controlled by one or more software, it should be understood that machine-readable media carrying such software (specifically, non-volatile machine-readable media), such as optical discs, magnetic disks, and semiconductor memories, are also considered to represent embodiments of this disclosure. Specifically, this disclosure should be understood to include non-transitory storage media comprising code components that enable a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods.

[0218] It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has referenced different functional units, circuits, and / or processors in describing the implementation. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution among the different functional units, circuits, and / or processors can be used without departing from the implementation.

[0219] The described embodiments can be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The described embodiments can optionally be implemented, at least in part, as computer software running on one or more computer processors (e.g., data processors and / or digital signal processors). Elements and components of any embodiment can be implemented physically, functionally, and logically in any suitable manner. In practice, the functionality can be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units, or as part of other functional units. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in a single unit or can be physically and functionally distributed among different units, circuits, and / or processors.

[0220] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, while features may appear to be described in conjunction with particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the different features of the described embodiments can be combined in any manner suitable for implementing this disclosure.

[0221] References

[0222] [1] Holma H. ​​and Toskala A, "LTE for UMTS OFDMA and SC-FDMA basedradio access", John Wiley and Sons, 2009.

[0223] [2] Sony Group Corporation et al., “Multi-Device Transmission via Coverage Enhancing Device”, International Publication No. WO 2023 / 021062 A1, Publication Date: February 23, 2023.

Claims

1. A first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the first node comprising circuitry configured to: It is determined that the fourth node should serve both the second node and the third node simultaneously; Generate indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node; and Transmit data of the second node and the third node, wherein the data of the second node and the third node are transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

2. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The time indication information includes at least one of the following: the initial time at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node, and / or the time period at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node.

3. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The indication information includes at least one of the time-domain mode, the frequency-domain mode, the code-division mode, and / or the polarization mode.

4. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The instruction information includes configuration information for the second node and / or the third node.

5. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The indication information includes indications of a predetermined pattern for the second node and / or the third node.

6. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is also configured to transmit the indication information to the second node and / or the third node.

7. The first node according to claim 6, wherein, The circuit is also configured to transmit indication information using at least one of a radio resource control unit, MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH.

8. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is also configured to make a determination in response to a received instruction.

9. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is also configured to make a determination in response to a detected condition.

10. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The detected condition is at least one of the interference condition and / or the channel rate of change condition.

11. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The time-domain mode includes frame modes for transmitting data to the second node and for transmitting data to the third node.

12. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, A frame is a time slot or symbol.

13. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, Each frame includes: i) data from the second or third node and ii) reference information.

14. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, Reference information includes demodulated reference signals or detected reference signals.

15. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The fourth node is a coverage enhancement device, and the circuit is also configured to control the coverage enhancement device to transmit data to the second node and the third node.

16. The first node according to claim 15, wherein, The coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable smart surface.

17. The first node according to claim 16, wherein, The circuit is also configured to statically configure the reconfigurable smart surface within a time period indicated by the time indication information.

18. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit is also configured to control the fourth node to use beam splitting when transmitting data from the second node and the third node, so as to serve both the second node and the third node simultaneously.

19. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The indication information also includes an indication of changes in channel conditions when the fourth node serves both the second node and the third node simultaneously.

20. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, Changes in channel conditions include indications of reduced received power over a period of time.

21. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, The first node is either a base station or a user facility.

22. The first node according to claim 1, wherein, When the first node is a user facility, the first node performs device-to-device communication with the second node and the third node.

23. A method performed by a first node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: It is determined that the fourth node should serve both the second node and the third node simultaneously; Generate indication information, which includes transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node; and Transmit data of the second node and the third node, wherein the data of the second node and the third node are transmitted at the time indicated by the time indication information, in at least one of the time domain mode, frequency domain mode, code division mode and / or polarization mode of the frame.

24. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 23.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program according to claim 24.

26. A second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, the first node serving the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the second node comprising circuitry configured to: Receive indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that the transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node; Receive transmissions from the first node; Determine whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second node or the third node; and When it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node, channel estimation and / or energy harvesting are performed using the transmission from the first node.

27. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The time indication information received by the circuit includes at least one of the following: the initial time at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes, and / or the time period at which a transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second and third nodes.

28. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The circuit is also configured to receive the indication information from the first node.

29. The second node according to claim 28, wherein, The circuit is also configured to receive the indication information using at least one of a radio resource control unit, MAC signaling, and / or PDCCH.

30. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The indication information received by the circuit includes at least one of time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode, the aforementioned modes including frame modes for transmitting data to the second node and for transmitting data to the third node.

31. The second node according to claim 30, wherein, A frame is a time slot or symbol.

32. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The transmission from the first node is received in at least one of the time-domain mode, frequency-domain mode, code-division mode, and / or polarization mode of the frame, wherein each frame includes i) data of the node or the third node and ii) reference information.

33. The second node according to claim 32, wherein, The circuit is also configured to perform channel estimation using reference information from frames in the frame mode.

34. The second node according to claim 32, wherein, The reference information includes demodulated reference signals or probed reference signals.

35. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The indication information also includes indications of changes in channel conditions.

36. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The indication information also includes an indication of reduced received power over a period of time, and wherein the circuit is further configured to adjust the transmission power of the second node based on the reduction in received power over the period of time.

37. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The circuit is also configured to perform the energy harvesting using the energy received from the first node when it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node.

38. The second node according to claim 26, wherein, The second node is the user facility.

39. A method performed by a second node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and a fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: Receive indication information, the indication information including transmission indication information and time indication information indicating that the transmission made by the first node can reach each of the second node and the third node; Receive transmissions from the first node; as well as Determine whether the transmission from the first node includes data from the second node or the third node; and When it is determined that the transmission from the first node includes data from the third node, channel estimation and / or energy harvesting are performed using the transmission from the first node.

40. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 39.

41. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program according to claim 40.

42. A fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and the fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the fourth node comprising circuitry configured to: Receive transmissions from the first node; and In response to receiving control information from the first node, the configuration of the fourth node is fixed to a static configuration for transmitting data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves both the second node and the third node simultaneously.

43. The fourth node according to claim 42, wherein, The fourth node is a coverage enhancement device.

44. The fourth node according to claim 43, wherein, The coverage enhancement device is a reconfigurable smart surface.

45. The fourth node according to claim 42, wherein, The circuit is configured to use beam splitting to serve both the second node and the third node simultaneously.

46. ​​A method performed by a fourth node in a wireless telecommunications system, the wireless telecommunications system comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, and the fourth node, wherein the first node serves the second node and the third node via the fourth node using a time-domain multiple access scheme, the method comprising the following steps: Receive transmissions from the first node; and In response to receiving control information from the first node, the configuration of the fourth node is fixed to a static configuration for transmitting data from the first node to the second node and the third node, such that the fourth node serves both the second node and the third node simultaneously.

47. A computer program comprising instructions that, when implemented by the computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 46.

48. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store a computer program according to claim 47.

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