Terminal device communication

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program are described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communication with a terminal device; receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; receiving an activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to a signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; and providing a terminal device detection result to the network node.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Finnish application No. 20245136, filed on February 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Example embodiments may relate to systems, methods, and / or computer programs for communicating with end devices such as Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices. Background Technology

[0003] The arrangements used for communicating with end devices such as AIoT devices are known. Further development is still needed in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node (e.g., an activator device) and a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) for communication with a terminal device; receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; receiving an activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to a signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; and providing a terminal device detection result to the network node. This method can be implemented at the receiving node of the mobile communication system. The receiving node may, for example, be a user equipment (UE). The method further includes determining the terminal device detection result.

[0006] Some example embodiments also include estimating the channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node based on a selected reference signal from one or more reference signals as defined by an ordered list. Some example embodiments also include modifying the estimated channel response when the transmitting node transmits an activation signal to the terminal device to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node. Some example embodiments also include removing the estimated contribution of the activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the response signal based on the updated estimated channel response.

[0007] The configuration information may also include transient propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-co-location information), which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node, and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information. The configuration information may also include at least one of the following: a request to provide an indication of the result of using the transient propagation similarity information; or an indication of the time period between the transmission of the reference signal and the transmission of the activation signal.

[0008] Some example embodiments also include: receiving updated instantaneous propagation similarity information from a network node in response to the detection result of the terminal device.

[0009] According to a second aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for a terminal device; transmitting one or more reference signals according to the configuration information; and transmitting an activation signal to the terminal device according to the configuration information. This method can be implemented at a transmitting node (e.g., an activator device) of the mobile communication system. The transmitting node may be, for example, a UE or gNB. The configuration information may further include transient propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-co-address information), which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node, and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information.

[0010] According to a third aspect, a method is described, comprising: providing configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with terminal devices of the transmitting and receiving nodes; and receiving a terminal device detection result from the receiving node. This method can be implemented at a network node of a mobile communication system. The configuration information may further include transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node, and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information. The method may further include providing updated transient propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the terminal device detection result.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node (e.g., an activator device) and a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) for communication with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further includes transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; receiving an activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; and removing an estimated contribution of the activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the response signal, wherein the estimated contribution is generated based on a combination of channel information of at least one of the received reference signals and the activation signal. The method may include estimating the channel response between a transmitting node and a receiving node based on a selected reference signal from the reference signals (e.g., as defined by an ordered list of quasi-colocation information); and modifying the estimated channel response to generate an updated estimated channel response when the transmitting node sends an activation signal to a terminal device, wherein the channel information is based on the updated estimated channel response. The method may be implemented (in whole or in part) at the receiving node of the mobile communication system.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node (e.g., an activator device) and a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) for communication with a terminal device, wherein the configuration information further includes transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; transmitting the reference signals according to the configuration information; and transmitting an activation signal to the terminal device according to the configuration information. This method can be implemented at the transmitting node of the mobile communication system.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, a method is described, comprising: providing configuration information to transmitting and receiving nodes for communication with a terminal device, the configuration information identifying the transmitting and receiving nodes, wherein the configuration information further includes instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node; and receiving a terminal device detection result from the receiving node. This method can be implemented at a network node in a mobile communication system.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information at a reader device of a mobile communication system from a network node of the mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying an activator device and the reader device, the activator device and the reader device being used for communication with an environmental IoT device; receiving one or more reference signals at the reader device from the activator device; receiving an activation signal at the reader device sent by the activator device node to the environmental IoT device; receiving a response signal at the reader device, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the environmental IoT device in response to the activation signal sent from the activator device to the environmental IoT device; and providing an environmental IoT device detection result to the network node. This method can be implemented at the reader device of the mobile communication system.

[0015] According to the eighth aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying an activator device and a reader device for communication with an environmental IoT device, wherein the device is identified as the activator device; transmitting one or more reference signals according to the configuration information; and providing an activation signal according to the configuration information. The method can be implemented at the activator device.

[0016] According to the ninth aspect, a method is described, comprising: providing configuration information identifying an activator device and a reader device for communication with an environmental IoT device; and receiving detection results of the environmental IoT device from the reader device. This method can be implemented at a network node of a mobile communication system.

[0017] According to a tenth aspect, a method is described, comprising: receiving an indication of the result of using initial transient propagation similarity information from a receiving node of a mobile communication system; assessing whether a correction action is required and updating the transient propagation similarity information accordingly if necessary; and providing the updated transient propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the result. This method can be implemented at a network node of the mobile communication system.

[0018] According to the eleventh aspect, a method is described, comprising: providing a network node of a mobile communication system with an indication of the result of use of initial transient propagation similarity information; receiving updated transient propagation similarity information from the network node in response to the detection result of the terminal device; and updating the transient propagation similarity information accordingly at the device. This method can be implemented at a receiving node (e.g., a reader device) of the mobile communication system.

[0019] According to the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable instruction is provided that, when executed by a computing device, causes the computing device to perform (at least) any of the methods described herein (including the methods of the first to eleventh aspects above).

[0020] According to the thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable medium) is provided, the medium including program instructions stored thereon for (at least) performing any of the methods described herein (including the methods of the first to eleventh aspects above).

[0021] According to the fourteenth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform (at least) any of the methods described herein (including the methods of the first to eleventh aspects above).

[0022] According to a fifteenth aspect, an apparatus (e.g., a reader device for a mobile communication system) is provided, comprising: components for receiving configuration information from a network node of the mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communication with a terminal device; components for receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; components for receiving, at the apparatus, an activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; components for receiving a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to a signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device; and components for providing a terminal device detection result to the network node. The apparatus may be the receiving node. The apparatus may include components for performing any step of the first aspect.

[0023] According to the sixteenth aspect, an apparatus (such as an activator device) is described, comprising: components for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for a terminal device; components for transmitting one or more reference signals according to the configuration information; and components for transmitting an activation signal to the terminal device according to the configuration information. The apparatus may be the transmitting node. The apparatus may include components for performing any step of the second aspect.

[0024] According to the seventeenth aspect, an apparatus is described, comprising: components for providing configuration information identifying a transmitting node and a receiving node for communicating with terminal devices of the transmitting and receiving nodes; and components for receiving detection results from the receiving node of the terminal device. The apparatus may be a network node of a mobile communication system. The apparatus may include components for performing any steps of the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a message flow diagram based on an example embodiment;

[0028] Figures 3 to 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a message flow diagram based on an example embodiment;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment;

[0035] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating modules according to an example embodiment;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0037] Figure 15 An example of a tangible medium for storing computer-readable code is shown, which, when run by a computer, can execute the method according to the exemplary embodiments described above. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a system generally indicated by reference numeral 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] System 10 includes a transmitting node 12, a receiving node 14, and a terminal device 16. The transmitting and receiving nodes can be nodes of a mobile communication system, and can be, for example, user equipment (UE), a base station, or a global node B (gNB) or similar nodes. As described in detail below, the transmitting node can also operate as a receiving node (e.g., receiving signals from a network node). Similarly, the receiving node can operate as a transmitting node (e.g., transmitting signals to a network node). However, from the viewpoint of terminal device 16, transmitting node 12 is transmitting signals and receiving node 14 is receiving signals.

[0040] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, transmitting node 12 can transmit radio signals to terminal device 16. Terminal device 16 can modify the radio signal in some way and retransmit the modified radio signal so that the retransmitted signal can be detected by receiving node 14. For example, terminal device 16 can use a backscattering process to modify the transmitted signal.

[0041] Terminal device 16 can be a battery-free device or a device with limited energy storage capacity, and can be powered by collecting radio waves, visible light, other electromagnetic radiation, motion, etc. Such a device is suitable for operation as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). In some examples, IoT devices that partially rely on collected ambient energy can be referred to as Ambient IoT (AIoT). Ambient IoT can be used in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, transportation, energy, etc. In some example embodiments described below, the terminal device is an AIoT device that uses backscattering to provide an AIoT response. It should be noted that backscattering is not necessary for all example embodiments.

[0042] End devices capable of wirelessly harvesting energy and communicating wirelessly (e.g., AIoT devices) offer advantages, for example, in applications where running wires and / or periodically replacing batteries is impractical. For instance, in manufacturing or logistics, providing wired devices or devices with large batteries may be prohibitively expensive if a large number of devices are used, or if the items to be secured must be lightweight and / or portable. Furthermore, if devices such as sensors may be subjected to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, humidity, vibration, etc.), energy harvesting can be more practical than providing wired connectivity or periodically replacing batteries.

[0043] A method for communication via passive devices is provided. For example, as discussed in detail below, it is possible for some devices to modulate data into a backscattered signal upon receiving an appropriate activation signal. The source of the activation signal can be the intended receiver of the data modulated into a backscattered signal, or it can be some other device.

[0044] Devices capable of performing the aforementioned energy harvesting can be, for example, referred to as environmental Internet of Things (AIoT) devices. Three types of AIoT devices have been proposed: • Type A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, i.e., backscatter transmission. Type B: Energy is stored, but no independent signal is generated; this is backscatter transmission. The stored energy can be used to amplify the reflected signal. • Type C: It has energy storage and independent signal generation, i.e., an active RF component used for transmission.

[0045] Type A and Type B AIoT devices typically cannot connect to the network without receiving an activation signal, while Type C AIoT devices typically cannot connect to the network when they are low on power.

[0046] For example, power consumption targets for different types of AIoT devices could be as follows: • Type A ≤ 1μW or ≤ 10μW • Type A < Type B < Type C • Type C ≤ 1mW ≤ 10mW

[0047] Similarly, device complexity targets for different types of AIoT devices could be, for example: • Type A: Equivalent to UHF RFID • Type A ≤ Type B ≤ Type C • Type C: Orders of magnitude lower than NB-IoT

[0048] Reading AIoT or similar devices (e.g., reading the output of terminal device 16 at receiving node 14) can be a challenging task due to factors such as the inherent nature of AIoT radios. For example, AIoT Type A and Type B devices do not have independent power sources, are typically mobile, and due to the low complexity of the receivers, other radio devices (e.g., transmitting node 12) can only be heard at close physical distances (e.g., within a radius of 5-10m). For these reasons, AIoT radio devices (often referred to as tags) typically cannot perform typical initial access procedures, such as paging response, random access, and neighbor cell monitoring. Furthermore, new AIoT devices are introduced into the area, and the mobility, data collection, and transmission capabilities of the tags should be transparent to the relevant network. As a result of these limitations, traditional NR UR paging operations cannot typically be applied to mobile communication networks (e.g., New Radio (NW) networks).

[0049] In system 10, if the terminal device receives an activation signal from the transmitting node with sufficient strength (e.g., strong enough to charge a type A or type B terminal device), the receiving node 14 can read the terminal device 16 (e.g., an AIoT device), and the terminal device can generate a signal that is detectable at the receiving node 14 in response to the activation signal received from the transmitting node.

[0050] Enabling terminal device 16 to generate signals may be difficult. For example: • Multiple terminal devices (e.g., multiple AIoT devices) can respond on the same time-frequency resources, thus interfering with each other during their responses. This type of interference is sometimes referred to as tag-to-tag (TT) interference, and it can affect the receiving node 14's ability to distinguish AIoT devices that are responding simultaneously using the same time-frequency resources. • Terminal device 16 can respond / reflect on the same carrier used by the activation signal transmitted by transmitting node 12. Because AIoT devices are typically small in size, the power level of the reflected signal will usually be orders of magnitude lower than the activation signal itself, and a phenomenon known as activator-to-tag (AT) interference sometimes occurs. In other words, the AIoT response may be overwhelmed by the activation signal, and the reader must be able to isolate the activation signal before attempting to detect the tag.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a message flow diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 20 according to an example embodiment. Message flow sequence 20 illustrates example messages exchanged between the sending node 12, receiving node 14, and terminal device 16 of the system 10 described above, and the network node 18.

[0052] As discussed above, terminal device 16 can be an AIoT device. Transmitting node 12 and receiving node 16 can be an activator device and a reader device, respectively, for communicating with the terminal device. Network node 18 can be, for example, a location management function (LMF) of a mobile communication system, a serving gNB, or some other network node. As mentioned above, the transmitting node can also operate as a receiving node (e.g., receiving signals from network node 18). Similarly, the receiving node can operate as a transmitting node (e.g., sending signals to the network node). However, from the viewpoint of terminal device 16, transmitting node 12 is transmitting signals and receiving node 14 is receiving signals.

[0053] Message sequence 20 begins with network node 18 providing configuration information to both sending node 12 and receiving node 14 (in message 22). Message 22 provides configuration information identifying one or more of the sending node, receiving node, and terminal device. The configuration information provided in message 22 may include transient propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-co-location (QCL) information) along with the validity period of the transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from sending node 12 to receiving node 14.

[0054] The transmitting node 12 provides one or more reference signals (such as message 23) received at the receiving node 14. The reference signals (multiple) can be used to estimate the channel between the transmitting and receiving nodes, as discussed in detail below.

[0055] Then, sending node 12 sends a signal (message 24) to terminal device 16. Message 24 is also received at receiving node 14. Message 24 may be an activation signal for the terminal device (e.g., an activation signal for an AIoT device).

[0056] In response to the signal received in message 24, terminal device 16 sends a response signal (message 25) received at receiving node 14. Response signal 25 (e.g., an AIoT response) is sent in response to the signal sent in message 24. For example, message 26 can be generated at the terminal device via backscattering.

[0057] As discussed in detail below, the channel response between the transmitting and receiving nodes can be determined based on a reference signal selected from the reference signals received in message 23. This channel estimate can be modified to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting and receiving nodes when message 24 is transmitted, for example, if the nodes of system 10 are moving. The updated estimated channel response can then be used to remove the estimated contribution of the signal (message 24) sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the total signal (message 25), thereby isolating the response signal 25 (e.g., an AIoT response). The selected reference signal used to determine the channel response can be defined by configuration message 22.

[0058] In the context of the aforementioned AIoT system, message sequence 20 can be used to enable the determination of the channel response for the active channel at the receiving node 14 before the AIoT device reads the session. A reading method can then be applied that uses the contribution of the transmitted activation signal (message 24) to be removed (at least to a reasonable approximation) from the signal received at the receiving node 14 when a response signal 25 is provided by the terminal node 16. Therefore, the AIoT response can be isolated from the activation signal.

[0059] In message 26, network node 18 receives terminal device detection result message 26 from receiving node 14. As further discussed below, in response to terminal device detection result 26, the network node can provide updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to receiving node 14 in update message 27.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 30, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 30 may be implemented, for example, at transmitting node 12 (e.g., an activator device of an AIoT system).

[0061] Algorithm 30 begins with operation 32, where configuration information is received from a network node of the mobile communication system at a transmitting node (such as an activator device). This configuration information identifies the transmitting node (e.g., the activator device) and the receiving node (e.g., the reader device) used to communicate with a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device). As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include transient propagation similarity information and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals used for transmission from the transmitting device to the receiving device.

[0062] At operation 34, one or more reference signals are sent (by the sending node) according to the configuration information.

[0063] At operation 36, a signal (e.g., an activation signal) is sent based on the configuration information.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 40, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 40 can be implemented, for example, at a terminal device 16 (e.g., an AIoT device).

[0065] A transmission is received at operation 42. This transmission can be an activator signal, or it can be a signal sent in operation 36 above.

[0066] A response to the transmission is provided at operation 44. For example, backscattering can be used to provide the response, although this is not necessary for all exemplary embodiments. For example, a response can be generated independently at the terminal device without backscattering (e.g., if the terminal device includes an energy storage device, such as a battery).

[0067] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 50, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 50 can be implemented, for example, at receiving node 14 (e.g., a reader device in an AIoT system).

[0068] Algorithm 50 begins with operation 52, where configuration information is received at the receiving node (e.g., a reader device) from a network node of the mobile communication system. This configuration information identifies the receiving node and the transmitting node (e.g., an activator device) used to communicate with a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device). As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include transient propagation similarity information and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals used for transmission from the transmitting device to the receiving device.

[0069] At operation 53, one or more reference signals are received according to the configuration information (from the sending node).

[0070] At operation 54, a signal (e.g., an activation signal) sent according to the configuration information is received.

[0071] At operation 55, a signal is received from the terminal device. The signal received in operation 55 can be processed, as discussed in detail below.

[0072] Finally, at operation 56, the detection result associated with the success of algorithm 50 is determined. This result can be the detection result of an AIoT device. In some example embodiments, the configuration received in operation 52 includes a request to provide an indication of the results of the use of the transiently propagated similarity information. The detection result provided in operation 56 can be provided in response to this request.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 60, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 60 can be implemented, for example, at network node 18 (e.g., serving gNB or LMF).

[0074] Algorithm 60 begins with operation 62, which provides configuration information. This configuration information can be received at the sending node (see operation 32 above) and at the receiving node (see operation 52 above). As discussed above, the configuration information can identify the sending device and the receiving device.

[0075] As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include a request to provide an indication of the results of using the instantaneous propagation similarity information; and / or an indication of the time period between the transmission of the reference signal and the transmission of the activation signal.

[0076] At operation 64, the result is received (e.g., the decision result generated in operation 56). This result could be the detection result of an environmental IoT device.

[0077] As described above, sending node 12 can receive configuration information from network node 18, which identifies sending node 12 and receiving node 14 for terminal device 16. Sending node 12 sends the signals in messages 23 and 24 above according to the configuration information. As discussed in detail below, the configuration information may include transient propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-co-location (QCL) information) along with the validity period of the transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the sending node to the receiving node.

[0078] Therefore, receiving node 14 receives one or more reference signals from sending node 12, receives signals sent by sending node 12 to terminal device, and receives response signals, which include responses generated at terminal device in response to signals sent by sending node 12 to terminal device.

[0079] As discussed in detail below, receiving node 14 can receive configuration information from network node 18, which identifies the sending node 12 and receiving node 14 used for communication with terminal device 16. Receiving node 14 can provide the terminal device detection results to the network node.

[0080] In the example embodiments discussed in detail below, a method is provided for predicting and eliminating activator-to-tag (AT) interference in an AIoT system (or similar system) by using information about the similarity between the channel propagating from an end device (e.g., an AIoT device) and other channels of other reference signals. Note that this similarity can be expressed in the form of the same delay spread / Doppler spread, angle of arrival / angle of departure, etc.

[0081] A signaling framework is proposed to associate an activation signal with one or more reference signals (DL (activator for gNB) and UL or SL (activator for UE), or a previous activation signal), for example by defining: • One or more transient AIoT quasi-co-located (QCL) types from the existing and / or enhanced list of quasi-co-located (QCL) types, and how to apply different types of hierarchies, or • Instantaneous AIoT TCI status ID, which specifies the QCL signal group and its respective type, and • Time indication (or interval) between different QCL signals. For example, between the QCL signal and the activation signal. • The type of AIOT QCL transientity (e.g., how long the validity period is for activation channel similarity relative to the channels of one or more QCL signals). • Correction signals and actions to be taken when a QCL type expires prematurely.

[0082] The receiving node (e.g., a reader device) can use the QCL association type to generate a signal that processes the received signal (e.g., to compensate for RF RX defects) and combine it with a learned active channel to suppress the active signal in the spatial domain and / or time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0083] Figure 7 This is a system block diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 70 according to an exemplary embodiment. System 70 includes a first module 72 for estimating a reference channel and a second module 74 for modifying the channel estimate generated by the first module.

[0084] The first module 72 receives (and for example, the reference signals received in operation 53 above) reference signals transmitted by the transmitting node 12. The first module 72 uses at least one of the received reference signals to generate a channel estimate for the channel.

[0085] Because the channel may change over time (as the nodes of the system are moving), when the transmitting node sends an activation signal to the terminal device, the second module 74 uses the estimated channel response generated by the first module 72 to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node.

[0086] Figure 8 This is a system block diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 80 according to an example embodiment. System 80 includes a first module 82 for estimating the contribution of a signal transmitted by a transmitting node to a terminal device (e.g., an AIoT device) to a signal received at a receiving node. The first module 82 may utilize a modified channel estimate generated by the second module 74 of the system 70 described above.

[0087] The second module 84 removes the estimated contribution of the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the response signal. Therefore, the output of the second module 84 is a response estimate of the activation signal provided by the terminal device.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 90, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 90 can be implemented by a receiving node (such as receiving node 14 described above). Algorithm 90 has many similarities to algorithm 50 described above.

[0089] Algorithm 90 begins with operation 91, where configuration information is received (at the receiving node) from a network node of the mobile communication system (such as network node 18). This configuration information identifies the transmitting node (e.g., transmitting node 12) and the receiving node for communicating with a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 16). The configuration information also includes transient propagation similarity information, which provides an ordered list of reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node. The propagation similarity information is "transient" because it can change (e.g., due to movement of one or more elements in the system).

[0090] At operation 92, one or more reference signals are received at the receiving node (e.g., reader device) from the sending node (e.g., activator device). Therefore, operations 91 and 92 are similar to operations 52 and 53 of algorithm 50 described above.

[0091] At operation 93, an activation signal (such as one sent by a transmitting node to a terminal device) and a response to the activation signal (e.g., an AIoT response) are received at the receiving node, such as a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device.

[0092] At operation 94, the channel response between the transmitting and receiving nodes is estimated based on a reference signal selected from the reference signals transmitted from the transmitting node to the receiving node in operation 92. As described below, the reference signal(s) can be selected based on instantaneous propagation similarity information (e.g., quasi-QCL information). Operation 94 can be implemented, for example, by the first module 72 of the system 70 described above.

[0093] At operation 95, when the transmitting node sends an activation signal to the terminal device, the channel response in operation 94 is modified to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the receiving node. Operation 95 can be implemented, for example, by the second module 74 of the system 70 described above.

[0094] At operation 96, the estimated contribution of the signal received in operation 93 to the activation signal is removed based on the combination of channel information received in operation 92, which is based on at least one of the reference signals and the activation signal. For example, operation 96 may include removing the estimated contribution of the activation signal to the signal received in operation 93 based on an updated estimated channel response (e.g., generated as in operation 95) between the transmitting node and the receiving node when the activation signal is transmitted from the transmitting node to the terminal device. Operation 96 can be implemented, for example, by the system 80 described above.

[0095] It should be noted that in some example embodiments, operations 94 and 95 may be omitted (e.g., an updated channel response may be generated elsewhere or in some other way, or a combination of channel information and activation signal may be generated in some other way).

[0096] As mentioned above, the propagation of similarity information is "transient". The algorithm may include receiving updated, transiently propagated similarity information from network nodes in response to the detection results of the terminal device.

[0097] Figure 10 This is a message flow diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 100 according to an example embodiment. Sequence 100 is an example implementation of algorithm 90.

[0098] Message sequence 100 illustrates messages sent between network 101 (such as network node 18), first activator device 102 and second activator device 103 (such as sending node 12), network node 104, reader device 105 (such as receiving node 14), and first tag 106 and second tag 107 (such as terminal device 16) and actions taken at these nodes. Figure 10 The tags shown may be AIoT devices. It should be noted that the number of each type of node shown in message sequence 100 is provided only as an example, and different numbers of network nodes, activators, readers, and tags / AIoT devices may be provided in other example embodiments.

[0099] Sequence 100 seeks to utilize the transient quasi-co-addressability of the activation signal to other reference signals, enabling the reader device 105 to acquire knowledge of the activation channel response before tag reading. This knowledge can be used to isolate the tag signal from the activation signal at the reader edge.

[0100] Note that the standard QCL framework described in this paper is transient due to the mobility mechanism of the signal source. In other words, the QCL is not static, and the QCL type can change over time due to the moving source, unlike the standard QCL defined at each fixed TRP level. For the above reasons, when the QCL type is objected to, the QCL type needs to be improved and / or corrected, thus requiring the establishment of new interactions between the QCL user and the QCL source.

[0101] Message sequence 100 includes the following steps.

[0102] Network 101 (e.g., LMF, serving gNB) configures activation signal transmission by activator devices 101 or 102 (wherein these devices may be, for example, UE or gNB). This configuration typically consists of at least the time, frequency, and code source for the activation signal; furthermore, the configuration may also include: • An ordered list of instantaneous AIoT QCL types (e.g., A / B / C / D / others, discussed in detail below) for one or more reference signals preceding the activation signal. For example, for FR1, if activator devices 102 and 103 are UEs, the activation signal can be type A of QCL with UL SRS, SL RS (e.g., SL CSI-RS, UL DMRS), or a previous activation signal for another tag. Alternatively, the TCI state can be configured with a list indicating at least one or more reference signal QCL types, such as QCL type A with UL SRS, QCL type D with UL DMRS, etc. The order of the list indicates the order in which QCLs should be applied when the activation signal is co-located with more than one other signal. • Validity period for QCL types. This is relevant because at least some nodes are mobile. This ensures that the QCL remains up-to-date and conforms to the activator radio's mobility profile. The validity period can be represented by the number of sampling frequencies since the time the configuration was received. At the end of the QCL type's validity period, the NR NW refreshes the QCL type. • QCL Usage Request. NW 101 requests an evaluation of the correctness of the QCL type and / or its validity period. In other words, NW uses assistance from reader devices to improve the AIoT QCL definition. • Timing indication (or interval) between different QCL signals, for example, the timing indication between the start of the QCL reference signal and the start of activation.

[0103] The NR NW 101 sends the configuration of the activation signal for the new QCL activation information to both the activator device and the reader device. Depending on whether the activator / reader device is a UE or a gNB, the configuration can be implemented via RRC IE / MAC CE / LPP or via the backhaul Xn / NRPPa interface, respectively. Note that if the NR NW element is an LMF, LPP / NRPPa can be used.

[0104] Activator devices 101 and 102 perform their Uu functions until the AIoT session begins (including the transmission of reference signals(s) of QCL(s) defined as having future activation signals).

[0105] Reader device 105 monitors multiple reference signals of the QCL and estimates multiple RS channel responses. Depending on the type of the QCL, the reader device uses the estimated RS channel responses to construct an approximation of the activation signal response.

[0106] Activator devices 102 and 103 send configured activation signals.

[0107] Tags 106 and 107 (e.g., AIoT devices) reflect activation signals without amplification (for type B and type A, respectively) or actively generate AIoT responses (for tag type C).

[0108] Reader device 105 observes the received signal, which consists of the activation signal contribution and the AIoT response. Using the learned channel response, the reader device applies a combination between the learned activation channel, the transmitted activation signal, and the total received signal, and isolates the residual signal containing the AIoT response convolved with the tag channel response. The residual signal is then used to isolate the AIoT response.

[0109] The reader device reports the tag detection results back to NR NW. The reader uses the detection results to verify or, conversely, request correction of the AIoT QCL type.

[0110] Reader device 105 reports the QCL verification result to NW 101, and can request QCL type correction if the detection result is poor / negative. The reader device can report AIoT verification for each pair of signals, or based on each AIoT response.

[0111] The NW 101 evaluates QCL correction requests and allows for redefining the QCL type for signal pairs, or disabling its refinement entirely.

[0112] The calibration action is sent to the reader device. Such a calibration action can consist of redefining the QCL type, and / or changing its expiration date, and / or completely disabling the QCL.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 110, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 110 shows steps that can be implemented by network nodes (such as network nodes 18 and 101 described above).

[0114] Algorithm 110 begins with operation 112, wherein an indication of the result of using the initial transient propagation similarity information is received from a receiving node of the mobile communication system (e.g., a reader device as described above). This result may be provided in response to a request to provide an indication of the result of using the initial transient propagation similarity information, which may form part of the configuration information described above.

[0115] At operation 114, an assessment is made as to whether a correction action is needed, and if a correction action is needed, the instantaneous propagation similarity information is updated accordingly.

[0116] At operation 116, in response to the result received in operation 112, the network node provides the receiving node with updated instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0117] Corrective actions may include at least one of the following: redefining the instantaneous propagation similarity information; changing the validity period of the instantaneous propagation similarity information; or disabling the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

[0118] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally indicated by reference numeral 120, according to an example embodiment. Algorithm 120 illustrates steps that can be implemented by a receiving node (e.g., a reader device).

[0119] Algorithm 120 begins at operation 122, in which an indication of the usage result of the initial transient propagation similarity information is provided to the network node of the mobile communication system. This result may be the result received in operation 112 described above. As described above, this result may be provided in response to a request to provide an indication of the usage result of the initial transient propagation similarity information, which may form part of the configuration information described above.

[0120] At operation 124, in response to the detection result of the terminal device, updated transient propagation similarity information is received from the network node. This update may be the update generated in operation 116 above. The updated transient propagation similarity information may include at least one of the following: redefined transient propagation similarity information; transient propagation similarity information with different validity periods; or disabled initial transient propagation similarity information.

[0121] At operation 126 (at the receiving node), the instantaneous propagation similarity information is updated accordingly.

[0122] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of module 130 according to an example embodiment. Module 130 is a signal detection module that receives signals such as activation and response signals discussed above with reference to operation 93, and channel estimates such as modified channel responses discussed above with reference to operation 95. Module 130 generates an estimated response by seeking to eliminate the activation signal, thereby implementing operation 96 described above.

[0123] In some example embodiments, a filtering function is defined based on a quasi-propagation similarity method, wherein an updated estimated channel response is estimated by applying the filtering function to the estimated channel response.

[0124] The following description can be used to implement several embodiments of the receiver module. These depend on the "type" of transient propagation of similarity information (e.g., quasi-QCL type).

[0125] For Example 1 of "Type A": {Doppler frequency shift fD, Doppler spread dfD, average delay tm, delay spread} dt} : When the activation signal a(t) and another reference signal s(t) (e.g., DMRS, CSI-RS, past activation signal) are of type A in QCL, this indicates that the two channels have similar time and frequency selectivity, or in other words, their correlation in the time and frequency domains is approximately the same. In this case, the UE can apply the following procedure, hereinafter referred to as... Method type A : • Use the reference signal (RS) s(t) and estimate the RS channel response in the time domain h(t) or the frequency domain H(f). • Use s(t) to estimate fD, dfD, tm, and dt. • Use (fD, dFD, tm, dt) and generate a time-domain expression. or frequency domain A 2D filter that responds to the signal. A typical choice for such a filter would be a 2D robust Wiener filter. • Then, the UE can use the generated filter to filter the RS channel response h(t) to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain: or

[0126] For Example 2 of "Type B": {Doppler offset fD, Doppler extension dfD}: When the activation signal a(t) is of type B in a QCL with RS s(t), this indicates that the two channels have similar frequency selectivity, or in other words, the UE has the same speed relative to the two signal sources, and the label spread of the two channels in the angular domain is also the same. In this case, the UE can apply the following procedure, hereinafter referred to as... Method type B : • Use RS s(t) and estimate the response of the RS channel in the time domain h(t) or the frequency domain H(f). • Use s(t) to estimate fD and dfD. • Use (fD, dFD) and generate a time domain or frequency domain A 1D filter that responds to the signal. A typical choice for such a filter would be a 1D robust Wiener filter. • Then, the UE can use the generated filter to filter the RS channel response h(t) to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain: or

[0127] For Example 3 of "Type C": {Doppler frequency shift fD, average delay tm}: If the activation signal a(t) is of type B in a QCL with RS s(t), then this indicates that the UE has the same speed relative to the two signal sources, and similarly, the average delay is approximately the same.

[0128] In this case (method type C), the UE can activate the signal. dt The delay spread is approximated by a conservative value, for example, corresponding to the CP duration.

[0129] Similarly, for Doppler spread, the UE can consider a uniform distribution of arrival angles from the major taps in all directions Unif[0, 2π]. This can then be used to calculate the Doppler spread dfD, for example, as twice the Doppler frequency shift fD. The UE can then proceed as in Example 1: • Use RS s(t) and estimate the response of the RS channel in the time domain h(t) or the frequency domain H(t). • Use s(t) to estimate fD, dfD, tm, and dt. • Use (fD, dFD, tm, dt) and generate a time-domain expression. or frequency domain A 2D filter that responds to the signal. A typical choice for such a filter would be a 2D robust Wiener filter. • Then, the UE can use the generated filter to filter the RS channel response h(t) to obtain an approximate response of the active channel in the time or frequency domain: or

[0130] For Example 4 of "Type D": {Spatial Rx parameter}:

[0131] When the active signal a(t) is of type D in a QCL with RS s(t), this indicates that the two signals have the same direction of arrival. Therefore, the UE can use the same RX combiner / beam as it uses for s(t) to collect signal a(t), and thus abandons the alternative exhaustive beam search required to receive the active signal. This is called method type D.

[0132] Example 5:

[0133] Once the channel is activated If one of the above embodiments 1 to 4 has been used for reconstruction, the received activation signal can be reconstructed by time-domain convolution / frequency-domain multiplication, for example, .

[0134] Once the received activation signal is reconstructed, it can now be subtracted from the total received signal, and the remaining signal is used to detect the tag response.

[0135] Example 6: For multiple QCL pairs with multiple signals:

[0136] In another embodiment, the activation signal a(t) can indicate multiple QCL pairs. In this case, the reader can sequentially apply the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0137] For example, if the reader receives two different QCL types of signals, such as type A and type B, then the reader can: • Apply Example 1 (corresponding to QCL type A) and obtain a first approximation of the active channel. • Then, apply Example 2 (corresponding to QCL type B), and use the first approximation as the initial value, then calculate the second approximation for activating the channel, and so on.

[0138] Example 7 for multiple QCL pairs with the same signal:

[0139] In another example, if the reader receives two QCL types with the same signal, such as type A and type D, the reader can apply both of them (corresponding to QCL type A) from Example 1 and use the same RX beam (corresponding to QCL type D) to obtain an approximate active channel response.

[0140] For the sake of completeness, Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of components of one or more example embodiments previously described, hereinafter collectively referred to as processing system 300. Processing system 300 may be, for example, the apparatus mentioned in the following claims.

[0141] The processing system 300 may have a processor 302, a memory 304 tightly coupled to the processor and including RAM 314 and ROM 312, and optionally, a user input 310 and a display 318. The processing system 300 may include one or more network / device interfaces 308 for connecting to a network / device, such as a wired or wireless modem. The network / device interface 308 may also operate as a connection to other devices, such as those that are not network-side devices. Therefore, direct connections between devices / devices without network involvement are possible.

[0142] The processor 302 is connected to each of the other components to control their operation.

[0143] Memory 304 may include non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The ROM 312 of memory 304 stores the operating system 315 and may store software applications 316. The RAM 314 of memory 304 is used by processor 302 for temporary data storage. The operating system 315 may contain code that, when executed by the processor, implements aspects of the aforementioned algorithms and sequences 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 100, 110, and 120. Note that in the case of small devices, the memory may be best suited for small size applications; that is, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) is not always used.

[0144] The processor 302 can take any suitable form. For example, it can be a microcontroller, multiple microcontrollers, a processor, or multiple processors.

[0145] The processing system 300 can be a standalone computer, server, console, or its network. The processing system 300 and the necessary structural components can all be internal to a device, such as an IoT device, i.e., embedded in a very small size.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the processing system 300 may also be associated with external software applications. These applications may be applications stored on a remote server device / device and may run partially or entirely on the remote server device / device. These applications may be referred to as cloud-hosted applications. The processing system 300 may communicate with the remote server device / device to utilize the software applications stored on the remote server device / device.

[0147] Figure 15 A tangible medium in the form of a removable storage unit 365 is shown, which stores computer-readable code that, when run by a computer, can execute the methods according to the exemplary embodiments described above. The removable storage unit 365 may be a memory stick, such as a USB memory stick, having internal memory 366 for storing computer-readable code. The computer system can access the internal memory 366 via a connector 367. Of course, other forms of tangible storage media can be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The tangible medium can be any device / apparatus capable of storing data / information, wherein the data / information can be exchanged between devices / apparatus / networks.

[0148] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside in memory or any computer medium. In example embodiments, the application logic, software, or instruction set is held on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, "memory" or "computer-readable medium" can be any non-transitory medium or component that may contain, store, transmit, propagate, or transfer instructions for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

[0149] When references to "computer-readable media," "computer program products," "tangible computer programs," or "processors" or "processing circuit systems" are made, these should be understood to include not only computers with different architectures, such as single-processor / multi-processor architectures and sequencer / parallel architectures, but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices / apparatus, and other devices / apparatus. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to refer to software used in the firmware of a programmable processor, such as programmable content of hardware devices / apparatus as instructions for a processor, or configuration or configuration settings for fixed-function devices / apparatus, gate arrays, programmable logic devices / apparatus, etc.

[0150] If necessary, the different functions discussed here can be executed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, if necessary, one or more of the functions described above can be optional or can be combined. Similarly, it should be understood that... Figures 2 to 6 and Figures 9 to 12 The flowcharts and sequences are merely examples, and the various operations described therein can be omitted, reordered, and / or combined.

[0151] It should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are purely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.

[0152] Furthermore, the disclosure of this application should be understood to include any novel feature or any novel combination of features or any generalization thereof that is expressly or implicitly disclosed in this disclosure, and new claims may be formulated to cover any such feature and / or combination of such features during the examination of this application or any application derived from this application.

[0153] Although various aspects of the invention are set forth in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention include other combinations of the features of the described exemplary embodiments and / or dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not only the combinations expressly set forth in the claims.

[0154] It should also be noted that while various examples have been described above, these descriptions should not be considered limiting. Rather, many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying a sending node for communication with a terminal device and the device; Components for receiving one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; A component for receiving an activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; Components for receiving response signals, wherein the response signals include a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; as well as A component used to provide terminal device detection results to the network nodes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a component for estimating the channel response between the transmitting node and the apparatus based on a selected reference signal from the one or more reference signals as defined by an ordered list.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a component for modifying the estimated channel response when the transmitting node transmits the activation signal to the terminal device to generate an updated estimated channel response between the transmitting node and the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a component for removing, based on the updated estimated channel response, the estimated contribution of the activation signal transmitted by the transmitting node to the terminal device from the response signal.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the configuration information further comprises instantaneous propagation similarity information, the instantaneous propagation similarity information providing the ordered list of the one or more reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the apparatus, and a validity period for the instantaneous propagation similarity information.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the configuration information further comprises at least one of the following: A request to provide an indication of the results of using the instantaneously propagated similarity information; or An indication of the time period between the transmission of the selected reference signal and the transmission of the activation signal.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the instantaneous propagation similarity information includes instantaneous quasi-co-address information.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a component for receiving updated instantaneous propagation similarity information from the network node in response to the detection result of the terminal device.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a component for determining the detection result of the terminal device.

10. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving configuration information from a network node of a mobile communication system, wherein the configuration information identifies the device and the receiving node of a terminal device; A component for transmitting one or more reference signals according to the configuration information; as well as A component for sending an activation signal to the terminal device based on the configuration information.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the configuration information further comprises transient propagation similarity information, the transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of the one or more reference signals for transmission from the apparatus to the receiving node, and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information.

12. An apparatus comprising: A component for providing configuration information, which identifies a sending node and a receiving node for use in communicating with terminal devices of the sending node and the receiving node; as well as A component for receiving detection results from the terminal device from the receiving node.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the configuration information further includes transient propagation similarity information, the transient propagation similarity information providing an ordered list of one or more reference signals for transmission from the transmitting node to the receiving node, and a validity period for the transient propagation similarity information.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13 further includes a component for providing updated instantaneous propagation similarity information to the receiving node in response to the detection result of the terminal device.

15. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Configuration information is received from a network node of a mobile communication system, wherein the configuration information identifies the sending node and the device used for communication with the terminal device; Receive one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; Receive the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; Receive a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the transmitting node to the terminal device; as well as Provide the terminal device detection results to the network nodes.

16. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: The device and the receiving node of the mobile communication system are received from the network node of the mobile communication system. The configuration information identifies the device and the receiving node of the terminal device. Based on the configuration information, send one or more reference signals; as well as An activation signal is sent to the terminal device based on the configuration information.

17. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Provide configuration information that identifies the sending node and the receiving node for communication with terminal devices of the sending node and the receiving node; and Receive the terminal device detection results from the receiving node.

18. A method comprising: The receiving node receives configuration information from the network node of the mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying the sending node and the receiving node for communication with the terminal device; The receiving node receives one or more reference signals from the transmitting node; The receiving node receives the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; The receiving node receives a response signal, wherein the response signal includes a response generated at the terminal device in response to the activation signal sent by the sending node to the terminal device; as well as The receiving node provides the terminal device detection results to the network node.

19. A method comprising: The sending node receives configuration information from the network node of the mobile communication system, the configuration information identifying the sending node and the receiving node for the terminal device; The transmitting node transmits one or more reference signals according to the configuration information; as well as The sending node sends an activation signal to the terminal device based on the configuration information.

20. A method comprising: Configuration information is provided by network nodes, which identifies sending and receiving nodes for use in communicating with terminal devices of the sending and receiving nodes; as well as The network node receives the terminal device detection result from the receiving node.

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