Relay device, wireless system, and relay method

Abstract

A relay device is provided with: a control unit that sets either a first beam that scans at a first granularity or a second beam that scans at a second granularity that is finer than the first granularity; and an antenna unit for forming a beam and forwarding a signal based on the setting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to relay devices, wireless systems, and relay methods. Background Technology

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

[0003] In NR, in addition to user terminals (UE (User Equipment) or simply terminals) and wireless base stations (also simply base stations), wireless devices such as RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface) are being investigated to achieve higher data rates and wider coverage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in NR, the use of wireless devices such as RIS to assist in sensing is being investigated.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

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

[0007] However, there is room for further research into methods for efficiently assisting sensing with wireless devices that are currently being investigated.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a relay device, wireless system, and relay method capable of efficiently assisting sensing.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One aspect of the relay device disclosed herein includes: a control unit for setting either a first beam scanned at a first granularity or a second beam scanned at a second granularity finer than the first granularity; and an antenna unit for forming a beam and relaying signals based on the settings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2A This is a diagram representing an example of a remote user in the high-frequency band domain.

[0013] Figure 2B This is a diagram representing an example of a non-line-of-sight user in the high-frequency band domain.

[0014] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating an example of communication utilizing the NCR structure.

[0015] Figure 3B This diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing RIS.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system architecture including RIS.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the near field (NF) and far field (FF) of RIS.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of DFT-based beamforming (BF).

[0019] Figure 6B This diagram illustrates an example of beam focusing with optimal phase.

[0020] Figure 6C This is a diagram illustrating an example of beam focusing with a steering vector at near range (NF).

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of SSB forwarding using RIS.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the precoder involved in Example 1-1-1.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram representing an example of a reference point.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the precoder involved in Example 1-1-2.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing an example of a uniform grid in orthogonal coordinates.

[0026] Figure 12This is a diagram illustrating examples of active imaging and passive imaging.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram representing the types of active and passive imaging.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a comparison of active imaging.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a phased array system.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a SAR.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of a RIS-assisted wireless sensing system.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system model for a RIS-assisted wireless imaging system.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the back projection algorithm.

[0034] Figure 20A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system where receiving and transmitting are separated.

[0035] Figure 20B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system that integrates receiving and transmitting.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a comparison chart of the characteristics between systems with separate receiving and transmitting functions and integrated systems.

[0037] Figure 22A This is a diagram illustrating an example of grid segmentation.

[0038] Figure 22B This is a diagram illustrating an example of grid segmentation.

[0039] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an example of imaging results based on grid segmentation.

[0040] Figure 24A This is a diagram illustrating an example of mode switching based on periodic indications of systems including RIS.

[0041] Figure 24B This is a diagram illustrating an example of mode switching based on trigger-based instructions for systems including RIS.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless imaging.

[0043] Figure 26 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of quantization bits for phase shift and the imaging result.

[0044] Figure 27 It is a diagram showing the imaging results in different focal planes.

[0045] Figure 28 This is a table showing an example of aperture size.

[0046] Figure 29A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 1.

[0047] Figure 29B It means Figure 29A The timing diagram shows the signal interaction for option 1 of scenario 1.

[0048] Figure 29C It means Figure 29A The timing diagram shows the signal interaction for option 2 of scenario 1.

[0049] Figure 30A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 2.

[0050] Figure 30B It means Figure 30A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 2 is shown.

[0051] Figure 31A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 3.

[0052] Figure 31B It means Figure 31A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 3 is shown.

[0053] Figure 32A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 4.

[0054] Figure 32B It means Figure 32A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 4 is shown.

[0055] Figure 33 This is a diagram representing an example of a uniform grid RTC.

[0056] Figure 34 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 35This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 36 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a base station, terminal, and wireless device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle structure. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiment described below is an example, and the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0062] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure, existing technologies can be appropriately used. However, these existing technologies are, for example, existing LTE or existing NR, but are not limited to existing LTE or NR.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure described below, terms such as SS (Synchronization signal), PSS (Primary SS), SSS (Secondary SS), PBCH (Physical broadcast channel), PRACH (Physical random access channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), and PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel)) used in existing LTE or NR are used. This is for ease of description; signals, functions, etc., that are the same as these can also be referred to by other names. In addition, the above terms in NR correspond to NR-SS, NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, NR-PRACH, etc. However, even signals used in NR do not necessarily specify "NR-".

[0064] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the duplex mode can be either TDD (Time Division Duplex), FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), or other modes (e.g., Flexible Duplex).

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the so-called wireless parameters, etc., being "configured" can be either pre-configured with specific values ​​or wireless parameters notified from a base station or terminal.

[0066] Wireless Communication Systems

[0067] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 10 is a wireless communication system that follows 5G NR or 6G NR, including a Next Generation Radio Access Network 20 (hereinafter referred to as NG-RAN20) and a terminal 200 (hereinafter also referred to as UE (User Equipment) 200).

[0068] Alternatively, the wireless communication system 10 may also be a wireless communication system that follows a protocol known as Beyond 5G, 5G evolution, or 6G.

[0069] NG-RAN20 includes base station 100 (hereinafter also referred to as gNB100). Furthermore, the number of gNBs and UEs is not limited to [specific number missing]. Figure 1 The example shown.

[0070] NG-RAN20 actually comprises multiple NG-RAN nodes, specifically gNB (or ng-eNB), connected to a core network conforming to 5G or 6G standards. Additionally, NG-RAN20 and the core network can also be simply referred to as "network". Furthermore, below, gNB can also be rewritten as network (NW).

[0071] As an example, gNB100 is a 5G or 6G compliant base station that performs 5G or 6G compliant wireless communication with UE 200.

[0072] In addition, Figure 1In the example shown, a wireless device 300 is shown between gNB100 and UE200, which forwards signals. Hereinafter, the wireless device 300 will sometimes be referred to as RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface).

[0073] For example, the wireless device 300 performs a forwarding operation to forward signals transmitted from the gNB 100 to the UE 200. Furthermore, the wireless device 300 can also perform a forwarding operation to forward signals transmitted from the UE 200 to the gNB 100. Additionally, "forward" can be replaced with "relay". Furthermore, "operation" can be replaced with "processing", "control", etc. Furthermore, the following describes a RIS as an example of the wireless device 300 being studied in NR.

[0074] By controlling the radio signals transmitted from multiple antenna elements, gNB100 and UE200 can support MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) for generating more directional beams, carrier aggregation (CA) for aggregating multiple component carriers (CC), and dual connectivity (DC) for communication between the UE and each of the two NG-RAN nodes.

[0075] Furthermore, the wireless communication system 10 can support multiple frequency ranges (FRs). The wireless communication system 10 can support FR1 and FR2. The frequency bands of each FR are as follows.

[0076] FR1: 410MHz~7.125GHz

[0077] FR2: 24.25GHz~52.6GHz

[0078] In FR1, sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15kHz, 30kHz, or 60kHz can be used, along with a bandwidth of 5~100MHz (BW). FR2 operates at higher frequencies than FR1, and can also use SCS of 60kHz or 120kHz (including 240kHz), along with a bandwidth of 50~400MHz (BW).

[0079] Alternatively, SCS can also be interpreted as a parameter set (numerology). The parameter set is defined in 3GPP TS 38.300 and corresponds to one subcarrier spacing in the frequency domain.

[0080] Furthermore, the wireless communication system 10 can also support frequency bands higher than FR2. Specifically, the wireless communication system 10 can also support frequency bands exceeding 52.6 GHz but not exceeding 114.25 GHz. For convenience, such high-frequency bands can also be referred to as "FR2x". When using a band domain exceeding 52.6 GHz, CP-OFDM (Cyclic Prefix - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) / DFT-S-OFDM (Discrete Fourier Transform - Spread - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) with a larger SCS can also be applied.

[0081] The time direction (t) can also be referred to as the time domain, symbol period, or symbol time, etc. Furthermore, the frequency direction can be referred to as the frequency domain, resource block, subcarrier, or bandwidth part (BWP), etc.

[0082] gNB100 sends its control information and configuration information to UE200 as downlink (DL) signals.

[0083] In addition, for example, gNB100 receives control information, data signals, and information related to the processing capabilities of UE200 (terminal capability (information); for example, UE capability) as uplink (UL) signals from UE200.

[0084] The wireless device 300 performs a forwarding operation to forward the DL signal to the UE 200. Additionally, the wireless device 300 performs a forwarding operation to forward the UL signal to the gNB 100. Furthermore, the UL signal received by the gNB 100 from the UE 200 and / or the DL signal received by the UE 200 from the gNB 100 can also be signals forwarded by the wireless device 300.

[0085] UE200 is a communication device with wireless communication capabilities, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, wearable terminals, and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication modules.

[0086] UE200 receives control signals or data signals from gNB100 via DL and transmits control signals or data signals to gNB100 via UL, thereby utilizing various communication services provided by wireless communication system 10. Furthermore, UE200 receives various reference signals transmitted from gNB100 and performs propagation path quality measurements based on the reception results of these reference signals.

[0087] The channels used in transmitting DL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, data channels may include the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and control channels may include the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). For example, for UE200, gNB100 uses PDCCH to transmit control information and PDSCH to transmit DL data signals. Furthermore, PDSCH is an example of a downlink shared channel, and PDCCH is an example of a downlink control channel. Additionally, PDCCH can be rewritten to transmit downlink control information (DCI), control information, etc.

[0088] The reference signals included in the DL signal may include at least one of the following: DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal), PTRS (Phase Tracking Reference Signal), CSI-RS (Channel State Information - Reference Signal), SRS (Sounding Reference Signal), and PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) for location information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulation of the DL data signal and are transmitted using PDSCH.

[0089] Channels used for transmitting UL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For instance, data channels may include the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and control channels may include the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). For example, UE200 uses PUCCH to transmit control information and PUSCH to transmit UL data signals. Furthermore, PUSCH is an example of an uplink shared channel, and PUCCH is an example of an uplink control channel. Shared channels can also be referred to as data channels. Additionally, PUSCH or PUCCH can be rewritten to contain uplink control information (UCI), control information, etc., transmitted within PUSCH or PUCCH.

[0090] The reference signals included in UL signals may include at least one of DMRS, PTRS, CSI-RS, SRSRS, and PRS for location information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulation of UL data signals and are transmitted using PUSCH.

[0091] <Utilization of Hertz Waves in the Asia-Pacific Region>

[0092] In future wireless communication systems (e.g., 6G and beyond), stringent requirements related to capacity, coverage, power consumption, and other aspects are being introduced. Research is underway to utilize a higher frequency band (spectrum) in the Asia-Pacific Hertz range (e.g., 100GHz to 300GHz) than existing systems (e.g., NR Rel.15 / 16 / 17) to maintain sufficient coverage and achieve data rates of 100Gbps.

[0093] Among them, research is underway to design a line-of-sight (LOS) - MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output) transmission mode suitable for access links, with a coverage range of 100GHz, 100Gbps, and 100m.

[0094] Figure 2A This is a diagram representing an example of a remote user in the high-frequency band domain. Figure 2A In the example shown, for remote users, standard orthonormal transmission is not possible due to the size limitation of the base station (BS) for Mega MIMO.

[0095] Figure 2BFIG. 0 is a diagram showing an example of a user outside the line of sight in a high frequency band. For a user outside the line of sight (non-line of sight (NLOS)), due to blockage (e.g., buildings, etc.), efficient LOS-MIMO transmission cannot be performed.

[0096] In the existing NR MIMO, LOS-MIMO is not supported. In the existing NR, to achieve a data rate of 100 Gbps, a very large bandwidth is required, which is difficult to guarantee.

[0097] In NR MIMO, it is designed for use at the antenna far-field where only rank-1 transmission is supported in the LOS channel for each polarization direction. By using dual polarization, this rank-2 multiplexing can be performed, but higher ranks cannot be utilized. To achieve 100 Gbps, a bandwidth of dozens of GHz is required, but it is difficult to achieve this in a practical system, and high requirements are imposed on RF components.

[0098] In the studied LOS-MIMO schemes, fixed transmit and receive positions are required, so they are not suitable for access links or the required array size is too large.

[0099] Therefore, the introduction of fixed large-spacing antenna arrays, OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum)-MIMO, RIS-aided Mega MIMO using RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), etc. is being studied.

[0100] Not limited to the above example of sub-terahertz waves, as a new device for network deployment, RIS has received great attention due to its flexible and cost-effective approach. RIS makes it possible to achieve very high data rates and enhanced large-scale coverage, and is being studied as a promising technology within the topology of 6G wireless networks. For example, in 3GPP Release 19 (Rel.19), research related to RIS is being promoted.

[0101] <RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface)>

[0102] In at least one of the reflections from the backhaul link to the access link and from the access link to the backhaul link, the RIS relays communication between the BS and the UE by controlling the reflection angle. Compared to newer types of network (NW) nodes such as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), RF repeaters, and NCRs (Network-controlled Repeaters), the RIS is an example of a wireless device for flexible and cost-effective network deployment.

[0103] A RIS can also consist of multiple reconfigurable scattering elements (scattering components). Hereinafter, these scattering elements will sometimes be referred to as elements or antenna elements.

[0104] The RIS can control both the direction of the reflected signal and the direction of the transmitted (refracted) signal.

[0105] Furthermore, in this disclosure, reflection, transmission, and refraction can be interchanged. Additionally, in this disclosure, the reflection, transmission, and refraction of a signal in the RIS can also be understood as: the RIS receives a signal transmitted from a specific direction and transmits / or transmits the signal in the same direction as the specific direction, or in a direction different from the specific direction. In this case, the signal transmitted by the RIS can be either the same signal received by the RIS, or a signal that has undergone specific processing of the signal received by the RIS. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the forwarding processing in the RIS can also be understood as processing in the RIS involving at least one of reflection, transmission, and refraction.

[0106] The NCR amplifies the relay signal, and in contrast, the RIS does not require an RF amplifier. This reduces power consumption.

[0107] RIS can achieve beam gain based on narrowband domain beams, but on the other hand, it is necessary to increase the number of RIS beams (beams reflected / refracted through RIS).

[0108] RIS can also reflect / refract signals outside the target frequency.

[0109] RIS can also use materials such as liquid crystals, metals, and semiconductors. For example, in RIS using liquid crystals, beam sweeping is slower compared to semiconductors, and is considered unsuitable for current beam sweeping operations.

[0110] Due to its thin and flexible shape, RIS can also be installed on objects such as buildings.

[0111] Figure 3A This diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing the NCR structure. The NCR can also include an NCR mobile termination (MT) and an NCR forwarding (Fwd). The NCR-MT communicates with the BS (gNB) via a control link.

[0112] Communication between the NCR-MT and the BS may also include at least one of the following: receiving setting / instruction / control information from the BS, and sending requests / reports / responses to the BS. The NCR-Fwd relays communication between the BS and the UE by performing relay / amplification from the backhaul link to the access link, and relay / amplification from the access link to the backhaul link.

[0113] Furthermore, similar to NCR, RIS may also include a structure for communicating with BS (gNB). Sometimes, the structure for communicating with BS (gNB) in RIS is referred to as RIS-MT. In other words, RIS, like NCR, may have both RIS-MT and RIS-Fwd. Additionally, RIS-Fwd is sometimes simply referred to as RIS. In the following description, the operation of RIS can be understood as either the operation of RIS-Fwd or the operation of RIS-MT.

[0114] Figure 3B This diagram illustrates an example of communication utilizing RIS. In at least one of the reflections from the backhaul link to the access link and from the access link to the backhaul link, the RIS relays communication between the BS and the UE by controlling the reflection angle.

[0115] <Including RIS system architecture>

[0116] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system architecture including RIS. The following uses... Figure 4 The system architectures, including RIS, are described, but these are just examples.

[0117] System architectures including RIS can also include multiple (e.g., 2) design phases.

[0118] For example, system architectures including RIS can also include an aperture pre-adaptation phase.

[0119] During the aperture pre-adaptation phase, UE positioning can also be performed first. During UE positioning, the UE can also report information related to its position / attitude to the network (NW). Furthermore, during UE positioning, the NW (base station) can also estimate information related to the UE's position / attitude based on signals transmitted from the UE (e.g., UL RS).

[0120] Alternatively, the UE positioning in the aperture pre-adaptation stage can be omitted.

[0121] Next, in the aperture pre-adaptation stage, the aperture (e.g., antenna element) of the RIS can also be pre-adapted.

[0122] In this disclosure, aperture adaptation can also refer to determining / judging / selecting the antenna elements / arrays used.

[0123] Next, in the aperture pre-adaptation stage, the aperture (e.g., antenna element) of the BS can also be pre-adapted.

[0124] In addition, system architectures including RIS can also include a beamforming stage.

[0125] The beamforming stage can, for example, follow the aperture pre-adaptation stage.

[0126] In the beamforming stage, beamforming in the BS can also be performed first.

[0127] Next, beamforming in RIS can also be performed during the beamforming stage.

[0128] Next, during the beamforming phase, UE reception can also be performed. The UE can also use a MIMO receiver based on CSI reception (CSIR).

[0129] Alternatively, the UE reception during the beamforming stage can be omitted.

[0130] <Beamforming methods for far-field and near-field>

[0131] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the near field (NF) and far field (FF) of a RIS. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a RIS array, the near-field propagation of radio waves within the RIS array, and the far-field propagation of radio waves. Furthermore, a RIS array can be understood as an example of a surface in the RIS that transmits signals or emits radio waves. Additionally, "near field" can be replaced with "near distance," and "far field" can be replaced with "far distance."

[0132] The large aperture of a RIS indicates a specific property that extends the range of the near field. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, for a dimension D representing the size associated with the aperture of the RIS, the near-field boundary (e.g., the boundary between the near and far fields) is proportional to the square of D; therefore, a larger aperture of the RIS expands the near-field range. Furthermore, the near-field boundary is inversely proportional to the wavelength λ; therefore, the shorter the wavelength, i.e., the higher the frequency, the larger the near-field range. Within this near-field region, it is possible to distinguish the phase delays of various elements for the RIS. As a result, the assumption of a plane wavefront is not valid, and a spherical wavefront needs to be considered. Figure 5 As shown, in the far-field region, the electromagnetic waves emitted from each element of the RIS are assumed to be plane waves, but in the near-field region, the wavefronts of the electromagnetic waves generated from each element become spherical.

[0133] As existing beamforming methods for both far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) fields, various approaches are being investigated.

[0134] For example, the beamforming method can also be DFT-based beamforming (BF), beamfocusing with optimal phase, and beamfocusing with near-range (NF) guide vectors.

[0135] DFT-based BF can also be primarily used for signal transmission to long-distance terminals. DFT-based BF can also use angle-dependent linear phase precoders (matrices).

[0136] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating an example of DFT-based beamforming (BF). Additionally, Figure 6A An example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, xn is the distance from the center of the array to element n within the array, and is the angle of the beam relative to an axis perpendicular to the array.

[0137] Beam focusing with optimal phase can also be primarily used for signal transmission to near-field terminals. Beam focusing with optimal phase can also utilize a pre-encoder (matrix) based on position (distance)-dependent nonlinear phase.

[0138] Figure 6B This diagram illustrates an example of beam focusing with optimal phase. Additionally, Figure 6BAn example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, DF is the focal distance, and x' is the distance from the axis perpendicular to the array to the focal point.

[0139] Beamfocusing with a short-range guide vector can also be primarily used for signal transmission to near-field terminals. Beamfocusing with a short-range guide vector can also utilize a pre-encoder (matrix) based on angle- and position (distance)-dependent quadratic phase.

[0140] Figure 6C This diagram illustrates an example of beam focusing with a near-range (NF) guide vector. Additionally, Figure 6C An example of a uniform and linear array is shown. In this example, D is the distance from the center of the array to the focal point, and ω is the angle from the axis perpendicular to the array to the straight line connecting the center of the array and the focal point.

[0141] Due to the mismatch between conventional codebooks used in far-field beamforming, such as DFT codebooks, and the near-field channel, they cannot be directly applied to the near field. It is assumed that applying DFT codebooks to near-field beamforming could lead to significant SNR loss. On the other hand, in focused beamforming, such as ring-type codebooks (RTCs) used as coherent beamformers in the near field, there is no such limitation preventing application to the near field.

[0142] For example, RIS can be used in the forwarding of data channels, such as the RTC mentioned above, to generate a UE-specific focused beam, making high-speed transmission possible.

[0143] On the other hand, the study investigates the use of RIS in the forwarding of control channels (e.g., SSB (Synchronization Signal Block)).

[0144] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of SSB forwarding using RIS. In Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how RIS forwards SSB#2 to #4 from SSB#0 to #4 sent by the gNB.

[0145] The study investigates the possibility of widening the beam and performing forwarding in the case of a RIS forwarding control channel (e.g., SSB).

[0146] Here, existing methods for SSB forwarding in RIS and existing beamforming techniques for RIS are described.

[0147] <Existing methods>

[0148] The following describes existing methods for SSB forwarding by the RIS. In existing methods, the RIS utilizes a large number of narrow beams to forward SSBs transmitted by the gNB. Therefore, existing methods require significant allocation of SSB resources or substantial changes to the SSB scheme.

[0149] Existing typical beamforming techniques are classified into techniques based on numerical optimization algorithms, techniques based on aperture adjustment, techniques based on logical subarray segmentation, and methods for wide-area illumination.

[0150] For example, in techniques based on numerical optimization algorithms, the complexity of the algorithms makes processing complicated, thus making it difficult to achieve beamforming in real time.

[0151] Furthermore, for example, in wide-area illumination methods, it is difficult to accurately control the shaping of the wide beam pattern of the RIS according to the actual coverage requirements.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, in aperture-based adjustment techniques, the gain of beamforming of the array is reduced in order to adjust the aperture.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, in techniques based on logical subarray segmentation, the overall beamforming gain of the region varies significantly.

[0154] Here, examples of related techniques for RIS, including aperture adjustment and logical subarray segmentation, are illustrated.

[0155] <The First Example of Linking Technology>

[0156] The first example involves codebook / precoder design.

[0157] The codebook / precoder can be either near-range (NF) oriented or far-range (FF) oriented.

[0158] In this disclosure, "near distance" may also mean a distance less than (or below) a specific threshold. In this disclosure, "far distance" may also mean a distance greater than (or above) a specific threshold.

[0159] The RIS (RIS-NCR) can also receive information from the NW for the precoder / codebook. This information may, for example, be location-related information with other nodes (e.g., UE / NW nodes). This location-related information may, for example, be at least one of angle-related information or distance-related information.

[0160] The first example can be roughly divided into Example 1-1 and Example 1-2. You can apply Example 1-1 or Example 1-2 alone, or you can apply Example 1-1 and Example 1-2 in combination.

[0161] <Example 1-1>

[0162] Example 1-1 involves the design of a specific codebook / precoder.

[0163] Example 1-1 is roughly divided into Example 1-1-1 to Example 1-1-4. You can apply any one of Example 1-1-1 to Example 1-1-4, or you can combine at least two of Example 1-1-1 to Example 1-1-4.

[0164] The precoder can also be computed, for example, as the output of a specific multiplication operation performed on multiple different precoders / matrices.

[0165] In this disclosure, codebooks, precoders, codewords, matrices, terms, vectors, and elements can also be rewritten in relation to each other.

[0166] <Example 1-1-1>

[0167] The precoder in RIS can also be a precoder that decouples angle-related terms from distance (position)-related terms.

[0168] Example 1-1-1 can also be used for beamforming / focusing of NCR including RIS (RIS-NCR).

[0169] The precoder in RIS can also be computed, for example, by the product of a distance-dependent precoder / matrix (e.g., WRing) and an angle-dependent precoder / matrix (e.g., WDFT) (e.g., the Hadamard product, i.e., the product of each element).

[0170] For example, the precoder can also be calculated using Equation 1 below.

[0171] [Mathematical Expression 1]

[0172]

[0173] Here, D F It can also be the axial distance between the array and the focal position.

[0174] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the phase shift involved in the distance-dependent precoder can also be referred to as a ring-type phase distribution. Additionally, in this disclosure, the codebook involved in the distance-dependent precoder can also be referred to as a ring-type codebook (RTC).

[0175] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the pre-encoder involved in 1-1-1. Figure 8 An example of a uniform and linear array is shown in the diagram. Figure 8 In the example shown, beam focusing is first performed along the boresight. The range-dependent precoder described above can also be used in this beam focusing. k is the index corresponding to the phase in the DFT.

[0176] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the next step is to shift the focus position based on the DFT vector. The angle-dependent precoder described above can also be used in this shift.

[0177] According to Example 1-1-1, by utilizing angle-related terms and distance (position)-related terms, it is easy from the perspective of implementation to be able to appropriately send signals to objects at both long and short distances.

[0178] <Example 1-1-2>

[0179] The precoder in RIS can also be a precoder that uses piecewise linear approximation with DFT vectors.

[0180] For example, the precoder could also be a precoder that includes items for each subarray (more than one array) as well as distance (position) related items.

[0181] Example 1-1-2 can also be used for at least one of the following: beamforming / focusing of NCR of RIS (RIS-NCR); and coherent transmission of multiple panels (e.g., panels configured with wide spacing).

[0182] Furthermore, Example 1-1-2 is suitable for subarray-based RIS-NCR.

[0183] The precoder in RIS can also be computed, for example, by the product of the precoder of each subarray (more than one array) with the angle-dependent precoder (e.g., the Hadamard product, e.g., the product of each element).

[0184] The precoder for each subarray (more than one array) can also be represented, for example, by the product of the phase shift of each subarray and the angular offset of the subarray.

[0185] For example, the precoder can also be calculated using the following Equation 2.

[0186] [Mathematical Expression 2]

[0187]

[0188] Here, φ (i, j) PO It can also represent the phase offset of subarray (i, j). The phase offset of subarray (i, j) can also be quantized by specific bits (e.g., b bits) that can take specific values ​​(e.g., values ​​from 0 to 2π). Furthermore, W (i, j) AO It can also represent the angular offset of the subarray (i, j).

[0189] W(i, j)AO can also be calculated based on the inner product of the vector from the reference point of the array to the reference point of the subarray (i, j) and the vector from the reference point of the subarray (i, j) to the antenna element (m, n) in the subarray (i, j).

[0190] For example, W (i, j) AO It can also be calculated using the following formula 3.

[0191] [Mathematical Expression 3]

[0192]

[0193] Here, D can also be the distance from the array (e.g., the array's reference point) to the object (e.g., the UE). Furthermore, r (i , j) SA It can also represent the vector from the reference point of the array to the reference point of the subarray (i, j), r (m, n) AE It can also represent the vector from the reference point of subarray (i, j) to the antenna element (m, n) in subarray (i, j) (refer to...) Figure 9 ).

[0194] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the precoder involved in 1-1-2. In Figure 10 An example of a uniform and linear array is shown in the diagram. Figure 8In the example shown, firstly, beam direction focusing based on phase offset is performed on multiple arrays (each subarray) (step 1). In this beam focusing, a pre-encoder based on the phase offset and angle offset described above can also be used.

[0195] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the next step is to shift the focal position based on the DFT vector (step 2). This shift can also utilize the angle-dependent pre-encoder described above.

[0196] According to Example 1-1-2, by utilizing the items of each subarray (more than one array) and the distance (position) related items, it is possible to appropriately send signals to objects at both long and short distances.

[0197] <Example 1-1-3>

[0198] The precoder in RIS can also be a precoder that utilizes terms related to near distance as well as terms related to far distance.

[0199] Example 1-1-3 can be used for CSI acquisition in either or both of FF and NF (not limited to FF and NF), and can also be used for localization / sensing in NF.

[0200] The precoder in RIS can also be computed, for example, by the product of a first precoder and a second precoder (e.g., the Kronecker product, i.e., the product of each element). The first / second precoder may also include terms corresponding to far distances (or, angle-dependent) and terms corresponding to near distances (or, distance-dependent).

[0201] The precoder in this example can also be applied to a uniform planar array.

[0202] For example, the precoder W can also be represented by the following Equation 4.

[0203] [Mathematical Expression 4]

[0204]

[0205] Here, W is used as the first precoder. N＿1，O＿1，k＿1，D，L＿1 With W as the second pre-encoder N＿2，O＿2，k＿2，D，L＿2 The Kronecker product is used to represent it. Additionally, "N_1" means "N1". Other notations besides "N_1" are sometimes represented in the same way as "N_1".

[0206] W N＿i，O＿i，k＿i，D，L＿iFor example, it can also be represented by the following equation 5.

[0207] [Mathematical Expression 5]

[0208]

[0209] Here, N is the number of antenna elements (scattering elements) in the i-th axis direction of the RIS array. i and the number of oversamples O in the i-th axis direction. i It can also be the same as the NR DFT-based codebook specified in existing NR. i=1 can also correspond to the x-axis direction (horizontal direction). i=2 can also correspond to the z-axis direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, k i It is a codeword index, and k' can also represent a quadratic term.

[0210] In addition, N RP It can also depend on the value of the reference point of the RIS array. For example, N RP It can also be done through N RP =2(d RP The calculation is done using -d0) / Δd.

[0211] For example, it could also be d RP -d0 represents the distance between a specific antenna element (e.g., antenna element #0) and the reference point, and Δd represents the antenna element spacing.

[0212] For example, when the bottom left element of the array is set as the reference point, N RP It can also be 0.

[0213] For example, when the center coordinates of the array are set as the reference point, N RP It can also be done through N i -1 is used for calculation.

[0214] D can also represent the normalized distance between the reference point and the focal length. For example, D can also be calculated as (focal length) / λ.

[0215] L can also be a value related to the normalized equivalent aperture. For example, L can also be calculated using ON·Δd / λ.

[0216] <Example 1-1-4>

[0217] The precoder in the RIS can also be a precoder that utilizes the precoder associated with the access link (between UE and RIS) and the precoder associated with the backhaul link (between BS and RIS).

[0218] For example, the precoder could also be a precoder that includes items for each subarray (more than one array) as well as distance (position) related items.

[0219] Example 1-1-4 can also be used for at least one of the following: beamforming / focusing of NCR of RIS for backhaul / access links (RIS-NCR); and cascaded LoS-MIMO (e.g., LoS-MIMO requiring joint focal points indication).

[0220] The precoder in RIS can also be calculated, for example, by the product of the precoder associated with the access link and the precoder associated with the backhaul link (e.g., the Hadamard product, i.e., the product of each element).

[0221] For example, the precoder can also be calculated using Equation 6 below.

[0222] [Mathematical Expression 6]

[0223]

[0224] Here, W AC It can also represent the precoder of the beam (access beam, UE-oriented beam) in the access link of RIS-NCR. Furthermore, W BH It can also represent the pre-encoder of the beam (backhaul beam, BS-oriented beam) in the backhaul link of RIS-NCR.

[0225] W AC and W BH At least one of them may be a pre-encoder calculated by at least one method described in Examples 1-1-1 to 1-1-3 above.

[0226] W AC and W BH The focal distance can be selected / determined independently or simultaneously (jointly). For example, W AC and W BH The focal distance can also be selected / determined by conjugate symmetry.

[0227] According to Example 1-1-4, it is possible to design precoders / codebooks not only for access links but also for backhaul links.

[0228] <Parameters involved in the codebook / precoder>

[0229] The parameters of each mathematical expression in Example 1-1 above will be explained below.

[0230] L can also be a parameter related to the aperture (e.g., an antenna element). This L can also be reported as a capability of RIS-NCR (NCR-MT).

[0231] L can also be reported as the antenna number (quantity) / interval in n dimensions (e.g., n is 2) via RIS.

[0232] L can also be used as the length of the side of the RIS (e.g., antenna number × antenna spacing), which is reported by the RIS.

[0233] N i O i k i k ip D i (i=1 or 2) can also be a parameter related to the codebook of the access link / backhaul link.

[0234] N i And O i It can also be associated with the RIS codebook. The RIS codebook can be pre-configured for the RIS or pre-defined in the specification.

[0235] N i And O i The decision can be made based on reports related to the capabilities of RIS, or it can be made regardless of the dimensions of RIS.

[0236] k i It can also be associated with the RIS codebook. The RIS codebook can also be instructed to the RIS.

[0237] k ip It can also be calculated in the RIS based on specific settings / instructions for the RIS.

[0238] D i (For example, i=1) could also be a parameter related to the distance between BS and RIS. D i (For example, i=2) can also be a parameter related to the distance between the UE and the RIS.

[0239] For example, D1 can be pre-set to RIS via BS, and D2 can be instructed to RIS via BS.

[0240] For example, D1 and D2 can also be indicated by BS (using a single CW (compound CW)).

[0241] For example, D1 can be pre-set to RIS via BS, and D2 can be measured via RIS.

[0242] For example, D1 and D2 can also be measured via RIS.

[0243] For example, logarithmic quantization can also be used in the decisions of D1 and D2.

[0244] N RP It can also be a parameter related to the RIS reference point. N RP For example, it could also be a parameter related to the offset of the RIS reference point.

[0245] N RP It can also be associated with the RIS codebook. The RIS codebook can also be instructed to the RIS.

[0246] The reference point of RIS can also refer to a specific location.

[0247] For example, the reference point for RIS can also be the location of the antenna / subarray at a specific location (e.g., the bottom left).

[0248] For example, the reference point of a RIS can also be the location of the center point of the RIS. In this case, it is suitable for a single large RIS or multiple separate subarrays.

[0249] For example, the RIS reference point can also be reported by RIS. The RIS reference point can also be determined by following the reference point reported by RIS.

[0250] Parameters representing the adaptive (aperture adaptive) mode can also be specified. These parameters can also be used for aperture control in RIS.

[0251] The parameters representing the adaptive mode can also be associated with the RIS codebook. The RIS codebook can also be instructed to the RIS.

[0252] You can also specify parameters representing the shape / size of the RIS. These parameters can also be used for RIS aperture control.

[0253] Parameters representing the shape / size of the RIS can also be associated with the RIS's codebook. The RIS's codebook can also be specified to the RIS.

[0254] This parameter can also be indicated via a bitmap. Furthermore, it can be indicated by the orientation and length of the two sides of the aperture forming the parallelogram. Additionally, it can be indicated by the subarray configuration (e.g., orientation / spacing / subarray number / subarray size). Moreover, it can also be indicated by at least one of the following: the orientation / length of the two sides of the aperture forming the parallelogram (also known as general mode), the subarray number (sampling rate), and the subarray size.

[0255] You can also specify a parameter to represent the roll-off factor.

[0256] Parameters related to the conjugate symmetric RTC can also be specified. These parameters can also be parameters related to a reference point associated with the UE's location.

[0257] Reference points related to the location of the UE can also refer to, for example, the antenna port of a specific UE (e.g., antenna port #0).

[0258] The reference point related to the location of the UE can also refer to a specific (e.g., central) UE array set by the BS.

[0259] <Example 1-2>

[0260] Example 1-2 illustrates the quantization of angle (angle information) and distance (distance information) in the codebook notification (for NW / RIS-NCR).

[0261] Example 1-2 can be roughly divided into Example 1-2-1 and Example 1-2-2. Either Example 1-2-1 or Example 1-2-2 can be applied, or they can be applied in combination.

[0262] The NW (or RIS-NCR) can also send the RIS-NCR (or NW) angle / distance information associated with the codebook / precoder, which has been quantized using at least one of Examples 1-2-1 and 1-2-2.

[0263] <Example 1-2-1>

[0264] Quantization related to angle and quantization related to distance can also be performed separately (independently).

[0265] For angles, specific quantization methods can also be used. These specific quantization methods can be, for example, DFT-based quantization methods. Using DFT-based quantization for angles is suitable for unified design and quantization of both front-end (FF) and front-end (NF) quantization.

[0266] For example, linear quantization can also be used for distance. Implementing this in the device becomes easier by using linear quantization. Logarithmic quantization can also be used for distance. By using logarithmic quantization, appropriate quantization can be performed regardless of whether the distance between devices is far or near.

[0267] Distance quantification can also be performed using Equation 7 below.

[0268] [Mathematical Expression 7]

[0269]

[0270] In this disclosure, the range of NF can also be related to the array area. For example, the range of NF can also be (approximately) proportional to the array area.

[0271] <Example 1-2-2>

[0272] Quantization related to angle and quantization related to distance can also be performed together.

[0273] For example, quantization related to angle and distance can also be performed using a uniform grid in orthogonal coordinates (Cartesian coordinates) (angle and distance can also be quantized on a uniform grid). In this case, location-based beam focusing can be appropriately utilized.

[0274] For example, quantization related to angle and distance can also be performed using a non-uniform grid in spherical coordinates (angle and distance can also be quantized on a non-uniform grid). In this case, it is appropriate to start from the perspective of aperture / NF range in the line of sight, and by using a wider beam at close range, more uniform coverage and reduction in the number of beams can be achieved.

[0275] For example, quantization related to angle and distance can also be performed using Equation 8 below.

[0276] [Mathematical Expression 8]

[0277]

[0278] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing an example of a uniform grid in orthogonal coordinates. In Figure 11 The example shown illustrates a uniform grid with orthogonal coordinates for RIS (RIS-NCR).

[0279] exist Figure 11 In the middle, (xgi y gi , z gi () can also represent the center coordinates of the i-th grid obtained from grid index i.

[0280] The uniform grid RTC can also be calculated using at least one of the following options 1 and 2.

[0281] The RTC using a uniform grid can also be calculated using Equation 9 below (Option 1).

[0282] [Mathematical Expression 9]

[0283]

[0284] The RTC using a uniform grid can also be calculated using Equation 10 below (Option 2).

[0285] [Mathematical Expression 10]

[0286]

[0287] Here, the above θ can also be calculated using Equation 11 below.

[0288] [Mathematical Expression 11]

[0289]

[0290] Here, μ can also represent the azimuth angle, and ν can also represent the elevation angle. μ and ν can also be obtained through specific coordinate transformations.

[0291] Based on Example 1-2, it is possible to appropriately quantize the information related to angle (angle information) and distance (distance information) in the codebook notification.

[0292]

[0293] The second example involves aperture adaptation in RIS.

[0294] The second example can be roughly divided into Example 2-1 and Example 2-2. You can apply either Example 2-1 or Example 2-2 below, or you can combine Example 2-1 and Example 2-2 below.

[0295] The RIS-NCR can also receive information (setting information) related to the control of the aperture (e.g., antenna element) from the NW. The RIS-NCR can also use this information to determine the aperture / antenna element used for signals facing the terminal.

[0296] <Example 2-1>

[0297] The RIS (RIS-NCR) can also select / determine / judge the aperture to be used from the apertures included in the RIS.

[0298] Example 2-1 is roughly divided into Example 2-1-1 and Example 2-1-2. You can apply either Example 2-1-1 or Example 2-1-2 below, or you can combine Example 2-1-1 and Example 2-1-2 below.

[0299] <Example 2-1-1> Unnecessary RIS components (e.g., antenna components) can also be set to "off". Information related to this setting can also be included in the aperture control-related information received from the NW.

[0300] Unnecessary RIS components can also be configured not to scatter (or reflect / refract) the incident signal. Alternatively, unnecessary RIS components can be configured to diffuse or randomly scatter (or reflect / refract) the incident signal.

[0301] <Example 2-1-2>

[0302] Beamforming and aperture adaptation can also be used in combination.

[0303] Information related to this beamforming may also include, for example, information related to the beamforming vector of the RIS.

[0304] For example, the desired (actually used) aperture can also be represented by a value (e.g., an aperture function) indicating the on / off state of each RIS element. Based on this, the desired (actually used) aperture can also be applied to the beamforming vector of the RIS.

[0305] For example, if the value corresponding to the RIS element (e.g., the aperture function) is a first value (e.g., 0), it can also indicate that the RIS element is in the off state. Furthermore, if the value corresponding to the RIS element (e.g., the aperture function) is a second value (e.g., 1), it can also indicate that the RIS element is in the on state.

[0306] Aperture adaptation can also be used to control beam shape (e.g., at least one of beamwidth, side lobe, main lobe, and the shape / size of the focal point).

[0307] <Example 2-2>

[0308] Example 2-2 illustrates the control of aperture in RIS (RIS-NCR).

[0309] Example 2-2 can be broadly divided into Example 2-2-1 and Example 2-2-2. You can apply either Example 2-2-1 or Example 2-2-2 below, or you can combine Example 2-2-1 and Example 2-2-2 below.

[0310] <Example 2-2-1>

[0311] It is also possible to specify a mode related to the aperture of RIS-NCR.

[0312] RIS-NCR can also determine the aperture used based on this mode. This mode may include, for example, the first to the third modes.

[0313] The first mode can also be a mode that uses some or all of the RIS components for a square. The first mode can also be called the fallback mode, for example.

[0314] The second mode could also be a mode in which a portion of the RIS components are used for a parallelogram (rhombus) shape. The second mode could also be referred to as a semi-continuous mode.

[0315] The third mode can also be a mode that uses only a specific RIS from the components of the RIS. This specific RIS can also be a mode that selects a portion of the RIS components as parallelograms (rhombuses) and determines the direction from there. The third mode can also be referred to as a discrete mode, for example.

[0316] <Example 2-2-2>

[0317] The shape / size of the aperture of the RIS-NCR used can also be indicated by a specific method. Information related to this indication can also be included in the aperture control-related information received from the NW.

[0318] For example, the shape / size of the aperture of the RIS-NCR used can also be determined by a bitmap / parameter representing the on / off state of the components of the RIS being used.

[0319] The shape / size of the aperture (e.g., a parallelogram (rhombus) shaped aperture) in the second / third mode described above can also be represented by a specific method. This specific method can, for example, be based on the length and angle of the two sides relative to a specific point (e.g., a reference point) of the element of the RIS (the selected RIS element).

[0320] In the third mode described above, the size / number of subarrays used can also be added.

[0321] Based on the second example above, the components / apertures of the RIS used can be appropriately determined / selected.

[0322] <New Requirements in 6G>

[0323] IMT-2030 is expected to function as a fundamental infrastructure for realizing new user and application trends by integrating sensing and AI-related capabilities into communications.

[0324] Sensing supports a wide range of innovative applications. For example, imaging enables high-precision localization and positioning of devices and / or objects, high-resolution and real-time 3D mapping for safe driving and transportation in automation, digital twins, industrial automation, and more. In addition, sensing also supports the recognition of human activities (gestures, etc.), personal health sensing, motion analysis, environmental monitoring, and material inspection.

[0325] <Wireless Sensing>

[0326] The living environment is seamlessly surrounded by wireless signals. These ubiquitous signals support wireless sensing. Typical examples include smart factories, smart homes, and environmental sensing. A representative application of wireless sensing is wireless frequency sensing. For instance, to scan the location of a human, a signal beam is customized. Scanning the human's location corresponds to detection. Furthermore, for example, to sense the posture of a human, the wireless environment is adjusted. Sensing this posture corresponds to imaging. Additionally, in this disclosure, sensing and imaging can be used interchangeably. Moreover, in sensing (imaging), since an object (e.g., a target) is scanned, scanning, sensing, and imaging can also be used interchangeably.

[0327] In radio frequency (RF) sensing, remote RF sensing (e.g., wireless sensing) is extended and its accuracy improved by customizing the wireless environment. Furthermore, RF sensing enables high-precision location determination and identification of people and objects indoors.

[0328] <Imaging Methods>

[0329] Imaging can be broadly classified into active imaging and passive imaging.

[0330] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating examples of active and passive imaging. For example... Figure 12 As shown, in active imaging, radar (in) Figure 12 The middle part is the detector, used to illuminate the detection area (corresponding to...). Figure 12The radar emits electromagnetic waves from an object and receives and records the data of electromagnetic waves reflected from the detection area. It then processes the recorded electromagnetic wave data to obtain an image or features characterizing the reflection properties of the detection area.

[0331] Active imaging technology offers advantages such as high SNR and high resolution. On the other hand, active imaging technology makes the system more complex and costly.

[0332] like Figure 12 As shown, in passive imaging, a certain device (in) Figure 12 The detector captures objects within the detection area. Figure 12 The device records the radioactive energy emitted by an object. In passive imaging, the device processes the recorded information to acquire an image or feature characterizing the radioactive properties of the detected area.

[0333] Passive imaging technology offers advantages such as real-time imaging and high concealment. However, it also suffers from lower resolution and is more susceptible to environmental influences.

[0334] Figure 13 This is a diagram representing the types of active and passive imaging. For example... Figure 13 As shown, active imaging includes real-beam imaging and synthetic aperture imaging. Real-beam imaging includes narrow-beam mechanical scanning and phased arrays. Furthermore, synthetic aperture imaging includes imaging methods based on a single transmitter and multiple receivers, as well as imaging methods based on multiple transmitters and multiple receivers.

[0335] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, passive imaging includes real aperture imaging (e.g., focal plane imaging) and interferometric synthetic aperture imaging.

[0336] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a comparison of active imaging. Figure 14 The paper illustrates the characteristics and challenges of three imaging methods: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), phased array imaging systems, and metamaterial aperture imaging systems.

[0337] SAR offers high imaging accuracy. However, it also presents challenges such as slow imaging speed, the need for relative motion between the imaging system and the target object, and the increasing size of the system.

[0338] Phased array imaging systems offer high imaging accuracy and fast imaging speed. However, the overall system complexity of a phased array system and the cost of the phased array itself are also factors. Furthermore, the size of the imaging system increases.

[0339] The metamaterial aperture imaging system has the characteristics of high imaging accuracy, fast imaging speed, simple system, low cost, and compact size. On the other hand, the metamaterial aperture imaging system has problems such as self-interference, limited imaging area, and difficulty in designing the metamaterial aperture antenna.

[0340] <RIS-aided wireless sensing>

[0341] For the above imaging (or sensing), a new technology is expected to achieve low manufacturing cost, simple and flexible introduction, and compatibility between sensing and the requirements of 6G for position determination.

[0342] The above RIS has also attracted attention as one of such new technologies. The RIS uses metamaterials and is cost-effective in manufacturing and deployment, enabling control and customization of the wireless environment. In addition, the RIS can provide high-precision contact and non-contact sensing based on wireless data collection.

[0343] Therefore, research is being conducted on RIS-aided wireless sensing systems for importing RIS to support sensing (imaging) systems.

[0344] The RIS can control the wireless environment and create a good RF sensing environment. Therefore, research on RIS-aided wireless sensing systems, especially by applying RIS-aided wireless sensing systems to human pose recognition, can image various human poses.

[0345] Here, as an existing method of imaging, a phased array imaging system is listed.

[0346] <Phased array imaging system>

[0347] The phased array system performs electronic scanning that is faster and more efficient than the mechanical scanning method. The speed of this scanning is very important for applications such as radar that are indispensable for the rapid detection and tracking of targets.

[0348] The advantages of phased array imaging include the ability to produce high-resolution images, quickly adapt to changing conditions, and reduce the necessity of mechanical scanning. On the other hand, in phased array imaging, when using a phased array antenna with a large aperture, the cost and power consumption become high.

[0349] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a phased array system. In Figure 15 the transmitting aperture, receiving aperture, and the object to be scanned existing at z = 0 in the three-dimensional orthogonal space of x, y, and z are shown.

[0350] Under far-field conditions, the distribution of the transmitting array is represented as ar (x, y), the distribution of the receiving array is represented as a r (x, y). AF Tx and AF Rx These are the array coefficients of the transmitting array and the receiving array, respectively. The overall array coefficient AF is represented by the product of the array coefficients of the transmitting array and the receiving array. Furthermore, a t (x, y) and a r The convolution of (x, y) is called the effective aperture or equivalent array.

[0351] For example, AF Tx AF Rx , and AF can also be expressed as in the following equation (12).

[0352] [Mathematical Expression 12]

[0353]

[0354] Furthermore, the resolutions δx, δy, and δz of the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and x-axis direction are represented by the following equation (13).

[0355] [Mathematical Expression 13]

[0356]

[0357] Here, R represents the distance from the target to the center of the array. L t x and L t y L represents the dimensions of the transmission array in the x and y directions. r x and L r y This indicates the dimensions of the receiving array in the x and y directions.

[0358] <sar>

[0359] In SAR, in order to reconstruct a two-dimensional image of a scene, the radar is moved along a trajectory in the XY plane to perform data collection and create a rectangular grid of measurement points.

[0360] The advantages of SAR include the ability to achieve high-resolution imaging using small-aperture antennas. On the other hand, in SAR, mechanical scanning of the antenna is required to achieve synthetic aperture with large aperture elements.

[0361] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a SAR. In Figure 16 In the diagram, (a) shows the overall structure of the system, and (b) shows the structure of the aperture.

[0362] like Figure 16 As shown, the SAR aperture scans the target along a specific trajectory.

[0363] Here, we will explain the algorithms for two-dimensional imaging used in SAR and other applications.

[0364] After associating the coordinates of the target as the object of scanning and the aperture, the two-dimensional reflectivity image is represented as shown in Equation (14).

[0365] [Mathematical Expression 14]

[0366]

[0367] Here, FT 2D and FT -1 2D Let f(x, y) represent the two-dimensional Fourier transform and inverse Fourier transform in the xy plane, respectively. f(x, y) represents the reflectivity of the two-dimensional target as a function, and s(x, y) represents the measured radar signal. h(x, y) represents the impulse response or point spread function of the imaging system calculated for each measurement point (x, y) according to the following equation (15).

[0368] [Mathematical Expression 15]

[0369]

[0370] <Research Matters>

[0371] As mentioned above, RIS-assisted wireless sensing systems offer a variety of advantages, including cost-effectiveness and sensing accuracy. On the other hand, there is room for research into methods for efficiently assisting sensing with RIS within RIS-assisted wireless sensing systems.

[0372] For example, there is room for research into how to achieve higher sensing accuracy and faster sensing speed by controlling the scanning beam output from the RIS.

[0373] For example, to achieve higher sensing accuracy, it is desirable to scan with fine granularity. However, scanning with too fine granularity will result in sensing delays and reduced efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to perform an appropriate scan based on the object being scanned (the object being sensed (imaged)), the required scanning accuracy, and the time required for the scan.

[0374] Furthermore, in systems including RIS, there is room for research into how to implement sensing and communication. For example, it is possible to efficiently perform both sensing and communication by enabling RIS-integrated systems. Moreover, by enabling RIS-integrated systems to perform both sensing and communication, separate sensing and communication systems can be eliminated, thus reducing setup costs.

[0375] Therefore, in Proposal 1 of this embodiment below, a method for adjusting the scanning granularity in the RIS will be described. Furthermore, in Proposal 2, a method for efficiently balancing sensing and communication in a system including the RIS will be described.

[0376] <Proposal 1>

[0377] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of a RIS-assisted wireless sensing system. (Example) Figure 17 As shown, in the RIS-assisted wireless sensing system, the RIS assists wireless sensing by controlling the reflected beam between a pair of Tx-Rx APs.

[0378] Furthermore, while an AP (access point) is one example of a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device in the system described in this disclosure is not limited to an AP. For example, a BS (e.g., gNB), a UE, a distributed AP, etc., may also be used instead of an AP.

[0379] In Proposal 1, the following two-step RIS beam scanning is performed. Near-field ring codebook (RTC) may also be used in at least one of the following two-step RIS beam scanning.

[0380] Step 1: Coarse beam scanning

[0381] Step 2: Fine beam scanning

[0382] Furthermore, the method for switching granularity in beam scanning using RTC (e.g., RTC-Based Beam Scanning Granularity Switching) will be described later. Additionally, the terms "coarse" and "fine" in the two steps described above are intended to represent a difference in relative granularity. That is, they are intended to indicate that the granularity of step 1 is coarser than that of step 2.

[0383] In step 1 above, for example, human posture detection is performed. Furthermore, in step 2, gesture recognition is performed. In step 2, for example, gestures around the hand are recognized. Additionally, in Proposal 1, the RIS-assisted wireless sensing system can be a structure that performs these two steps sequentially, or a structure that performs either step.

[0384] For example, the RIS sets either the beam used in coarse beam scanning or the beam used in fine beam scanning, and forms a beam and forwards the signal based on this setting. Coarse beam scanning corresponds, for example, to scanning at a first granularity, while fine beam scanning corresponds to scanning at a second granularity that is finer than the first granularity.

[0385] This two-step scanning process allows for relatively rapid sensing of human posture, and gesture recognition can be performed with centimeter-level accuracy. Therefore, centimeter-level wireless sensing accuracy can be achieved with low latency, enabling highly efficient sensing.

[0386] Furthermore, while an example of two steps has been shown above, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, three or more beam scans with different granularities can also be used. Additionally, selection can be made when it is possible to select any two or more of the three beam scans available to the RIS. The types of beam scans available to the RIS can also be reported as part of the RIS's capabilities.

[0387] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system model for a RIS-assisted wireless imaging system. Figure 18 The diagram shows a pair of transmitters (Tx) and receivers (Rx), a RIS, and the imaging target (object). Furthermore, the RIS has a structure of M×N elements in a uniform rectangular array.

[0388] exist Figure 18 The diagram shows the distance of the path from the transmitter to the RIS, the distance of the path from the RIS to the target via reflection (or refraction), and the distance of the path from the target to the receiver.

[0389] Here, the signal received by the receiver is represented as shown in equation (16).

[0390] [Mathematical Expression 16]

[0391]

[0392] in addition,

[0393] [Mathematical Expression 17]

[0394] ,

[0395] It represents the phase shifter of all the components of RIS.

[0396] G S This represents the effects of time delay and path loss caused by signal propagation. For example, time delay induces a phase shift in the transmitted signal associated with the frequency of the s-th subcarrier. Furthermore, path loss is given by multiplying the signal amplitude by an attenuation factor.

[0397] Therefore, G S Each element is represented as shown in equation (17).

[0398] [Mathematical Expression 18]

[0399]

[0400] The attenuation coefficient is based on both attenuation and fading.

[0401] This represents the phase shift of the transmitted signal associated with the frequency of the s-th subcarrier.

[0402] This represents a vector containing the reflection coefficients of all points.

[0403] To correct for the phase difference in the echo signal caused by the spatial distance between the scattering point and the sampling point, compensation is performed at each point. Then, coherent addition is applied to the echo signals at each sampling point. Here, the back projection algorithm is explained as an example of an imaging algorithm.

[0404] Back-Projection (BP) algorithm

[0405] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates an example of the back projection algorithm. The back projection algorithm begins by re-dividing the imaging region into multiple imaging units (cells). For each imaging unit, the spatial distance to all sampling points is calculated, determining the phase change associated with different frequencies.

[0406] Using this phase change as the transformation rule, phase compensation is applied to the echo data. Echo data refers to data obtained from the signal reflected from the imaged object. Hereinafter, the signal reflected from the imaged object will sometimes be recorded as the echo signal.

[0407] Next, the three-dimensional complex vector matrix is ​​coherently summed to obtain the magnitude of the intensity representing the reflectivity coefficient of the imaging unit.

[0408] The BP algorithm covers all imaging units within the three-dimensional imaging region to obtain a three-dimensional imaging result that reflects the intensity of the target's reflectance coefficient. The imaging processing of the BP algorithm is expressed as shown in the following equation (18).

[0409] [Mathematical Expression 19]

[0410]

[0411] RIS assists both systems with separate receivers and transmitters, and systems that integrate receivers and transmitters. Both systems with separate receivers and transmitters, and systems with integrated receivers and transmitters, can effectively achieve wireless imaging.

[0412] Figure 20A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system where the receiving and transmitting functions are separated. In Figure 20A The diagram shows a system where the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) are configured separately. Figure 20A In the system shown, a signal transmitted from the transmitter and reflected by the RIS is reflected at the target. The reflected signal at the target is then received by a receiver different from the transmitter.

[0413] Figure 20B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system that integrates receiving and transmitting. In Figure 20B The diagram illustrates a communication device that integrates a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx) into a single unit. Figure 20B In the system shown, a signal sent from the communication device and reflected by the RIS is reflected at the target. The reflected signal at the target is then reflected by the RIS and received by the communication device.

[0414] Figure 21 This is a comparison chart of the characteristics between systems with separate receivers and transmitters and systems with integrated receivers and transmitters. Figure 21 The image exemplifies imaging results of targets in both a system with separate receiving and transmitting capabilities and a system with integrated receiving and transmitting capabilities. Figure 21 For example, a system that integrates receiving and transmitting can achieve better imaging accuracy.

[0415] <RTC-Based Beam Scanning Granularity Switching>

[0416] Next, as an example of the method of beam scanning with different granularities described above, a method using RTC will be described. The RIS uses RTC in both the communication mode and the sensing (imaging) mode.

[0417] Through sensing processing, the granularity of the beam scanning of RTC is dynamically adjusted at various stages.

[0418] RTC uses coarse-grained grid segmentation in tasks such as rough positioning and / or attitude detection of the target. By using coarse-grained grid segmentation, the scanning time can be effectively shortened.

[0419] RTC uses fine grid segmentation in tasks such as gesture recognition. By using fine grid segmentation, the scanning accuracy can be improved.

[0420] <coarse-fine granularity grid division of RTC>

[0421] Figure 22A 、 Figure 22B is a diagram showing an example of grid segmentation. In the sensing (imaging) mode, the RIS adopts a uniform grid RTC for beam scanning. Figure 22A shows an example of a relatively coarse grid segmentation, Figure 22B shows an example of a relatively fine grid segmentation.

[0422] In RTC-based beam scanning, different granularities are used at various stages of sensing (imaging).

[0423] The granularity of grid segmentation matches the size of the target area and determines the number of codewords within a subset of the beamforming codebook for uniform grid RTC beam scanning.

[0424] The larger the size of the target area, the more the number of codewords. In addition, regarding the number of codewords, the smaller the granularity of grid segmentation (e.g., the size of grid segmentation), the more the number of codewords.

[0425] When the size of the target area is M×M×M cubic meters and the granularity of grid segmentation is N×N×N cubic meters, the total subset of the beamforming codebook of uniform grid RTC includes (M / N) 3 .

[0426] The granularity of the above-mentioned grid segmentation directly affects the resolution of the image.

[0427] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an example of imaging results based on grid segmentation. Figure 23 This figure illustrates an example of imaging results based on fine-grained mesh segmentation. It shows imaging results for three targets. These three targets are mutually common. (The image is repeated in the original text.) Figure 23 As shown, coarser grid segmentation results in coarser imaging, while finer grid segmentation enables higher-precision imaging.

[0428] The choice of mesh granularity can be dynamically adjusted based on the resolution requirements of the actual system.

[0429] Furthermore, the foregoing example illustrates a grid with uniformly sized meshes, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The mesh size can also be non-uniform. For example, within a sensed object, areas where detailed sensing is desired may be divided into finer meshes than other areas.

[0430] <Proposal 2: Mode Switching>

[0431] In Proposal 2, the RIS has a structure that allows switching between multiple modes. For example, the RIS can have two modes: a communication mode and a sensing mode, and switch between these two modes. This switching can be performed dynamically, for example, by an instruction. The sensing mode can also be referred to as the imaging mode.

[0432] The network side periodically or on a trigger-based basis indicates the switching of system execution modes, including RIS.

[0433] The RIS sets the switching between sensing mode and communication mode, and forwards signals based on the set mode. The sensing mode refers to the mode of sensing the area being sensed, and the communication mode refers to the mode of transmitting signals from the transmitting device (e.g., AP) to the receiving device (e.g., UE).

[0434] When the mode is switched periodically, the network side periodically instructs the system, including the RIS, to switch the execution mode. The network side can be, for example, an AP or a higher-level control device. The instruction information used to instruct the system from the network side may include information related to the selection of Tx, RIS, and Rx, relative spatial relationships, sensing area, beam scanning granularity, etc.

[0435] In cases where the mode is switched on a trigger-based basis, the receiver (e.g., the UE) sends a mode switch request to the network, and the network instructs the system to perform the mode switch. In this scenario, the sensing results can be sent from the network to the UE, or the UE can act as a receiver to receive the echo signal and process the sensing independently. The instruction information used for instructing the system from the network may include information related to the selection of Tx, RIS, and Rx, relative spatial relationships, sensing area, beam scanning granularity, etc.

[0436] Figure 24A This is a diagram illustrating an example of mode switching based on periodic indications of systems including RIS. Figure 24A The example shown illustrates switching from communication mode to sensing mode, and then switching back from sensing mode to communication mode. Figure 24A The diagram shows the signal or information flow of the AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and receiver (Rx).

[0437] exist Figure 24A In the example, in communication mode, the AP sends signals for communication ( Figure 24A The RIS processes and forwards the communication signals. Additionally, the AP can also receive communication signals, and within a single communication mode, the AP can both transmit and receive communication signals.

[0438] exist Figure 24A In the example, at the end of the communication mode, the AP instructs the RIS-MT and the receiver to switch from communication mode to sensing mode. In other words, upon receiving the mode switching instruction, the mode switches from communication mode to sensing mode. For example, a control signal including control information indicating the mode switch is sent from the AP to the RIS-MT and the receiver, thereby instructing them. The control information may also include information related to the configuration of the RIS and / or the receiver. Information related to the configuration of the RIS and / or the receiver includes at least one of the following: information related to the selection of the transmitter (e.g., AP), RIS, and receiver; relative spatial relationships; sensing area; beam scanning granularity; and control information used by the RIS (e.g., RTC). For example, the RIS-MT instructs the RIS configuration based on the instruction. For example, changes to the RIS's forwarding destination, changes to the direction of the RIS's forwarding signal, and changes to the control information used by the RIS (e.g., RTC) are instructed via the RIS-MT. The RIS, having received the instruction, configures itself based on the instruction. Furthermore, the receiver may also configure itself based on the control information.

[0439] exist Figure 24A In this example, the AP instructs the RIS-MT to switch modes, the RIS is configured, and it is switched from communication mode to sensing mode. After being switched to sensing mode, the AP sends sensing signals ( Figure 24A The RIS processes the sensing signal and forwards it. The echo signal is the result of the sensing signal being reflected at the target. Figure 24A The echo signal is received by the receiver. Alternatively, the AP can also be a structure that receives echo signals.

[0440] exist Figure 24A In the example, at the end of the sensing mode, the AP instructs the RIS-MT and the receiver to switch from sensing mode to communication mode. For example, a control signal including control information indicating the mode switch is sent from the AP to the RIS-MT and the receiver, thereby instructing them. Based on the instruction, the RIS-MT instructs the RIS configuration. For example, changes in the direction of the RIS forwarding signal, changes in the control information used by the RIS (e.g., RTC), etc., are indicated via the RIS-MT. The RIS, upon receiving the instruction, performs its configuration based on the instruction. The receiver can also perform its configuration based on the control information.

[0441] Like this, in Figure 24A In the process, the AP instructs the RIS-MT and receiver to switch modes, and the RIS settings are performed, switching from sensing mode to communication mode.

[0442] Figure 24B This is a diagram illustrating an example of mode switching based on trigger-based instructions for systems including RIS. Figure 24B The example shown illustrates switching from communication mode to sensing mode, and then switching back from sensing mode to communication mode. Figure 24B The diagram shows the signal or information flow of the AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and receiver (Rx).

[0443] exist Figure 24B In the example, in communication mode, the AP sends signals for communication ( Figure 24B The RIS processes and forwards the communication signals. Additionally, the AP can also receive communication signals, and within a single communication mode, the AP can both transmit and receive communication signals.

[0444] exist Figure 24B In the example, at the end of the communication mode, the UE requests the AP to switch from communication mode to sensing mode. In other words, upon receiving the mode switch request, the mode switches from communication mode to sensing mode. The AP, having received the mode switch request, instructs the RIS-MT and the UE to switch from communication mode to sensing mode. For example, a control signal including control information indicating the mode switch is sent from the AP to the RIS-MT and the UE, thereby instructing them. The control information may also include information related to the configuration of the RIS and / or the UE. The information related to the configuration of the RIS and / or the UE includes at least one of the following: information related to the selection of the transmitter (e.g., AP), RIS, and receiver (e.g., UE); relative spatial relationships; sensing area; beam scanning granularity; and control information (e.g., RTC) used by the RIS. For example, the RIS-MT instructs the RIS configuration based on the instruction. For example, changes to the RIS's forwarding destination, changes to the direction of the RIS's forwarding signal, and changes to the control information (e.g., RTC) used by the RIS are indicated by the RIS-MT. The RIS, having received the instruction, performs its configuration based on the instruction. In addition, the UE can also be configured based on control information.

[0445] exist Figure 24B In this example, the UE requests a mode switch from the AP, the AP instructs the RIS-MT to switch modes, the RIS is configured, and the mode is switched from communication mode to sensing mode. After being switched to sensing mode, the AP sends sensing signals ( Figure 24B The RIS processes the sensing signal and forwards it. The echo signal is the result of the sensing signal being reflected at the target. Figure 24B The echo signal is received by the receiver. Alternatively, the AP can also be a structure that receives echo signals.

[0446] As described above, when sensing processing is performed on the network side (e.g., AP), information related to the echo signal received by the UE can also be sent to the network side. The network side, having acquired the information related to the echo signal, performs sensing processing to obtain the sensing results. Figure 24B In this example, at the end of the sensing mode, the AP sends the sensing results to the UE. Then, the AP instructs the RIS-MT and the UE to switch from sensing mode to communication mode. For example, a control signal including control information indicating the mode switch is sent from the AP to the RIS-MT, thereby instructing the RIS-MT. Based on the instruction, the RIS-MT instructs the RIS configuration. For example, changes to the direction of the RIS forwarding signal, changes to the control information used by the RIS (e.g., RTC), etc., are indicated via the RIS-MT. The RIS, upon receiving the instruction, performs its configuration based on the instruction. The UE can also perform configuration based on control information.

[0447] Like this, in Figure 24B In the process, the AP instructs the RIS-MT and receiver to switch modes, the RIS settings are performed, and the mode is switched from sensing mode to communication mode.

[0448] In this way, systems including RIS can perform both sensing and communication efficiently by switching modes. Furthermore, by combining sensing and communication, RIS systems eliminate the need for separate sensing and communication systems, thus reducing setup costs.

[0449] In addition, Figure 24A and Figure 24B The illustration shows an example where the receiver receives echo signals but not signals for communication, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 24A and Figure 24B The receiver can also receive both echo signals and communication signals.

[0450] In addition, Figure 24A and Figure 24B In the meantime, after the mode switching instruction is given, a specific amount of time may be required until the mode is switched.

[0451] In addition, Figure 24A and Figure 24B In this system, a gap range can be set between communication mode and sensing mode for switching modes. Instructions from the AP to the RIS-MT, and changes to RIS settings can also be made within this gap range. The gap range can also be indicated from the AP, and the RIS-MT can report the gap range to the AP as a capability of the RIS.

[0452] Furthermore, while examples of two modes—communication mode and sensing mode—have been shown above, this disclosure is not limited to these. For example, more than one mode different from the communication mode and sensing mode may exist. For instance, in addition to the communication mode that enables communication between the AP and the UE, there may also be a mode that enables communication between the AP and the RIS-MT. Moreover, as shown in Proposal 1, the sensing mode may also be divided into a sensing mode based on coarse beam scanning and a sensing mode based on fine beam scanning.

[0453] <Examples of characteristics>

[0454] With the assistance of RIS (Radio Recognition System), including RIS sensing systems, wireless imaging of posture and gestures can be achieved. Furthermore, a wide variety of imaging resolutions can be obtained to meet diverse imaging requirements.

[0455] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless imaging. In Figure 25 The image shows an example of the imaging results of a gesture or posture.

[0456] Furthermore, in the methods described above, the quantization resolution of the phase shift of the RIS affects the imaging resolution. For example, to obtain better imaging results, it is preferable to have a better quantization resolution for the phase shift.

[0457] Figure 26 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of quantization bits for phase shift and the imaging result. Figure 26 The diagram shows the cases with infinite quantization resolution, 2 bits of quantization, and 1 bit of quantization.

[0458] like Figure 26 As shown, in order to obtain good imaging results, a phase-shifted quantization resolution (e.g., number of bits) of 2 bits or more is preferred.

[0459] Based on the imaging method described above, resolution based on distance dimension (range dimension) (e.g., depth dimension) can be achieved. For example, the method described above can effectively suppress the influence of objects located on different focal planes on the imaging resolution.

[0460] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing the imaging results at different focal planes. Figure 27 In the examples, the imaging results for two different focal planes are shown as Example 1 and Example 2. Figure 27 As shown in Examples 1 and 2, images located at different focal planes are represented separately. Furthermore, influences from other focal planes are suppressed.

[0461] Next, an example of the processing time for imaging based on the above method will be explained. The method described above achieves an imaging speed of 24 frames per second. This value serves as a benchmark for high-speed security inspection imaging.

[0462] At millimeter-wave frequencies, centimeter-level imaging accuracy can be achieved using aperture sizes within permissible limits.

[0463] Here, the time required for imaging is evaluated.

[0464] The switching time of a high-frequency switch (e.g., a PIN switch) is approximately 100 ns. This is the time required for the beam to scan points in space. Assuming the scanning area is 1m × 2m and each pixel is 5mm × 5mm, the total scanning time T becomes T = {(1000mm × 2000mm) / (5mm × 5mm)} × 100 × 10 -9 s=0.008s.

[0465] As a practical beamforming method, the computational resources required for backend signal processing are minimized, which can greatly shorten the signal processing time. Overall, this improves imaging speed and makes rapid imaging and detection possible.

[0466] Furthermore, the characteristics of the aperture size are evaluated here.

[0467] Figure 28 This is a table showing an example of aperture size. In Figure 28 In this context, R0 represents the distance from the imaged target to the center of the RIS. δ represents the sensing (or imaging) resolution. L represents the aperture size of the RIS (the length of the RIS's sides).

[0468] like Figure 28 As shown, centimeter-level resolution can be achieved with an aperture size of approximately 1 meter.

[0469] <Implementation Examples>

[0470] <Scenario 1: Echo signal received by RIS-MT>

[0471] In Case 1, the scenario where the echo signal is received by the RIS-MT is described. In this case, as a typical example, the introduced refractive RIS functions as a "window" for expanding coverage and as an intrusion detection mechanism. In Case 1, the RIS-MT has the capability to receive signals (e.g., echo signals). Furthermore, in Case 1, the RIS-MT may also have the capability to process signals (e.g., echo signals).

[0472] Regarding the differences in echo signal processing in RIS-MT, consider two options.

[0473] Option 1: RIS-MT forwards the echo signal to the AP.

[0474] Option 2: The RIS-MT performs imaging processing on the received echo signal and sends the processing results to the AP. In Option 2, the RIS-MT has signal processing capabilities.

[0475] Figure 29A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 1. Figure 29B It means Figure 29A The timing diagram shows the signal interaction for option 1 of scenario 1. Figure 29C It means Figure 29A The timing diagram shows the signal interaction for option 2 of scenario 1.

[0476] exist Figure 29A The diagram illustrates the AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and target implementations in scenario 1. Figure 29A The object (Object) is shown, and the signal flow is illustrated.

[0477] exist Figure 29B The text shows that in Figure 29A The interaction of signals from AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and the target in the implementation scenario 1 shown is shown in option 1.

[0478] like Figure 29B As shown, the AP indicates to the RIS-MT that it is in sensing mode (S11). Next, the AP sends a sensing signal to the RIS. Figure 29B The RIS forwards the sensing signal (S12), and the RIS forwards the sensing signal (S13). The forwarded sensing signal is reflected at the target object, and the reflected echo signal is received by the RIS-MT (S14). In option 1, the RIS-MT forwards the echo signal to the AP (S15).

[0479] exist Figure 29C The text shows that in Figure 29A The interaction of signals from AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and the target in scenario 1 of the implementation shown, and in option 2. Additionally, in Figure 29C In China, for the sake of Figure 29B The same treatment applies, assigning the same reference numerals to the figures and omitting the descriptions.

[0480] exist Figure 29B In the process, RIS-MT forwards the echo signal to the AP; conversely, in... Figure 29C In the process, the RIS-MT performs imaging processing on the echo signal (S21). Then, the RIS-MT sends the processing result to the AP (S22).

[0481] <Scenario 2: Echo signal received by AP>

[0482] In scenario 2, the echo signal is received by the AP. As a typical example, the RIS is introduced near a full-duplex AP. In this scenario 2, a full-duplex AP is used for both the transmission and reception of the sensing signal and the echo signal.

[0483] Figure 30A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 2. Figure 30B It means Figure 30A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 2 is shown.

[0484] exist Figure 30A The diagram illustrates the implementation of AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and the target in scenario 2. Figure 30A The object (Object) is shown, and the signal flow is illustrated. Figure 30B It shows Figure 30A The interaction of signals between the AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and the target in the implementation scenario 2 is shown. Figure 30B In China, for the sake of Figure 29B The same treatment applies, assigning the same reference numerals to the figures and omitting the descriptions.

[0485] until Figure 30B Up to S13, with Figure 29B Same. Figure 30B In step S13, the sensing signal forwarded by the RIS is reflected at the target object, and the reflected echo signal reaches the RIS (S34). In case 2, the RIS forwards the echo signal to the AP (S35).

[0486] In scenario 2, such as Figure 30A , Figure 30B As shown, the echo signal is received by the full-duplex AP. Because the AP has full-duplex functionality, both the transmission of the sensing signal and the reception of the echo signal are handled by the AP.

[0487] In scenario 2, by setting the RIS closer to the AP, sufficient SNR can be ensured for the echo signal, thereby improving imaging accuracy.

[0488] <Scenario 3: Echo signal received by distributed AP>

[0489] In scenario 3, the echo signal is received by distributed APs. As a typical example, scenario 3 is implemented using RIS-assisted distributed MIMO. In scenario 3, one set of APs functions as both a transmitter for sensing signals and a receiver for the echo signal.

[0490] Figure 31A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 3. Figure 31B It means Figure 31A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 3 is shown.

[0491] exist Figure 31A The diagram illustrates a distributed AP functioning as a transmitter in scenario 3. Figure 31A In the text, AP (Tx) is used as the receiver in a distributed AP (in...). Figure 31A In the middle, there are AP(Rx)), RIS, RIS-MT, and the target ( Figure 31A The object (Object) is shown, and the signal flow is illustrated. Figure 31B It shows Figure 31A The interaction of signals between the distributed AP, RIS, RIS-MT, and the target in the implementation scenario 3 is shown.

[0492] like Figure 31B As shown, the AP (Tx) indicates to the RIS-MT that it is in sensing mode (S41). Next, the AP sends a sensing signal to the RIS ( Figure 31B The sensing signal is received by the RIS (S42), and the sensing signal is forwarded by the RIS (S43). The forwarded sensing signal is reflected at the target object, and the reflected echo signal is received by the AP (Rx) (S44).

[0493] like Figure 31A , Figure 31B As shown, the echo signal is received by a distributed access point (AP). According to scenario 3, by prioritizing the use of distributed APs closer to the target as receivers of the echo signal, the path loss that reduces the SNR of the echo signal can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of imaging.

[0494] <Scenario 4: Echo signal received by UE>

[0495] In scenario 4, the echo signal is received by the UE. In scenario 4, as a typical example, the RIS assists the UE in performing environmental sensing and / or drop detection, etc. In scenario 4, the UE determines its relative position to the RIS.

[0496] Figure 32A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system outline for scenario 4. Figure 32B It means Figure 32A The timing diagram of the signal flow for scenario 4 is shown.

[0497] exist Figure 32A The diagram illustrates the AP acting as a transmitter, the UE acting as a receiver, the RIS, the RIS-MT, and the target in scenario 4. Figure 32A The object (Object) is shown, and the signal flow is illustrated. Figure 32B It shows Figure 32A The interaction of signals between AP, UE, RIS, RIS-MT, and target in the implementation scenario 4 is shown.

[0498] like Figure 32B As shown, the UE requests sensing from the AP (S51). The AP sends information related to RIS to the UE (S51). Figure 32B RIS information (S52). The AP indicates to the RIS-MT that it is in sensing mode (S53). Next, the AP sends a sensing signal to the RIS. Figure 32B The RIS forwards the sensing signal (S54), and the forwarded sensing signal is reflected at the target object, and the reflected echo signal is received by the UE (S56).

[0499] like Figure 32A , Figure 32B As shown, the echo signal is received by the UE. In scenario 4, the UE determines the relative positional relationship between the RIS and the UE before performing imaging processing. For example, to determine the positional relationship, the network (e.g., AP) sends the RIS's position information to the UE.

[0500] Furthermore, in systems including RIS, the four scenarios described above can be either fixed or dynamically switched. For example, sensing can be performed based on at least one of the following: the position and size of the target sensed by the system; the position of the selected Tx, Rx, and RIS; and the capabilities of Tx, Rx, and RIS. The capabilities of Tx and Rx can, for example, indicate at least one of whether full-duplex is supported or whether imaging processing is possible. Similarly, the capabilities of RIS can, for example, indicate at least one of whether imaging processing is possible, whether coarse-grained mesh segmentation is supported, or whether fine-grained mesh segmentation is supported.

[0501] <Relationship with Standards>

[0502] The above-described embodiments may be described in the specification as the following content.

[0503] <Switching between RIS-assisted communication mode and sensing (imaging) mode>

[0504] · RIS can dynamically switch between communication mode and sensing (imaging) mode based on an indication. The indication includes the following information: indication of mode switching; selection of Tx node, RIS, and Rx node; and relative spatial relationship between Tx node, RIS, sensing (imaging) area, and Rx node.

[0505] Method for selecting Tx node, RIS, and Rx node: The network indicates to the AP or UE whether to function as a Tx node and / or an Rx node for sensing. It indicates to the RIS whether the RIS functions as an assisting node for sensing. It indicates to the RIS whether the RIS-MT functions as an Rx node for sensing.

[0506] Mode switching indication: The network indicates mode switching between communication mode and sensing mode to the RIS-MT via control information such as RRC / MAC CE / DCI. In the case of RIS, sometimes different codebooks are used in communication mode and sensing mode. For example, it can be that in sensing mode, the codebook shown in this disclosure is used, and in communication mode, a codebook different from this disclosure is used. Or, both communication mode and sensing mode can be generated using the proposed codebook above and use different beam granularities.

[0507] Relative spatial relationship: The network indicates the relative spatial relationship of Tx node, RIS, sensing (imaging) area, and Rx node to the Tx node and the Rx node. The relative spatial relationship is used to generate a codeword for forwarding / transmitting the sensing signal by the Tx node, and the Rx node utilizes the relative spatial relationship for image processing. For example, the network indicates the coordinates of Tx node, RIS, sensing (imaging) area, and Rx node to the Tx node and the Rx node.

[0508] <Granularity switching of RTC-based beam scanning>

[0509] RIS uses RTC in both communication mode and sensing (imaging) mode. Different beam granularities can also be used for communication mode and sensing mode. The granularity of RTC beam scanning is dynamically adjusted at various stages of the overall sensing (imaging) process.

[0510] RTC utilizes coarse-grained grid segmentation in tasks such as rough positioning and / or attitude detection of the target, effectively shortening the scanning time.

[0511] RTC utilizes fine grid segmentation in tasks such as gesture recognition, improving the scanning accuracy.

[0512] Indication: The network indicates the range of the target area and the granularity of grid segmentation to the RIS.

[0513] The RIS sometimes determines the coordinates of the target based on the "grid index" indicated by the network. The RIS determines the mapping between the coordinates and the "grid index" based on the range of the target area and the granularity of grid segmentation.

[0514] <Function of RIS-MT>

[0515] When the functions of RIS-MT such as reception and processing of echo signals are enhanced, the performance of the RIS-aided sensing (imaging) system can be further improved. Additionally, in this case, the capabilities of RIS-MT can also be reported to the network.

[0516] <RTC-Based Beam Scanning Granularity Switching>

[0517] Figure 33 is a diagram showing an example of a uniform grid RTC. In Figure 33 it shows the case where the three-dimensional orthogonal space of x, y, and z is divided into Nx in the x-axis direction, Ny in the y-axis direction, and Nz in the z-axis direction. Additionally, in Figure 33 it shows the case where the RIS has N1×N2 elements.

[0518] In Option 1 (Alt.1), the coefficient (e.g., RTC) w used in RTC-based beam scanning is represented by the following equation (19).

[0519] [Equation 20]

[0520]

[0521] Furthermore, in Option 2 (Alt.2), it is represented as follows in Equation (20).

[0522] [Equation 21]

[0523]

[0524] Additionally, in the above equations, (x0, y0, z0) represent the coordinates of the center point of the RIS. (x gi , y gi , z gi ) represents the coordinates of the i-th grid center that can be obtained from the grid index. Furthermore, here, α and ν represent physical angles such as azimuth and elevation, respectively, obtained through coordinate transformation between the coordinates of the RIS-based element and the coordinates of the sensing (imaging) area.

[0525] <Cooperation between Tx, RIS, and Rx in sensing (imaging) mode>

[0526] In sensing (imaging) mode, cooperation between Tx, RIS, and Rx is expected. Tx sends the sensing signal to RIS, which forwards the sensing signal in order to scan the target area through beamforming. The received echo signal is collected by Rx.

[0527] The following scenarios can be adopted for collaboration between Tx, RIS, and Rx.

[0528] In scenario 1, the RIS-MT functions as the Rx. In this scenario, the AP is selected as the Tx.

[0529] In scenario 2, the AP functions as Rx. In this scenario, a full-duplex AP is selected as both Tx and Rx.

[0530] In scenario 3, distributed APs function as Rx. In this scenario, one AP is selected as Tx, and the others are selected as Rx. The network side needs to know the relative spatial relationship between RIS and APs (Rx).

[0531] In scenario 4, the UE becomes Rx. In this scenario, the AP needs to be selected as Tx. The UE needs to identify the relative spatial relationship between the RIS and itself.

[0532] In scenario 4, control of a UE-based RIS known as a UE-controlled RIS can also be considered.

[0533] In scenario 4, consider two options.

[0534] In Option 1, the RIS is fully controlled by the UE. In this option, the UE instructs the RIS with control information through both communication mode and sensing mode. Furthermore, in sensing mode, the UE instructs the RIS-MT instruction mode switching, RIS selection, and beam scanning granularity switching via sidelink control information. For example, the UE can provide instructions similar to those given in the network described above.

[0535] In option 2, the RIS is controlled by both the network and the UE. In this option, in communication mode, the network notifies the RIS of control information. For sensing purposes, the UE indicates the RIS mode switching, RIS selection, and beam scanning granularity switching.

[0536] The matters mentioned above may be specified in this regulation.

[0537] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example of setting up one RIS between the gNB and the UE, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, multiple RIS can also be set up between the gNB and the UE. For example, it could be a structure where the first RIS forwards the signal transmitted by the gNB to the second RIS, and the second RIS forwards the signal to the UE. In addition, in this case, the first RIS could generate multiple beams (e.g., the multi-wide beam described above), forward the signal to multiple second RIS, and the multiple second RIS further forward the signal to the UE.

[0538] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "A / B" and "at least one of A and B" may be rewritten as each other. In addition, in this disclosure, "A / B / C" may also mean "at least one of A, B and C".

[0539] In this disclosure, terms such as notification, activation, deactivation, indication (or indication), selection, configuration, update, and determination can be overridden. Similarly, terms such as support, control, ability to control, operation, and ability to operate can also be overridden.

[0540] In this disclosure, Radio Resource Control (RRC), RRC parameters, RRC messages, higher-level parameters, fields, Information Elements (IE), settings, etc., can also be modified interchangeably. In this disclosure, Medium Access Control (MAC) elements (MAC ControlElement (CE)), update commands, activation / deactivation commands, etc., can also be modified interchangeably.

[0541] In this disclosure, higher-layer signaling may be, for example, any one of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information, other messages (e.g., positioning protocol messages (e.g., NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) / LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages, etc. from the core network), or a combination thereof.

[0542] In this disclosure, MAC signaling may also use, for example, a MAC Control Element (MACCE) or a MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU). Broadcast information may also be, for example, a Master Information Block (MIB), a System Information Block (SIB), a minimum system information block (Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI)), or other system information (OSI).

[0543] In this disclosure, physical layer signaling may also be, for example, downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), etc.

[0544] In this disclosure, the terms aperture, antenna array, array, subarray (multiple antenna elements, part of an array), panel, RIS, RIS array, scattering element array, etc., can be rewritten interchangeably. In this disclosure, the terms antenna, antenna element, scattering element, etc., can also be rewritten interchangeably.

[0545] In this disclosure, NCR, RIS, NCR including RIS, network node, device, IAB, IAB-MT (Mobile Termination), IAB-DU (Distribution Unit), IAB-CU (Central Unit), terminal, base station, relay station, relay device, repeater, reflector, transmissive plate, RIS-NCR, RIS-type NCR, extended NCR, etc. can also be rewritten to each other.

[0546] <Structure Diagram>

[0547] Figure 34 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 100 includes, for example, a transmitting unit 101, a receiving unit 102, and a control unit 103. The base station 100 communicates wirelessly with a terminal 200 (see reference 100). Figure 35 The transmitting unit 101 and the receiving unit 102 can also be collectively referred to as a communication unit. Furthermore, the control unit can also be referred to as a processing unit, processor, etc.

[0548] The transmitting unit 101 transmits a DL signal to the terminal 200. For example, the transmitting unit 101 transmits the DL signal under the control of the control unit 103. For example, the DL signal may also include information indicating the scheduling related to the signal transmission of the terminal 200 (e.g., UL permission), higher-level control information, etc.

[0549] For example, the transmitting unit 101 transmits various control signals (such as high-level control signals), reference signals, data signals, etc., as DL signals to the terminal 200 and / or the wireless device 300. The transmitting unit 101, for example, transmits various signals, channels, setting information, control information, etc., as described in the above embodiments to the terminal 200 as DL signals.

[0550] For example, the transmitting unit 101 transmits information related to the control of the terminal 200 generated by the control unit 103 to the terminal 200. Furthermore, for example, the transmitting unit 101 transmits information related to the control of the wireless device 300 generated by the control unit 103 to the wireless device 300. Additionally, the transmitting unit 101 transmits data signals generated by the control unit 103 to the terminal 200.

[0551] The receiving unit 102 receives UL signals transmitted from the terminal 200. For example, the receiving unit 102 receives UL signals under the control of the control unit 103. In addition, the receiving unit 102 can also receive UL signals transmitted from the wireless device 300.

[0552] For example, as a UL signal, the receiving unit 102 receives from the terminal 200 signals including terminal capability information of the terminal 200 (e.g., UE capability), various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc. Furthermore, the receiving unit 102 may also receive signals including capability information of the wireless device 300 (e.g., capability).

[0553] The control unit 103 controls the entire (communication) operation of the base station 100, which includes the transmission processing in the transmission unit 101 and the reception processing in the reception unit 102.

[0554] For example, the control unit 103 obtains data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to the transmitting unit 101. Furthermore, the control unit 103 outputs data and control information received from the receiving unit 102 to higher layers.

[0555] For example, the control unit 103 allocates resources for transmitting and receiving DL signals and / or UL signals based on signals (e.g., data and control information) received from the terminal 200 and / or data and control information obtained from higher layers. Information related to the allocated resources may also be included in the control information sent to the terminal 200.

[0556] The control unit 103 performs operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, these operations may also be performed by the sending unit 101 and / or the receiving unit 102).

[0557] In addition, the control unit 103 can also generate control information related to the forwarding operation of the wireless device 300. The control unit 103 can also send instructions (e.g., control information) related to the communication control of the wireless device 300 via the transmitting unit 101.

[0558] Figure 35 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a terminal 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal 200 includes, for example, a receiving unit 201, a transmitting unit 202, and a control unit 203. The terminal 200 communicates wirelessly with, for example, a base station 100 (see reference 100). Figure 34 The receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 can also be collectively referred to as the communication unit.

[0559] The receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal transmitted from the base station 100. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0560] For example, the receiving unit 201 receives various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc. from the base station 100 as DL signals. The receiving unit 201, for example, receives various signals, channels, setting information, control information, etc., as described in the above embodiments from the base station 100 as DL signals.

[0561] For example, receiving unit 201 receives signals from base station 100.

[0562] The transmitting unit 202 transmits a UL signal to the base station 100. For example, the transmitting unit 202 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0563] For example, as a UL signal, the transmitting unit 202 transmits to the base station 100 signals including information related to the processing capabilities of the terminal 200, various control signals, reference signals, data signals, etc.

[0564] The control unit 203 controls the entire (communication) operation of the terminal 200, which includes receiving processing in the receiving unit 201 and sending processing in the sending unit 202.

[0565] For example, control unit 203 obtains data and control information from higher layers and outputs it to transmitting unit 202. Furthermore, control unit 203 may output data and control information received from receiving unit 201 to higher layers, for example.

[0566] The control unit 203 performs operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, these operations can also be performed by the receiving unit 201 and / or the sending unit 202).

[0567] Furthermore, the signal received by terminal 200 from base station 100 can be either a signal directly transmitted from base station 100 or a signal transmitted from base station 100 and then forwarded by wireless device 300. Additionally, the signal transmitted by terminal 200 to base station 100 can be received directly by base station 100 or forwarded by wireless device 300 and then received by base station 100. In this case, terminal 200 may not need to distinguish whether the signal was forwarded by wireless device 300.

[0568] Figure 36 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless device 300 corresponds to an example of a RIS (Radio Retrieval System). The wireless device 300 includes, for example, a receiving unit 301, a transmitting unit 302, and a control unit 303. The wireless device 300 communicates wirelessly with, for example, a base station 100 (see reference 100). Figure 34 ) and terminal 200 (refer to Figure 35 The receiving unit 301 and the transmitting unit 302 can also be collectively referred to as the communication unit. Alternatively, the communication unit may have a radiating surface (e.g., a RIS array) that radiates radio waves, transmits signals from the radiating surface, and receives signals at the radiating surface. The radiating surface can also be referred to as an antenna element.

[0569] The receiving unit 301 receives DL signals transmitted from the base station 100. Additionally, the receiving unit 301 receives UL signals transmitted from the terminal 200. For example, the receiving unit 301 receives both DL and UL signals under the control of the control unit 303. Furthermore, the received signals may include signals destined for the base station 100, signals destined for the terminal 200, and signals destined for the wireless device 300. For example, the receiving unit 301 receives signals from the base station 100 destined for the terminal 200 (e.g., signals specific to the terminal 200). Additionally, the forwarding process may include at least one of the following: processing of sending signals received from the base station 100 destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200, and processing of receiving signals from the terminal 200 destined for the base station 100.

[0570] The transmitting unit 302 transmits the UL signal received from the terminal 200 and destined for the base station 100 to the base station 100. Additionally, the transmitting unit 302 transmits the DL signal received from the base station 100 and destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200. For example, the transmitting unit 302 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 303. For example, the transmitting unit 302 forwards the signal received from the base station 100 and destined for the terminal 200 to the terminal 200.

[0571] The control unit 303 controls the entire (communication) operation of the wireless device 300, which includes the receiving process in the receiving unit 301 and the transmitting process in the transmitting unit 302.

[0572] For example, the control unit 303 sets either a first beam scanned at a first granularity (e.g., a beam for coarse beam scanning) or a second beam scanned at a finer granularity (e.g., a beam for fine beam scanning). In this case, the RIS array (an example of an antenna element) forms a beam and forwards the signal based on the settings of the control unit 303.

[0573] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 303 sets a switching mode between a first mode (e.g., sensing mode) for sensing the sensing area and a second mode (e.g., communication mode) for transmitting signals from a transmitting device (e.g., base station 100) to a receiving device (e.g., terminal 200). In this case, the RIS array (an example of an antenna unit) forwards signals based on the mode set by the control unit.

[0574] The control unit 303 performs operations other than sending and receiving as described in the above embodiments (in addition, these operations can also be performed by the receiving unit 301 and / or the sending unit 302).

[0575] Additionally, the wireless device 300 (e.g., RIS) in this disclosure can be an example of a communication device. Furthermore, the wireless device 300 in this disclosure can also be referred to by other names such as relay device, repeater, or relay station device. Moreover, the wireless device 300 in this disclosure can also be replaced by terminal 200 (e.g., UE). For example, the wireless device 300 can also be understood as a terminal 200 with a repeater function (or relay function).

[0576] The above provides an explanation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the distinctions between items mentioned above are not essential in this disclosure; items described in two or more items may be combined as needed, and items described in one item may be applied to items described in other items (as long as they do not contradict each other).

[0577] <Hardware structure, etc.>

[0578] The block diagrams used in the description of the above embodiments illustrate functional units. These functional blocks (structural units) are implemented through any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the implementation method of each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block can be implemented using a single device that is physically or logically combined, or it can be implemented by directly or indirectly (e.g., using wired, wireless, etc.) connecting two or more physically or logically separate devices. A functional block can also be implemented by combining one or more of the aforementioned devices with software.

[0579] The functions include judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, receiving, sending, output, access, resolution, selection, choosing, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard as, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assigning, but are not limited to these. For example, the functional block (structural unit) that implements the sending function is called a transmitting unit or a transmitter. Both are as described above, and the implementation method is not particularly limited.

[0580] For example, the base station, terminal, and wireless device in one embodiment of this disclosure can also function as a computer for processing the wireless communication method of this disclosure. Figure 37 This diagram illustrates an example of the hardware structure of a base station, terminal, and wireless device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The base station 100, terminal 200, and wireless device 300 described above can also be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0581] Additionally, in the following description, the term "device" can be replaced with circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware structure of base station 100, terminal 200, and wireless device 300 can be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it can be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0582] Regarding the functions of base station 100, terminal 200 and wireless device 300, specific software (programs) are read into hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, so that processor 1001 performs calculations and controls communication based on communication device 1004, or controls at least one of reading out and writing data in memory 1002 and storage device 1003, thereby achieving the functions.

[0583] The processor 1001, for example, enables the operating system to operate and control the computer as a whole. The processor 1001 may also be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 103, control unit 203, and control unit 303 described above may also be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0584] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002, and performs various processes accordingly. As a program, a program that causes the computer to perform at least a portion of the operations described in the above embodiments can be used. For example, the control unit 203 of the terminal 200 can also be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and operated by the processor 1001; similarly, other functional blocks can be implemented. The various processes described above are executed by one processor 1001, but they can also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 can also be implemented by one or more chips. Additionally, programs can be transmitted from a network via electrical communication lines.

[0585] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of the following: ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 1002 may also be referred to as a register, cache, main memory (main storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing the wireless communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0586] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be comprised of at least one of the following: CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM) or other optical discs; hard disk drives; flexible discs; optical discs (e.g., compact discs, digital multifunction discs, Blu-ray discs); smart cards; flash memory (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives); floppy disks; magnetic stripes; etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The aforementioned storage medium may also be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0587] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting and receiving device) used for communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network. It is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network interface card (NIC), communication module, etc. To implement at least one of, for example, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD), the communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. For example, the aforementioned transmitting unit 101, receiving unit 102, receiving unit 201, transmitting unit 202, receiving unit 301, and transmitting unit 302 can also be implemented using the communication device 1004.

[0588] Input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from external sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). Output device 1006 is an output device that performs output to external sources (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, etc.). Alternatively, input device 1005 and output device 1006 can also be an integrated structure (e.g., touch panel).

[0589] Furthermore, the processor 1001, memory 1002, and other devices are connected via a bus 1007 for communication of information. The bus 1007 can be configured as a single bus or as different buses between the devices.

[0590] Furthermore, the base station 100, terminal 200, and wireless device 300 can also be configured with hardware including microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), etc., and can also implement part or all of the functional blocks through such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 can also be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0591] <Information notification and signaling>

[0592] The notification of information is not limited to the implementation methods described in this disclosure, and can also be performed by other methods. For example, the notification of information can also be implemented through physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block)), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. In addition, RRC signaling can also be referred to as an RRC message, for example, it can also be an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, etc.

[0593] <Application Systems>

[0594] The implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), systems utilizing other suitable systems, and next-generation systems derived from or extended by these systems, modifications, fabrications, or specifications. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE and at least one of LTE-A with 5G, etc.) for application.

[0595] <Processing procedures, etc.>

[0596] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of the various methods / implementations described in this disclosure may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, for the methods described in this disclosure, an exemplary order is used to indicate the elements of various steps, but the order in which they are indicated is not limited.

[0597] <Base Station Operation>

[0598] In this disclosure, specific operations are posited as being performed by a base station, and sometimes, depending on the circumstances, by its upper node. Clearly, in a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal can also be performed by at least one of the base station and other network nodes besides the base station (e.g., consider MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). The above example illustrates a case where there is only one other network node besides the base station; it could also be a combination of multiple other network nodes (e.g., MME and S-GW).

[0599] <Direction of input / output>

[0600] Information (see items under <Information, Signals>) can also be output from higher (or lower) layers to lower (or higher) layers. It can also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0601] <Processing of input and output information>

[0602] Input and output information can be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information can be overwritten, updated, or appended. Output information can also be deleted. Input information can also be sent to other devices.

[0603] <Judgment Method>

[0604] The determination can be made by a value represented by a single bit (0 or 1), by a true or false value (Boolean: true or false), or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a specific value).

[0605] <Changes in methods, etc.>

[0606] The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can be used individually or in combination, and can be switched as needed during execution. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., a "It is X" notification) is not limited to being explicit, but can also be done implicitly (e.g., not notifying of that specific information).

[0607] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0608] <Software>

[0609] Whether software is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any other name, it should be broadly interpreted to refer to instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc.

[0610] Furthermore, software, instructions, and information can also be sent and received via a transmission medium. For example, when software is sent from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technologies (infrared, microwave, etc.), at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included within the definition of transmission medium.

[0611] <Information, Signals>

[0612] The information, signals, etc., described in this disclosure can also be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc., which may be mentioned throughout the above description, can also be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0613] Furthermore, the terms described in this disclosure, as well as those necessary for understanding this disclosure, may be replaced with terms that have the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and the symbol may also be a signal (signaling). Additionally, a signal may also be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may also be referred to as a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0614] <Systems, Networks>

[0615] The terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably in this disclosure.

[0616] <Parameters, Channel Name>

[0617] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure can be represented by absolute values, relative values ​​with respect to a specific value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources can also be indicated by an index.

[0618] The names used for the parameters described above are not limiting names in any respect. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas used for these parameters sometimes differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name; therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not limiting names in any respect.

[0619] <Base Station>

[0620] In this disclosure, the terms "base station (BS)," "wireless base station," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission / reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" are used interchangeably. There are also instances where terms such as macro cell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell are used to refer to base stations.

[0621] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the overall coverage area of ​​the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each of which can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station (Remote Radio Head (RRH))). Terms such as "cell" or "sector" refer to a portion or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and base station subsystem providing communication services within that coverage area. In this disclosure, the transmission of information from a base station to a terminal can also be rewritten as the base station instructing the terminal on information-based control or operation.

[0622] <Mobile Station>

[0623] In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," and "terminal" are used interchangeably.

[0624] There are also cases where a mobile station is referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, hand set, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0625] <Base station / Mobile station>

[0626] At least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be equipment mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object whose speed of movement is arbitrary. In addition, it naturally includes situations where the mobile body is stationary. Examples of mobile bodies include vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, autonomous two-wheelers, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, trailers, rickshaws, ships (boats and other watercraft), airplanes, rockets, artificial satellites, drones (registered trademark), multi-rotor aircraft, quadcopter aircraft, balloons, and objects mounted on them, and are not limited to these. Furthermore, the mobile body can also be a mobile body that moves autonomously based on operating commands. It can be a means of transportation (e.g., vehicles, airplanes, etc.), a mobile body that moves unmanned (e.g., drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.), or a robot (humanized or unmanned). In addition, at least one of the base station and the mobile station also includes a device that is not necessarily mobile during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device such as a sensor.

[0627] Furthermore, the base station in this disclosure can also be rewritten as a terminal. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between the base station and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, it can also be configured such that the terminal 200 and the wireless device 300 have the functions of the base station 100 described above. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be rewritten as terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can also be rewritten as side channel.

[0628] Similarly, the terminal in this disclosure can also be rewritten as a base station. In this case, it can also be configured such that the base station 100 and the relay station 300 have the functions of the terminal 200 described above.

[0629] Figure 38 An example of the structure of vehicle 2001 is shown. For example... Figure 38 As shown, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering control unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021-2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can also be applied to communication devices mounted on the vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0630] The drive unit 2002 is configured, for example, as an engine, a motor, or a combination of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 is configured to include at least a steering wheel (also called a handlebar) and to perform directional control on at least one of the front and rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel by the user.

[0631] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021-2029 of the vehicle 2001 are input into the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 can also be referred to as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0632] The signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, speed signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by speed sensor 2022, air pressure signals of the front and rear wheels obtained by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals obtained by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals obtained by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depress amount signals obtained by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depress amount signals obtained by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals obtained by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals obtained by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0633] The information service unit 2012 consists of various devices such as a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, used to provide (output) various information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The information service unit 2012 uses information obtained from external devices via the communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001.

[0634] The information service unit 2012 may include input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) that accept input from the outside, and output devices (e.g., display, speaker, LED light, touch panel, etc.) that implement output to the outside.

[0635] The driver assistance system unit 2030 comprises various devices used to provide functions for preventing accidents or reducing the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) mapping, autonomous vehicle (AV) mapping), gyroscope systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. Furthermore, the driver assistance system unit 2030 sends and receives various information via a communication module 2013 and implements driver assistance or autonomous driving functions.

[0636] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and the constituent elements of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data between the drive unit 2002, steering control unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheel 2007, rear wheel 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 in the electronic control unit 2010, and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 and sensors 2021-29 in the vehicle 2001 via the communication port 2033.

[0637] The communication module 2013, controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010, is a communication device capable of communicating with external devices. For example, it enables the transmission and reception of various information between external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 can be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. External devices can be, for example, base stations, mobile stations, etc.

[0638] The communication module 2013 can also wirelessly transmit to an external device at least one of the signals input to the electronic control unit 2010 from the various sensors 2021-2029 described above, information obtained based on these signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2029, and the information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as input units that receive input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted via the communication module 2013 can also include information based on the aforementioned input.

[0639] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, vehicle-to-vehicle information, etc.) sent from external devices and displays it to the information service unit 2012 of the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 can also be referred to as an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH received through the communication module 2013 (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH).

[0640] Furthermore, the communication module 2013 stores various information received from external devices in a memory 2032 that can be utilized by the microprocessor 2031. The microprocessor 2031 can also control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, gear shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., of the vehicle 2001 based on the information stored in the memory 2032.

[0641] <Meaning and Explanation of Terms>

[0642] The terms "determining" and "determining" as used in this disclosure encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" and "determining" can include actions such as judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining. Furthermore, "determining" and "determining" can include actions such as receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Additionally, "determining" and "determining" can include actions such as resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and comparing. That is, "judgment" and "decision" can include situations where certain actions are regarded as having been "judged" or "decided". In addition, "judgment (decision)" can also be rewritten as "assuming", "expecting", "considering", etc.

[0643] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof, refer to all direct or indirect connections or combinations between two or more elements, and can include cases where there is one or more intermediate elements between two mutually "connected" or "coupled" elements. The connection or combination between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" can also be rewritten as "access." In the context of this disclosure, it is possible to consider two elements being mutually "connected" or "coupled" using at least one or more wires, cables, or printed electrical connections, and as several non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, using electromagnetic energy with wavelengths in the wireless frequency domain, microwave region, and light (both visible and invisible) region.

[0644] <Reference Signal>

[0645] The reference signal can also be simply referred to as RS (Reference Signal), and may also be called a pilot depending on the standard applied.

[0646] <The meaning of "based on">

[0647] As used in this disclosure, the term "based on" does not mean "based on only" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the term "based on" means both "based on only" and "based on at least".

[0648] <"First", "Second">

[0649] Any reference to an element using the designations "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not comprehensively limit the quantity or order of these elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be used, or that the first element must take precedence over the second element in some form.

[0650] <Unit>

[0651] Alternatively, the "unit" in the structure of the above devices can be replaced with "section", "circuit", "equipment", etc.

[0652] <Open format>

[0653] In this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof, as well as the term "comprising," mean inclusiveness. Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure does not mean XOR.

[0654] <Time units such as TTI, frequency units such as RB, and radio frame structure>

[0655] A wireless frame can also consist of one or more frames in the time domain. These frames can also be referred to as subframes in the time domain. Furthermore, a subframe can also consist of one or more time slots in the time domain. A subframe can also be a fixed time length (e.g., 1 ms) independent of the parameter set (numerology).

[0656] A parameter set can also be a set of communication parameters applied in at least one of the transmission and reception of a signal or channel. For example, a parameter set can also represent at least one of the following: subcarrier spacing (SCS), bandwidth, symbol length, cyclic prefix length, transmission time interval (TTI), number of symbols per TTI, radio frame structure, specific filtering processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the frequency domain, and specific windowing processing performed by the transmitter and receiver in the time domain.

[0657] In the time domain, a time slot can also be composed of one or more symbols (OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols, SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols, etc.). A time slot can also be a time unit based on a set of parameters.

[0658] A time slot can also comprise multiple mini-time slots. Each mini-time slot can also consist of one or more symbols in the time domain. Furthermore, a mini-time slot can also be called a sub-time slot. A mini-time slot can also consist of fewer symbols than a time slot. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted in a time unit larger than a mini-time slot can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type A. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted using mini-time slots can also be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type B.

[0659] Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols all represent time units for transmitting signals. Radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols can also be referred to by their respective other names.

[0660] For example, a subframe can also be called a Transmission Time Interval (TTI), multiple consecutive subframes can also be called a TTI, and a time slot or a mini-time slot can also be called a TTI. That is, at least one of a subframe and a TTI can be a subframe in existing LTE (1ms), a period shorter than 1ms (e.g., 1-13 symbols), or a period longer than 1ms. In addition, the unit representing TTI may not be called a subframe, but a time slot, mini-time slot, etc.

[0661] Here, TTI refers, for example, to the smallest unit of time for scheduling in wireless communication. For instance, in an LTE system, the base station schedules radio resources (frequency bandwidth, transmit power, etc., available to each user terminal) in TTI units. However, the definition of TTI is not limited to this.

[0662] TTI can also be a unit of time for transmitting channel-coded data packets (transmission blocks), code blocks, codewords, etc., and can also be a unit of processing such as scheduling and link adaptation. In addition, when a TTI is given, the actual time interval (e.g., the number of symbols) mapped to transmission blocks, code blocks, codewords, etc. can be shorter than the TTI.

[0663] Additionally, where a time slot or a mini-time slot is referred to as a TTI, more than one TTI (i.e., more than one time slot or more than one mini-time slot) can also serve as the minimum time unit for scheduling. Furthermore, the number of time slots (mini-time slots) constituting the minimum time unit of the schedule can also be controlled.

[0664] A TTI with a duration of 1ms can also be referred to as a normal TTI (TTI in LTE Rel.8-12), standard TTI, long TTI, normal subframe, standard subframe, long subframe, time slot, etc. A TTI shorter than a normal TTI can also be referred to as a shortened TTI, short TTI, partial TTI (partial or fractional TTI), shortened subframe, short subframe, mini time slot, sub-time slot, time slot, etc.

[0665] In addition, a long TTI (e.g., a normal TTI, a subframe, etc.) can also be rewritten as a TTI with a duration of more than 1 ms, and a short TTI (e.g., a shortened TTI, etc.) can also be rewritten as a TTI with a duration of less than a long TTI but more than 1 ms.

[0666] A resource block (RB) is a unit of resource allocation in both the time and frequency domains. In the frequency domain, it can also include one or more consecutive subcarriers. The number of subcarriers included in an RB can be the same regardless of the parameter set, for example, it can be 12. The number of subcarriers included in an RB can also be determined based on the parameter set.

[0667] Furthermore, the time domain of an RB can also include one or more symbols, or it can be the length of a time slot, a mini-time slot, a subframe, or a TTI. A TTI, a subframe, etc., can also be composed of one or more resource blocks.

[0668] In addition, one or more RBs can also be referred to as Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs), Sub-Carrier Groups (SCGs), Resource Element Groups (REGs), PRB pairs, RB pairs, etc.

[0669] Furthermore, a resource block can also consist of one or more resource elements (REs). For example, an RE can also be a radio resource area consisting of a subcarrier and a symbol.

[0670] The Bandwidth Part (BWP) (also known as partial bandwidth, etc.) can also represent a subset of consecutive common resource blocks (RBs) used for a certain parameter set in a certain carrier. Here, common RBs can also be determined by the index of RBs based on the common reference point of that carrier. PRBs can also be defined in a BWP and appended with numbers within that BWP.

[0671] A BWP can also include a UL BWP and a DL BWP. For a UE, one or more BWPs can also be set within a single carrier.

[0672] At least one of the configured BWPs can be active, and the UE may not intend to transmit or receive specific signals / channels outside of the active BWPs. In addition, "cell", "carrier", etc. in this disclosure can also be rewritten as "BWP".

[0673] The structures described above, such as radio frames, subframes, time slots, mini-time slots, and symbols, are merely illustrative. For example, the number of subframes included in a radio frame, the number of time slots in each subframe or radio frame, the number of mini-time slots included in a time slot, the number of symbols and RBs included in a time slot or mini-time slot, the number of subcarriers included in an RB, and the number of symbols in a TTI, symbol length, and cyclic prefix (CP) length can be varied in many ways.

[0674] <Maximum Transmit Power>

[0675] The term "maximum transmit power" as used in this disclosure may refer to the maximum value of the transmit power, the nominal maximum transmit power (the nominal UE maximum transmit power), or the rated maximum transmit power (the rated UE maximum transmit power).

[0676] <Article>

[0677] In this disclosure, for example, in cases where articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may also include cases where the noun following these articles is in a plural form.

[0678] <"Different">

[0679] In this disclosure, the term "A is different from B" can also mean "A and B are different from each other". Additionally, the term can also mean "A and B are different from C respectively". Terms such as "separate" and "combined" can also be interpreted in the same way as "different".

[0680] Industrial availability

[0681] One aspect of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems.

[0682] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0683] 10. Wireless communication system;

[0684] 20 NG-RAN;

[0685] 100 base stations (gNB);

[0686] 200 Terminals (UEs);

[0687] 300 Wireless Devices (RIS);

[0688] Transmitting units 101, 202, and 302;

[0689] Receiver units 102, 201, and 301;

[0690] 103, 203, 303 control units;

[0691] 1001 processor;

[0692] 1002 Memory;

[0693] 1003 Storage;

[0694] 1004 Communication devices;

[0695] 1005 Input device;

[0696] 1006 Output device;

[0697] 1007 bus.< / sar>

Claims

1. A relay device, comprising: The control unit sets either a first beam scanning at a first granularity or a second beam scanning at a second granularity finer than the first granularity; and The antenna element, based on the aforementioned settings, forms a beam and forwards the signal.

2. The relay device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit makes the settings based on instructions from the transmitting device that sends the signal.

3. The relay device as described in claim 1, wherein, When the first beam is set, the antenna element scans the region segmented by the first granularity using the first beam. When the second beam is set, the antenna element scans the region after the scanning area has been divided into segments with the second granularity using the second beam.

4. The relay device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit sets a codeword corresponding to the setting.

5. A wireless system, comprising: Transmitting device, relay device, and receiving device, The transmitting device includes: a transmitting unit for transmitting scanning signals to the relay device. The relay device includes: The control unit sets the switching between a first beam scanning at a first granularity and a second beam scanning at a second granularity finer than the first granularity; and The antenna element, based on the aforementioned settings, forms a beam and forwards the scanning signal. The receiving device includes: The receiving unit receives the scanning signal relayed from the antenna unit; and The processing unit performs imaging processing based on the received scanning signal.

6. The wireless system as described in claim 5, wherein, The receiving device is a terminal.

7. A relay method, comprising: Performed by a relay device: The control unit sets either a first beam that scans at a first granularity or a second beam that scans at a second granularity finer than the first granularity. as well as Based on the aforementioned settings, a beam is formed and the signal is relayed.

Images