Wireless terminal, method, and program

Abstract

To enable low power consumption while supporting side link functions.SOLUTION: A first wireless terminal according to the present disclosure detects a specified event, and establishes a sidelink connection between a base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station when the specified event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with the base station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless terminal, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) defines international standard specifications for mobile phone systems. Among them, Non-Patent Document 1 defines a side link. A side link is a function that supports direct communication between terminals. Examples of communication using a side link include the following. That is, a terminal may communicate with a radio base station via another terminal that is capable of wireless communication with a radio base station, using a side link established between the terminal and the other terminal. Such a terminal may be called a remote terminal, and the other terminal may be called a relay terminal. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 38.300 V17.0.0(2022-03)“3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description;Stage 2(Release 17)”, March 2022 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using the above-mentioned sidelink communication, the remote terminal can perform data communication with the radio base station via the relay terminal. However, when the sidelink connection between the remote terminal and the relay terminal is constantly maintained, there is a problem that the power consumption of the remote terminal increases.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless terminal, a method, and a program that enable low power consumption while supporting sidelink functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first wireless terminal has a detection unit that detects a specified event, and a communication unit that, when the specified event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishes a sidelink connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a method is performed in a first wireless terminal, which detects a predetermined event and, if the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishes a sidelink connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a program for causing one or more processors of a first wireless terminal to execute a method includes detecting a predetermined event, and, if the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishing a sidelink connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a wireless terminal, a wireless terminal method, and a program that enable low power consumption while supporting side link functions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation for searching for a wireless terminal capable of communicating with a base station according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation for searching for a wireless terminal capable of communicating with a base station according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings and each embodiment described in the specification, components having similar functions are given similar reference numerals.

[0012] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 according to the present disclosure includes a first wireless terminal 10, a second wireless terminal 2, and a base station 3.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, a wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure includes a detection unit 11 and a communication unit 12.

[0017] The detection unit 11 detects a predetermined event.

[0018] When a predetermined event is detected and the wireless terminal 10 is unable to communicate with the base station, the communication unit 12 establishes a side link connection between the base station and the wireless terminal 2 that is able to communicate.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of the wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0020] In step S101, the detection unit 11 detects a predetermined event.

[0021] In step S102, when the detection unit 11 detects a predetermined event and communication with the base station is not possible, the communication unit 12 establishes a side link connection between the base station 3 and the wireless terminal 2 that is able to communicate.

[0022] Therefore, when the wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure detects a predetermined event and is unable to communicate with the base station 3, it establishes a sidelink connection with the wireless terminal 2. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in power consumption compared to a case where the sidelink connection is constantly maintained. This enables the wireless terminal 10 to achieve low power consumption while supporting the sidelink function.

[0023] (Modification) The processing operation of the wireless terminal 10 may be performed according to the processing operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 instead of the processing operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operation of the wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0024] In step S111, the detection unit 11 detects a predetermined event.

[0025] In step S112, the communication unit 12 attempts to communicate directly with the base station 3. If the communication unit 12 is able to communicate directly with the base station 3 in step S112, the process proceeds to step S113. If the communication unit 12 is unable to communicate directly with the base station 3 in step S112, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0026] In step S113, the communication unit 12 communicates with the base station 3.

[0027] In step S114, the communication unit 12 establishes a sidelink connection with the wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0028] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a wireless communication system 200 according to the present disclosure includes a first wireless terminal 20, a second wireless terminal 2, and a base station 3.

[0031] When the wireless terminal 20 cannot connect to the base station 3, it communicates with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2. When the wireless terminal 20 can connect to the base station 3, it communicates with the base station 3 without going through the wireless terminal 2. When the wireless terminal 20 cannot connect to the base station 3, it refers to a case where the wireless terminal 20 cannot directly communicate with the base station 3. When the wireless terminal 20 cannot connect to the base station 3, it refers to a case where the wireless terminal 20 is outside an area where the wireless terminal 20 can communicate with the base station 3. When the wireless terminal 20 can connect to the base station 3, it refers to a case where the wireless terminal 20 is within an area where the wireless terminal 20 can communicate with the base station 3. The area where the wireless terminal 20 can communicate with the base station 3 can be said to be the range of the cell of the base station 3. The wireless terminal 20 may be called, for example, a remote terminal.

[0032] The wireless terminal 2 can connect to the base station 3. That is, the wireless terminal 2 communicates directly with the base station 3. The wireless terminal 2 is present in an area in which it can communicate with the base station 3. The wireless terminal 2 may be called, for example, a relay terminal. Alternatively, the wireless terminal 2 may be called a relay terminal.

[0033] The base station 3 is connected to and communicates with the wireless terminal 20 and the wireless terminal 2 .

[0034] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 6, a wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure includes a data acquisition unit 21, a detection unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0036] The data acquisition unit 21 acquires data. The data acquisition unit 21 acquires data related to a predetermined event. The predetermined event in this embodiment is, for example, an event that is preset in the wireless terminal 20 as an emergency. More specifically, the predetermined event may be preset in the detection unit 22 of the wireless terminal 20. The predetermined event may be, but is not limited to, a traffic accident or a biological abnormality. The data acquisition unit 21 acquires voice data, image data, speed-related data, and biological-related data. However, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 is not limited to these data. The data acquisition unit 21 may acquire data from an external device connected to the wireless terminal 20. The external device may be, for example, a wearable device worn by a user of the wireless terminal 20. The external device may be, for example, a surrounding device connected to the wireless terminal 20 by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The external device may be a device connected to the wireless terminal 20 using an interface attached to the wireless terminal 20. The data acquiring unit 21 may acquire data from an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a body temperature sensor, a muscle sensor, a microphone, a camera, etc. However, the data acquiring unit 21 may acquire data from sources other than these.

[0037] The detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event. Specifically, the detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event based on data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event using a voice recognition technology based on, for example, voice data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. Specifically, the detection unit 22 may detect words requesting rescue from the voice data. The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event using an image recognition technology based on, for example, image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. Specifically, the detection unit 22 may detect an abnormality such as a traffic accident from the image data. The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event based on, for example, acceleration data and speed data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. Specifically, the detection unit 22 may detect a traffic accident by performing impact detection from the acceleration data and speed data. The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event using an image recognition technology based on, for example, camera data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21.

[0038] The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event based on a comparison between the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be set in advance in the detection unit 22. The detection unit 22 may detect an abnormality of the vehicle based on, for example, a comparison between the speed-related data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and a predetermined threshold. Specifically, for example, when the speed indicated by the speed-related data exceeds a certain value, the detection unit 22 may detect a speeding violation or a vehicle malfunction. The detection unit 22 may detect an abnormality of a living body based on, for example, a comparison between the biological body-related data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and a predetermined threshold. Specifically, for example, when the heart rate or blood pressure indicated by the biological body-related data exceeds a certain value, the detection unit 22 may detect the onset of a disease.

[0039] In addition, a predetermined threshold value may be set for each of the multiple data. The detection unit 22 may detect a predetermined event when other predetermined conditions set in advance are satisfied.

[0040] The detection unit 22 may, for example, input the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 into a learned predetermined model to detect a predetermined event. The predetermined model may be a model formed using machine learning. The predetermined model may be set in advance in the detection unit 22. The predetermined model may be updated by sequential learning through machine learning. Specifically, the predetermined model may be updated at any time based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and the detection result by sequential learning through machine learning.

[0041] When the detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event, it transmits to the communication unit 23 a signal indicating that the predetermined event has been detected.

[0042] When the communication unit 23 receives a signal indicating that a predetermined event has been detected from the detection unit 22, the communication unit 23 attempts to directly communicate with the base station 3. Specifically, for example, when a connection with the base station 3 has not been established, the communication unit 23 may attempt to establish a connection. Alternatively, for example, when a connection with the base station 3 has already been established, the communication unit 23 may attempt to communicate using the connection. When the communication unit 23 is able to communicate with the base station 3, the communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3. When the communication unit 23 is unable to communicate with the base station 3, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 that can communicate with the base station 3. In other words, when the wireless terminal 20 cannot communicate with the base station 3, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 that can communicate with the base station 3.

[0043] When communication with the base station 3 is not possible, the communication unit 23 may determine that the wireless terminal 20 is located outside an area in which communication with the base station 3 is possible. When communication unit 23 determines that the wireless terminal 20 is located outside an area in which communication with the base station 3 is possible, the communication unit 23 may search for a wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0044] The communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 that can communicate with the base station 3 by transmitting a search signal and receiving a response from the wireless terminal 2 .

[0045] The method of searching for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with the base station 3 by the wireless terminal 20 may be in accordance with, for example, section 6.12.3 Relay Discovery of 3GPP TS 38.300 V17.0.0 (2022-03), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2 (Release 17). The procedure of Relay Discovery is defined in section 6.3.2.2 Group Member Discovery of 3GPP TS 23.304 V17.7.0 (2023-06), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Proximity based Services (ProSe) in the 5G System (5GS) (Release 17).

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of searching for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with a base station 3, performed by the first wireless terminal 20 in the present disclosure.

[0047] First, in step S201, the communication unit 23 of the first wireless terminal 20 transmits a search signal. The communication unit 23 may notify the surroundings of the search signal. Then, the second wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 around the wireless terminal 20 each receive the search signal transmitted by the communication unit 23. The search signal includes a request for information indicating whether or not the sidelink function is supported and whether or not direct communication with the base station is possible. The search signal may be a Discovery Solicitation message. Note that, in FIG. 7, it is shown that a total of three wireless terminals, the second wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42, receive the search signal transmitted by the communication unit 23, but the number of second wireless terminals is not limited to this.

[0048] Next, in step S202, the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 each transmit a response signal to the wireless terminal 20. The wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 each include information in the response signal indicating whether or not the sidelink function is supported and whether or not direct communication with the base station is possible. The response signal may be a Discovery response message.

[0049] The communication unit 23 of the wireless terminal 20 receives the response signal. Based on the response signal received by the communication unit 23, the wireless terminal 20 judges whether the wireless terminal that is the sender of the response signal supports the side link function and whether it can communicate with the base station 3. For example, in FIG. 7, it is assumed that only the response signal transmitted by the wireless terminal 40 includes information indicating that the side link is supported and that direct communication with the base station is possible. In this case, the wireless terminal 20 judges that the wireless terminal 40 is a terminal that supports the side link function and is a wireless terminal that can communicate with the base station 3. Then, the wireless terminal 20 treats the wireless terminal 40 as the wireless terminal 2 in FIG. 5.

[0050] In addition, when the wireless terminal 20 receives response signals from a plurality of wireless terminals indicating that the wireless terminals support the sidelink function and can communicate with the base station 3, one wireless terminal may be selected from the plurality of wireless terminals. In this case, the communication unit 23 hereafter treats the one wireless terminal as the wireless terminal 2 in FIG. 5. The selection of the wireless terminal may be in accordance with, for example, section 6.12.4 Relay Selection / Reselection of TS 38.300 V17.0.0 (2022-03), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2 (Release 17). The selection of the wireless terminal may be based on, but is not limited to, the signal strength of the received response signal or the distance between the wireless terminal and the base station communicating with the wireless terminal.

[0051] Note that wireless terminal 40, wireless terminal 41, and wireless terminal 42 may transmit a response signal to wireless terminal 20 only when they support the side link function and can communicate directly with the base station. That is, when wireless terminal 40, wireless terminal 41, and wireless terminal 42 do not support the side link function, they may not transmit a response signal to wireless terminal 20. Similarly, wireless terminal 40, wireless terminal 41, and wireless terminal 42 may not transmit a response signal to wireless terminal 20 even when they cannot communicate directly with the base station.

[0052] When a predetermined event is detected and the wireless terminal 20 cannot communicate with the base station, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 that can communicate with the base station 3, and then establishes a side link connection with the wireless terminal 2. The communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 using the side link connection established with the wireless terminal 2. The procedure for establishing the side link connection and communicating with the base station may be in accordance with, for example, Section 16.12.5.1 RRC Connection Management of TS 38.300 V17.0.0 (2022-03), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2 (Release 17).

[0053] The communication unit 23 may transmit, to the wireless terminal 2, information indicating that communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 should be given priority over communication between other wireless terminals and the base station 3. For example, when the detection unit 22 detects an emergency, the communication unit 23 may transmit, to the wireless terminal 2, information indicating that communication should be given priority. The information indicating that communication should be given priority may be information indicating that communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 should be performed using an emergency line. The information indicating that communication should be performed using an emergency line is, for example, emergency information such as information indicating an emergency call or information indicating an emergency.

[0054] The communication unit 23 transmits a message based on the predetermined event detected by the detection unit 22 to the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2. The message based on the predetermined event may be set in advance in the wireless terminal 20 according to the predetermined event detected by the detection unit 22. When the detection unit 22 detects an emergency, the message based on the predetermined event may be a message indicating a rescue request. The base station 3 may transmit the message received from the communication unit 23 of the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless terminal 2 to the outside. For example, the base station 3 may transmit the received message to the police, a hospital, an insurance company, or the like.

[0055] The communication unit 23 may transmit data related to a predetermined event detected by the detection unit 22 to the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2. The base station 3 may transmit data received from the communication unit 23 of the wireless terminal 20 via the wireless terminal 2 to the outside. For example, the base station 3 may transmit image data related to a traffic accident acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to the police. For example, the base station 3 may transmit biological data related to an abnormality of a biological body acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to a hospital.

[0056] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication unit 23 releases the side link with the wireless terminal 2. The predetermined condition may be, for example, the following three examples.

[0057] A first example of the predetermined condition is that communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 is completed. In this case, the communication unit 23 releases the sidelink connection when communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 is completed. The completion of communication with the base station 3 may be the completion of transmission of a message based on a predetermined event. Alternatively, the completion of communication with the base station 3 may be the completion of transmission of data related to a predetermined event. Note that the completion of communication with the base station 3 may be automatically determined by the communication unit 23.

[0058] A second example of the predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication unit 23 established the side link connection with the wireless terminal 2.

[0059] A third example of the predetermined condition is that there is an external input related to the release of the side link connection. In this case, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection in response to the external input. Specifically, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection based on an input from a dedicated app, a terminal setting, or dedicated hardware. The communication unit 23 may manually release the side link connection.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of the wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure.

[0061] In step S121, the data acquiring unit 21 acquires data relating to a predetermined event.

[0062] In step S122, the detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit .

[0063] In step S123, the communication unit 23 attempts to communicate directly with the base station 3. If direct communication with the base station 3 is possible in step S123, the process proceeds to step S114. If direct communication with the base station 3 is not possible in step S123, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0064] In step S124, the communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3.

[0065] In step S125, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0066] In step S126, the communication unit 23 establishes a side link connection between the base station 3 and the wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0067] In step S127, the communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0068] In step S128, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication unit 23 releases the side link connection with the wireless terminal 2. Here, the predetermined condition is that communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 is completed. That is, the communication unit 23 releases the side link connection with the wireless terminal 2 after communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 is completed.

[0069] As a result, the present embodiment also provides the same effect as the first embodiment, that is, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption compared to the case where the side link connection is constantly maintained.

[0070] Furthermore, the wireless terminal 20 in this embodiment can perform preferential communication with the base station via a wireless terminal that can communicate with the base station, so that when an emergency is detected, the emergency can be reported quickly.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the completion of communication, the side link connection is released. Therefore, the side link connection can be not only established but also released as necessary. This allows the wireless terminal 2 in this embodiment to achieve even greater power consumption reduction than the first embodiment.

[0072] (Modification) The search for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with a base station 3 may be performed by the processing operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9 instead of the processing operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operation for searching for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with a base station 3 according to the present disclosure.

[0073] In step S301, the communication unit 23 of the wireless terminal 20 receives a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is broadcast from the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 to the surroundings of each wireless terminal. The wireless terminal 40, the wireless terminal 41, and the wireless terminal 42 are terminals present around the wireless terminal 20. The wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 each include information indicating whether or not a side link is supported and whether or not direct communication with a base station is possible in the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal may be a Discovery Announcement message. Note that the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 may each broadcast a broadcast signal only when they support a side link and are capable of direct communication with a base station. That is, when the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 do not support a side link, they may not broadcast a broadcast signal. Similarly, when the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 do not support a side link, they may not broadcast a broadcast signal. Each of the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42 may periodically broadcast a beacon signal. Although Fig. 9 shows that a total of three wireless terminals, the wireless terminals 40, 41, and 42, broadcast beacon signals, the number of wireless terminals is not limited to this.

[0074] Based on the annunciation signal received by the communication unit 23, the wireless terminal 20 judges whether the wireless terminal that is the sender of the annunciation signal supports the side link function and can communicate with the base station 3. For example, in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the annunciation signal transmitted by the wireless terminal 40 includes information indicating that the wireless terminal supports the side link function and can directly communicate with the base station. In this case, the wireless terminal 20 judges that the wireless terminal 40 is a wireless terminal that supports the side link function and can communicate with the base station 3. Then, the wireless terminal 2 treats the wireless terminal 40 as the wireless terminal 2 in FIG. 5. In addition, when the wireless terminal 20 receives annunciation signals including information indicating that the wireless terminal supports the side link function and can directly communicate with the base station from multiple wireless terminals, it may select one wireless terminal from the multiple wireless terminals. In this case, the communication unit 23 may treat the one wireless terminal as the wireless terminal 2 in FIG. 5 thereafter. The selection of the wireless terminal may be in accordance with section 6.12.4 Relay Selection / Reselection of TS 38.300 V17.0.0 (2022-03), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2 (Release 17). The selection of the wireless terminal may be based on, but is not limited to, the signal strength of the received response signal and the distance between the wireless terminal and the base station communicating with the wireless terminal.

[0075] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] The wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure differs from the second embodiment in that, when the detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event, the data acquisition unit 21 acquires data.

[0077] The detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event. In this embodiment, the predetermined event is an event in which a predetermined time has passed. That is, the detection unit 22 functions as a timer. The predetermined time may be set in advance in the wireless terminal 20.

[0078] The data acquisition unit 21 acquires data when it receives a signal indicating that a predetermined event has been detected from the detection unit 22. The data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 may be, but is not limited to, voice data, image data, speed-related data, and biological data. The data acquisition unit 21 may acquire data from an external device connected to the wireless terminal 20. The data acquisition unit 21 may acquire data from an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a body temperature sensor, a muscle sensor, a microphone, and a camera. However, the data acquisition unit 21 may acquire data from other sources.

[0079] When the data acquisition unit 21 receives a signal from the detection unit 22 indicating that a predetermined event has been detected, and when the communication unit 23 receives data from the data acquisition unit 21, the communication unit 23 attempts to communicate directly with the base station 3. When communication with the base station 3 is possible, the communication unit 23 performs direct communication with the base station 3. When direct communication with the base station 3 is not possible, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with the base station 3. After performing a search for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with the base station 3, the communication unit 23 establishes a side link connection between the base station 3 and the wireless terminal 2 capable of communication. The communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 using the side link connection established with the wireless terminal 2. The communication unit 23 transmits the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2. The base station 3 may transmit the received data to an external device capable of communicating with the base station 3. For example, the base station 3 may transmit the biological-related data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to a hospital. For example, the base station 3 may transmit the speed data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to a company that provides congestion information.

[0080] The communication unit 23 may report to a preset communication destination via the wireless terminal 2 and the base station 3. The contents of the report may be, but are not limited to, a transmission of data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 or a message indicating that there is no abnormality in the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. The report may include information for identifying the wireless terminal 20. The contents of the report may be set in the wireless terminal 20 in advance.

[0081] When communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 is completed, the communication unit 23 releases the side link connection. The completion of communication with the base station 3 may be the completion of transmission of data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21. The communication unit 23 may automatically determine the completion of communication with the base station 3. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection when a predetermined time has elapsed since the side link connection with the wireless terminal 2 was established. Alternatively, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection in response to an external input regarding the release of the side link connection. Specifically, the communication unit 23 may release the side link connection based on an input from a dedicated app, a terminal setting, or dedicated hardware. The communication unit 23 may manually release the side link connection.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of the wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure.

[0083] In step S131, the detection unit 22 detects a predetermined event. In this embodiment, the predetermined event is the passage of a predetermined time.

[0084] In step S132, the data acquisition unit 21 acquires data.

[0085] In step S133, the communication unit 23 attempts to communicate directly with the base station 3. If direct communication with the base station 3 is possible in step S133, the process proceeds to step S134. If direct communication with the base station 3 is not possible in step S133, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0086] In step S134, the communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3.

[0087] In step S135, the communication unit 23 searches for a wireless terminal 2 capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0088] In step S136, the communication unit 23 establishes a side link connection between the base station 3 and the wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0089] In step S137, the communication unit 23 communicates with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2 that is capable of communicating with the base station 3.

[0090] In step S138, after the communication unit 23 completes communication with the base station 3 via the wireless terminal 2, the communication unit 23 releases the side link connection with the wireless terminal 2.

[0091] As a result, the present embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the wireless terminal in this embodiment can acquire data at predetermined time intervals and transmit the data to the base station. Furthermore, the base station that receives the data can transmit the received data to an external device that can communicate with the base station 3. Therefore, it is possible to periodically monitor the status of the user of the wireless terminal and the environment around the wireless terminal.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to each embodiment and specific example, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0093] For example, the steps in the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically according to the order depicted in the flowcharts. For example, the steps in the processes may be performed in an order different from that depicted in the figures, or may be performed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the processes may be removed, and additional steps may be added to the processes.

[0094] Also, a method including processing of components of the information device described in this disclosure (e.g., at least one of a detection unit, a communication unit, and a data acquisition unit) may be provided, and a program for causing a processor to execute the processing of the above components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory computer readable medium having the program recorded thereon may be provided. Naturally, such devices, modules, methods, programs, and non-transitory computer readable mediums are also included in the present disclosure.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal 10 according to the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 10 may be configured with a memory 30 and a processor 31. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a wireless terminal 20 according to the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 20 may be configured with a memory 32 and a processor 33.

[0096] A part or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0097] (Appendix 1) A first wireless terminal, A detection unit that detects a predetermined event; a communication unit that, when the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishes a side link connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station. Wireless terminal.

[0098] (Appendix 2) a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the predetermined event; The detection unit detects the predetermined event based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit. 2. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 1.

[0099] (Appendix 3) The predetermined event is An event that is set in advance in the detection unit as an emergency. 3. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 2.

[0100] (Appendix 4) The communication unit is transmitting a message to the base station via the second wireless terminal based on the predetermined event; 4. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 3.

[0101] (Appendix 5) The communication unit is communicating with the base station via the second wireless terminal using a sidelink connection established with the second wireless terminal; transmitting, to the second wireless terminal, information indicating that communication between the first wireless terminal and the base station via the second wireless terminal should be given priority over communication between another wireless terminal and the base station; 2. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 1.

[0102] (Appendix 6) The communication unit is When communication with the base station via the second wireless terminal is completed, release the side link connection. 6. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 5.

[0103] (Appendix 7) The communication unit is if the first wireless terminal cannot communicate with the base station, searching for a second wireless terminal that can communicate with the base station; 2. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 1.

[0104] (Appendix 8) The search may include: transmitting a search signal from the communication unit, and receiving a response from a second wireless terminal capable of communicating with the base station; 8. The wireless terminal of claim 7.

[0105] (Appendix 9) 1. A method performed in a first wireless terminal, comprising: Detect a specified event, When the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, a sidelink connection is established between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station.

[0106] (Appendix 10) a program for causing one or more processors of a first wireless terminal to carry out a method, the program comprising: The method comprises: Detecting a predetermined event; when the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishing a side link connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station; A program that includes:

[0107] (Appendix 11) The predetermined event is An event in which a certain amount of time has passed. 2. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 1.

[0108] (Appendix 12) The communication unit is Transmitting the data acquired by the data acquisition unit to the base station via the second wireless terminal. 12. The wireless terminal of claim 11.

[0109] (Appendix 13) The detection unit is Detecting the predetermined event based on a comparison between the data acquired by the data acquisition unit and a predetermined threshold value; 5. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 4.

[0110] (Appendix 14) The data acquired by the data acquisition unit is At least one of voice data, image data, speed-related data, and biometric data. 14. The wireless terminal of claim 12 or 13.

[0111] (Appendix 15) The data acquisition unit is Acquiring data from an external device connected to the wireless terminal; 15. The wireless terminal of claim 14.

[0112] (Appendix 16) The data acquisition unit is Acquire data from at least one of an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a body temperature sensor, a muscle sensor, a microphone, and a camera. 15. The wireless terminal of claim 14.

[0113] (Appendix 17) The predetermined event is At least one of the following: traffic accident, biological abnormality, 17. The wireless terminal of claim 16.

[0114] (Appendix 18) The communication unit is When a predetermined time has elapsed since the side link connection between the second wireless terminal and the wireless device was established, the side link connection is released. 6. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 5.

[0115] (Appendix 19) The detection unit is When the predetermined event is detected, a signal indicating that the predetermined event has been detected is transmitted to the communication unit. 2. A wireless terminal as defined in claim 1.

[0116] (Appendix 20) The communication unit is When a signal indicating that the predetermined event has been detected is received from the detection unit, communication with the base station is performed. 20. The wireless terminal of claim 19.

[0117] (Appendix 21) The communication unit is If communication with the base station is not possible, the first wireless terminal determines that it is located outside an area in which communication with the base station is possible. 21. The wireless terminal of claim 20.

[0118] (Appendix 22) The communication unit is when it is determined that the first wireless terminal is located outside an area in which communication with the base station is possible, searching for a second wireless terminal that is capable of communication with the base station; 22. The wireless terminal of claim 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 2, 10, 20, 40, 41, 42 Wireless terminal 3 base station 11, 22 Detection unit 12,23 Communications Department 21 Data Acquisition Section 30, 32 memory 31, 33 Processors 100, 200 Wireless communication system

Claims

1. A first wireless terminal, A detection unit that detects a predetermined event; a communication unit that, when the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishes a side link connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station. Wireless terminal.

2. a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the predetermined event; The detection unit detects the predetermined event based on the data acquired by the data acquisition unit. The wireless terminal of claim 1.

3. The predetermined event is An event that is set in advance in the detection unit as an emergency. The wireless terminal of claim 2.

4. The communication unit is transmitting a message to the base station via the second wireless terminal based on the predetermined event; 4. The wireless terminal of claim 3.

5. The communication unit is communicating with the base station via the second wireless terminal using a sidelink connection established with the second wireless terminal; transmitting, to the second wireless terminal, information indicating that communication between the first wireless terminal and the base station via the second wireless terminal should be given priority over communication between another wireless terminal and the base station; The wireless terminal of claim 1.

6. The communication unit is When communication with the base station via the second wireless terminal is completed, release the side link connection.

6. The wireless terminal according to claim 5.

7. The communication unit is if the first wireless terminal cannot communicate with the base station, searching for a second wireless terminal that can communicate with the base station; The wireless terminal of claim 1.

8. The search may include: transmitting a search signal from the communication unit, and receiving a response from a second wireless terminal capable of communicating with the base station; 8. The wireless terminal of claim 7.

9. 1. A method performed in a first wireless terminal, comprising: Detect a specified event, When the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, a sidelink connection is established between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station.

10. a program for causing one or more processors of a first wireless terminal to carry out a method, the program comprising: The method comprises: Detecting a predetermined event; when the predetermined event is detected and the first wireless terminal is unable to communicate with a base station, establishing a side link connection between the base station and a second wireless terminal that is able to communicate with the base station; A program that includes:

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