Communication method in multi hop network

EP4758954A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-17LG ELECTRONICS INC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
LG ELECTRONICS INC
Filing Date
2024-08-08
Publication Date
2026-06-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In multihop networks, there is a need for a flexible method to change communication types efficiently, which is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Method used

The User Equipment (UE) can transmit an order to a downstream node to change the communication type, allowing for dynamic adjustments in communication protocols within the network.

Benefits of technology

This approach enables flexible and efficient communication type changes in multihop networks, improving adaptability and performance in varying communication scenarios.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

One disclosure of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a first UE. The method comprising: broadcasting capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network; receiving, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability; wherein the request includes information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE, wherein the second UE relays between the first UE and the third UE, performing measurement for signal strength from the third UE; determining to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being higher than a threshold for the mode-change; transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination; decoding by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.
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Description

COMMUNICATION METHOD IN MULTI HOP NETWORK

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mobile communication.

[0002] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a technology for enabling high-speed packet communications. Many schemes have been proposed for the LTE objective including those that aim to reduce user and provider costs, improve service quality, and expand and improve coverage and system capacity. The 3GPP LTE requires reduced cost per bit, increased service availability, flexible use of a frequency band, a simple structure, an open interface, and adequate power consumption of a terminal as an upper-level requirement.

[0003] Work has started in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP to develop requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems. 3GPP has to identify and develop the technology components needed for successfully standardizing the new RAT timely satisfying both the urgent market needs, and the more long-term requirements set forth by the ITU Radio communication sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Further, the NR should be able to use any spectrum band ranging at least up to 100 GHz that may be made available for wireless communications even in a more distant future.

[0004] The NR targets a single technical framework addressing all usage scenarios, requirements and deployment scenarios including enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), etc. The NR shall be inherently forward compatible.

[0005] In multihop network, a flexible method to change communication type is required.

[0006] The UE can transmit, to a downstream node, order for changing communication type.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example of a communication system to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows an example of wireless devices to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows an example of UE to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows Some examples of tandem sub-networks of robots at underground mines.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows an example of Multihop relay with a cooperative relay in each link.

[0012] FIG. 6 shows an example of the tandem sub-network according to a disclosure of the present specification.

[0013] FIG. 7 shows an example of a flow chart according to the first embodiment of the present specification.

[0014] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example of a flow chart according to the second embodiment of the present specification.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a first UE according to the present disclosure.

[0016] The following techniques, apparatuses, and systems may be applied to a variety of wireless multiple access systems. Examples of the multiple access systems include a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) system, and a Multi Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) system. CDMA may be embodied through radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA may be embodied through radio technology such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). OFDMA may be embodied through radio technology such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is a part of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a part of Evolved UMTS (E-UMTS) using E-UTRA. 3GPP LTE employs OFDMA in downlink (DL) and SC-FDMA in uplink (UL). Evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G New Radio (NR).

[0017] For convenience of description, implementations of the present disclosure are mainly described in regards to a 3GPP based wireless communication system. However, the technical features of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, although the following detailed description is given based on a mobile communication system corresponding to a 3GPP based wireless communication system, aspects of the present disclosure that are not limited to 3GPP based wireless communication system are applicable to other mobile communication systems.

[0018] For terms and technologies which are not specifically described among the terms of and technologies employed in the present disclosure, the wireless communication standard documents published before the present disclosure may be referenced.

[0019] In the present disclosure, "A or B" may mean "only A", "only B", or "both A and B". In other words, "A or B" in the present disclosure may be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, "A, B or C" in the present disclosure may mean "only A", "only B", "only C", or "any combination of A, B and C".

[0020] In the present disclosure, slash ( / ) or comma (,) may mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" may mean "A and / or B". Accordingly, "A / B" may mean "only A", "only B", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" may mean "A, B or C".

[0021] In the present disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". In addition, the expression "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" in the present disclosure may be interpreted as same as "at least one of A and B".

[0022] In addition, in the present disclosure, "at least one of A, B and C" may mean "only A", "only B", "only C", or "any combination of A, B and C". In addition, "at least one of A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B and C".

[0023] Also, parentheses used in the present disclosure may mean "for example". In detail, when it is shown as "control information (PDCCH)", "PDCCH" may be proposed as an example of "control information". In other words, "control information" in the present disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH", and "PDCCH" may be proposed as an example of "control information". In addition, even when shown as "control information (i.e., PDCCH)", "PDCCH" may be proposed as an example of "control information".

[0024] Technical features that are separately described in one drawing in the present disclosure may be implemented separately or simultaneously.

[0025] Although not limited thereto, various descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts of the present disclosure disclosed herein can be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication and / or connection (e.g., 5G) between devices.

[0026] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. The same reference numerals in the following drawings and / or descriptions may refer to the same and / or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks, and / or functional blocks unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows an example of a communication system to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0028] The 5G usage scenarios shown in FIG. 1 are only exemplary, and the technical features of the present disclosure can be applied to other 5G usage scenarios which are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] Three main requirement categories for 5G include (1) a category of enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), (2) a category of massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), and (3) a category of Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC).

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes wireless devices 100a to 100f, Base Stations (BSs) 200, and a network 300. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a 5G network as an example of the network of the communication system 1, the implementations of the present disclosure are not limited to the 5G system, and can be applied to the future communication system beyond the 5G system.

[0031] The BSs 200 and the network 300 may be implemented as wireless devices and a specific wireless device may operate as a BS / network node with respect to other wireless devices.

[0032] The wireless devices 100a to 100f represent devices performing communication using Radio Access Technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G NR or LTE) and may be referred to as communication / radio / 5G devices. The wireless devices 100a to 100f may include, without being limited to, a robot 100a, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2, an eXtended Reality (XR) device 100c, a hand-held device 100d, a home appliance 100e, an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device 100f, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) device / server 400. For example, the vehicles may include a vehicle having a wireless communication function, an autonomous driving vehicle, and a vehicle capable of performing communication between vehicles. The vehicles may include an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device may include an Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) / Mixed Reality (MR) device and may be implemented in the form of a Head-Mounted Device (HMD), a Head-Up Display (HUD) mounted in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance device, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The hand-held device may include a smartphone, a smartpad, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch or a smartglasses), and a computer (e.g., a notebook). The home appliance may include a TV, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. The IoT device may include a sensor and a smartmeter.

[0033] In the present disclosure, the wireless devices 100a to 100f may be called User Equipments (UEs). A UE may include, for example, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a navigation system, a slate Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, an ultrabook, a vehicle, a vehicle having an autonomous traveling function, a connected car, an UAV, an AI module, a robot, an AR device, a VR device, an MR device, a hologram device, a public safety device, an MTC device, an IoT device, a medical device, a FinTech device (or a financial device), a security device, a weather / environment device, a device related to a 5G service, or a device related to a fourth industrial revolution field.

[0034] The wireless devices 100a to 100f may be connected to the network 300 via the BSs 200. An AI technology may be applied to the wireless devices 100a to 100f and the wireless devices 100a to 100f may be connected to the AI server 400 via the network 300. The network 300 may be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR) network, and a beyond-5G network. Although the wireless devices 100a to 100f may communicate with each other through the BSs 200 / network 300, the wireless devices 100a to 100f may perform direct communication (e.g., sidelink communication) with each other without passing through the BSs 200 / network 300. For example, the vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2 may perform direct communication (e.g., Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) / Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). The IoT device (e.g., a sensor) may perform direct communication with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices 100a to 100f.

[0035] Wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b and 150c may be established between the wireless devices 100a to 100f and / or between wireless device 100a to 100f and BS 200 and / or between BSs 200. Herein, the wireless communication / connections may be established through various RATs (e.g., 5G NR) such as uplink / downlink communication 150a, sidelink communication (or Device-to-Device (D2D) communication) 150b, inter-base station communication 150c (e.g., relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)), etc. The wireless devices 100a to 100f and the BSs 200 / the wireless devices 100a to 100f may transmit / receive radio signals to / from each other through the wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b and 150c. For example, the wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b and 150c may transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, at least a part of various configuration information configuring processes, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and resource mapping / de-mapping), and resource allocating processes, for transmitting / receiving radio signals, may be performed based on the various proposals of the present disclosure.

[0036] NR supports multiples numerologies (and / or multiple Sub-Carrier Spacings (SCS)) to support various 5G services. For example, if SCS is 15 kHz, wide area can be supported in traditional cellular bands, and if SCS is 30 kHz / 60 kHz, dense-urban, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth can be supported. If SCS is 60 kHz or higher, bandwidths greater than 24.25 GHz can be supported to overcome phase noise.

[0037] The NR frequency band may be defined as two types of frequency range, i.e., Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). The numerical value of the frequency range may be changed. For example, the frequency ranges of the two types (FR1 and FR2) may be as shown in Table 1 below. For ease of explanation, in the frequency ranges used in the NR system, FR1 may mean "sub 6 GHz range", FR2 may mean "above 6 GHz range," and may be referred to as millimeter Wave (mmW).

[0038] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1450MHz - 6000MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR224250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHz

[0039] As mentioned above, the numerical value of the frequency range of the NR system may be changed. For example, FR1 may include a frequency band of 410MHz to 7125MHz as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 may include a frequency band of 6GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) or more. For example, a frequency band of 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) or more included in FR1 may include an unlicensed band. Unlicensed bands may be used for a variety of purposes, for example for communication for vehicles (e.g., autonomous driving).

[0040] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1410MHz - 7125MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR224250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHz

[0041] Here, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices in the present disclosure may include NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) technology for low-power communication as well as LTE, NR and 6G. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology, may be implemented in specifications such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and may not be limited to the above-mentioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices in the present disclosure may communicate based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and be called by various names such as enhanced MTC (eMTC). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of the various specifications, such as 1) LTE Cat 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-bandwidth limited (non-BL), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE Machine Type Communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and may not be limited to the above-mentioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices in the present disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN which take into account low-power communication, and may not be limited to the above-mentioned names. For example, ZigBee technology may generate Personal Area Networks (PANs) associated with small / low-power digital communication based on various specifications such as IEEE 802.15.4 and may be called various names.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows an example of wireless devices to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0043] In FIG. 2, The first wireless device 100 and / or the second wireless device 200 may be implemented in various forms according to use cases / services. For example, {the first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200} may correspond to at least one of {the wireless device 100a to 100f and the BS 200}, {the wireless device 100a to 100f and the wireless device 100a to 100f} and / or {the BS 200 and the BS 200} of FIG. 1. The first wireless device 100 and / or the second wireless device 200 may be configured by various elements, devices / parts, and / or modules.

[0044] The first wireless device 100 may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver 106, at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip 101, and / or one or more antennas 108.

[0045] The processing chip 101 may include at least one processor, such a processor 102, and at least one memory, such as a memory 104. Additional and / or alternatively, the memory 104 may be placed outside of the processing chip 101.

[0046] The processor 102 may control the memory 104 and / or the transceiver 106 and may be adapted to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts described in the present disclosure. For example, the processor 102 may process information within the memory 104 to generate first information / signals and then transmit radio signals including the first information / signals through the transceiver 106. The processor 102 may receive radio signals including second information / signals through the transceiver 106 and then store information obtained by processing the second information / signals in the memory 104.

[0047] The memory 104 may be operably connectable to the processor 102. The memory 104 may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory 104 may store a firmware and / or a software code 105 which implements codes, commands, and / or a set of commands that, when executed by the processor 102, perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 105 may implement instructions that, when executed by the processor 102, perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 105 may control the processor 102 to perform one or more protocols. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 105 may control the processor 102 to perform one or more layers of the radio interface protocol.

[0048] Herein, the processor 102 and the memory 104 may be a part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). The transceiver 106 may be connected to the processor 102 and transmit and / or receive radio signals through one or more antennas 108. Each of the transceiver 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver 106 may be interchangeably used with Radio Frequency (RF) unit(s). In the present disclosure, the first wireless device 100 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0049] The second wireless device 200 may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver 206, at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip 201, and / or one or more antennas 208.

[0050] The processing chip 201 may include at least one processor, such a processor 202, and at least one memory, such as a memory 204. Additional and / or alternatively, the memory 204 may be placed outside of the processing chip 201.

[0051] The processor 202 may control the memory 204 and / or the transceiver 206 and may be adapted to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts described in the present disclosure. For example, the processor 202 may process information within the memory 204 to generate third information / signals and then transmit radio signals including the third information / signals through the transceiver 206. The processor 202 may receive radio signals including fourth information / signals through the transceiver 106 and then store information obtained by processing the fourth information / signals in the memory 204.

[0052] The memory 204 may be operably connectable to the processor 202. The memory 204 may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory 204 may store a firmware and / or a software code 205 which implements codes, commands, and / or a set of commands that, when executed by the processor 202, perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 205 may implement instructions that, when executed by the processor 202, perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 205 may control the processor 202 to perform one or more protocols. For example, the firmware and / or the software code 205 may control the processor 202 to perform one or more layers of the radio interface protocol.

[0053] Herein, the processor 202 and the memory 204 may be a part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). The transceiver 206 may be connected to the processor 202 and transmit and / or receive radio signals through one or more antennas 208. Each of the transceiver 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver 206 may be interchangeably used with RF unit. In the present disclosure, the second wireless device 200 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0054] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless devices 100 and 200 will be described more specifically. One or more protocol layers may be implemented by, without being limited to, one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, the one or more processors 102 and 202 may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as Physical (PHY) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer). The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs), one or more Service Data Unit (SDUs), messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers 106 and 206. The one or more processors 102 and 202 may receive the signals (e.g., baseband signals) from the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 and acquire the PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0055] The one or more processors 102 and 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. The one or more processors 102 and 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. As an example, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) may be included in the one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, the one or more processors 102 and 202 may be configured by a set of a communication control processor, an Application Processor (AP), an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), and a memory control processor.

[0056] The one or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to the one or more processors 102 and 202 and store various types of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands. The one or more memories 104 and 204 may be configured by Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drive, register, cash memory, computer-readable storage medium, and / or combinations thereof. The one or more memories 104 and 204 may be located at the interior and / or exterior of the one or more processors 102 and 202. The one or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to the one or more processors 102 and 202 through various technologies such as wired or wireless connection.

[0057] The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels, mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure, to one or more other devices. The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels, mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure, from one or more other devices. For example, the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to the one or more processors 102 and 202 and transmit and receive radio signals. For example, the one or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control so that the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, or radio signals to one or more other devices. The one or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control so that the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, or radio signals from one or more other devices.

[0058] The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to the one or more antennas 108 and 208. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may include one or more antennas 108 and 208. The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be adapted to transmit and receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels, mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure, through the one or more antennas 108 and 208. In the present disclosure, the one or more antennas 108 and 208 may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).

[0059] The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may convert received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals into baseband signals in order to process received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., using the one or more processors 102 and 202. The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may convert the user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., processed using the one or more processors 102 and 202 from the base band signals into the RF band signals. To this end, the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters. For example, the one or more transceivers 106 and 206 can up-convert OFDM baseband signals to OFDM signals by their (analog) oscillators and / or filters under the control of the one or more processors 102 and 202 and transmit the up-converted OFDM signals at the carrier frequency. The one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive OFDM signals at a carrier frequency and down-convert the OFDM signals into OFDM baseband signals by their (analog) oscillators and / or filters under the control of the one or more processors 102 and 202.

[0060] Although not shown in FIG. 2, the wireless devices 100 and 200 may further include additional components. The additional components 140 may be variously configured according to types of the wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, the additional components 140 may include at least one of a power unit / battery, an Input / Output (I / O) device (e.g., audio I / O port, video I / O port), a driving device, and a computing device. The additional components 140 may be coupled to the one or more processors 102 and 202 via various technologies, such as a wired or wireless connection.

[0061] In the implementations of the present disclosure, a UE may operate as a transmitting device in Uplink (UL) and as a receiving device in Downlink (DL). In the implementations of the present disclosure, a BS may operate as a receiving device in UL and as a transmitting device in DL. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it is mainly assumed that the first wireless device 100 acts as the UE, and the second wireless device 200 acts as the BS. For example, the processor(s) 102 connected to, mounted on or launched in the first wireless device 100 may be adapted to perform the UE behavior according to an implementation of the present disclosure or control the transceiver(s) 106 to perform the UE behavior according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The processor(s) 202 connected to, mounted on or launched in the second wireless device 200 may be adapted to perform the BS behavior according to an implementation of the present disclosure or control the transceiver(s) 206 to perform the BS behavior according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0062] In the present disclosure, a BS is also referred to as a node B (NB), an eNode B (eNB), or a gNB.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows an example of UE to which implementations of the present disclosure is applied.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, a UE 100 may correspond to the first wireless device 100 of FIG. 2.

[0065] A UE 100 includes a processor 102, a memory 104, a transceiver 106, one or more antennas 108, a power management module 141, a battery 142, a display 143, a keypad 144, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card 145, a speaker 146, and a microphone 147.

[0066] The processor 102 may be adapted to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. The processor 102 may be adapted to control one or more other components of the UE 100 to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. Layers of the radio interface protocol may be implemented in the processor 102. The processor 102 may include ASIC, other chipset, logic circuit and / or data processing device. The processor 102 may be an application processor. The processor 102 may include at least one of DSP, CPU, GPU, a modem (modulator and demodulator). An example of the processor 102 may be found in SNAPDRAGONTMseries of processors made by Qualcomm®, EXYNOSTMseries of processors made by Samsung®, A series of processors made by Apple®, HELIOTMseries of processors made by MediaTek®, ATOMTMseries of processors made by Intel®or a corresponding next generation processor.

[0067] The memory 104 is operatively coupled with the processor 102 and stores a variety of information to operate the processor 102. The memory 104 may include ROM, RAM, flash memory, memory card, storage medium and / or other storage device. When the embodiments are implemented in software, the techniques described herein can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure. The modules can be stored in the memory 104 and executed by the processor 102. The memory 104 can be implemented within the processor 102 or external to the processor 102 in which case those can be communicatively coupled to the processor 102 via various means as is known in the art.

[0068] The transceiver 106 is operatively coupled with the processor 102, and transmits and / or receives a radio signal. The transceiver 106 includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 106 may include baseband circuitry to process radio frequency signals. The transceiver 106 controls the one or more antennas 108 to transmit and / or receive a radio signal.

[0069] The power management module 141 manages power for the processor 102 and / or the transceiver 106. The battery 142 supplies power to the power management module 141.

[0070] The display 143 outputs results processed by the processor 102. The keypad 144 receives inputs to be used by the processor 102. The keypad 144 may be shown on the display 143.

[0071] The SIM card 145 is an integrated circuit that is intended to securely store the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephony devices (such as mobile phones and computers). It is also possible to store contact information on many SIM cards.

[0072] The speaker 146 outputs sound-related results processed by the processor 102. The microphone 147 receives sound-related inputs to be used by the processor 102.

[0073]

[0074] In extreme working conditions, workers' roles may be replaced by robots.

[0075] Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), distributed sensing and communication (data collections), AI-enabled compute are expected.

[0076] Among these, (1) greater inclusion and diversity effort (with a narrower angle of worker safety using tele-operated robots in mining) and (2) cloud-integrated mining processes are interesting topics for consideration in the telco domain.

[0077] Robots have a range of applications in the mining industry, contributing to increased safety, efficiency, and productivity. Here are some tasks that robots can perform in mining:

[0078] - Exploration and Mapping: Robots can be equipped with various sensors, such as LiDAR and cameras, to explore and map underground or hazardous areas that might be dangerous for humans to perform their job roles

[0079] - Drilling and Blasting: Automated drilling and blasting robots can accurately and safely bore holes for explosives, increasing precision and minimizing the risk to human operators.

[0080] - Hauling and Transport: Robotic vehicles can be used for hauling materials, removing the need for human drivers in dangerous environments. These robots can transport materials within mines and even across long distances.

[0081] - Inspection and Maintenance: Robots can inspect equipment and infrastructure, identifying issues before they become serious. They can also perform maintenance tasks in hazardous areas, reducing the need for human workers in risky environments.

[0082] - Remote Operation: Teleoperated or semi-autonomous robots can be controlled by operators from a safe location, allowing them to work in environments that are unsafe for humans.

[0083] - Hazardous Environment Exploration: Robots can be deployed in areas with extreme temperatures, toxic gases, or other hazardous conditions, where human presence would be dangerous.

[0084] - Material Sorting and Processing: Robots can be programmed to sort and process mined materials, improving efficiency and accuracy in material separation.

[0085] - Surveying and Mapping: Robots equipped with advanced sensors can create detailed 3D maps of mining sites, helping with planning and optimization.

[0086] - Search and Rescue: In the event of a mine collapse or other emergency, robots equipped with cameras and sensors can be used to search for trapped miners and assess the situation.

[0087] - Environmental Monitoring: Robots can be used to monitor air quality, water quality, and other environmental factors in and around mining sites.

[0088] - Dust Suppression: Robots can be designed to control dust levels, which is crucial for the health and safety of miners.

[0089] - Rehabilitation and Land Restoration: After mining operations cease, robots can be employed to rehabilitate and restore mined areas, aiding in reforestation or other environmental recovery efforts.

[0090] The use of robots in mining can improve safety for human workers, increase operational efficiency, and enable the extraction of resources from challenging and hazardous environments.

[0091] Mining as a whole takes place in extreme environments under the ground surfaces (e.g., search, monitoring, preparation, processing, maintenance, repair shop, mining actuation (i.e., drilling operations), loading and underground delivery to off-surface station) and some tasks require their completion on the ground surface.

[0092] FIG. 4 shows Some examples of tandem sub-networks of robots at underground mines.

[0093] In relation to this, there were the following problems / requirement.

[0094] - In 5G systems, it is required to provide a suitable means that can support an advanced energy-efficient mechanism for a group of robots that formed a tandem sub-network.

[0095] - In 5G systems, it is required to provide a suitable means for robots that formed a tandem sub-network to gain access to MEC (multi-access edge computing) service in order to determine whether or not to use certain advanced energy-efficient mechanism for a group of robots that formed a tandem sub-network.

[0096] - In 5G systems, providing a suitable means for robots within a tandem sub-network to timely reselect another energy-efficient mechanism for the tandem sub-network when communication is disrupted (e.g., connection loss, the existing energy-efficient mechanism becomes unavailable due to remarkable changes of inter-robot distance).

[0097] The tandem sub-network may be a group of robots (as a UE) that are serially connected to each other for a traffic session.

[0098] The multihop relay network (MRN) typically comprises numerous communication nodes distributed over an area, enhancing energy efficiency and radio transmission reliability.

[0099] Each node relies on a battery and channel capacity is limited by their energy consumption. Therefore, investigating energy efficiency while maintaining targeted quality-of-service is required. This may be even more critical for multimedia delivery in wireless networks due to high power consumption.

[0100] While extensive studies explore energy-efficient techniques for sensor networks, such strategies extend beyond them.

[0101] Sensor networks exemplify MRNs, where the source node connects to the sink node (fusion center) through multiple hops.

[0102] Though not always, Retransmission may be energy inefficient under lossy channels.

[0103] In the present specification, a robot may be a UE.

[0104] FIG. 5 shows an example of Multihop relay with a cooperative relay in each link.

[0105] The actual source node may communicate with the actual destination node via multihop path.

[0106] The multihop path includes multiple links.

[0107] Two nodes (for example, node i and node i+1) that are connected with a link may be connected with a third node which can act as a cooperative relay (node A in Fig. 5) for those two nodes (node i and node i+1).

[0108] In the present specification, the cooperative relay communication may be as followings:

[0109] - Node i may transmit a data (or signal).

[0110] - Node i+1 may receive the data (the data from Node i) via relay of Node A. And, Node i+1 may receive the data directly from Node i.

[0111] - Then, for decoding, Node i+1 may combine the data via relay of Node A and the data directly received from Node i.

[0112] In the present specification, Node i may be UE 3. Node A may be UE 4. Node i+1 may be UE 5.

[0113] I. First disclosure

[0114] FIG. 6 shows an example of the tandem sub-network according to a disclosure of the present specification.

[0115] Robot 1 may be connected to Robot 5 via Robot 2, Robot 3 and Robot 4. Robot 5 may be directly connected to 5G system (or 6G system), which is a base station (or gNB).

[0116] (1) step 1

[0117] Robot 5 may broadcast the information about its capability of relaying to its downstream nodes (e.g., robot 4).

[0118] Robot 4 that is under Robot 5 may also broadcast the information about its capability of relaying to its downstream nodes (e.g., robot 3).

[0119] Each robot may not need to know of the existence of other nodes (robots) that are willing to connect to itself when broadcasting the information.

[0120] The capability will be described in section 3(capability).

[0121] (2) step 2

[0122] Robot 3 may request an access to Robot 4.

[0123] Once Robot 4 received the access request from Robot 3, Robot 4 may send a request of access to Robot 5, and so on.

[0124] (3) step 3

[0125] With this procedure, Robot 3 may get connected to the 5G network (i.e., gNB or 6G-RAN). This may be a new formation of a tandem sub-network and this tandem sub-network may be nothing different than a conventional multi-hop relay network.

[0126] (4) step 4

[0127] When Robot 4 sends a request of access to Robot 5 in step 2, Robot 4 may add a piece of information that this request is triggered by Robot 3 and is for offering an access to Robot 3, so that Robot 5 can be aware of who is the actual user / customer of the requested access.

[0128] (4.1) Robot 5 may request resource allocation information (i.e., when Robot 3 is transmitting using what resources) to Robot 4. The requested resource allocation information may be information about resources which is used for transmission of Robot 3.

[0129] (4.2) Robot 4 may respond to Robot 5 with the resource allocation information about Robot 3, so that Robot 5 can check if it can hear from Robot 3 when Robot 3 is transmitting.

[0130] In the present specification, replacement order and mode-change order may be combined.

[0131] 1. First embodiment - Replacement order

[0132] Robot 3 (UE 3), Robot 4 (UE 4) and Robot 5 (UE 5) may perform communicate by the cooperative relay communication as followings:

[0133] - Robot 3 may transmit a data (or signal).

[0134] - Robot 5 may receive the data (the data from Robot 3) via relay of Robot 4. And, Robot 5 may receive the data directly from Robot 3.

[0135] - Then, for decoding, Robot 5 may combine the data via relay of Robot 4 and the data directly received from Robot 3.

[0136] Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may perform the cooperative relay communication. When conditions for replacement order are met, Robot 5 may transmit replacement order to both Robot 3 and Robot 4. Then, based on the replacement order, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may discontinue to perform the cooperative relay communication. And, based on the replacement order, Robot 3 may transmit, to Robot 5, a data without relay of Robot 4. That is, Robot 4 may stop relaying communication between Robot 3 and Robot 5.

[0137] Conversely, Robot 3 may transmit a data without relay of Robot 4 to Robot 5(Robot 4 does not relay communication between Robot 3 and Robot 5). When conditions for opposite replacement order are met, Robot 5 may transmit opposite replacement order to both Robot 3 and Robot 4. Then, based on the opposite replacement order, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may initiate to perform the cooperative relay communication.

[0138] The conditions for replacement order will be described below.

[0139] If Robot 3(UE 3) is audible by Robot 5(UE 5), Robot 5 may send a replacement order to both Robot 4(UE 4) and Robot 3 so that Robot 3 can directly send data to Robot 5 without unnecessarily having to go through Robot 4.

[0140] The replacement order may be instruction that Robot 3 directly send data to Robot 5 without having to go through Robot 4.

[0141] The fact that Robot 3 is audible by Robot 5 may mean that the reception quality of the signal from Robot 3 measured by Robot 5 has exceeded a threshold for replacement order. This may be the conditions for replacement order.

[0142] When Robot 5 sends a Replacement order to both Robot 4 and Robot 3, Robot 3 does not have to be able to listen directly to Robot 5 (because Robot 3 can still receive the order via Robot 4).

[0143] That is, Robot 3 may receive, from Robot 5, the Replacement order via Robot 4.

[0144] Robot 5 may allocate resources to Robot 3. Then, Robot 3 may send data directly to Robot 5

[0145] If Robot 5 begins to have a lower quality of reception from at least one of Robot 4 and Robot 3, Robot 5 may send a feedback information to both robots.

[0146] (1) an example of the first embodiment

[0147] FIG. 7 shows an example of a flow chart according to the first embodiment of the present specification.

[0148] UE 3, UE 4 and UE 5 may perform communicate by the cooperative relay communication as followings:

[0149] - UE 3 may transmit a data (or signal).

[0150] - UE 5 may receive the data (the data from Robot 3) via relay of UE 4. And, UE 5 may receive the data directly from UE 3.

[0151] - Then, for decoding, UE 5 may combine the data via relay of UE 4 and the data directly received from UE 3.

[0152] As to procedures for initiating cooperative relay communication from conventional relay communication, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 may be referred.

[0153] UE 5 may perform measurement for a signal(signal strength or signal quality) from UE 3. Based on a result of the measurement, UE 5 may determine whether to perform replacement order.

[0154] That is, based on a result of the measurement, UE 5 may determine whether to discontinue cooperative relay communication by using signal received directly from UE 4 for communication with UE 3.

[0155] For example, if a result of the measurement for the signal from UE 3 is more (or stronger) than a threshold X2 (the threshold for replacement order), UE 5 may determine to transmit replacement order.

[0156] For example, if a result of the measurement for the signal from UE 3 is more (or stronger) than a threshold X2 (the threshold for replacement order), UE 5 may determine to transmit replacement order to both UE 4 and UE 5. Then, cooperative relay communication may be stopped and UE 5 may receive a data (or signal) directly from UE 3.

[0157] X1 (the threshold for mode-change order) and X2 (the threshold for replacement order) may be given threshold values such that 'X2 > X1 > 0'.

[0158] UE 5 may transmit, to UE 4, replacement order.

[0159] UE 4 may transmit, to UE 3, replacement order.

[0160] The replacement order may include an indication to both UE 4 and UE 3 that the resource allocation (scheduling) from UE 5 to UE 4 and resource allocation (scheduling) from UE 4 to UE3 should be replaced so that UE 3 can directly communicate with UE 5 without relay of UE 4 in the middle.

[0161] The replacement order may include resource allocated by UE 5. The resource allocated by UE 5 may be used to transmit a data(or signal) directly from UE 3 to UE 5

[0162] UE 3 may transmit, to UE5, a response directly via the resource according to the replacement order.

[0163] UE 3 may transmit, to UE5, a data (or signal) directly via the resource according to the replacement order.

[0164] That is, UE 3 may communicate with UE 5 without relay of UE 4.

[0165] 2. Second embodiment - mode-change order

[0166] If Robot 3(UE 3) is audible by Robot 5(UE 5), Robot 5 sends a mode-change order to both Robot 4(UE 4) and Robot 3 so that Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 can use advanced energy-efficient transmission method (e.g., cooperative relay communication). An example figure is presented in (b) of FIG. 6.

[0167] According to the second embodiment, (a) of FIG. 6 may be changed to (b) of FIG. 6.

[0168] According to (a) of FIG. 6, Robot 3 may transmit to Robot 4 and Robot 4 may transmit what has been received from Robot 4, to Robot 5.

[0169] Robot 3 may transmit a data (or signal) to Robot 4, and Robot 3 may transmit a data to Robot 5. That is, Robot 3 may transmit, to Robot 5, a data (or signal) via relay of Robot 4. When conditions for mode-change order are met, Robot 5 may transmit mode-change order to both Robot 3 and Robot 4. Then, based on the mode-change order, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may initiate to perform the cooperative relay communication.

[0170] Conversely, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may perform the cooperative relay communication. When conditions for opposite mode-change order are met, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may discontinue to perform the cooperative relay communication. And, based on the mode-change order, Robot 3 may transmit, to Robot 5, a data (or signal) via relay of Robot 4.

[0171] If Robot 3 is audible by Robot 5, Robot 5 may send a mode-change order to the previous two robots, Robot 3 and Robot 4, so that three of them can switch the communication mode to perform cooperative relay communication (cooperative communication or cooperative relaying) in which Robot 5 can receive some information directly from Robot 3 (see the arrow between Robot 3 and Robot 5 in (b) of FIG. 6) as long as it is audible).

[0172] The fact that Robot 3 is audible by Robot 5 may mean that the reception quality of the signal from Robot 3 measured by Robot 5 has exceeded a threshold value relevant for performing cooperative relay communication between the three Robots (i.e., the sender which is Robot 3, the receiver which is Robot 5 and the cooperative relay which is Robot 4; in (b) of FIG. 6, the three robots that are performing cooperative relay communication are Robot 1 (sender), Robot 3 (receiver), and Robot 2 (cooperative relay)).

[0173] Robot 5 may allocate resources to Robot 4 and robot 4 may allocate resources to Robot 3 concurrently sharing this information to Robot 5 so that robot 5 can listen to both robot 4 and robot 3 when they are transmitting, respectively, to jointly decode when both data pieces are received by Robot 5.

[0174] That is, according to mode-change order, Robot 5 may receive data from Robot 4 directly and receive data from Robot 3 directly. Then, Robot 5 may decode by combining the data from Robot 4 and the data from Robot 3.

[0175] The energy that both Robot 3 and Robot 4 are using for performing mode-change order may be less than the energy required for direct transmission to Robot 4 plus the energy required for Robot 4 to convey / relay to Robot 5.

[0176] For example, if Robot 5 begins to have a lower quality of reception from at least one of Robot 4 and Robot 3, Robot 5 may send a feedback information to both robots.

[0177] For example, if reconfiguration or resolution is feasible at Robot 3 and Robot 4, the cooperation may continue with an adjusted transmission parameter value setting. If not, Robot 3 may request opposite mode-change order to Robot 4. If Robot 4 receives the order, Robot 4 also sends this update request to Robot 5, so that suitable change may be made.

[0178] The conditions for mode-change order will be described below.

[0179] Robot 5 may perform measurement for a signal (signal strength or signal quality) from Robot 3. Based on a result of the measurement, Robot 5 may determine whether to perform mode-change order.

[0180] For example, if a result of the measurement for the signal from Robot 3 is more (or stronger) than a threshold X1 (the threshold for mode-change order) and less(weaker) than a threshold X2 (the threshold for replacement order), Robot 5 may determine to transmit mode-change order to both Robot 3 and Robot 4. Then, Robot 3, Robot 4 and Robot 5 may initiate to perform the cooperative relay communication.

[0181] The threshold for mode-change order may be lower than a threshold for conventional communication. This may be because the signal received by the Robot 5 from Robot 3 is used to combine with the signal received by the Robot 5 from Robot 4.

[0182] Robot 3 doesn't have to maintain the same channel quality (e.g., Channel quality with SNIR above the threshold value used in conventional communication) to send data directly to Robot 5 as in the conventional communication method. Although the channel quality is not as good as in conventional communication, Robot 5 using cooperative diversity can benefit from combining information received from both Robot 3 and Robot 4, which acts as a cooperative relay for Robot 3 and Robot 5.

[0183] (1) an example of the second embodiment

[0184] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example of a flow chart according to the second embodiment of the present specification.

[0185] 0 step. UE 4 may transmit Relay discovery message to UE 5. Based on the Relay discovery message from UE 4, UE 5 may transmit, to UE 4, SIB. The SIB may include a capability of UE 5. The capability may indicates that UE 5 can perform cooperative relay communicate with its downstream nodes(UE 4). The capability may indicates that UE 5 can perform relay between UE 4 and a network.

[0186] UE 3 may transmit Relay discovery message to UE 4. Based on the Relay discovery message from UE 3, UE 4 may transmit, to UE 3, SIB. The SIB may include a capability of UE 4. The capability may indicates that UE 4 can act as a cooperative relay to its downstream nodes(UE 3). The capability may indicates that UE 5 can perform relay between UE 3 and UE 5.

[0187] Based on the SIB from UE 4, UE 3 may transmit, to UE 4, an access request.

[0188] Based on the access request from UE 3, UE 4 may transmit, to UE 5, an access request with indication. The indication may include information that the access request of UE 4 to UE 5 is triggered by the access request of UE 3 to UE 4.

[0189] UE 5 may transmit, to UE 4, admission offer. Then, UE 5 may relay communication between UE 4 and network.

[0190] The admission offer may include resource allocation for communication between UE 5 and UE 4. The resource allocation for communication between UE 5 and UE 4 may allocated by UE 5.

[0191] If UE 5 is capable of advanced scheme as table 3, the admission offer from UE 5 may include the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" as table 3. If UE 5 is capable of cooperative relay communication, the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" may include the information that UE 5 can perform cooperative relay communication.

[0192] UE 4 may transmit, to UE 3, admission offer. Then, UE 4 may relay communication between UE 3 and UE 5(ultimately network).

[0193] The admission offer may include resource allocation for communication between UE 4 and UE 3. The resource allocation for communication between UE 4 and UE 3 may allocated by UE 4.

[0194] If UE 4 is capable of advanced scheme as table 3, the admission offer from UE 4 may include the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" as table 3. If UE 4 is capable of cooperative relay communication, the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" may include the information that UE 4 can perform cooperative relay communication.

[0195] UE 5 may perform measurement for a signal (signal strength or signal quality) from UE 3. Based on a result of the measurement, UE 5 may determine whether to perform mode-change order.

[0196] For example, if a result of the measurement for the signal from UE 3 is more (or stronger) than a threshold X1 (the threshold for mode-change order) and less(weaker) than a threshold X2 (the threshold for replacement order), UE 5 may determine to transmit mode-change order to both UE 3 and UE 4. Then, UE 3, UE 4 and UE 5 may initiate to perform the cooperative relay communication.

[0197] X1 (the threshold for mode-change order) and X2 (the threshold for replacement order) may be given threshold values such that 'X2 > X1 > 0'.

[0198] UE 5 may transmit, to UE 4, mode-change order.

[0199] UE 4 may transmit, to UE 3, mode-change order.

[0200] UE 3 may transmit, to UE 4, mode-change confirmation.

[0201] UE 4 may transmit, to UE 5, mode-change confirmation.

[0202] Then, UE 3, UE 4, and UE 5 may perform cooperative relay communication based on the mode-change confirmation.

[0203] UE 5 may allocate resources to UE 4 and UE 4 may allocate resources to UE 3 concurrently sharing this information to UE 5 so that UE 5 can listen to both UE 4 and UE 3 when they are transmitting, respectively, to jointly decode when both data pieces are received by UE 5.

[0204] According to the mode-change confirmation, UE 5 may receive data from UE 4 directly and receive data from UE 3 directly. Then, UE 5 may decode by combining the data from UE 4 and the data from UE 3. That is, UE 3, UE 4 and UE 5 may perform cooperative relay communication.

[0205] The initiating procedure of cooperative relay communication mentioned above may be applied to replacement order of FIG. 7.

[0206] If UE 4 does not receive the mode-change confirmation from UE 3 within a pre-defined time period (T1) from the time of transmitting the mode-change order, UE 4 may send mode-change order failure message to UE 5. Then, UE 3, UE 4, and UE 5 cannot use the new mode.

[0207] If UE 5 does not receive "mode-change confirmation" from UE 4 within a pre-defined time period (T2) from the time of transmitting the mode-change order, UE 5 may send "mode-change order cancellation" message to UE 4 and UE 4 may deliver the message to UE 3. Then, UE 3, UE 4, and UE 5 cannot use the new mode.

[0208] (2) As to mode-change order

[0209] For example, mode-change order message includes Order ID and Change mode to mode # XXX. The Order ID may be XXXX. The Change mode to mode # XXX may be Capability ID (e.g., 0x00, 0x01, 0x02, as in "capability" message).

[0210] The mode-change order message may contain the "order ID" and the order ID may be used when there is a failure and the order may be requested to be cancelled by the UE that originated the order (i.e., UE 5).

[0211] The mode-change order cancellation message may contain the "order ID" for the other associated UE's (i.e., UE 3 and UE 4 in the example) can recognize what specific order should be cancelled.

[0212] 3. Capability

[0213] U2N Relay (UE to Network Relay) or U2U (UE to UE) relay may share(or broadcast) the following type of "relaying capability" information to other candidate UE's that want a relaying service.

[0214] Table 3 shows an example of Capability exposure contents on "cooperative diversity" operation (example of a three-party cooperative diversity operation). Table 3 shows the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying"

[0215] IDCapability0x00No Advanced Scheme available at that given time0x01Advanced Scheme 1 (e.g., three-party cooperative diversity method 1)0x02Advanced Scheme 2 (e.g., three-party cooperative diversity method 2)0x04Advanced Scheme 3 (e.g., three-party cooperative diversity method 3)(2)^(n)Scheme (n-1)

[0216] The three-party cooperative diversity method may be the cooperative relay communication described above.

[0217] (1) Capability Sharing Scenario #1

[0218] The above information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" is sent by the UE Relay (e.g., Robot 5, UE 5) when the UE has received an access request from other UE (e.g., Robot 4, UE 4). Also, if the UE (Robot 4) requesting an access to a UE relay (Robot 5) receives the "capability-related information"(the above information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying") from the Robot relay (Robot 5), the requesting UE (Robot 4) may also delivery this information (received from Robot 5) and its own "capability information" to a third UE(Robot 3, UE 3), if any, that request an access to that UE (Robot 4) requesting an access to the UE relay.

[0219] Robot 5 may broadcast Robot's capability.

[0220] The Robot 5's capability may indicate that Robot 5 can cooperative relay communication with network (5G / 6G core network or base station)

[0221] Robot 4 may receive the Robot 5's capability.

[0222] Based on the Robot 5's capability, Robot 4 may request an access to Robot 5.

[0223] Based on the request, Robot 5 may transmit, to Robot 4, the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying".

[0224] (2) Capability Sharing Scenario #2

[0225] When a UE request an access (e.g., Robot 4, UE 4) to another UE (e.g., Robot 5, UE 5), UE 4 may add an additional indicator denoting that it requests capability sharing to the UE relay (Robot 5, UE 5). In this scenario, the information regarding "advanced scheme-related capability for relaying" is shared by UE 5 based on the "request" coming from UE 4 that request an access.

[0226] The following drawings are created to explain specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The names of the specific devices or the names of the specific signals / messages / fields shown in the drawings are provided by way of example, and thus the technical features of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following drawings.

[0227] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a first UE according to the present disclosure.

[0228] 1. The first UE may broadcast capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network.

[0229] 2. The first UE may receive, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability.

[0230] The request may include information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE.

[0231] The second UE may relay between the first UE and the third UE.

[0232] 3. The first UE may perform measurement for signal strength from the third UE.

[0233] 4. The first UE may determine to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being higher than a threshold for the mode-change.

[0234] 5. The first UE may transmit, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination.

[0235] 6. The first UE may receive, from the third UE, a data via the second UE.

[0236] 7. The first UE may receive, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the mode-change.

[0237] 8. The first UE may decode by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.

[0238] The first UE may allocate a first resource for communication between the first UE and the second UE.

[0239] The first UE may transmit, to the second UE, an admission offer, based on the request for access from the second UE.

[0240] The admission offer may include information on the first resource.

[0241] The step of receiving a data via the second UE may be performed on the first resource.

[0242] The first UE may receive, from the second UE, confirm message for the mode-change, based on the order message for the mode-change.

[0243] The first UE may perform new measurement for signal strength from the third UE.

[0244] The first UE determine to perform replacement, based on a result of the new measurement being higher than a threshold for the replacement.

[0245] The threshold for the mode-change may lower than a threshold for replacement.

[0246] The result of the measurement may be lower than the threshold for replacement,

[0247] The first UE may transmit, to the second UE, an order message for the replacement, based on the determination to performthereplacement.

[0248] The order message for the replacement may include instruction that the third UE directly transmits data to the first UE without relay of the second UE.

[0249] The first UE may receive, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the replacement.

[0250] The first UE may allocate a second resource for direct communication with the third UE without relay of the second UE based on the determining to perform the replacement.

[0251] The message for the replacement may include information on the second resource.

[0252] The step of receiving a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the replacement may be performed on the second resource.

[0253] The first UE may receive, from the second UE, confirm message for the replacement, based on the order message for the replacement.

[0254] Hereinafter, an apparatus in mobile communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0255] For example, an apparatus may include a processor, a transceiver, and a memory.

[0256] For example, the processor may be configured to be coupled operably with the memory and the processor.

[0257] The processor may be configured to: broadcasting capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network; receiving, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability; wherein the request includes information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE, wherein the second UE relays between the first UE and the third UE, performing measurement for signal strength from the third UE; determining to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being stronger than a threshold; transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination; receiving, from the third UE, a data via the second UE; receiving, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the mode-change; decoding by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.

[0258] Hereinafter, a processor in mobile communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0259] The processor may be configured to: broadcasting capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network; receiving, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability; wherein the request includes information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE, wherein the second UE relays between the first UE and the third UE, performing measurement for signal strength from the third UE; determining to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being stronger than a threshold; transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination; receiving, from the third UE, a data via the second UE; receiving, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the mode-change; decoding by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.

[0260] Hereinafter, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has stored thereon a plurality of instructions in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0261] According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, the technical features of the present disclosure could be embodied directly in hardware, in a software executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. For example, a method performed by a wireless device in a wireless communication may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, a software may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other storage medium.

[0262] Some example of storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. For other example, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components.

[0263] The computer-readable medium may include a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0264] For example, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, or any other medium that can be used to store instructions or data structures. Non-transitory computer-readable media may also include combinations of the above.

[0265] In addition, the method described herein may be realized at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or communicates code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and / or executed by a computer.

[0266] According to some embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has stored thereon a plurality of instructions. The stored a plurality of instructions may be executed by a processor of a UE.

[0267] The stored a plurality of instructions may cause the UE to: broadcasting capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network; receiving, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability; wherein the request includes information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE, wherein the second UE relays between the first UE and the third UE, performing measurement for signal strength from the third UE; determining to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being stronger than a threshold; transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination; receiving, from the third UE, a data via the second UE; receiving, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the mode-change; decoding by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.

[0268] The present disclosure can have various advantageous effects.

[0269] For example, the communication method may be flexible to suit the circumstances.

[0270] Effects obtained through specific examples of the present specification are not limited to the effects listed above. For example, there may be a variety of technical effects that a person having ordinary skill in the related art can understand or derive from this specification. Accordingly, the specific effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that may be understood or derived from the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0271] Claims in the present disclosure can be combined in a various way. For instance, technical features in method claims of the present disclosure can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus, and technical features in apparatus claims can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method. Further, technical features in method claim(s) and apparatus claim(s) can be combined to be implemented or performed in an apparatus. Further, technical features in method claim(s) and apparatus claim(s) can be combined to be implemented or performed in a method. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1.A method performed by a first UE (User Equipment) comprising:broadcasting capability indicating that the first UE can relay communication with a network;receiving, from a second UE, a request for access based on the capability;wherein the request includes information that the request is triggered by a request for access from a third UE,wherein the second UE relays between the first UE and the third UE,performing measurement for signal strength from the third UE;determining to perform mode-change, based on a result of the measurement being higher than a threshold for the mode-change;transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the mode-change, based on the determination;receiving, from the third UE, a data via the second UE;receiving, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the mode-change;decoding by combining i) the data via the second UE and ii) the data without relay of the second UE.2.The method of claim 1, further comprising:allocating a first resource for communication between the first UE and the second UE;transmitting, to the second UE, an admission offer, based on the request for access from the second UE,wherein the admission offer includes information on the first resource,wherein the step of receiving a data via the second UE is performed on the first resource.3.The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:receiving, from the second UE, confirm message for the mode-change, based on the order message for the mode-change.4.The method of claim 1, further comprising:performing new measurement for signal strength from the third UE;determining to perform replacement, based on a result of the new measurement being higher than a threshold for the replacement;wherein the threshold for the mode-change is lower than a threshold for the replacement,wherein the result of the measurement is lower than the threshold for the replacement,transmitting, to the second UE, an order message for the replacement, based on the determination to perform the replacement;wherein the order message for the replacement includes instruction that the third UE directly transmits data to the first UE without relay of the second UE,receiving, from the third UE, a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the replacement.5.The method of claim 4, further comprising:allocating a second resource for direct communication with the third UE without relay of the second UE based on the determining to perform the replacement;wherein the message for the replacement includes information on the second resource,wherein the step of receiving a data without relay of the second UE based on the order message for the replacement is performed on the second resource.6.The method of claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising:receiving, from the second UE, confirm message for the replacement, based on the order message for the replacement.7.A first UE (User Equipment) configured to operate in a wireless system, the UE comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor; andat least one memory operably connectable to the at least one processor and storing instructions that, based on being executed by the at least one processor, (cause the at least one processor to) perform operations,wherein operations performed based on the instructions being executed by the at least one processor include method according to any one among claims 1 to 6.8.An apparatus in mobile communication, the apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions, operatively electrically coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to perform operations comprising method according to any one among claims 1 to 6.9.A non-transitory computer readable storage medium recording instructions,wherein the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to perform operations comprising method according to any one among claims 1 to 6.