Device, method, and program for communication and sensing

Abstract

To achieve low power consumption for devices that perform communication and sensing within a local network.SOLUTION: A device 10A for performing communication and sensing includes a control unit and a communication unit configured to perform sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device 10a, within a local network, to transmit communication signals to the terminal device, within the local network, and to receive reflected communication signals from the terminal device, within the local network, where the reflected communication signals are modulated by the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a program for communication and sensing, and more particularly to an apparatus, a method, and a program for forming a local network for communication and sensing. [Background technology]

[0002] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) has defined wireless communication specifications called 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio), and technological development of these wireless specifications is progressing.

[0003] Following 5G NR, beyond 5G, or the sixth generation of wireless communication specifications, 6G systems, are also being considered. For 6G systems, technical specifications related to sensing solutions are being considered. Sensing solutions use the Doppler effect to detect targets by analyzing changes in the frequency spectrum of emitted radio waves.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 provides an overview of sensing solutions being considered for 6G systems. It is expected that technical specifications for sensing solutions will be considered and defined in the future. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] de Lima, C., Belot, D., Berkvens, R., Bourdoux, A., Dardari, A., Guillaud, M., Isomursu, M., Lohan, E.-S., Miao, Y., Barreto, AN, Aziz, MRK, Saloranta, J., Sanguanpuak, T., Sarieddeen, H., Seco-Granados, G., Suutala, J., Svensson, T., Valkama, M., Wymeersch, H., & van Liempd, B. (Eds.). (2020), '6G White Paper on Localization and Sensing', [White paper]. (6G Research Visions, No. 12). University of Oulu., [online], June 30, 2020, [Retrieved February 19, 2020], Internet<URL:http: / / urn.fi / urn:isbn:9789526226743> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To realize the above-described sensing solution, it is expected that a large number of terminal devices will transmit sensing signals. Also, to perform sensing and communication simultaneously, it is expected that a large number of terminal devices will transmit communication signals.

[0007] When communication and sensing are performed in a closed area such as a factory, that is, within a local area, an edge computer is required to process sensing signals and communication signals within the local area. Non-Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technology for processing sensing signals and communication signals within a local area.

[0008] Furthermore, it is expected that a device that performs both sensing and communication may be subjected to a heavy load in some cases. In such a situation, it is also necessary to achieve low power consumption. Non-Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technology for achieving low power consumption in a device that performs communication and sensing within a local area.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a technology for realizing low power consumption for devices that perform communication and sensing within a local network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the device of the present invention is a device (10A) that performs communication and sensing, and includes a control unit and a communication unit configured to perform sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within a local network, transmit communication signals to the terminal device within the local network, receive the communication signals reflected from the terminal device within the local network, and modulate the reflected communication signals by the terminal device.

[0011] Also, a method according to the present invention is performed by a device (10A) that performs communications and sensing, and includes performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within a local network, transmitting a communications signal to the terminal device within the local network, and receiving the communications signal reflected from the terminal device within the local network, wherein the reflected communications signal is modulated by the terminal device.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to realize low power consumption for devices that perform communication and sensing within a local network. Note that the above configuration may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the above effect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication and sensing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a protocol stack of the U-plane. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a protocol stack of the C-plane. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a base station device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a base station device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a radio frame structure. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a JCAS device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of communication through a JCAS device. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a JCAS device and a terminal device installed in a vehicle. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of self-sensing. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of cooperative sensing. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of cooperative sensing. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the process by which a JCAS device transmits a communication signal. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a process in which a terminal device modulates a communication signal. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the process by which a JCAS device demodulates a modulated signal. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing self-sensing in response to a request from a JCAS device. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing self-sensing in response to a request from a terminal device. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing collaborative sensing in response to a request from a JCAS device. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing collaborative sensing in response to a request from a terminal device. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the separation of a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of how a sensing transmitter performs communication within a local network. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of how a sensing receiver performs communication within a local network. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of how a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver perform communication within a local network. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of how a sensing transmitter performs communication within a wide area network. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of how a sensing receiver performs communication within a wide area network. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of how a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver perform communication within a wide area network. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of multiple sensing transmitters. [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of multiple sensing transceivers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] The embodiments described below are merely examples of configurations that can realize the present invention. Each of the following embodiments can be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Not all of the combinations of elements included in each of the following embodiments are necessarily essential for realizing the present invention, and some of the elements can be omitted as appropriate. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each of the following embodiments. As long as there are no mutual contradictions, configurations that combine multiple configurations described in the following embodiments can also be adopted.

[0016] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Communication and sensing systems As shown in Fig. 1, the communication and sensing system S according to the first embodiment includes one or more terminal apparatuses (Terminal Apparatus) 10, one or more base station apparatuses (Base Station Apparatus) 20, and a core network 30. The communication and sensing system S is configured in compliance with predetermined technical specifications (TS). For example, the communication and sensing system S may comply with technical specifications defined by 3GPP (e.g., 5G, 5G Advanced, 6G, etc.).

[0017] In the communication and sensing system S, for example, various wireless communications are performed between the terminal device 10 and the base station device 20 in accordance with the 5G NR specifications. Also, in the communication and sensing system S, various sensing operations are performed between the terminal devices 10. Details of the sensing operations will be described later.

[0018] The communication and sensing system S is configured with a separate user plane (User Plane) where user data is transmitted and received, and a control plane (Control Plane) where control data is transmitted and received. In other words, the communication and sensing system S supports C / U separation. The user plane is abbreviated as U-plane, and the control plane is abbreviated as C-plane.

[0019] The terminal device 10 is a device that performs wireless communication with the base station device 20, and may be, for example, user equipment (UE) that operates in compliance with the 3GPP 5G NR specifications. The terminal device 10 may also be a device that complies with other older or newer 3GPP specifications.

[0020] The terminal device 10 may be, for example, a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop PC, a communication module, a communication card, or an IoT device such as a surveillance camera or a robot. The terminal device 10 may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, a train, etc.) or a device provided therein. The terminal device 10 may be a transport vehicle other than a vehicle (e.g., a ship, an airplane, etc.) or a device provided therein. The terminal device 10 may be a sensor or a device provided therein.

[0021] The terminal device 10 may be referred to by other names such as a terminal, a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a mobile device, a mobile unit, a subscriber station, a subscriber terminal, a subscriber device, a subscriber unit, a wireless station, a wireless terminal, a wireless device, a wireless unit, a remote station, a remote terminal, a remote device, a remote unit, etc. The terminal device 10 may be a device adapted for one or more of enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).

[0022] In the communication and sensing system S, a local network LN is formed by the terminal devices 10. In the entire communication and sensing system S, a wide area network or a global network (not shown) is formed by the terminal devices 10, the base station devices 20, and the core network 30.

[0023] In the local network LN, there are a communication and sensing device 10A and terminal devices 10a and 10n, where n is an arbitrary positive integer. The communication and sensing device 10A is also referred to as a joint communication and sensing (JCAS) device 10A, and will be referred to hereinafter as the JCAS device 10A. The JCAS device 10A is a device or node that wirelessly communicates with the terminal devices 10a and 10n and performs sensing.

[0024] The JCAS device 10A communicates with a base station device 20 and / or a core network 30 within the wide area network. The core network 30 manages the mobility of the JCAS device 10A by exchanging control signals with the JCAS device 10A via the C-plane. The core network 30 that manages the mobility of the JCAS device 10A in this way is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G NR. Furthermore, the core network 30 that manages the mobility of the JCAS device 10A in this way is a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in LTE (Long Term Evolution). It is expected that nodes that manage mobility in a similar manner will also be defined in beyond 5G.

[0025] As described above, the mobility of the JCAS device 10A is managed by the core network 30, that is, the mobility within the wide area network is managed. The same is true for the terminal devices 10a and 10n. From this perspective, the JCAS device 10A is mobile and corresponds to the terminal device 10 within the wide area network, for example, corresponds to the UE specified in 3GPP 5G NR.

[0026] Therefore, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal devices 10a and 10n are collectively referred to as the terminal device 10, particularly in the entire communication and sensing system S. The JCAS device 10A and the terminal devices 10a and 10n are distinguished within the local network LN. Hereinafter, to distinguish them from the JCAS device 10A, the terminal devices 10a and 10n are collectively referred to as the terminal device 10a. Note that in this embodiment, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a are collectively referred to as the terminal device 10, but the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a may be defined as different devices or nodes. Note that, as will be described later, the terminal device 10 performs backscatter communication.

[0027] The JCAS device 10A acts as a base station within the local network LN. The JCAS device 10A wirelessly communicates with the terminal devices 10a and 10n and aggregates communications from the terminal devices 10a and 10n. The JCAS device 10A also performs sensing with the terminal devices 10a and 10n within the local network LN.

[0028] The base station device 20 manages at least one cell. A cell constitutes the smallest unit of a communication area. For example, one cell belongs to one frequency (e.g., carrier frequency) and is composed of one component carrier. The term "cell" can refer to wireless communication resources and can also refer to a communication target of the terminal device 10. The base station device 20 wirelessly communicates with the terminal device 10 located in its own cell in the U-plane and C-plane. In other words, the base station device 20 terminates the U-plane protocol and C-plane protocol for the terminal device 10.

[0029] The base station device 20 communicates with the core network 30 in the U-plane and the C-plane. More specifically, the core network 30 includes multiple logical nodes including an AMF and a User Plane Function (UPF). The base station device 20 connects to the AMF in the C-plane and connects to the UPF in the U-plane.

[0030] The base station device 20 may be, for example, a gNB that provides the U-plane and C-plane to the terminal device 10 in accordance with the 3GPP 5G NR specifications and connects to the 3GPP 5GC (5G Core Network). Alternatively, the base station device 20 may be a device that complies with other older or newer 3GPP specifications.

[0031] The base station device 20 may be configured by a plurality of unit devices. For example, the base station device 20 may be configured by a central unit (CU), distributed units (DU), and radio units (RU).

[0032] A radio access network (RAN) is formed by interconnecting multiple base station devices 20. The radio access network formed by the base station devices 20 that are gNBs may be referred to as an NG-RAN. The base station devices 20 that are gNBs may be referred to as NG-RAN nodes.

[0033] The base station device 20 is connected to the core network 30 via a predetermined interface, for example, an NG interface. More specifically, the base station device 20 is connected to the UPF of the core network 30 via an NG-U interface (not shown) in the U-plane, and is connected to the AMF of the core network 30 via an NG-C interface (not shown) in the C-plane. Note that each base station device 20 may be connected to the core network 30 via another interface with a different function or name.

[0034] The radio protocol architecture between the terminal device 10 and the base station device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The radio protocol architecture between the terminal device 10 and the base station device 20 and between the terminal device 10 and the core network 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0035] In the following, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal devices 10a and 10n are described as the terminal device 10. However, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal devices 10a and 10n do not necessarily have the same functions and / or hardware, and may have different functions and / or hardware.

[0036] 2, the U-plane protocol stack includes, from the bottom up, a physical (PHY) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. Each of the above layers is terminated at base station device 20 on the network side.

[0037] 3, in the C-plane protocol stack, from the bottom up, there are provided a physical PHY layer, a MAC layer, an RLC layer, a PDCP layer, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and a Non-Access Stratum (NAS). The above-mentioned layers other than the non-access stratum are terminated on the network side by the base station device 20. The non-access stratum is terminated on the network side by the AMF of the core network 30.

[0038] 4, the terminal device 10 has, as hardware elements, a processor 101, a memory 102, an input / output interface 103, a transceiver 104, and an antenna 105. The above elements provided in the terminal device 10 are connected to each other by an internal bus. Note that the terminal device 10 may have hardware elements other than the elements shown in FIG. 4.

[0039] The processor 101 is a computing element that realizes various functions of the terminal device 10. The processor 101 may be a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that includes elements such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a memory controller.

[0040] The memory 102 is configured by at least one storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or an embedded multimedia card (eMMC). The memory 102 is an element that temporarily or permanently stores programs and data used to execute various processes in the terminal device 10. The programs include one or more instructions for operating the terminal device 10. The processor 101 implements the functions of the terminal device 10 by loading and executing the programs stored in the memory 102 in the memory 102 and / or a system memory (not shown).

[0041] The input / output interface 103 is an interface that accepts operations on the terminal device 10 and supplies them to the processor 101, and also presents various information to the user. The input / output interface 103 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0042] The transceiver 104 is a circuit that performs various signal processing to realize wireless communication, and includes a baseband processor and an RF circuit. The transceiver 104 transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the base station device 20 via the antenna 105.

[0043] 5, the terminal device 10 has, as functional blocks, a control unit 110 and a communication unit 120. The communication unit 120 has at least one transmission unit 121 and at least one reception unit 122.

[0044] The control unit 110 may include at least one processor 101 and at least one memory 102. In other words, the control unit 110 may be realized by the processor 101 and the memory 102. The control unit 110 executes various control processes in the terminal device 10. For example, the control unit 110 controls wireless communication with the base station device 20 via the communication unit 120. That is, the control unit 110 transmits and receives data / information / messages via the communication unit 120.

[0045] The communication unit 120 includes the transceiver 104 and the antenna 105. In other words, the communication unit 120 is realized by the transceiver 104 and the antenna 105. The communication unit 120 wirelessly communicates with the base station device 20 by transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the base station device 20. Two or more transceivers 104 and two or more antennas 105 may be included in the communication unit 120.

[0046] The control unit 110 operates to execute various processes of the terminal device 10 of this embodiment.

[0047] 6, base station device 20 has, as hardware elements, a processor 201, a memory 202, a network interface 203, a transceiver 204, and an antenna 205. The above elements provided in base station device 20 are connected to each other by an internal bus. Note that base station device 20 may have hardware elements other than the elements shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] The processor 201 is a computing element that realizes various functions of the base station device 20. The processor 201 may be a CPU, and may further include other processors such as a GPU.

[0049] The memory 202 is configured by at least one storage medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory 202 is an element that temporarily or permanently stores programs and data used to execute various processes in the base station device 20. The programs include one or more instructions for operating the base station device 20. The processor 201 implements the functions of the base station device 20 by loading and executing the programs stored in the memory 202 into the memory 202 and / or a system memory (not shown).

[0050] The network interface 203 is an interface used to transmit and receive signals to and from other base station devices 20 and the core network 30 .

[0051] The transceiver 204 is a circuit that executes various signal processing to realize wireless communication, and includes a baseband processor and an RF circuit. The transceiver 204 transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the terminal device 10 via the antenna 205.

[0052] 7, the base station device 20 has, as functional blocks, a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a network communication unit 230. The communication unit 220 has at least one transmission unit 221 and at least one reception unit 222.

[0053] The control unit 210 may include at least one processor 201 and at least one memory 202. In other words, the control unit 210 may be realized by the processor 201 and the memory 202. The control unit 210 executes various control processes in the base station device 20. For example, the control unit 210 controls wireless communication with the terminal device 10 via the communication unit 220. That is, the control unit 210 transmits and receives data / information / messages via the communication unit 220. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 210 controls communication with other nodes (e.g., other base station devices 20, nodes of the core network 30) via the network communication unit 230.

[0054] The communication unit 220 includes a transceiver 204 and an antenna 205. In other words, the communication unit 220 is realized by the transceiver 204 and the antenna 205. The communication unit 220 wirelessly communicates with the terminal device 10 by transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the terminal device 10. Two or more transceivers 204 and two or more antennas 205 may be included in the communication unit 220.

[0055] The network communication unit 230 includes the network interface 203. In other words, the network communication unit 230 is realized by the network interface 203. The network interface 203 transmits and receives signals to and from the network (and, by extension, the other nodes described above).

[0056] The control unit 210 operates to execute various processes in the base station device 20 of this embodiment.

[0057] 1.2 Radio Resources The terminal device 10 and the base station device 20 communicate with each other wirelessly using radio resources in the frequency domain and the time domain. Also, the JCAS device 10A communicates with the terminal device 10a wirelessly using radio resources and performs sensing using the radio resources. The radio resources will be described below.

[0058] The transmission method for downlink communication from the base station device 20 to the terminal device 10 is, for example, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) using a cyclic prefix (CP), i.e., CP-OFDM. The transmission method for downlink communication from the JCAS device 10A to the terminal device 10a may also adopt the above-mentioned method or a different method.

[0059] The transmission method for uplink communication from the terminal device 10 to the base station device 20 is, for example, the above-mentioned CP-OFDM or DFTS-OFDM in which CP-OFDM is applied after transform precoding that performs discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spreading. The transmission method for uplink communication from the terminal device 10a to the JCAS device 10A may also adopt the above-mentioned method or a different method.

[0060] The transmission method of the sensing signal exchanged between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a may be the same as or different from the above method. The sensing signal is transmitted from the JCAS device 10A to the terminal device 10a, or from the terminal device 10a to the JCAS device 10A.

[0061] Hereinafter, signals used for wireless communication, including the user data communicated via the U-plane and the control data communicated via the C-plane, are referred to as communication signals. Furthermore, signals used to perform sensing, exchanged between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a, are referred to as sensing signals. In this embodiment, the sensing signal is used for radio waves used to perform sensing, separate from wireless communication. The sensing signal may be used interchangeably with the sensing channel.

[0062] A cyclic prefix is ​​a redundant signal that functions as a guard period (GP) to prevent inter-symbol interference and inter-carrier interference, and is inserted at the beginning of an OFDM symbol. There are two types of cyclic prefixes: a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix.

[0063] Multiple orthogonal subcarriers are used as radio resources in the frequency domain of OFDM. The multiple subcarriers are arranged in the frequency domain at a predetermined subcarrier spacing (SCS: sub-carrier spacing) Δf. Multiple subcarrier spacings Δf can be applied to a communication and sensing system S. The subcarrier spacing Δf can be expressed, for example, by the following equation: Δf=2 μ 15[kHz]

[0064] Here, μ is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and may take on at least one of the following values: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Therefore, the subcarrier spacing Δf [kHz] may take on at least one of the following values: 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, or 960. Note that μ may also take on a value of 7 or greater.

[0065] In the time domain of OFDM, a layered radio frame structure is used as shown in Figure 8. One radio frame includes 10 subframes. Subframes are assigned subframe numbers that count up by one from 0 to 9. One radio frame is divided into two half frames. The time length of a radio frame is 10 ms, the time length of a half frame is 5 ms, and the time length of a subframe is 1 ms. These time lengths do not depend on the subcarrier spacing Δf.

[0066] One subframe includes one or more slots (slot(s)). The number Ns of slots included in one subframe depends on the value of μ mentioned above, and further on the subcarrier spacing Δf. The number Ns of slots is expressed by, for example, the following equation: Ns=2 μ

[0067] A slot contains multiple symbols. The number of symbols in a slot depends on the type of cyclic prefix. For example, if a normal cyclic prefix is ​​used, a slot contains 14 symbols. For example, if an extended cyclic prefix is ​​used, a slot contains 12 symbols.

[0068] As described above, the number of slots and the number of symbols included in each of a radio frame, half frame, and subframe, each of which has a fixed time length, are variable. Therefore, the time length of a slot and the time length of a symbol are also variable.

[0069] A resource element (RE) is a radio resource unit in the time-frequency domain consisting of one subcarrier and one symbol, and a resource block (RB) is a radio resource unit in the time-frequency domain consisting of 12 subcarriers and multiple symbols.

[0070] Radio frames are assigned a system frame number (SFN) that counts up by one from 0 to 1023. SFN "0" corresponds to the initial SFN value, and SFN "1023" corresponds to the maximum SFN value. Therefore, SFN0 is assigned to the radio frame following a radio frame assigned SFN 1023. Since the time length of a radio frame is 10 ms, the time length of one cycle of the system frame number is 10240 ms (= 10.24 seconds).

[0071] 1.3 JCAS device Next, the functional configuration of the JCAS device 10A will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the JCAS device 10A includes, as logical function blocks, a wide area network communication unit 100a, a local processing unit 100b, and a base station unit 100c. These function blocks are implemented by a control unit 110 and a communication unit 120.

[0072] The wide area network communication unit 100a communicates with the base station device 20 and / or the core network 30 within the wide area network. As shown in FIG. 10, communication between the wide area network communication unit 100a and the base station device 20 and the core network 30 terminates at the wide area network communication unit 100a. Within the wide area network, the wide area network communication unit 100a is regarded as a terminal device 10, for example, a UE as defined in 3GPP's 5G NR. The wide area network communication unit 100a exchanges control signals with the core network 30, such as AMF and MME, to manage the mobility of the terminal device 10, i.e., the mobility of the JCAS device 10A.

[0073] The local processing unit 100b performs communication by exchanging communication signals with the terminal device 10a within the local network LN. The local processing unit 100b also performs sensing by exchanging sensing signals with the terminal device 10a within the local network LN. As shown in Fig. 10, communication between the local processing unit 100b and the terminal device 10a terminates at the local processing unit 100b.

[0074] The base station unit 100c transmits, to the terminal device 10a, a communication signal received from the base station device 20 within the wide area network. The base station unit 100c also transmits, to the base station device 20, a communication signal received from the terminal device 10a within the local network LN. In other words, the base station unit 100c relays communication between the terminal device 10a and the wide area network.

[0075] 10, a wide area network communication unit 100a, a local processing unit 100b, and a base station unit 100c cooperate to form a local network LN. Communications within the local network LN are terminated at the local processing unit 100b, and communications within the wide area network are terminated at the wide area network communication unit 100a. Thus, the local network LN is separated from the wide area network.

[0076] Furthermore, the mobility of the JCAS device 10A is managed by the wide area network communication unit 100a exchanging control signals with the core network 30. By managing the mobility of the JCAS device 10A and by the JCAS device 10A acting as a base station for the terminal device 10a, the local network LN itself becomes mobile. For example, an example will be described in which both the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a are installed in an automobile.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, a JCAS device 10A is mounted on the ceiling of a vehicle. The JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal. A terminal device 10a is held by a user inside the vehicle. The mobility of the JCAS device 10A is managed by the wide area network communication unit 100a exchanging control signals with a base station device 20 and / or a core network 30 such as AMF and MME. In this way, handovers and the like are performed even when the vehicle moves, and the JCAS device 10A can communicate within the wide area network.

[0078] As mentioned above, the base station unit 100c of the JCAS device 10A relays communication between the terminal device 10a and the wide area network. With this relay function, the JCAS device 10A can communicate within the wide area network even when the car is moving, and the terminal device 10a can also communicate within the wide area network via the JCAS device 10A.

[0079] Furthermore, since communication between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a is terminated at the JCAS device 10A, a local network LN is formed, and the wide area network communication unit 100a makes the local network LN mobile.

[0080] The above-described functional blocks may be implemented by separate devices, i.e., hardware. For example, one of three devices may be implemented as the wide area network communication unit 100a, two as the base station unit 100c, and one as the base station unit 100c.

[0081] Also, for example, any one of the wide area network communication unit 100a, the local processing unit 100b, and the base station unit 100c may be implemented as a single device, or any one may be implemented as multiple devices. For example, the wide area network communication unit 100a and the base station unit 100c may be implemented as single devices, and the local processing unit 100b may be implemented as multiple devices. In this case, the device that implements the functional block alone becomes a centralized (JCAS) unit, and the device that implements the functional block alone becomes a distributed (JCAS) unit.

[0082] Furthermore, communication within the local network LN by the local processing unit 100b and communication within the wide area network by the base station unit 100c may be performed, for example, according to the operation mode that the JCAS device 10A can be in. For example, when the JCAS device 10A is in local processing mode, communication within the local network LN by the local processing unit 100b may be performed. Also, for example, when the terminal device 10a needs to communicate with the wide area network, the JCAS device 10A may transition to wide area communication mode, and communication within the wide area network by the base station unit 100c may be performed.

[0083] The above-mentioned modes may be switched at predetermined time intervals. In this case, the JCAS device 10A transmits communications aggregated within the local network to the base station device 20 at regular time intervals. Alternatively, the JCAS device 10A may be switched in response to a request from the terminal device 10a. In this case, the JCAS device 10A transmits communications aggregated within the local network to the base station device 20 in response to a request from the terminal device 10a.

[0084] 1.3 Communication within a local network As described above, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a communicate wirelessly within the local network LN. The JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a are connected via a predetermined interface.

[0085] The JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a exchange communication signals using a predetermined transmission method such as CP-OFDM. Communication signals transmitted from the terminal device 10a to the JCAS device 10A are terminated at the JCAS device 10A. In other words, the JCAS device 10A aggregates communication signals from the terminal device 10a. In this way, a local network LN is formed between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a. The local network may also be referred to as a closed network. The JCAS device 10A can also transmit communication signals from the terminal device 10a to a wide area network via the base station device 20.

[0086] The transmission method used between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a, i.e., the transmission method used for communication within the local area network LN, may be different from the transmission method used for communication within the wide area network, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the two networks.

[0087] The communication system or radio access technology (RAT) used for communication within the local network LN may be different from the communication system or RAT used for communication within the wide area network. For example, the communication within the local network LN may be 5G NR compliant, and the communication within the wide area network may be beyond 5G compliant. This also reduces the possibility of interference between the two networks.

[0088] Communications within the local network LN are separated from communications within the wide area network. As described above, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a communicate wirelessly within the local network LN. The JCAS device 10A aggregates communications from the terminal device 10a by terminating the communication signal from the terminal device 10a. When the terminal device 10a needs to communicate with an external network, the JCAS device 10A transmits the communication signal from the terminal device 10a to the wide area network via the base station device 20.

[0089] 1.4 Sensing in local networks 1.4.1 Sensing Channel and Sensing Signal As described above, the JCAS device 10A performs sensing between the terminal device 10a and the device. Sensing involves receiving radio waves transmitted to objects to be detected, such as people and obstacles, and detecting the objects by analyzing changes in the frequency spectrum of the radio waves. Hereinafter, objects detected by sensing will be referred to as "detection targets." Detection targets include people, animals, and objects to be detected.

[0090] As will be described later, in the case of self-sensing, the same device acts as a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver, with the sensing transmitter transmitting a sensing signal and the sensing receiver receiving the sensing signal. In the case of cooperative sensing, one of different devices acts as a sensing transmitter and the other acts as a sensing receiver, with the sensing transmitter transmitting a sensing signal and the sensing receiver receiving the sensing signal. In either case, sensing is performed by exchanging sensing signals.

[0091] 1.4.2 Sensing transmitter and sensing receiver For example, when sensing is performed between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a, one of the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a transmits a sensing signal, and the other receives the sensing signal. The sensing signal is reflected from the detection target, and its frequency spectrum changes due to the Doppler effect. When the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal, the terminal device 10a that receives the sensing signal detects the detection target by analyzing the change in the frequency spectrum of the sensing signal.

[0092] A device that transmits a sensing signal is called a sensing transmitter. The sensing transmitter may be either the JCAS device 10A or the terminal device 10a. A device that receives a sensing signal is called a sensing receiver. The sensing receiver may also be the JCAS device 10A or the terminal device 10a.

[0093] 1.4.3 Self-sensing For example, when the terminal device 10a performs sensing by itself, the terminal device 10a serves as both a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver, as shown in FIG. 12. In this case, the terminal device 10a serves as a sensing transmitter to transmit a sensing signal, and serves as a sensing receiver to receive the sensing signal reflected from a sensing target and / or a wall, etc. Sensing performed in this manner by one device serving as both a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver is called "self-sensing." Self-sensing may be used interchangeably with monostatic sensing and single sensing.

[0094] When the terminal device 10a performs self-sensing, the JCAS device 10A, for example, plays a role of receiving data indicating the sensing result from the terminal device 10a. In such a case, the JCAS device 10A also plays a role of instructing the terminal device 10a to perform sensing.

[0095] 1.4.4 Cooperative Sensing For example, when the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform sensing, the JCAS device 10A may function as a sensing transmitter and the terminal device 10a may function as a sensing receiver, as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal to the detection target, and the terminal device 10a receives the sensing signal.

[0096] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, the JCAS device 10A may function as a sensing receiver, and the terminal device 10a may function as a sensing transmitter. In this case, the terminal device 10a transmits a sensing signal to a detection target, and the JCAS device 10A receives the sensing signal. Sensing performed by multiple devices in this manner is referred to as "cooperative sensing." Cooperative sensing may be used interchangeably with group sensing, collaborative sensing, bistatic sensing, and multistatic sensing.

[0097] Cooperative sensing may be performed by three or more devices. For example, two terminal devices 10a may act as sensing transmitters, and a JCAS device 10A may act as a sensing receiver. In this case, the two terminal devices 10a transmit sensing signals, and the JCAS device 10A receives the sensing signals.

[0098] Alternatively, the JCAS device 10A may act as a sensing transmitter, and the two terminal devices 10a may act as sensing receivers. In this case, the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal, and the two terminal devices 10a receive the sensing signal. When three or more devices perform cooperative sensing, the ratio of the number of sensing transmitters to the number of sensing receivers may be N to M, where N and M are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0099] When the terminal device 10a performs sensing as a sensing receiver, the terminal device 10a transmits sensing results indicating the results of detecting the detection target to the JCAS device 10A. From this perspective, the JCAS device 10A aggregates communications from the terminal device 10a, and the JCAS device 10A functions as a base station within the local network NW.

[0100] 1.4.5 Sensing Initiator / Sensing Responder For example, JCAS device 10A may request terminal device 10a to perform sensing. In this case, JCAS device 10A sends a sensing request message to terminal device 10a, and terminal device 10a sends an ACK message to JCAS device 10A. Through this procedure, sensing is performed by JCAS device 10A and terminal device 10a. Also, terminal device 10a may request JCAS device 10A to perform sensing. In this case, terminal device 10a sends a sensing request message to JCAS device 10A, and JCAS device 10A sends an ACK message to terminal device 10a. Through this procedure, sensing is also performed by JCAS device 10A and terminal device 10a.

[0101] A device that requests to perform sensing is called a "sensing initiator." A device that performs sensing in response to a request from a sensing initiator is called a "sensing responder." The term "sensing initiator" may be used interchangeably with the term "sensing requester."

[0102] The procedure for starting sensing, such as the sensing initiator transmitting a sensing request message and the sensing responder transmitting an ACK message, is referred to as a "sensing start procedure."

[0103] For example, the JCAS device 10A may act as a sensing initiator, and the terminal device 10a may act as a sensing responder. In this case, in response to a request from the JCAS device 10A, collaborative sensing may be performed with the JCAS device 10A acting as a sensing transmitter and the terminal device 10a acting as a sensing receiver, or vice versa. Also, in response to a request from the JCAS device 10A, the terminal device 10a may perform self-sensing as a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver.

[0104] Alternatively, one of the two terminal devices 10a, a first terminal device 10a, may act as a sensing initiator, and the other of the two terminal devices 10a, a second terminal device 10a, may act as a sensing responder. In this case, in response to a request from the first terminal device 10a, collaborative sensing may be performed with the first terminal device 10a acting as a sensing transmitter and the second terminal device 10a acting as a sensing receiver. In addition, in response to a request from the first terminal device 10a, collaborative sensing may be performed with the second terminal device 10a acting as a sensing transmitter and the first terminal device 10a acting as a sensing receiver. Furthermore, in response to a request from the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10a may perform self-sensing as a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver.

[0105] Alternatively, the terminal device 10a may act as a sensing initiator, and the JCAS device 10A may act as a sensing responder. In this case, in response to a request from the terminal device 10a, collaborative sensing may be performed with the terminal device 10a acting as a sensing transmitter and the JCAS device 10A acting as a sensing receiver. In addition, in response to a request from the terminal device 10a, collaborative sensing may be performed with the JCAS device 10A acting as a sensing transmitter and the terminal device 10a acting as a sensing receiver. Furthermore, in response to a request from the terminal device 10a, the JCAS device 10A may perform self-sensing as a sensing transmitter and sensing receiver.

[0106] For example, when the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal, it forms a beam for transmitting the sensing signal. Also, when the JCAS device 10A transmits a communication signal, it forms a beam for transmitting the communication signal. Hereinafter, a beam used for wireless communication will be referred to as a "communication beam," and a beam used for sensing will be referred to as a "sensing beam."

[0107] Different beams may be used for the sensing beam and the communication beam. Some of the beams may be used as sensing beams, and other beams may be used as communication beams. The sensing beam and the communication beam may be switched using an antenna port and an index.

[0108] Also, different antennas may be used for the antenna for transmitting the sensing signal and the antenna for transmitting the communication signal.

[0109] Furthermore, sensing resources used for transmitting sensing signals may be separated from communication resources used for transmitting communication signals in the time domain / frequency domain / code domain. For example, sensing resources may be separated from communication resources in the time domain. In this case, sensing resources and communication resources may be allocated separately, for example, by frame, subframe, slot, or other time unit of a radio frame, and may be allocated alternately at regular intervals.

[0110] The sensing resources may also be separated from the communication resources in the frequency domain, for example, by subcarrier, block, or other domain, in which case the sensing resources and the communication resources are allocated separately, for example, alternately for certain domains.

[0111] Furthermore, sensing resources may be separated from communication resources in the code domain, e.g., by subcarrier, block, or other domain, where sensing resources and communication resources are allocated separately, e.g., by different codes assigned to certain domains, e.g., alternately assigned to certain domains.

[0112] As described above, the transmission and reception of sensing signals and the transmission and reception of communication signals within the local network NW are separated, thereby reducing the possibility of mutual interference.

[0113] To identify the resources, a sensing ID may be assigned to the resources allocated as described above. The sensing ID is assigned to each of the resources allocated in any combination of the time domain, the frequency domain, and the code domain.

[0114] The sensing ID is an identifier that can identify the allocated resources. For example, a sequential number is assigned to each resource allocated in a combination of different slots and different frequencies, and the sensing ID corresponds to the assigned sequential number. Note that the sensing ID may be used interchangeably with the "resource ID" and the "sensing resource ID."

[0115] In this embodiment, a sensing ID that can identify a resource allocated for each sensing is assigned to the resource in any combination of the time domain, frequency domain, and code domain. In this way, when multiple sensing signals are transmitted, the possibility of interference occurring between the sensing signals can be reduced.

[0116] The sensing ID is assigned by the JCAS device 10A so that it is unique within the local network LN. The assigned sensing ID is notified to the terminal device 10a by the JCAS device 10A. The sensing ID may also be assigned by the JCAS device 10A in response to a request from the terminal device 10a. By notifying the terminal device 10a of the sensing ID, the terminal device 10a can identify the resources to use.

[0117] 1.5 Backscatter communication 1.5.1 Low power consumption equipment As described above, the terminal device 10a wirelessly communicates with the JCAS device 10A within the local network LN. The communication is performed using backscatter communication. Backscatter communication is a technology in which the transmitter itself does not emit radio waves but transmits communication signals by rapidly switching the impedance of the antenna. In backscatter communication, the terminal device 10a modulates the radio waves of the communication signal transmitted from the JCAS device, as well as radio waves from televisions, Wi-Fi, and other sources present in the environment, by reflecting or absorbing them from the antenna 105 to turn the radio waves on and off.

[0118] Backscatter communication does not require an amplifier on the transmitting side, so data can be transmitted with a power consumption of only a few tens of microwatts. In this way, the terminal device 10a can wirelessly communicate with the JCAS device 10A without having to emit radio waves, thereby achieving low power consumption.

[0119] Backscatter communication is communication that utilizes surrounding radio waves, and is therefore also called energy harvesting communication, power harvesting communication, energy scavenging communication, or ambient power communication.

[0120] The terminal device 10a performs wireless communication through backscatter communication and may therefore also be referred to as a backscatter device, a backscatter node, or a backscatter node. Alternatively, the terminal device 10a may also be referred to as an energy harvesting device (device, node), a power harvesting device (device, node), an energy scavenging device (device, node), or an ambient power device (device, node).

[0121] 1.5.2 Communication method In this embodiment, the terminal device 10a performs backscatter communication using radio waves transmitted from the JCAS device 10A. The JCAS device 10A transmits radio waves in accordance with a predetermined signal format.

[0122] The JCAS device 10A transmits a signal that repeats at a fixed cycle within a predetermined interval, for example, in a predetermined unit such as the ODFM symbol length or slot length. In the example shown in Figure 15, interval A corresponds to the slot length, and interval B corresponds to the subframe length. The units of intervals A and B are merely examples.

[0123] In the example shown in Figure 15, signals are alternately arranged in each slot within one subframe. The signal arrangement is also merely an example, and for example, consecutive signals may be arranged in a predetermined number of slots, or may be arranged randomly. In this way, the JCAS device 10A transmits a communication signal to the terminal device 10a according to a predetermined signal format.

[0124] The signal format described above applies to the communication signal transmitted by the JCAS device 10A, but may also be applied to the sensing signal, i.e., both the communication signal and the sensing signal transmitted by the JCAS device 10A adopt a common signal format.

[0125] When both the communication signal and the sensing signal adopt a common signal format, the terminal device 10a may distinguish between the communication signal and the sensing signal based on the sensing ID assigned to the sensing signal, for example, as described above. By adopting a common signal format, the configuration can be simplified.

[0126] Instead of both the communication signal and the sensing signal adopting a common signal format, the communication signal and the sensing signal may be separated in any one or any combination of the time domain, the frequency domain, and the code domain as described above. Also, the bandwidth of the communication signal and the bandwidth of the sensing signal may be different. In this way, mutual interference between the communication signal and the sensing signal can be reduced.

[0127] When the terminal device 10a receives a communication signal from the JCAS device 10A, it modulates the radio waves of the communication signal to turn them on or off by reflecting or absorbing them from the antenna 105. As shown in Figure 16, the reflected part represents on (1) and the absorbed part represents off (0).

[0128] The terminal device 10a transmits a modulated signal to the JCAS device 10A. The modulated signal to be transmitted is actually transmitted from the JCAS device 10A and transmitted by being reflected from the terminal device 10a. The JCAS device 10A performs propagation measurements for each section A and can estimate information bits from changes in the measurement results over section B.

[0129] As shown in Figure 17, for each section A, the signal strength peaks differ between the sections that reflect radio waves and the sections that absorb radio waves. Therefore, the JCAS device 10A can estimate sections with signal strengths above a predetermined threshold as ON, and sections with signal strengths above a predetermined threshold as OFF. In this way, the terminal device 10a can perform backscatter communication using the communication signal from the JCAS device 10A.

[0130] The terminal device 10a may perform backscatter communication using only the communication signal, or may perform backscatter communication using both the communication signal and the sensing signal. When performing backscatter communication using both the communication signal and the sensing signal, the terminal device 10a can perform more wireless communication with the JCAS device 10A with low power consumption.

[0131] For example, when terminal device 10a receives a sensing signal from JCAS device 10A and performs sensing by analyzing the sensing signal, terminal device 10a may modulate the sensing signal using the above-described procedure and transmit the sensing result to JCAS device 10A.

[0132] 1.6 Communication and Sensing in Local Networks As described above, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform communication and sensing within the local network LN. Communication in this embodiment includes, for example, sending and receiving a sensing request message and sensing results. The sensing procedure includes the sensing start procedure, the sensing execution procedure, and the procedure for reporting the sensing results described above. Hereinafter, the procedure for reporting the sensing results will be referred to as the "reporting procedure."

[0133] The processing performed by the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a, which will be described below in Figures 18 to 21, is performed by the control unit 110 and the transmitting unit 121 and receiving unit 122 of the communication unit 120. In addition, the processing performed by the JCAS device 10A is performed by the local processing unit 100b.

[0134] 1.6.1 Self-sensing (1) Self-sensing by terminal devices The procedure by which the terminal device 10a performs self-sensing in response to a request from the JCAS device 10A will be described with reference to Fig. 18. It is assumed that the JCAS device 10A has assigned a sensing ID.

[0135] In step S1801, the JCAS device 10A, as a sensing initiator, transmits a sensing request message to the terminal device 10a. The sensing request message may include a sensing ID.

[0136] In step S1802, the terminal device 10a, as a sensing responder, transmits an ACK message to the JCAS device 10A. The ACK message may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0137] In step S1803, the terminal device 10a identifies a corresponding sensing resource from the sensing ID included in the sensing request message, and executes self-sensing using the identified sensing resource.

[0138] In step S1804, the terminal device 10a transmits the sensing result to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing result may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves. In this way, the terminal device 10a executes a sensing procedure including self-sensing.

[0139] The communication performed between the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a shown in FIG. 18 is terminated at the JCAS device 10A. From this perspective, communication and self-sensing are performed within the local network LN. Note that a sensing ID is not necessarily assigned. If a sensing ID is not assigned, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform sensing using any resource. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

[0140] (2) Self-sensing by JCAS device With reference to FIG. 19, a procedure in which the JCAS device 10A performs self-sensing in response to a request from the terminal device 10a will be described.

[0141] In step S1901, the terminal device 10a, as a sensing initiator, transmits a sensing request message to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing request message may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0142] In step S1902, the JCAS device 10A, as a sensing responder, transmits an ACK message to the terminal device 10a.

[0143] In step S1903, the JCAS device 10A assigns a sensing ID in response to the sensing request message. Then, the JCAS device 10A identifies a corresponding sensing resource from the assigned sensing ID and performs self-sensing using the identified sensing resource.

[0144] In step S1904, the JCAS device 10A transmits the sensing result to the terminal device 10a. In this way, the JCAS device 10A executes a sensing procedure including self-sensing based on the sensing result. In the procedure shown in FIG. 19, communication and self-sensing are also executed within the local network LN.

[0145] 1.6.2 Cooperative Sensing (1) Cooperative sensing upon request from the JCAS device With reference to Figure 20, the procedure in which the JCAS device 10A requests the terminal device 10a to perform collaborative sensing, and the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform collaborative sensing, will be described. In the procedure shown in Figure 20, the JCAS device 10A acts as a sensing transmitter, and the terminal device 10a acts as a sensing receiver. The JCAS device 10A is assumed to have assigned a sensing ID.

[0146] In step S2001, the JCAS device 10A, as a sensing initiator, transmits a sensing request message to the terminal device 10a. The sensing request message may include a sensing ID.

[0147] In step S2002, the terminal device 10a, as a sensing responder, transmits an ACK message to the JCAS device 10A. The ACK message may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0148] In step S2003, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform collaborative sensing. In collaborative sensing, the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal using a sensing resource corresponding to the sensing ID. The terminal device 10a identifies a sensing resource from the sensing ID included in the sensing request message and receives the sensing signal using the identified sensing resource.

[0149] In step S2004, the terminal device 10a transmits the sensing results to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing results may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves. In this way, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform a sensing procedure including cooperative sensing.

[0150] 20 is terminated at the JCAS device 10 A. From this perspective, communication and cooperative sensing are performed within the local network LN.

[0151] In the procedure shown in Figure 20, the JCAS device 10A acts as a sensing transmitter and the terminal device 10a acts as a sensing receiver, but the terminal device 10a may also act as a sensing transmitter and the JCAS device 10A may also act as a sensing receiver.

[0152] In addition, two terminal devices 10a may perform cooperative sensing in response to a request from the JCAS device 10A. In this case, one of the two terminal devices 10a may act as a sensing transmitter, and the other of the two terminal devices 10a may act as a sensing receiver. The terminal device 10a functioning as a sensing receiver transmits sensing results to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing results may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0153] (2) Cooperative sensing based on requests from terminal devices 21, a procedure will be described in which the terminal device 10a requests the JCAS device 10A to perform collaborative sensing, and the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform collaborative sensing. In the procedure shown in FIG. 21, the JCAS device 10A serves as a sensing transmitter, and the terminal device 10a serves as a sensing receiver.

[0154] In step S2101, the terminal device 10a, as a sensing initiator, transmits a sensing request message to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing request message may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0155] In step S2102, the JCAS device 10A, as the sensing responder, transmits an ACK message to the terminal device 10a. The ACK message may include a sensing ID. The sensing ID is assigned by the JCAS device 10A in response to the sensing request message.

[0156] In step S2103, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform collaborative sensing. In collaborative sensing, the JCAS device 10A transmits a sensing signal using a sensing resource corresponding to the sensing ID. The terminal device 10a identifies a sensing resource from the sensing ID included in the ACK message and receives the sensing signal using the identified sensing resource.

[0157] In step S2104, the terminal device 10a transmits the sensing results to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing results may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves. In this way, the JCAS device 10A and the terminal device 10a perform a sensing procedure including cooperative sensing. In the procedure shown in FIG. 21, communication and cooperative sensing are also performed within the local network LN.

[0158] In the procedure shown in Figure 21, the JCAS device 10A acts as a sensing transmitter and the terminal device 10a acts as a sensing receiver, but the terminal device 10a may also act as a sensing transmitter and the JCAS device 10A may also act as a sensing receiver.

[0159] In addition, two terminal devices 10a may perform cooperative sensing in response to a request from the terminal device 10a. In this case, one of the two terminal devices 10a may act as a sensing transmitter, and the other of the two terminal devices 10a may act as a sensing receiver. The terminal device 10a functioning as a sensing receiver transmits sensing results to the JCAS device 10A. The sensing results may be communicated by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device 10A or surrounding radio waves.

[0160] The first embodiment has been described above. According to the first embodiment, a local network is formed and separated from a wide area network. In this way, communication and sensing are performed within the local area.

[0161] Furthermore, since communication from the terminal device to the JCAS device is performed by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device or surrounding radio waves, the terminal device can achieve low power consumption.

[0162] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the features described in the first embodiment, the JCAS device 10A is implemented by at least two devices or nodes.

[0163] It is assumed that within the local network LN, the JCAS device 10A will be under a very high load, for example, by performing sensing between a large number of terminal devices 10a. To deal with such a situation, in the second embodiment, a device that transmits sensing signals and / or communication signals is separated from a device that receives sensing signals and / or communication signals.

[0164] 2.1 Separation of Sensing TX and Sensing RX As shown in Figure 22, when a JCAS device 10A transmits and receives a sensing signal, one of the two JCAS devices 10A functions as a transmitter that transmits the sensing signal. Such a transmitter is called a sensing transmitter (TX). In addition, the other of the two JCAS devices 10A in this case functions as a receiver that receives the sensing signal. Such a transmitter is called a sensing receiver (RX). Hereinafter, a JCAS device 10A implemented as a sensing TX will be referred to as a sensing transmitter 10T, and a JCAS device 10A implemented as a sensing RX will be referred to as a sensing receiver 10R.

[0165] The sensing transmitter 10T transmits sensing signals to the terminal devices 10a and 10n. Hereinafter, the terminal devices 10a and 10n will be collectively referred to as the terminal device 10a. The sensing receiver 10R receives sensing signals reflected from the terminal device 10a and / or the detection target. In this case, the sensing receiver 10R analyzes the sensing signals, and the sensing results obtained by the analysis may be transmitted to the sensing transmitter 10T by the sensing receiver 10R.

[0166] 2.2.1 Separation of TX and RX in local network communications The sensing transmitter 10T may serve to communicate with the terminal device 10a and the sensing receiver 10R. On the other hand, the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the sensing transmitter 10T. In other words, only the sensing transmitter 10T serves to perform communication within the local network with the terminal device 10a.

[0167] In the above-described example, as shown in FIG. 23, the sensing transmitter 10T transmits a sensing signal to the terminal device 10a. The sensing transmitter 10T also exchanges messages such as sensing request messages with the terminal device 10a and receives sensing results and the like from the terminal device 10a. The communication signal from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. Optionally, the sensing transmitter 10T exchanges messages such as sensing request messages with the sensing receiver 10R and receives sensing results and the like from the sensing receiver 10R.

[0168] Furthermore, the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the terminal device 10a and the sensing transmitter 10T. On the other hand, the sensing transmitter 10T may serve to communicate with the sensing receiver 10R. In other words, only the sensing receiver 10R serves to perform communication within the local network with the terminal device 10a.

[0169] In the above-described example, as shown in FIG. 24, the sensing receiver 10R receives a sensing signal reflected from the terminal device 10a. The sensing receiver 10R also exchanges messages such as a sensing request message with the terminal device 10a and receives sensing results and the like from the terminal device 10a. The communication signal from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. Optionally, the sensing receiver 10R exchanges messages such as a sensing request message with the sensing transmitter 10T.

[0170] Furthermore, each of the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the terminal device 10a and to communicate with each other. That is, both the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R serve to perform communication within the local network with the terminal device 10a. The sensing transmitter 10T serves to transmit communication signals to the terminal device 10a, and the sensing receiver 10R serves to receive communication signals from the terminal device 10a.

[0171] In the above-described example, as shown in FIG. 25, the sensing transmitter 10T transmits a sensing signal to the terminal device 10a. The sensing transmitter 10T also transmits a message, such as a sensing request message, to the terminal device 10a. Meanwhile, the sensing receiver 10R receives a message, such as a sensing request message, and a sensing result from the terminal device 10a. The communication signal from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. Optionally, the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R exchange messages, such as a sensing request message, with the sensing transmitter 10T transmitting a sensing signal and the sensing receiver 10R receiving the sensing signal.

[0172] All of the configurations shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 distribute the load between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R for the function of the local processing unit 100b of the JCAS device 10A. To distribute the load more evenly, the configurations shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 may be switched at regular time intervals. That is, one of the configurations shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 is selectively executed at regular time intervals. In this case, messages are exchanged between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R to notify the switching timing and to synchronize with each other. For example, the configurations shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 correspond to first to third modes, and the first to third modes may be switched between sequentially or randomly at regular time intervals.

[0173] Alternatively, the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R may be switched between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode depending on the loads of the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned messages, information indicating the load status is exchanged between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R. Alternatively, an arbitrator (not shown) may be provided that instructs switching between the first mode, the third mode, and the third mode depending on the loads of the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R.

[0174] 2.2.2 Separation of TX and RX in wide area network communications The sensing transmitter 10T may serve to communicate with the base station device 20 and to communicate with the sensing receiver 10R. On the other hand, the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the sensing transmitter 10T. In other words, only the sensing transmitter 10T serves to perform communication with the base station device 20 within the wide area network.

[0175] In the above example, the sensing transmitter 10T plays a role of relaying with the external network. For example, when receiving a signal instructing to perform sensing from the external network, the sensing transmitter 10T controls the sensing receiver 10R as a sensing initiator. In addition, data to be transmitted to the external network within the local network LN, such as sensing results, is aggregated in the sensing transmitter 10T.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 26, the sensing transmitter 10T receives a communication signal from the base station device 20. The sensing transmitter 10T also receives communication signals such as sensing results from the terminal device 10a and / or the sensing receiver 10R, that is, aggregates the communication signals within the local network LN. The communication signal from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. The sensing transmitter 10T then transmits the aggregated communication signal to the base station device 20.

[0177] Furthermore, the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the base station device 20 and the sensing transmitter 10T. On the other hand, the sensing transmitter 10T may serve to communicate with the sensing receiver 10R. In other words, only the sensing receiver 10R serves to perform communication with the base station device 20 within the wide area network.

[0178] In the above example, the sensing receiver 10R plays a role of relaying with the external network. For example, when receiving a signal instructing to perform sensing from the external network, the sensing receiver 10R controls the sensing transmitter 10T as a sensing initiator. Furthermore, data to be transmitted to the external network within the local network LN, such as sensing results, is aggregated in the sensing receiver 10R.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 27, the sensing receiver 10R receives communication signals from the base station device 20. The sensing receiver 10R also receives communication signals such as sensing results from the terminal device 10a, that is, aggregates the communication signals within the local network LN. The communication signals from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. The sensing receiver 10R then transmits the aggregated communication signals to the base station device 20.

[0180] Furthermore, each of the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R may serve to communicate with the base station device 20 and to communicate with each other. That is, both the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R serve to perform communication within the wide area network with the base station device 20. The sensing transmitter 10T serves to transmit a communication signal to the base station device 20, and the sensing receiver 10R serves to receive a communication signal from the base station device 20.

[0181] In the above example, the sensing transmitter 10T plays a role in transmitting communication data aggregated within the local network to an external network. The sensing receiver 10R plays a role in receiving communication signals from the external network. For example, when receiving a signal instructing to perform sensing from the external network, the sensing receiver 10R controls the sensing transmitter 10T as a sensing initiator. Furthermore, data to be transmitted to the external network within the local network LN, such as sensing results, is aggregated in the sensing transmitter 10T.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 28, the sensing receiver 10R receives communication signals from the base station device 20. The sensing transmitter 10T receives communication signals such as sensing results from the terminal device 10a and / or the sensing receiver 10R, that is, aggregates the communication signals within the local network LN. The communication signals from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitter 10T / sensing receiver 10R or ambient radio waves. The sensing transmitter 10T then transmits the aggregated communication signals to the base station device 20.

[0183] All of the configurations shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 distribute the load between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R for the functions of the wide area network communication unit 100a and the base station unit 100c of the JCAS device 10A. To distribute the load more evenly, the configurations shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 may be switched at regular time intervals. That is, one of the configurations shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 is selectively executed at regular time intervals. In this case, messages are exchanged between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R to notify the switching timing and to synchronize with each other. For example, the configurations shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 correspond to the fourth to sixth modes, and the fourth to sixth modes may be switched between sequentially or randomly at regular time intervals.

[0184] Furthermore, the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R may be switched between the fourth to sixth modes depending on the respective loads thereof. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned messages, information indicating the load status is exchanged between the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R. Alternatively, an arbitrator (not shown) may be provided that instructs switching between the fourth to sixth modes depending on the respective loads thereof.

[0185] Furthermore, the first to third modes described in Figures 23 to 25 and the fourth to sixth modes described in Figures 26 to 28 may be switched in any combination. For example, when the first mode described in Figure 23 is combined with the fourth mode described in Figure 26, both the local network communication with the terminal device 10a and the wide area network communication with the base station device 20 are performed by the sensing transmitter 10T. The mode combinations may also be switched in various combination patterns at regular time intervals or according to the respective loads of the sensing transmitter 10T and the sensing receiver 10R.

[0186] 2.2.3 Multi-TX and Multi-RX In addition to the above example, multiple sensing transmitters may be provided to reduce the load on the JCAS device 10A. As shown in FIG. 29, two sensing transmitters 10Ta and 10Tb and one sensing receiver 10R may be provided within the local network LN. In this case, communication between the terminal device 10a and the base station device 20 may be performed by one or both of the two sensing transmitters 10Ta and 10Tb. A communication signal from the terminal device 10a may be transmitted by backscatter communication using radio waves from the sensing transmitters 10Ta and 10Tb or ambient radio waves.

[0187] Also, as shown in Fig. 30, a sensing transceiver may be provided in the local network LN that switches between a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver depending on the situation. As shown in Fig. 30, one sensing transmitter 10T and one or both of two sensing transceivers 10TRa and TRb are switched between a mode in which they function as a sensing transmitter and a mode in which they function as a sensing receiver. The modes may be switched at regular time intervals or according to the respective loads.

[0188] The second embodiment has been described above. According to the second embodiment, a local network is formed and the JCAS transmitter and receiver are separated. In this way, communication and sensing are performed within the local area and the load on the JCAS device is distributed.

[0189] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, communication from the terminal device to the JCAS device is performed by backscatter communication using radio waves from the JCAS device or surrounding radio waves, thereby enabling the terminal device to achieve low power consumption.

[0190] 3. Variations Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and that various modifications are possible.

[0191] The words, phrases, and other expressions used in the above embodiments are merely examples and may be replaced with substantially identical or similar expressions. In particular, since the technology according to the above embodiments relates to technical specifications, the expressions in the above embodiments may be replaced with substantially identical or similar expressions in technical specifications (e.g., technical specifications cited in this specification).

[0192] The information transmitted and received in the above embodiment may be contained in the same or a different message or element already described in the technical specifications, or may be contained in a newly defined message or element. The information transmitted and received in the above embodiment may be transmitted and received using a different layer and / or a different channel than those in the above embodiment.

[0193] The means and / or functions provided by the devices described in the above embodiments can be provided by software recorded in a tangible memory device and a computer that executes the software, software alone, hardware alone, or a combination thereof. For example, if any of the above devices is provided by electronic circuits that are hardware, it can be provided by digital circuits including a large number of logic circuits, or analog circuits.

[0194] The device described in the above embodiment executes a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium, and the execution of the program results in the execution of a method corresponding to the program.

[0195] 4. Notes Some or all of the above embodiments and modified examples may be described as, but are not limited to, the following notes. Hereinafter, a relationship is expressed in which a note that is subordinate to multiple notes is subordinate to another note that is subordinate to multiple notes. All of the following subordinate relationships of notes are included in the above embodiments.

[0196] (Appendix 1) A device (10A) for performing communication and sensing, Execute sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; A device comprising a control unit and a communication unit configured as above.

[0197] (Appendix 2) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the communication signal to the terminal device in a predetermined signal format.

[0198] (Appendix 3) 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are configured to transmit the sensing signal and the communication signal to the terminal device in the same predetermined signal format.

[0199] (Appendix 4) The device described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are configured to separate and transmit the sensing signal and the communication signal to the terminal device in any one or any combination of a time domain, a frequency domain, and a code domain.

[0200] (Appendix 5) the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to exchange control signals with a base station device (20) and / or a core network (30); Mobility of the device is managed by the core network by exchanging the control signals. 5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0201] (Appendix 6) 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to terminate communication with the terminal device.

[0202] (Appendix 7) The device described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to aggregate communications with the terminal device and transmit the aggregated communications to the base station device.

[0203] (Appendix 8) 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the aggregated communications to the base station device at regular time intervals.

[0204] (Appendix 9) 8. The device described in Supplementary Note 7, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the aggregated communication to the base station device in response to a request from the terminal device.

[0205] (Appendix 10) 10. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a transmission method of communication signals used within the local network is different from a transmission method of communication signals used for communication with the base station device.

[0206] (Appendix 11) 11. The device of claim 5, wherein a radio access technology (RAT) used within the local network is different from a RAT used for communication with the base station device.

[0207] (Appendix 12) The control unit and the communication unit Sending a message to the terminal device requesting that sensing be performed; receiving a sensing result from the terminal device; 12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, further configured to:

[0208] (Appendix 13) 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sensing is self-sensing performed by the terminal device.

[0209] (Appendix 14) 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sensing is collaborative sensing performed by the apparatus and the terminal device.

[0210] (Appendix 15) the terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device; 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sensing is collaborative sensing performed by the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0211] (Appendix 16) The control unit and the communication unit receiving a message from the terminal device requesting that sensing be performed; performing the sensing in response to receiving the message; 12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, further configured to:

[0212] (Appendix 17) 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sensing is self-sensing performed by the apparatus.

[0213] (Appendix 18) 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sensing is collaborative sensing performed by the apparatus and the terminal device.

[0214] (Appendix 19) the terminal devices include a first terminal device and a second terminal device; the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to receive the message requesting the execution of the sensing from the first terminal device; The sensing is collaborative sensing performed by the device and the second terminal device. 17. The apparatus of claim 16.

[0215] (Appendix 20) The apparatus includes a first apparatus (10T) and a second apparatus (10R), the first device is configured to transmit the sensing signal; the second device is configured to receive the sensing signal; 20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19.

[0216] (Appendix 21) 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first device is further configured to exchange the communication signals with the terminal device within the local network.

[0217] (Appendix 22) 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the second device is further configured to exchange the communication signals with the terminal device within the local network.

[0218] (Appendix 23) the first device is further configured to transmit the communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; the second device is further configured to receive the communication signal from the terminal device within the local network. 21. The apparatus of claim 20.

[0219] (Appendix 24) said first device exchanging said communication signals with said terminal device; said second device exchanging said communication signals with said terminal device; the first device transmitting the communication signal to the terminal device and the second device receiving the communication signal from the terminal device; is selectively executed at regular time intervals, 24. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 23.

[0220] (Appendix 25) said first device exchanging said communication signals with said terminal device; said second device exchanging said communication signals with said terminal device; the first device transmitting the communication signal to the terminal device and the second device receiving the communication signal from the terminal device; is selectively executed depending on a load of the first device and a load of the second device. 24. The apparatus of any one of claims 20 to 23.

[0221] (Appendix 26) 26. The apparatus of any one of Supplementary claims 20 to 25, wherein the first device is further configured to exchange communication signals with the base station device.

[0222] (Appendix 27) 26. The apparatus of any one of Supplementary claims 20 to 25, wherein the second device is further configured to exchange communication signals with the base station device.

[0223] (Appendix 28) the first device is further configured to transmit a communication signal to the base station device; the second device is further configured to receive a communication signal from the base station device. 26. The apparatus of any one of clauses 20 to 25.

[0224] (Appendix 29) the first device exchanging communication signals with the base station device; the second device exchanging communication signals with the base station device; the first device transmitting a communication signal to the base station device and the second device receiving a communication signal from the base station device; is selectively executed at regular time intervals, 30. The apparatus of any one of clauses 20 to 29.

[0225] (Appendix 30) the first device exchanging communication signals with the base station device; the second device exchanging communication signals with the base station device; the first device transmitting a communication signal to the base station device and the second device receiving a communication signal from the base station device; is selectively executed depending on a load of the first device and a load of the second device. 30. The apparatus of any one of clauses 20 to 29.

[0226] (Appendix 31) The device includes a first device (10TRa) and a second device (10TRb), the first device is configured to switch between transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the sensing signal at regular time intervals; The second device is configured to switch between transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the sensing signal at regular time intervals. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 30.

[0227] (Appendix 32) The device includes a first device (10TRa) and a second device (10TRb), the first device is configured to switch between transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the sensing signal according to a load of the first device and a load of the second device; The second device is configured to switch between transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the sensing signal depending on a load of the first device and a load of the second device. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 30.

[0228] (Appendix 33) A method performed by a communication and sensing device (10A), comprising: performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; A method comprising:

[0229] (Appendix 34) When executed, the processor (101) in the communication and sensing device (10A) performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; A program that executes.

[0230] (Appendix 35) When executed, the processor (101) in the communication and sensing device (10A) performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; Execute A computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium storing a program.

[0231] (Appendix 36) A terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing, performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A device comprising a control unit and a communication unit configured as above.

[0232] (Appendix 37) A method performed by a terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing, comprising: performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A method comprising:

[0233] (Appendix 38) When executed, the processor (101) in the terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing performs the following: performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A program that executes.

[0234] (Appendix 39) When executed, the processor (101) in the terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing performs the following: performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium storing a program for executing the above.

[0235] The disclosures of the above prior art documents and references are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 10 terminal device, 10A JCAS device, 10a terminal device, 101 processor, 102 memory, 104 transceiver, 110 control unit, 120 communication unit, 20 base station device, 201 processor, 202 memory, 204 transceiver, 210 control unit, 220 communication unit, 230 network communication unit

Claims

1. A device (10A) for performing communication and sensing, comprising: Execute sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; A device comprising a control unit and a communication unit configured as above.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the communication signal to the terminal device in a predetermined signal format.

3. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are configured to transmit the sensing signal and the communication signal to the terminal device in the same predetermined signal format.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit and the communication unit are configured to separate and transmit the sensing signal and the communication signal to the terminal device in any one or any combination of a time domain, a frequency domain, and a code domain.

5. The control unit and the communication unit are further configured to exchange control signals with a base station device (20) and / or a core network (30); Mobility of the device is managed by the core network by exchanging the control signals.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to terminate communication with the terminal device.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to aggregate communications with the terminal devices and transmit the aggregated communications to the base station device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the aggregated communication to the base station apparatus at regular time intervals.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the control unit and the communication unit are further configured to transmit the aggregated communication to the base station apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

10. The device according to claim 5 , wherein a transmission method of communication signals used within the local network is different from a transmission method of communication signals used for communication with the base station device.

11. The device of claim 5 , wherein a radio access technology (RAT) used within the local network is different from a RAT used for communication with the base station device.

12. A method performed by a communication and sensing device (10A), comprising: Executing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with a terminal device (10a) within the local network; transmitting a communication signal to the terminal device within the local network; receiving, within the local network, the communication signal reflected from the terminal device, the reflected communication signal being modulated by the terminal device; A method comprising:

13. A terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing, performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A device comprising a control unit and a communication unit configured as above.

14. A method performed by a terminal device (10a) that performs communication and sensing, comprising: performing sensing by exchanging sensing signals with another device (10A) within the local network; receiving a communication signal from the other device within the local network; modulating the communication signal within the local network and transmitting the modulated signal to the other device, the modulated signal being reflected from the device and transmitted to the other device; A method comprising:

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