Communication device, communication method, and communication system

Abstract

This communication device comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring, from other communication devices, information related to a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources; and a determination unit for determining, on the basis of the information related to the second resource, a signal processing parameter that includes information related to at least one of the modulation scheme, the encoding method, and the layer count that are applied to each of the first resources.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] As communication demand increases due to advances in communication technology, the depletion of radio wave resources has become a problem. In recent years, various use cases using next-generation radio access technologies (RATs) such as New Radio (NR) have been proposed, and efficient use of frequencies has become important in order to ensure sufficient resources for each system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-157695 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-99091 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In 3GPP, predetermined values ​​corresponding to predetermined wireless quality are defined for the modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers. In conventional technologies, a common modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers are used for multiple wireless resources (e.g., multiple resource blocks and multiple RBGs (Resource Block Groups)) multiplexed in time. However, since wireless quality can vary over time, if a common modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers is used for multiple wireless resources, values ​​that fully take wireless quality into consideration cannot be used, and a modulation method with low spectral efficiency may be applied even to frequency bands where a modulation method with high spectral efficiency can be used. In this case, the spectral efficiency decreases more than necessary.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a communication device, a communication method, and a communication system that enable efficient use of frequencies.

[0006] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a second resource consisting of a plurality of first resources from another communication device, and a determination unit that determines, based on the information regarding the second resources, signal processing parameters that are applied to each of the first resources and that include information regarding at least one of a modulation scheme, an encoding method, and the number of layers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of an MCS table for PDSCH defined in NR. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between propagation channels and radio resource allocation. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between propagation channels and radio resource allocation. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a relay station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a configuration example of a calculation unit of a base station. [Figure 9] 10 is a configuration example of a calculation unit of a terminal device. [Figure 10A] 10 is an example of setting the order of the modulation scheme, the code rate, and the number of layers. [Figure 10B] 10 is an example of setting the order of the modulation scheme, the code rate, and the number of layers. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transmission process of a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a receiving process of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a receiving process of a terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a receiving process of a terminal device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a receiving process of a terminal device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between mobility and propagation channels. [Figure 16B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between mobility and propagation channels. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transmission process of a base station according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers after the same reference symbol. For example, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as necessary, such as terminal devices 401, 402, and 403. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference symbol is used. For example, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between terminal devices 401, 402, and 403, they will simply be referred to as terminal device 40.

[0011] One or more embodiments (including examples and modifications) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from one another. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects.

[0012] The present disclosure will be described in the following order. 1. Overview 2.Communication System Configuration 2-1. Overall configuration of the communication system 2-2. Management device configuration 2-3. Base station configuration 2-4. Relay station configuration 2-5. Terminal device configuration 3. Example of the calculation unit configuration 3-1. Example of base station calculation unit configuration 3-2. Example of the configuration of the terminal device's calculation unit 4. Processing of this embodiment 4-1. Processing Overview 4-2. First Example 4-3. Second Example 4-4.Third Example 4-5. Fourth Example 4-6. Fifth Example 5. Variations 6. Conclusion

[0013] <<1. Overview>> <1-1. Overview of the issue> Radio access technologies (RATs) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and NR (New Radio) are being studied by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). LTE and NR are types of cellular communication technologies that enable mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple base station coverage areas in the form of cells. In this case, a single base station may manage multiple cells.

[0014] In the following description, "LTE" includes LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro (LTE-Advanced Pro), and E-UTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access). NR includes NRAT (New Radio Access Technology) and FE-UTRA (Further E-UTRA). A single base station may manage multiple cells. In the following description, a cell compatible with LTE is referred to as an LTE cell, and a cell compatible with NR is referred to as an NR cell.

[0015] NR is the radio access technology (RAT) for the next generation (5th generation: 5G) after LTE. NR is a radio access technology that can support various use cases, including eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), and URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications). NR is being studied with the aim of creating a technical framework that can accommodate the usage scenarios, requirements, and deployment scenarios of these use cases. 5G is expected to utilize millimeter wave bands, which can ensure wide bandwidth. 5G is also expected to be used in vertical industries other than telecommunications, such as manufacturing, and further enhancements are expected in terms of ultra-high speed, low latency, and high reliability.

[0016] With 5G's ultra-high speed, low latency, high reliability, and multiple simultaneous connections, it is expected that 4K and 8K video transmissions will be possible. Going forward, beyond 5G and even towards 6G, further improvements in these features are expected, and operation in the terahertz band, which can secure a wider bandwidth, is also being considered.

[0017] Although more frequency resources are allocated to each UE (User Equipment), more efficient use of frequencies is essential to further improve the characteristics of ultra-high speed, low latency, high reliability, and multiple simultaneous connections. However, conventional methods do not necessarily achieve more efficient use of frequencies.

[0018] To further improve the efficiency of frequency utilization, it is possible to change the signal processing method (e.g., modulation method, coding) according to the state of the propagation channel. For example, conventional technology allows for changing the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) in units of TB (Transport Block). However, with this method, if the reception quality varies significantly within the frequency resources allocated to one TB, the base station is forced to select an MCS that matches the portion of the frequency resource with poor reception quality, even though there is room to apply an MCS with high frequency utilization efficiency. This results in a decrease in frequency utilization efficiency.

[0019] In conventional technology, MCS is signaled by DCI (Downlink Control Information) via PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel). In one DCI, MCS is signaled as one piece of information about TBs corresponding to up to two codewords. In other words, only the MCS that is applied to each TB is signaled. If more frequency resources are allocated and multiple MCSs are applied according to the reception quality within the allocated frequency resources, there is a concern that the overhead of information signaled by DCI will increase.

[0020] <1-2. Details of the assignment> The above problems will be explained in more detail below.

[0021] The PDSCH (Physical downlink shared channel) is a physical channel for transmitting user data (downlink data) in the downlink. The PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) is a physical channel for transmitting control information in the downlink, for example, for scheduling the PDSCH downlink data.

[0022] DCI (Downlink Control Information) is transmitted via a PDCCH and is used to dynamically or semi-persistently allocate radio resources. For example, in DCI format 1_1, which is used to dynamically allocate radio resources, a Bandwidth part indicator, a Frequency domain resource assignment, a Time domain resource assignment, CBGTI (CBG transmission information), Antenna port(s), an MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme), a New data indicator, and an RV (Redundancy Version) for Transport block 1, an MCS, a New data indicator, and an RV for Transport block 2, etc. are notified.

[0023] In NR (New Radio), the general term for the radio part of 5G, the bandwidth per carrier (component carrier) will be wider, so a mechanism called BWP (BandWidth Part) has been introduced to enable UEs that only support narrow bandwidths to communicate via that carrier. One or more BWPs can be configured for a component carrier, but only one BWP can be active at a time.

[0024] The Bandwidth part indicator is used to notify the UE of the BWP-Id in order to identify one BWP from among multiple BWPs that are set.

[0025] Frequency domain resource assignment is used to notify information about resource allocation in the frequency domain. There are two types of resource allocation: resource allocation type 0 and resource allocation type 1.

[0026] In Resource allocation type 0, bitmap information indicating the RBG (Resource Block Group) allocated to the UE is notified. Here, an RBG is a set of contiguous RBs (Resource Blocks) and is defined by rbg-Size, a higher layer parameter set by the PDSCH-Config and the size of the BWP.

[0027] In Resource allocation type 1, the RB that is the starting RB of the consecutive RBs allocated to the UE Start RIV (Resource Indication Value) and RB length L RBs will be notified.

[0028] The time domain resource assignment notifies information about resource allocation in the time domain. This resource allocation information is 4-bit information indicating one of the columns in a look-up table. In other words, one of the 16 columns is notified to the UE. Based on the specified column in the look-up table, the UE obtains information about the slot offset K0, SLIV (Start and Length Indicator Value), or the starting symbol S, allocation length L, and PDSCH mapping type parameters.

[0029] The UE is configured to receive code block-based transmission data from the base station by receiving the higher layer parameter codeBlockGroupTransmission for PDSCH. In 5G NR, large-sized transport blocks (TBs) are divided into small code blocks (CBs), which are then further grouped into code block groups (CBGs). The UE can decode the CBGs and return a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for each CBG, allowing the base station to retransmit data in small CBG units rather than in large TB units.

[0030] CBGTI is N TB It consists of a bit length of N bits, where N TB is the value of the upper layer parameter maxNrofCodeWordsScheduledByDCI. TB If is 2, the bits of the CBGTI field are assigned such that the first set of N bits, starting from the most significant bit (MSB), corresponds to the first TB, and the second set of N bits corresponds to the second TB.

[0031] The first M bits of each set of N bits in the CBGTI field have a one-to-one correspondence in order with the M CBGs of the TB, where the MSB corresponds to CBG#0. At the first transmission of the TB indicated in the New Data Indicator field of the DCI, the UE considers all CBGs of the TB to be present.

[0032] For a retransmission of a TB indicated by the New Data Indicator field of the DCI, the UE considers the CBGTI field of the DCI to indicate which CBG of the TB is included in the transmitted data. For example, the UE considers that if a bit of the CBGTI field is "0", the corresponding CBG has not been transmitted, or if a bit is "1", the corresponding CBG has been transmitted and this CBG contains the same CBG as the initial transmission of the TB.

[0033] The Antenna port(s) notifies the UE of information for identifying the antenna port and the number of layers. The UE identifies the table to look up based on the bit field length of the notified information and two RRC (Radio Resource Control) parameters, dmrs-Type and maxLength, related to the DMRS (DeModulation Reference Signal), and can then identify the antenna port and the number of layers from the DMRS port(s) in the lookup table based on the information notified as the Antenna port(s).

[0034] The UE also considers that the complex-valued modulation symbols for each transmitted codeword are mapped to one or more of a maximum of eight layers. For layers 1 to 4, one codeword is mapped to each layer, and for layers 5 to 8, two codewords are mapped to each layer. Here, one MCS is applied to each codeword. The MCS applied to each codeword is notified to the UE as the MCS for Transport block 1 and the MCS for Transport block 2 included in DCI format 1_1.

[0035] Like LTE, NR employs adaptive modulation and coding (ADAC), a technique known for improving spectral efficiency by applying the optimal modulation and coding scheme according to dynamic channel conditions. NR defines 32 combinations of modulation and coding schemes as MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme).

[0036] Figure 1 shows an example of an MCS table for PDSCH defined in NR. The MCS table shown in Figure 1 defines combinations of modulation schemes and coding. Each combination of modulation scheme and coding can be identified by an MCS index. For radio resources with poor channel conditions, the base station applies an MCS corresponding to a smaller index, i.e., a lower-order modulation scheme and a lower code rate. On the other hand, for radio resources with good channel conditions, the base station applies an MCS corresponding to a larger index, i.e., a higher-order modulation scheme and a higher code rate. This achieves a trade-off between reducing transmission errors and improving frequency utilization efficiency.

[0037] TBS (Transport Block Size) is the order of the MCS (i.e., modulation method (Q m ), code rate (R), and number of layers (v). The base station allocates the required number of RBs (Resource Blocks) as radio resources for transmitting this TBS data to the UE. As described above, information related to the RB allocation is notified to the UE by the frequency domain resource assignment and time domain resource assignment of the DCI. In other words, one MCS is applied to the RBs allocated to the UE by one DCI on a codeword basis.

[0038] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between a propagation channel and radio resource allocation. FIG. 2A shows an example in which the UE's operating band is narrow, while FIG. 2B shows an example in which the UE's operating band is wide. Here, the UE's operating band is the system band or the band of an active BWP. If a wider operating band is set for the UE, the base station can allocate a wider-band RBG to transmit more data. The propagation channel can be considered as the characteristics of the received S / N ratio at each frequency across the frequency range.

[0039] When multiplexing multiple UEs, a base station determines the allocation of radio resources to each UE by taking into consideration the different propagation channels for each UE. More specifically, the base station allocates to each UE an RBG (Resource Block Group) located in a frequency region with the best possible propagation channel. For example, in the case of FIG. 2A, the base station allocates an RBG consisting of two resources to the UE, and in the case of FIG. 2B, the base station allocates an RBG consisting of three resources to the UE. Note that the hatched blocks in FIGS. 2A and 2B each indicate resources consisting of consecutive REs (Resource Elements).

[0040] As described above, in the case of FIG. 2A, the RBG bandwidth is relatively narrow. Therefore, the change in the received S / N ratio of the REs within the RBG is small. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 2B, the RBG bandwidth is relatively wide. Therefore, the change in the received S / N ratio of the REs within the RBG is large. Therefore, when one MCS is assigned to an RBG, the MCS is determined according to the RE with the worst S / N ratio within the RBG bandwidth, which means that in the case of FIG. 2B, the spectral efficiency of other REs with good S / N ratios is sacrificed.

[0041] <1-3. Solution> Therefore, in this embodiment, the signal processing method (e.g., modulation method, coding) can be changed in any unit according to the reception quality that changes within the frequency resource. For example, in conventional technology, MCS is applied in units of TB (Transport Block), but this can be set in units smaller than TB. As a result, even if the reception quality changes significantly within the frequency resource allocated to one TB, the MCS can be changed in units smaller than TB, thereby realizing even more efficient use of frequencies.

[0042] The outline of this embodiment has been described above, and the communication system according to this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0043] <<2. Communication System Configuration>> The configuration of the communication system 1 will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] <2-1. Overall configuration of the communication system> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 1 includes a management device 10, a base station 20, a relay station 30, and a terminal device 40. The communication system 1 provides users with a wireless network that enables mobile communication by having the wireless communication devices that make up the communication system 1 operate in cooperation with each other. The wireless network of this embodiment is composed of, for example, a wireless access network and a core network. Note that in this embodiment, a wireless communication device refers to a device that has a wireless communication function, and in the example of FIG. 3, this corresponds to the base station 20, the relay station 30, and the terminal device 40.

[0045] The communication system 1 may include a plurality of management devices 10, base stations 20, relay stations 30, and terminal devices 40. In the example of Fig. 3, the communication system 1 includes management devices 101, 102, etc. as the management devices 10, and base stations 201, 202, etc. as the base stations 20. The communication system 1 also includes relay stations 301, 302, etc. as the relay stations 30, and terminal devices 401, 402, 403, etc. as the terminal devices 40.

[0046] The devices in the diagram may be considered devices in the logical sense, i.e., some of the devices in the diagram may be realized as virtual machines (VMs), containers, Dockers, etc., and these may be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0047] The communication system 1 may be compatible with radio access technologies (RATs) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and NR (New Radio). LTE and NR are types of cellular communication technologies that enable mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells.

[0048] The radio access method used by the communication system 1 is not limited to LTE or NR, and may be other radio access methods such as W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000).

[0049] Furthermore, the base stations or relay stations that make up the communication system 1 may be terrestrial stations or non-terrestrial stations. The non-terrestrial stations may be satellite stations or aircraft stations. If the non-terrestrial stations are satellite stations, the communication system 1 may be a bent-pipe (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0050] In this embodiment, a terrestrial station (also referred to as a terrestrial base station) refers to a base station (including a relay station) installed on the ground. Here, "terrestrial" has a broad meaning, including not only land but also underground, on water, and underwater. In the following description, the term "terrestrial station" may be replaced with "gateway."

[0051] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. Also, an NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. Also, in LTE and NR, a terminal device (also referred to as a mobile station or terminal) may be referred to as UE (User Equipment). Note that a terminal device is a type of communication device and is also referred to as a mobile station or terminal.

[0052] In this embodiment, the concept of a communication device includes not only portable mobile devices (terminal devices) such as mobile terminals, but also devices installed in structures or mobile bodies. The structures or mobile bodies themselves may be considered as communication devices. Furthermore, the concept of a communication device includes not only terminal devices, but also base stations and relay stations. A communication device is a type of processing device and information processing device. Furthermore, a communication device can be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0053] The following describes in detail the configuration of each device that makes up the communication system 1. Note that the configuration of each device shown below is merely an example. The configuration of each device may be different from the configuration shown below.

[0054] <2-2. Management device configuration> Next, the configuration of the management device 10 will be described.

[0055] The management device 10 is a device that manages a wireless network. For example, the management device 10 is a device that manages communication of a base station 20. If the core network is an EPC (Evolved Packet Core), the management device 10 is a device that has, for example, a function as an MME (Mobility Management Entity). If the core network is a 5GC (5G Core network), the management device 10 is a device that has, for example, a function as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and / or an SMF (Session Management Function). Of course, the functions of the management device 10 are not limited to the MME, AMF, and SMF. For example, if the core network is a 5GC, the management device 10 may be a device that has functions as an NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), an AUSF (Authentication Server Function), and a UDM (Unified Data Management). Alternatively, the management device 10 may be a device that has functions as an HSS (Home Subscriber Server).

[0056] The management device 10 may have a gateway function. For example, if the core network is EPC, the management device 10 may have a function as an S-GW (Serving Gateway) or a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway). Also, if the core network is 5GC, the management device 10 may have a function as a UPF (User Plane Function).

[0057] The core network is composed of multiple network functions, and each network function may be aggregated in one physical device or distributed across multiple physical devices. In other words, the management device 10 may be distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, this distributed distribution may be controlled so that it is executed dynamically. The base station 20 and the management device 10 form a single network, providing wireless communication services to terminal devices 40. The management device 10 is connected to the Internet, and the terminal devices 40 can use various services provided over the Internet via the base station 20.

[0058] Note that management device 10 does not necessarily have to be a device that constitutes a core network. For example, assume that the core network is a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000) core network. In this case, management device 10 may be a device that functions as an RNC (Radio Network Controller).

[0059] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different. Furthermore, the functions of the management device 10 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. For example, the management device 10 may be configured by multiple server devices.

[0060] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 11 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 11 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured by a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. The communication unit 11 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 functions as a communication means of the management device 10. The communication unit 11 communicates with the base station 20, etc., under the control of the control unit 13.

[0061] The storage unit 12 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage means of the management device 10. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, the connection state of the terminal device 40. For example, the storage unit 12 stores the state of the radio resource control (RRC) of the terminal device 40, the EPS connection management (ECM), or the 5G system connection management (CM). The storage unit 12 may function as a home memory that stores location information of the terminal device 40.

[0062] The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each unit of the management device 10. The control unit 13 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 13 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 10 using RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 13 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0063] <2-3. Base station configuration> Next, the configuration of the base station 20 will be described.

[0064] The base station 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 40. The base station 20 may be configured to perform wireless communication with the terminal device 40 via a relay station 30, or may be configured to perform wireless communication directly with the terminal device 40.

[0065] The base station 20 is a type of communication device. More specifically, the base station 20 is a device equivalent to a wireless base station (such as a base station, Node B, eNB, or gNB) or a wireless access point. The base station 20 may be a wireless relay station. Alternatively, the base station 20 may be an optical extension device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). Alternatively, the base station 20 may be a receiving station such as an FPU (Field Pickup Unit). Alternatively, the base station 20 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) donor node or an IAB relay node that provides wireless access lines and wireless backhaul lines using time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0066] The wireless access technology used by the base station 20 may be cellular communication technology or wireless LAN technology. Of course, the wireless access technology used by the base station 20 is not limited to these and may be other wireless access technologies. For example, the wireless access technology used by the base station 20 may be LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication technology. Of course, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Furthermore, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared rays or visible light (optical wireless).

[0067] The base station 20 may be capable of NOMA (Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access) communication with the terminal device 40. Here, NOMA communication refers to communication (transmission, reception, or both) using non-orthogonal resources. Note that the base station 20 may be capable of NOMA communication with other base stations 20.

[0068] The base stations 20 may be able to communicate with each other via a base station-core network interface (for example, an S1 interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless. The base stations may be able to communicate with each other via an inter-base station interface (for example, an X2 interface, an S1 interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless.

[0069] The base stations 20 may be able to communicate with each other via a base station-core network interface (e.g., NG Interface, S1 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless. The base stations may be able to communicate with each other via an inter-base station interface (e.g., Xn Interface, X2 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless.

[0070] The concept of a base station (also called a base station device) includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (also called a relay station). Also, the concept of a base station includes not only a structure having the functions of a base station but also a device installed in the structure.

[0071] Examples of structures include high-rise buildings, houses, steel towers, station facilities, airport facilities, port facilities, office buildings, school buildings, hospitals, factories, commercial facilities, stadiums, and other buildings. The concept of a structure includes not only buildings, but also non-building structures such as tunnels, bridges, dams, fences, and steel pillars, as well as equipment such as cranes, gates, and windmills. The concept of a structure also includes not only land (ground in the narrow sense) or underground structures, but also water-based structures such as piers and megafloats, and underwater structures such as ocean observation facilities. A base station can be rephrased as an information processing device.

[0072] The base station 20 may be a donor station or a relay station (relay station). The base station 20 may also be a fixed station or a mobile station. A mobile station is a wireless communication device (e.g., a base station) configured to be mobile. In this case, the base station 20 may be a device installed in a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. For example, a relay station with mobility can be considered as the base station 20 as a mobile station. Furthermore, devices that are inherently mobile and have base station functions (at least part of the base station functions), such as vehicles, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) represented by drones, and smartphones, also fall under the category of the base station 20 as a mobile station.

[0073] Here, the moving body may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. Furthermore, the moving body may be a moving body that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense) (for example, a vehicle such as an automobile, bicycle, bus, truck, motorcycle, train, or linear motor car), or a moving body that moves underground (for example, in a tunnel) (for example, a subway).

[0074] Furthermore, the moving body may be a moving body that moves on water (e.g., a ship such as a passenger ship, cargo ship, or hovercraft) or a moving body that moves underwater (e.g., a submersible vessel such as a submarine, submarine, or unmanned underwater vehicle).

[0075] The moving body may be a moving body that moves within the atmosphere (for example, an aircraft such as an airplane, an airship, or a drone).

[0076] Furthermore, the base station 20 may be a terrestrial base station (ground station) installed on the ground. For example, the base station 20 may be a base station located on a structure on the ground, or a base station installed on a mobile object moving on the ground. More specifically, the base station 20 may be an antenna installed on a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to the antenna. Of course, the base station 20 may be the structure or the mobile object itself. "Ground" refers not only to land (ground in the narrow sense) but also to ground, on water, and underwater in a broad sense. Note that the base station 20 is not limited to a terrestrial base station. For example, when the communication system 1 is a satellite communication system, the base station 20 may be an aircraft station. From the perspective of the satellite station, an aircraft station located on the earth is a ground station.

[0077] The base station 20 is not limited to a terrestrial station. The base station 20 may be a non-terrestrial base station device (non-terrestrial station) that can fly in the air or space. For example, the base station 20 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0078] A satellite station is a satellite station that can float outside the atmosphere. A satellite station may be a device mounted on a space vehicle such as an artificial satellite, or may be the space vehicle itself. A space vehicle is a vehicle that moves outside the atmosphere. Examples of space vehicles include artificial celestial bodies such as artificial satellites, spacecraft, space stations, and probes.

[0079] The satellite serving as the satellite station may be any of a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbiting (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbiting (GEO) satellite, and a highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite. Of course, the satellite station may be a device mounted on a low earth orbiting (LEO), medium earth orbiting (MEO), geostationary earth orbiting (GEO), or highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite.

[0080] An aircraft station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the atmosphere, such as an aircraft. The aircraft station may be a device mounted on an aircraft, or may be the aircraft itself. The concept of aircraft includes not only heavier-than-air vehicles such as airplanes and gliders, but also lighter-than-air vehicles such as balloons and airships. The concept of aircraft also includes not only heavier-than-air vehicles and lighter-than-air vehicles, but also rotorcraft such as helicopters and autogyros. The aircraft station (or an aircraft on which the aircraft station is mounted) may be an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone.

[0081] The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and tethered unmanned aerial systems (TAS). The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes lighter than air UAS (LTA) and heavier than air UAS (HTA). The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes high altitude unmanned aerial system platforms (HAPs).

[0082] The size of the coverage of the base station 20 may be as large as a macrocell or as small as a picocell. Of course, the size of the coverage of the base station 20 may also be extremely small, such as a femtocell. The base station 20 may also have beamforming capabilities. In this case, the base station 20 may form a cell or service area for each beam. For this purpose, the base station 20 may be equipped with an antenna array consisting of multiple antenna elements and configured to provide advanced antenna technology, such as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming.

[0083] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a base station 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, and a calculation unit 24. Note that the configuration illustrated in Fig. 5 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the base station 20 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated units.

[0084] The wireless communication unit 21 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, terminal device 40). The wireless communication unit 21 operates under the control of the control unit 23. The wireless communication unit 21 supports one or more wireless access methods. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 supports both NR and LTE. The wireless communication unit 21 may also support W-CDMA and cdma2000 in addition to NR and LTE. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 21 may also support an automatic retransmission technique such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest).

[0085] The wireless communication unit 21 includes a transmission processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. The wireless communication unit 21 may include a plurality of transmission processing units 211, a plurality of reception processing units 212, and a plurality of antennas 213. When the wireless communication unit 21 supports a plurality of wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 21 may be configured separately for each wireless access method. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 may be configured separately for LTE and NR. Furthermore, the antenna 213 may be configured with a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of patch antennas). In this case, the wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to be capable of beamforming. The wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to be capable of polarization beamforming using vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization).

[0086] The transmission processing unit 211 performs transmission processing of the downlink control information and the downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 encodes the downlink control information and the downlink data input from the control unit 23 using a coding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, the encoding may be performed using a polar code or a low density parity check code (LDPC code). The transmission processing unit 211 then modulates the coded bits using a predetermined modulation method such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily have to be equidistant. The constellation may be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). The transmission processing unit 211 then multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates them to predetermined resource elements. The transmission processing unit 211 then performs various signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 performs processes such as conversion to the frequency domain by fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, power amplification, etc. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 211 is transmitted from an antenna 213.

[0087] The reception processing unit 212 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 213. For example, the reception processing unit 212 performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification level, quadrature demodulation, conversion to a digital signal, removal of guard intervals (cyclic prefixes), extraction of frequency domain signals by fast Fourier transform, etc. on the uplink signal. The reception processing unit 212 then separates uplink channels such as PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and uplink reference signals from the processed signal. The reception processing unit 212 also demodulates the received signal using a modulation scheme such as BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) or QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation scheme used for demodulation may be 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily have to be equidistant. The constellation may be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). Then, the reception processing unit 212 performs a decoding process on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 23.

[0088] The antenna 213 is an antenna device (antenna unit) that converts electric current and radio waves into each other. The antenna 213 may be configured with one antenna element (for example, one patch antenna) or multiple antenna elements (for example, multiple patch antennas). When the antenna 213 is configured with multiple antenna elements, the wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to be capable of beamforming. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a wireless signal using the multiple antenna elements. The antenna 213 may be a dual-polarized antenna. When the antenna 213 is a dual-polarized antenna, the wireless communication unit 21 may use vertically polarized waves (V polarization) and horizontally polarized waves (H polarization) to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 21 may then control the directivity of the wireless signal transmitted using the vertically polarized waves and the horizontally polarized waves.

[0089] The storage unit 22 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 22 functions as a storage means of the base station 20.

[0090] The control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 20. The control unit 23 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 23 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station 20 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 23 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers. The control unit 23 may also be realized by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to or instead of the CPU.

[0091] The control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231, a setting unit 232, a notification unit 233, a determination unit 234, and a communication control unit 235. The notification unit can be interpreted as a transmission unit. Each block (acquisition unit 231 to communication control unit 235) constituting the control unit 23 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 23. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 23 may be configured with functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0092] The calculation unit 24 processes calculations required for the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 23. The calculation unit 24 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, MPU, or GPU. The calculation unit 24 may be a processor separate from the control unit 23, or may be a processor integrated with the control unit 23. The calculation unit 24 includes a setting unit 241, a processing unit 242, and an extraction unit 243. The calculation unit 24 will be described in detail later.

[0093] In some embodiments, the concept of a base station may be composed of a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in this embodiment, a base station may be divided into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). The base station may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Furthermore, a base station may be either a BBU or a RU, or both. The BBU and the RU may be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., an enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI)). The RU may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio DoT (RD). The RU may correspond to a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU) described later. The BBU may correspond to a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) described later. The RU may be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antenna of the base station (e.g., an antenna integrally formed with the RU) may employ an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) and beamforming. Furthermore, the antennas of the base station may be provided with, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports.

[0094] The antenna mounted on the RU may be an antenna panel composed of one or more antenna elements, and the RU may be equipped with one or more antenna panels. For example, the RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels: a horizontally polarized antenna panel and a vertically polarized antenna panel, or two types of antenna panels: a right-handed circularly polarized antenna panel and a left-handed circularly polarized antenna panel. The RU may also form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0095] Note that multiple base stations may be connected to each other. One or more base stations may be included in a radio access network (RAN). In this case, the base station may be simply referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an access network (AN), or an AN node. Note that the RAN in LTE is sometimes called E-UTRAN (Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN). The RAN in NR is sometimes called NG-RAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is sometimes called UTRAN.

[0096] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. In this case, the E-UTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). Also, an NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In this case, the NG-RAN includes one or more gNBs. The E-UTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NG-RAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS).

[0097] When the base station is an eNB, gNB, or the like, the base station may be referred to as a 3GPP access. When the base station is a wireless access point, the base station may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. Furthermore, the base station may be an optical extension device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). When the base station is a gNB, the base station may be a combination of the above-mentioned gNB-CU and gNB-DU, or may be either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0098] Here, the gNB-CU hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC, SDAP, PDCP) in the access stratum for communication with the UE. Meanwhile, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, PHY) in the access stratum. That is, among the messages / information described below, RRC signaling (semi-static notification) may be generated by the gNB-CU, while MAC CE and DCI (dynamic notification) may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, among the RRC configurations (semi-static notification), some configurations, such as IE:cellGroupConfig, may be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configurations may be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations may be transmitted and received over the F1 interface described below.

[0099] Note that a base station may be configured to be able to communicate with other base stations. For example, when multiple base station devices are eNBs or a combination of an eNB and an en-gNB, the base stations may be connected to each other via an X2 interface. Also, when multiple base stations are gNBs or a combination of a gn-eNB and a gNB, the devices may be connected to each other via an Xn interface. Also, when multiple base stations are a combination of a gNB-CU and a gNB-DU, the devices may be connected to each other via the above-mentioned F1 interface. Messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC CE (MAC Control Element), or DCI) described below may be transmitted between multiple base stations via, for example, the X2 interface, the Xn interface, or the F1 interface.

[0100] A cell provided by a base station may be called a serving cell. The concept of a serving cell includes a PCell (Primary Cell) and an SCell (Secondary Cell). When dual connectivity is configured in a UE (e.g., a terminal device 40), a PCell and zero or more SCells provided by a Master Node (MN) may be called a Master Cell Group. Examples of dual connectivity include E-UTRA-E-UTRA Dual Connectivity, E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC), E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity with 5GC, NR-E-UTRA Dual Connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR Dual Connectivity.

[0101] The serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). When dual connectivity is configured for a UE, the PSCell and zero or more SCells provided by a Secondary Node (SN) may be referred to as a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Unless special configuration (e.g., PUCCH on SCell) is performed, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is transmitted on the PCell and PSCell but not on the SCell. Furthermore, radio link failures are detected on the PCell and PSCell but not on the SCell (they do not need to be detected). As such, the PCell and PSCell have special roles among serving cells and are therefore also referred to as Special Cells (SpCells).

[0102] One cell may be associated with one downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier. Furthermore, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell may be divided into multiple BWPs (Bandwidth Parts). In this case, one or multiple BWPs may be configured for a UE, and one BWP may be used by the UE as an active BWP. Furthermore, the radio resources (for example, frequency band, numerology (subcarrier spacing), slot format (Slot configuration)) that the terminal device 40 can use may differ for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0103] <2-4. Relay Station Configuration> Next, the configuration of the relay station 30 will be described.

[0104] The relay station 30 is a device that serves as a relay station for the base station. The relay station 30 is a type of base station. The relay station 30 is also a type of information processing device. The relay station can also be called a relay base station. The relay station 30 may also be a device called a repeater.

[0105] The relay station 30 is capable of wireless communication such as NOMA communication with the terminal device 40. The relay station 30 relays communication between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40. Note that the relay station 30 may be configured to be capable of wireless communication with other relay stations 30 and the base station 20. The relay station 30 may be a terrestrial station device or a non-terrestrial station device. The relay station 30 and the base station 20 constitute a radio access network RAN.

[0106] Note that the relay station of this embodiment may be a fixed device, a movable device, or a floating device. Furthermore, the size of the coverage of the relay station of this embodiment is not limited to a specific size. For example, the cell covered by the relay station may be a macrocell, a microcell, or a small cell.

[0107] Furthermore, the relay station of this embodiment is not limited to a device that is installed therein as long as it fulfills the relay function. For example, the relay station may be installed in a terminal device such as a smartphone, a car, a train, a rickshaw, a balloon, an airplane, a drone, or a home appliance such as a television, a game console, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, or a lighting fixture.

[0108] Alternatively, the configuration of the relay station 30 may be the same as the configuration of the base station 20 described above. For example, like the base station 20 described above, the relay station 30 may be a device installed in a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. As described above, the mobile body may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. Furthermore, the mobile body may be a mobile body that moves on land (terrestrial in the narrow sense) or a mobile body that moves underground. Of course, the mobile body may be a mobile body that moves on water or a mobile body that moves underwater. Additionally, the mobile body may be a mobile body that moves within the atmosphere or a mobile body that moves outside the atmosphere. Furthermore, the base station 20 may be a terrestrial station device or a non-terrestrial station device. In this case, the relay station 30 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0109] Similarly to the base station 20, the size of the coverage of the relay station 30 may be as large as a macrocell or as small as a picocell. Of course, the size of the coverage of the relay station 30 may also be extremely small, such as a femtocell. The relay station 30 may also have beamforming capabilities. In this case, the relay station 30 may form a cell or service area for each beam.

[0110] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a relay station 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The relay station 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, and a calculation unit 34. Note that the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the relay station 30 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated units.

[0111] The wireless communication unit 31 is a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., base station 20, terminal device 40, other relay station 30). The wireless communication unit 31 supports one or more wireless access methods. For example, the wireless communication unit 31 supports both NR and LTE. The wireless communication unit 31 may support W-CDMA or cdma3000 in addition to NR and LTE. The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmission processing unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an antenna 313. The wireless communication unit 31 may include multiple transmission processing units 311, multiple reception processing units 312, and multiple antennas 313. Note that when the wireless communication unit 31 supports multiple wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured separately for each wireless access method. For example, the transmission processing unit 311 and the reception processing unit 312 may be configured separately for LTE and NR. The configurations of the transmission processing unit 311, the reception processing unit 312, and the antenna 313 are the same as the configurations of the transmission processing unit 211, the reception processing unit 212, and the antenna 213 described above. Note that, similar to the wireless communication unit 21, the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to be capable of beamforming.

[0112] The storage unit 32 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 32 functions as a storage means of the relay station 30.

[0113] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls each unit of the relay station 30. The control unit 33 is realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 33 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the relay station 30 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 33 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers. The operation of the control unit 33 may be the same as the operation of each block (acquisition unit 231 to communication control unit 235) of the control unit 23 of the base station 20.

[0114] The calculation unit 34 performs calculations required for the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33. The calculation unit 34 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The calculation unit 34 may be a processor separate from the control unit 33, or may be a processor integrated with the control unit 33. The operation of the calculation unit 34 may be the same as the operation of each block (setting unit 241 to extraction unit 243) of the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20.

[0115] The relay station 30 may be an IAB relay node. The relay station 30 operates as an IAB-MT (Mobile Termination) for an IAB donor node that provides backhaul, and operates as an IAB-DU (Distributed Unit) for a terminal device 40 that provides access. The IAB donor node may be, for example, a base station 20, and operates as an IAB-CU (Central Unit).

[0116] <2-5. Terminal Device Configuration> Next, the configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described.

[0117] The terminal device 40 is a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with other communication devices such as the base station 20 and the relay station 30. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a personal computer. The terminal device 40 may also be a device such as a commercial camera equipped with a communication function, or a motorcycle or mobile broadcast van equipped with a communication device such as an FPU (Field Pickup Unit). The terminal device 40 may also be an M2M (Machine to Machine) device or an IoT (Internet of Things) device.

[0118] The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication with the base station 20. The terminal device 40 may use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when communicating with the base station 20. The terminal device 40 may be capable of sidelink communication with other terminal devices 40. The terminal device 40 may also use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. The terminal device 40 may also be capable of NOMA communication in communication (sidelink) with other terminal devices 40. The terminal device 40 may also be capable of LPWA communication with other communication devices (e.g., the base station 20 and other terminal devices 40). The wireless communication used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. The wireless communication (including sidelink communication) used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using radio waves, or may be wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless).

[0119] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may be a mobile device. The mobile device is a wireless communication device that can move. In this case, the terminal device 40 may be a wireless communication device installed in the mobile device, or may be the mobile device itself. For example, the terminal device 40 may be a vehicle that moves on a road, such as an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle, a vehicle that moves on rails installed on a track, such as a train, or a wireless communication device mounted on the vehicle. The mobile device may be a mobile terminal, or may be a mobile device that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense), underground, on water, or underwater. The mobile device may be a mobile device that moves within the atmosphere, such as a drone or a helicopter, or a mobile device that moves outside the atmosphere, such as an artificial satellite.

[0120] The terminal device 40 may simultaneously connect to and communicate with multiple base stations or multiple cells. For example, when one base station supports a communication area through multiple cells (e.g., pCell, sCell), the multiple cells can be bundled together to enable communication between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40 using carrier aggregation (CA) technology, dual connectivity (DC) technology, or multi-connectivity (MC) technology. Alternatively, the terminal device 40 can communicate with the multiple base stations 20 via cells of different base stations 20 using coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0121] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. Note that the configuration illustrated in Fig. 7 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the terminal device 40 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations.

[0122] The wireless communication unit 41 is a signal processing unit for wirelessly communicating with other wireless communication devices (for example, the base station 20, the relay station 30, and other terminal devices 40). The wireless communication unit 41 operates under the control of the control unit 43. The wireless communication unit 41 includes a transmission processing unit 411, a reception processing unit 412, and an antenna 413. The configurations of the wireless communication unit 41, the transmission processing unit 411, the reception processing unit 412, and the antenna 413 may be similar to those of the wireless communication unit 21, the transmission processing unit 211, the reception processing unit 212, and the antenna 213 of the base station 20. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 41, like the wireless communication unit 21, may be configured to be capable of beamforming.

[0123] The storage unit 42 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 42 functions as a storage means of the terminal device 40.

[0124] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 43 is realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 43 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 40 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 43 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers. The control unit 43 may also be realized by a GPU in addition to or instead of a CPU.

[0125] The control unit 43 includes an acquisition unit 431, a setting unit 432, a determination unit 433, and a communication control unit 434. Each block (acquisition unit 431 to communication control unit 434) constituting the control unit 43 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 43. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 43 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0126] The calculation unit 44 processes calculations required for the transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 43. The calculation unit 44 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. The calculation unit 44 may be a processor separate from the control unit 43, or may be a processor integrated with the control unit 43. The calculation unit 44 includes a setting unit 441 and a processing unit 442. The calculation unit 44 will be described in detail later.

[0127] <<3. Configuration of the Calculation Unit>> The configuration of the communication system 1 has been described above. Next, we will describe the configuration of a calculation unit that can be applied to the communication system 1 of this embodiment. The calculation unit 34 of the relay station 30 may have the same configuration as the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20, or may have the same configuration as the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40.

[0128] <3-1. Configuration example of the base station calculation unit> First, the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20 will be described.

[0129] The calculation unit 24 performs calculations required for the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 23. The calculation unit 24 of this embodiment uses a learning model to generate information required for the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 (for example, signal processing parameters such as a modulation method, an encoding method, and the number of layers). In the following description, the learning model may be referred to as a calculation model.

[0130] Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20. The calculation unit 24 includes a calculation model setting unit 241a, a calculation processing unit 242a, a signal processing parameter setting unit 241b, and a calculation model extraction unit 243a. The calculation model setting unit 241a and the signal processing parameter setting unit 241b correspond to the setting unit 241 shown in Fig. 5. The calculation processing unit 242a corresponds to the processing unit 242 shown in Fig. 5. The calculation model extraction unit 243a corresponds to the extraction unit 243 shown in Fig. 5.

[0131] The computational model setting unit 241a sets, for example, the configuration of a neural network model based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 22. The neural network model is composed of layers called an input layer, a hidden layer (or intermediate layer), and an output layer, each of which includes a plurality of nodes, and each node is connected via an edge. Each layer has a function called an activation function, and each edge is weighted. A neural network model based on deep learning is composed of multiple hidden layers. Therefore, setting the configuration of the neural network model means setting the number of hidden layers (or intermediate layers) in addition to the input layer and output layer, the number of nodes in each layer, and the weight of each edge. The transmission processing unit 211 notifies the terminal device 40 of the parameters for setting the configuration of this neural network model using system information or dedicated signaling.

[0132] The neural network model is, for example, a model in a form called a convolution neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), or a long short-term memory (LSTM). Of course, the neural network model is not limited to these models.

[0133] In CNN, the hidden layer is composed of layers called convolution layers and pooling layers. The convolution layer performs filtering using convolution operations to extract data called feature maps. The pooling layer compresses and downsamples the information on the feature maps output from the convolution layer. CNN receives, for example, information related to each wireless resource arranged on the frequency axis and the time axis, such as the received strength of a reference signal, and can obtain, as the output layer, the characteristics of the wireless resources configured by each wireless resource, such as information related to the propagation channel. Here, the unit of each wireless resource is, for example, a subcarrier, a resource element, or a resource block.

[0134] RNNs have a network structure in which values ​​of hidden layers are recursively input to hidden layers, and are used to process, for example, short-term time-series data.

[0135] In LSTM, by introducing parameters that hold the state of the intermediate layer called memory cells into the intermediate layer output of RNN, it is possible to retain the influence of outputs from the distant past. In other words, LSTM processes time series data over a longer period than RNN. The computational model consists of one or more CNNs, RNNs, and / or LSTMs, which are processed in a subordinate or parallel fashion.

[0136] The calculation processing unit 242a acquires information related to the reception strength of the uplink reference signal acquired by the reception processing unit 212 via the control unit 23. This information related to the reception strength of the uplink reference signal is information that reflects the state of the propagation channel between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40.

[0137] Furthermore, the base station 20 may acquire information reflecting the state of the propagation channel between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40 from the terminal device 40. This information reflecting the state of the propagation channel is acquired, for example, by using dedicated signaling.

[0138] Note that whether to use information related to the reception strength of an uplink reference signal as information reflecting the state of the propagation channel between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40 or information reflecting the state of the propagation channel acquired from the terminal device 40 using dedicated signaling may be determined based on the duplexing scheme applied by the radio communication unit 21. For example, in the case of TDD (Time Division Duplex), information related to the reception strength of an uplink reference signal is used in consideration of the reciprocity between the uplink and downlink propagation channels, and in the case of FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), information reflecting the state of the downlink propagation channel acquired from the terminal device 40 using dedicated signaling is used.

[0139] The calculation processing unit 242a acquires information related to resource allocation for transmitting downlink data, i.e., a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), to the terminal device 40 from the control unit 23. The information reflecting the state of the propagation channel (for example, information related to the received strength of an uplink reference signal) and the information related to resource allocation for transmitting the downlink data are input to each node in the input layer of the neural network model set by the calculation model setting unit 241a. Here, the uplink reference signal is, for example, a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), or another reference signal capable of estimating the characteristics of the propagation channel.

[0140] The calculation processing unit 242a performs calculations after inputting necessary information into the input layer of the neural network model set by the calculation model setting unit 241a. The results of the calculations are reflected in the values ​​of each node in the output layer of the neural network model.

[0141] The modulation parameter setting unit 241b acquires the value of each node in the output layer of the aforementioned neural network model, and sets the MCS (i.e., the order (Qm) and code rate (R) of the modulation scheme) and the number of layers (v) to be applied to each resource allocated for transmitting downlink data, i.e., each resource element.

[0142] Information relating to the order, code rate, and number of layers of the modulation scheme applied to each resource element set by this modulation parameter setting unit 241b is provided to the transmission processing unit 211 via the control unit 23 and is used for modulation processing and encoding processing of downlink data.

[0143] The computational model extraction unit 243a determines parameters relating to the configuration of a computational model, for example, a neural network model, by a method such as machine learning, deep learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0144] The computation model extraction unit 243a acquires spectral efficiency calculated based on information related to the order, code rate, and number of layers of the modulation scheme applied to each resource element, and characteristics of each resource element in the propagation channel, such as S / N. Furthermore, the computation model extraction unit 243a acquires information related to retransmission in a TB (Transport Block), CBG (Code Block Group), or any retransmission data unit including each resource element. Here, the information related to retransmission is, for example, whether or not a retransmission has occurred and whether or not the retransmission has been forwarded. Furthermore, the computation model extraction unit 243a acquires information related to the overhead of downlink control information used to notify information related to resources allocated for transmitting downlink data. Here, the information related to the overhead of downlink control information is the number of times signaling is transmitted and the size of each piece of downlink control information.

[0145] The computational model extraction unit 243a performs machine learning, deep learning, or reinforcement learning on the spectral efficiency of resource elements, the S / N ratio in the propagation channel, information related to retransmissions, and information related to the overhead of downlink control information, and extracts a neural network model, which is a computational model. In reinforcement learning, behavior (settings) that maximize value are learned through trial and error. For example, reinforcement learning is performed using rewards such as the use of a higher-order modulation scheme, a higher coding rate, a larger number of layers, and a reduced number of retransmissions. As a result of learning, for example, a neural network model that maximizes spectral efficiency as a value is extracted. In addition, in machine learning or deep learning, a neural network model is extracted as a result of learning using a training dataset. Here, the training dataset is a set of data configured from input information such as an operating frequency and a received strength of a reference signal, and output information, that is, signal processing parameters such as a modulation scheme, an encoding method, and the number of layers that are set as target settings for the input information. The parameters relating to the configuration of the neural network model extracted by the computational model extracting unit 243a are stored in the storage unit 22 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit .

[0146] <3-2. Example of the configuration of the terminal device's calculation unit> First, the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40 will be described.

[0147] The calculation unit 44 performs calculations required for the transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 43. The calculation unit 44 of this embodiment uses a learning model to generate information required for the transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 (for example, signal processing parameters such as a modulation method, an encoding method, and the number of layers).

[0148] Fig. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40. The calculation unit 44 includes a calculation model setting unit 441a, a calculation processing unit 442a, and a signal processing parameter specifying unit 443a. The calculation model setting unit 441a corresponds to the setting unit 441 shown in Fig. 7. The calculation processing unit 442a corresponds to the processing unit 442 shown in Fig. 7. The signal processing parameter specifying unit 443a corresponds to the specifying unit 443 shown in Fig. 7.

[0149] The computational model setting unit 441a sets, for example, the configuration of a neural network model as a computational model based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 42. A neural network model is composed of layers called an input layer, a hidden layer (or intermediate layer), and an output layer, each of which includes a plurality of nodes, and each node is connected via an edge. Each layer has a function called an activation function, and each edge is weighted. A neural network model based on deep learning is composed of multiple hidden layers. Therefore, setting the configuration of a neural network model means setting the number of hidden layers (or intermediate layers) in addition to the input layer and output layer, the number of nodes in each layer, and the weight of each edge.

[0150] The neural network model is, for example, a model in the form of CNN, RNN, or LSTM. The computational model is composed of one or more CNNs, RNNs, or / and LSTMs, and is processed in a subordinate or parallel manner.

[0151] The arithmetic processing unit 442a acquires information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal acquired by the reception processing unit 412 via the control unit 43. This information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal is information reflecting the state of the propagation channel between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40. Here, the downlink reference signal is, for example, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal (SS), or another reference signal that can estimate the characteristics of the propagation channel. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 442a acquires information related to resource allocation for receiving the PDSCH included in downlink control information (DCI) of the PDCCH acquired by the reception processing unit 412 via the control unit 43. This information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal and the information related to resource allocation for receiving the PDSCH are input to each node in the input layer of the neural network model set by the arithmetic model setting unit 441a.

[0152] The calculation processing unit 442a performs calculations after inputting necessary information into the input layer of the neural network model set by the calculation model setting unit 441a. The results of the calculations are reflected in the values ​​of each node in the output layer of the neural network model.

[0153] The signal processing parameter specifying unit 443a acquires the value of each node in the output layer of the above-mentioned neural network model, and specifies each resource allocated for receiving the PDSCH, i.e., the MCS to be applied to each resource element, i.e., the order (Qm) and code rate (R) of the modulation scheme, and the number of layers (v). Information related to the order, code rate, and number of layers of the modulation scheme to be applied to each resource element specified by this signal processing parameter specifying unit 443a is provided to the reception processing unit 412 via the control unit 43, and is used in PDSCH demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing.

[0154] <<4. Processing of this embodiment>> The configuration of the calculation unit has been described above. Next, the signal processing of this embodiment will be described.

[0155] <4-1. Processing Overview> First, an outline of the processing of this embodiment will be described.

[0156] In this embodiment, the signal processing method can be changed in any unit according to the reception quality that varies within the frequency resource. For example, the base station 20 sets resource units (first resources) for applying predetermined signal processing including at least one of modulation, coding, and multiplexing. Then, the base station 20 notifies the terminal device 40 of information on a second resource configured of a plurality of resource units (a plurality of first resources). For example, the information on the second resource is information on the resource units that configure the second resource. The base station 20 determines signal processing parameters for each resource unit (each first resource) and performs predetermined signal processing based on the determined signal processing parameters. The terminal device 40 determines signal processing parameters for each resource unit (each first resource) determined by the base station 20. The terminal device 40 performs signal processing based on the determined signal processing parameters.

[0157] The signal processing parameters may include at least one of information on a modulation scheme, an encoding method, and the number of layers. Here, the modulation scheme corresponds to, for example, the order (Qm) shown in Fig. 1, the encoding method corresponds to, for example, the code rate (R) shown in Fig. 1, and the number of layers corresponds to the number of layers (v), which is the number of streams to be simultaneously transmitted and received by applying MIMO.

[0158] In the following description, TB (Transport Block) may be read as Codeword.

[0159] In conventional techniques, MCS is applied in units of TB (Transport Block), but in this embodiment, signal processing parameters can be set in units smaller than TB. Figures 10A and 10B show an example of setting the order of a modulation scheme, a code rate, and the number of layers. Here, resources are allocated to a certain UE to transmit one transport block of downlink data. More specifically, three resources are allocated to a certain UE. Each resource is composed of consecutive resource elements. Alternatively, it may be composed of non-consecutive resource elements.

[0160] FIG. 10A shows an example in which base station 20 sets the same modulation order, code rate, and number of layers for three resources. The modulation order, code rate, and number of layers are set based on the state of the propagation channel. In the example of FIG. 10A, base station 20 sets the modulation order, code rate, and number of layers based on the propagation channel of resource 2 that has the lowest received S / N ratio. For example, if the MCS index is 8, the modulation order is 2, the code rate is 602 / 1024, and the number of layers is 1. In the example of FIG. 10A, base station 20 applies the same settings to resource 1 and resource 3 as to resource 2.

[0161] FIG. 10B illustrates a technique of this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 10B, the base station 20 sets the modulation order, code rate, and number of layers for each resource based on the state of the propagation channel for each resource. For example, the base station 20 sets an MCS index of 22 and a number of layers (v) of 2 for resource 1 based on the reception S / N of the propagation channel for resource 1. In this case, the modulation order is 6, the code rate is 666 / 1024, and the number of layers is 2. The base station 20 also sets an MCS index of 8 and a number of layers (v) of 1 for resource 2 based on the reception S / N of the propagation channel for resource 2. In this case, the modulation order is 2, the code rate is 602 / 1024, and the number of layers is 1. The base station 20 also sets an MCS index of 14 and a number of layers (v) of 1 for resource 3 based on the reception S / N of the propagation channel for resource 3. In this case, the modulation order is 4, the code rate is 553 / 1024, and the number of layers is 1.

[0162] In the case of Fig. 10B, the frequency utilization efficiency of resource 2 is the same as in the example of Fig. 10A, but the frequency utilization efficiency of resource 1 and resource 3 is improved compared to the case of Fig. 10A. In other words, by using the technology of this embodiment, base station 20 can transmit a larger size transport block using the same resources.

[0163] <4-2. First Example> An overview of the processing of this embodiment has been described, and next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first example will be described.

[0164] <5-2-1. Base Station Operation> First, the operation of the base station 20 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0165] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of transmission processing of the base station 20 according to the first embodiment. The base station 20 sets resource units for application of predetermined signal processing (modulation processing, encoding processing, and multiplexing processing). Then, the base station 20 notifies the terminal device 40 of information related to the resource units. The base station 20 determines signal processing parameters for each set resource unit. The base station 20 performs predetermined signal processing on transmission data based on the determined signal processing parameters (modulation method, encoding method, and number of layers).

[0166] The operation of the base station 20 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 11. The following processing is executed by the control unit 23 and the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20, for example.

[0167] First, the setting unit 232 of the control unit 23 sets information relating to the configuration of the computation model and each coefficient of the computation model (step S101). This information may be, for example, extracted by the extraction unit 243 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0168] Next, the setting unit 232 sets information about resources for downlink data transmission (step S102). This information is notified to the terminal device 40 from the base station 20 via downlink control information, for example.

[0169] In step S102, the setting unit 232 may set information related to a resource unit for applying predetermined signal processing. The resource unit may be, for example, a component carrier, a BWP (Band Width Part), a non-orthogonal resource, a resource block, a resource element, or a subcarrier. The resource unit may be determined based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 44.

[0170] The notification unit 233 of the control unit 23 notifies the terminal device 40 of information related to the resource unit (step S103). At this time, the base station 20 may notify the information related to the resource unit using system information or dedicated signaling. That is, the base station 20 can set the same resource unit for all terminal devices 40 in the cell, or can set an individual resource unit for each terminal device 40. The base station 20 may dynamically change this resource unit. The base station 20 may also set this resource unit according to the operating frequency. Here, the operating frequency may be, for example, NR-ARFCN (Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number), a band number, a frequency band classification such as FR1 or FR2, or a BWP-ID. Furthermore, the base station 20 may set the resource unit according to the type of operating frequency, for example, a licensed frequency, a shared frequency, or an unlicensed frequency.

[0171] Next, the acquisition unit 231 of the control unit 23 receives an uplink reference signal from the terminal device 40 via the wireless communication unit 21. Then, the acquisition unit 231 acquires information about the reception strength of the uplink reference signal based on the received uplink reference signal (step S104).

[0172] Then, the determination unit 234 of the control unit 23 determines signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) to be applied to each resource unit (step S105). The determination unit 234 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 24.

[0173] For example, the setting unit 241 of the calculation unit 24 sets a calculation model based on the information set in step S101. Then, the processing unit 242 of the calculation unit 24 inputs information about the resource set in step S102 and information about the received strength of the uplink reference signal acquired in step S104 into the calculation model set by the setting unit 241. The output from this calculation model becomes signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) for each resource unit.

[0174] The communication control unit 235 of the control unit 23 executes predetermined signal processing (modulation processing, encoding processing, and multiplexing processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S105 (step S106).

[0175] In step S102, the setting unit 232 sets the resource unit based on, for example, information related to the QoS of the downlink data. Alternatively, the base station 20 sets the resource unit based on the network slice to which the downlink data corresponds.

[0176] A network slice can be identified by Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), which consists of a mandatory 8-bit SST (Slice / Service Type) that identifies the slice type, and an optional 24-bit SD (Slice Differentiator) that distinguishes different slices within the same SST. Here, the standardized SST values ​​are 1: eMBB, 2: URLLC, 3: MIoT, and 4: V2X.

[0177] Furthermore, the setting unit 232 may set the resource unit based on the type of application that initiated the downlink data transmission in step S102. The type of application is determined based on, for example, the application name or predefined identification information for identifying the application.

[0178] <5-2-2.Operation of terminal device> Next, the operation of the terminal device 40 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0179] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of reception processing of the terminal device 40 according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 40 acquires information on resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing (demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing) from the base station 20. For each resource unit notified by the base station 20, the terminal device 40 determines the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to the transmission data by the base station 20. Then, the terminal device 40 performs signal processing on the received data based on the determined signal processing parameters.

[0180] The operation of the terminal device 40 will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. The following processing is executed by the control unit 43 and the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40, for example.

[0181] First, the acquisition unit 431 of the control unit 43 acquires information relating to the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model (step S201). This information is notified from the base station 20 by, for example, system information or individual signaling.

[0182] Next, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about resources allocated for receiving downlink data (step S202). This information is notified from the base station 20 via downlink control information, for example.

[0183] In step S202, the acquisition unit 431 may acquire information on resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing. The resource units are, for example, component carriers, BWPs (Band Width Parts), non-orthogonal resources, resource blocks, resource elements, or subcarriers. Here, the information on resource units may be information that is notified dynamically or information that is notified semi-statically. For example, the information on resource units may be notified by system information or dedicated signaling. In addition, the terminal device 40 may acquire information on resource units when randomly accessing the base station 20.

[0184] Next, the acquisition unit 431 receives a downlink reference signal from the base station 20 via the wireless communication unit 41. Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about the reception strength of the downlink reference signal based on the received downlink reference signal (step S203).

[0185] Then, the determination unit 433 of the control unit 43 determines the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit by the base station 20 (step S204). Here, the determination unit 433 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 44.

[0186] For example, the setting unit 441 of the calculation unit 44 sets a calculation model based on the information acquired in step S201. Then, the processing unit 442 of the calculation unit 44 inputs the information related to the resource acquired in step S202 and the information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S203 to the calculation model set by the setting unit 441. The output from this calculation model becomes the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied by the base station 20 to each resource unit.

[0187] The communication control unit 434 of the control unit 43 executes predetermined signal processing (demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S204 (step S205).

[0188] According to this embodiment, even if the terminal device 40 operates in a wider frequency band and the base station 20 allocates more radio resources for downlink data transmission, the terminal device 40 and the base station 20 can perform optimal coding, modulation, and multiplexing for each resource unit, thereby improving frequency utilization efficiency.

[0189] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 uses a calculation model to determine the signal processing parameters (modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) for each resource unit set by the base station 20. This eliminates the need for the base station 20 to transmit information related to the signal processing parameters for each resource unit using downlink control information. As a result, the overhead of individual signaling is reduced.

[0190] <4-3. Second Example> Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0191] In the first embodiment, the base station 20, which is the data transmitter, determines the signal processing parameters based on the received strength of the uplink reference signal, and the terminal device 40, which is the data receiver, determines the signal processing parameters based on the received strength of the downlink reference signal. Therefore, if the received strength of the uplink reference signal and the received strength of the downlink reference signal differ greatly, it is possible that the signal processing parameters determined by the terminal device 40 will differ from the signal processing parameters determined by the base station 20. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 40 acquires in advance from the base station 20 the signal processing parameters for one resource unit out of the multiple resource units. The terminal device 40 improves the accuracy of determining the signal processing parameters by using the previously acquired signal processing parameters for the determination.

[0192] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of reception processing of the terminal device 40 according to the second embodiment. Note that the operation of the base station 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it transmits signal processing parameters related to one resource unit to the terminal device 40, and therefore will not be described here. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. The following processing is executed by, for example, the control unit 43 and the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40.

[0193] First, the acquisition unit 431 of the control unit 43 acquires information related to the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model (step S301). Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information related to resources allocated for receiving downlink data (step S302). In step S302, the acquisition unit 431 may acquire information related to resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing. Here, the predetermined signal processing includes at least one of demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing.

[0194] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 431 receives a downlink reference signal from the base station 20 via the wireless communication unit 41. Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about the reception strength of the downlink reference signal based on the received downlink reference signal (step S303).

[0195] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about signal processing parameters applied to one resource unit among the plurality of resource units (step S304). The acquisition unit 431 may acquire this information via downlink control information. Note that the "plurality of resource units" refers to, for example, a plurality of resource units constituting resources allocated for receiving downlink data. The "resource unit" refers to, for example, a component carrier, a BWP (Band Width Part), a non-orthogonal resource, a resource block, a resource element, or a subcarrier. As described above, the information about the signal processing parameters includes at least one piece of information among a modulation scheme, a coding method, and the number of layers.

[0196] Then, the determination unit 433 of the control unit 43 determines the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit by the base station 20 (step S305). Here, the determination unit 433 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 44.

[0197] For example, the setting unit 441 of the calculation unit 44 sets a calculation model based on the information acquired in step S301. Then, the processing unit 442 of the calculation unit 44 inputs the information related to the resource acquired in step S302 and the information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S303 to the calculation model set by the setting unit 441. The output from this calculation model becomes the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied by the base station 20 to each resource unit.

[0198] Here, the information acquired in step S304 (information about the signal processing parameters applied to one resource unit) can provide a reference for calculation using the calculation model or can serve as information for calibration. By using this reference information, the terminal device 40 can relatively identify information about the signal processing parameters applied to other resource units.

[0199] For example, the discrimination unit 433 compares the signal processing parameters acquired in step S304 (signal processing parameters applied to one resource unit) with the signal processing parameters for the resource unit in question among the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44. If the two match, the discrimination unit 433 directly determines the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44 as the discrimination result. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the discrimination unit 433 causes the calculation unit 44 to perform calculation again by fine-tuning information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal to be input to the calculation model. At this time, the acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal. The acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model. The discrimination unit 433 repeats this until the two match.

[0200] The computation model may be configured to accept the signal processing parameters acquired in step S304 (signal processing parameters applied to one resource unit). Then, the processing unit 442 of the computation unit 44 inputs the information related to the resource acquired in step S302, the information related to the received strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S303, the one resource unit acquired in step S304, and the signal processing parameters applied to this resource unit into the computation model set by the setting unit 441. This also enables the determination unit 433 to determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit.

[0201] The communication control unit 434 of the control unit 43 executes predetermined signal processing (demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S305 (step S306).

[0202] In step S304, the acquisition unit 431 may acquire a TBS in addition to or instead of acquiring information about the signal processing parameters applied to one resource unit. In step S305, the acquired TBS is input to the calculation model set by the setting unit 441 to determine the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit.

[0203] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is expected that the accuracy of determining signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit will be improved.

[0204] <4-4. Third Example> Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0205] As described above, it is possible that the signal processing parameters determined by the terminal device 40 may differ from the signal processing parameters determined by the base station 20. In the third embodiment as well, the terminal device 40 acquires in advance information on some of the signal processing parameters to be determined from the base station 20. The terminal device 40 improves the accuracy of determining the signal processing parameters by using the information acquired in advance for the determination.

[0206] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of reception processing of the terminal device 40 according to the third embodiment. Note that the operation of the base station 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it transmits information on some of the signal processing parameters to the terminal device 40, and therefore will not be described here. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 14. The following processing is executed by, for example, the control unit 43 and the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40.

[0207] First, the acquisition unit 431 of the control unit 43 acquires information related to the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model (step S401). Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information related to resources allocated for receiving downlink data (step S402). In step S402, the acquisition unit 431 may acquire information related to resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing. Here, the predetermined signal processing includes at least one of demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing.

[0208] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 431 receives a downlink reference signal from the base station 20 via the wireless communication unit 41. Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about the reception strength of the downlink reference signal based on the received downlink reference signal (step S403).

[0209] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information on one parameter (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined parameter) among a plurality of types of parameters included in the signal processing parameters, that is, information on all the predetermined parameters of a plurality of resource units, from the base station 20 (step S404). At this time, the plurality of types of parameters may include a modulation method, a coding method, and the number of layers. The predetermined parameter may be one of the modulation method, the coding method, and the number of layers.

[0210] Note that the predetermined parameters may all have the same value for multiple resource units. In this case, parameters other than the multiple types of parameters may have different values ​​for each resource unit. For example, the code rate may be the same value for all resource units, and other parameters (modulation method and number of layers) may have different values ​​for each resource unit. Of course, the predetermined parameter is not limited to the code rate, and may be the modulation method or the number of layers. By setting the predetermined parameters to the same value for multiple resource units, the overhead of individual signaling can be reduced.

[0211] Then, the determination unit 433 of the control unit 43 determines the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit by the base station 20 (step S405). Here, the determination unit 433 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 44.

[0212] For example, the setting unit 441 of the calculation unit 44 sets a calculation model based on the information acquired in step S401. Then, the processing unit 442 of the calculation unit 44 inputs the information related to the resource acquired in step S402 and the information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S403 to the calculation model set by the setting unit 441. The output from this calculation model becomes the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied by the base station 20 to each resource unit.

[0213] Here, the information acquired in step S404 (information on all predetermined parameters of the multiple resource units) can be information that provides a reference for calculations using the calculation model. By using this reference information, the terminal device 40 can relatively identify information on signal processing parameters applied to other resource units.

[0214] For example, the discrimination unit 433 compares the signal processing parameters acquired in step S404 (all predetermined parameters for a plurality of resource units) with predetermined parameters among the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44. If the two match, the discrimination unit 433 directly determines the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44 as the discrimination result. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the discrimination unit 433 causes the calculation unit 44 to perform calculation again by fine-tuning information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal to be input to the calculation model. At this time, the acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal. The acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model. The discrimination unit 433 repeats this until the two match.

[0215] The computation model may be configured to accept the signal processing parameters (all predetermined parameters for a plurality of resource units) acquired in step S404. Then, the processing unit 442 of the computation unit 44 inputs the information about the resources acquired in step S402, the information about the received strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S403, and the predetermined parameters acquired in step S404 into the computation model set by the setting unit 441. This also enables the determination unit 433 to determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit.

[0216] Furthermore, the base station 20 may set one predetermined parameter for all of the multiple resource units. If the predetermined parameter is a modulation scheme, for example, 16QAM with an order of 4 is set. If the predetermined parameter is a code rate, for example, a range of 378 / 1024 to 438 / 1024 is set. If the predetermined parameter is the number of layers, for example, one layer is set.

[0217] The communication control unit 434 of the control unit 43 executes predetermined signal processing (demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S405 (step S406).

[0218] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is expected that the accuracy of determining signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit will be improved.

[0219] <4-5. Fourth Example> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0220] As described above, it is possible that the signal processing parameters determined by the terminal device 40 may differ from the signal processing parameters determined by the base station 20. In the fourth embodiment, the terminal device 40 acquires in advance information characteristic of the signal processing parameters to be determined (for example, the number of adjacent resource units to which the same signal processing parameter is applied) from the base station 20. The terminal device 40 improves the accuracy of determining the signal processing parameters by using the information acquired in advance for the determination.

[0221] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of reception processing of the terminal device 40 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the operation of the base station 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for transmitting information that characterizes the signal processing parameters to the terminal device 40, and therefore will not be described here. Hereinafter, the operation of the terminal device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 15. The following processing is executed by, for example, the control unit 43 and the calculation unit 44 of the terminal device 40.

[0222] First, the acquisition unit 431 of the control unit 43 acquires information related to the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model (step S501). Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information related to resources allocated for receiving downlink data (step S502). In step S502, the acquisition unit 431 may acquire information related to resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing. Here, the predetermined signal processing includes at least one of demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing.

[0223] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 431 receives a downlink reference signal from the base station 20 via the wireless communication unit 41. Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information about the reception strength of the downlink reference signal based on the received downlink reference signal (step S503).

[0224] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 acquires information on the number of adjacent resource units to which the same signal processing parameters are applied from the base station 20 (step S504). For example, if the same signal processing parameters (e.g., modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) are applied to four adjacent resource elements, the acquisition unit 431 acquires 4 as the number of consecutive resource units.

[0225] Then, the determination unit 433 of the control unit 43 determines the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit by the base station 20 (step S505). Here, the determination unit 433 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 44.

[0226] For example, the setting unit 441 of the calculation unit 44 sets a calculation model based on the information acquired in step S501. Then, the processing unit 442 of the calculation unit 44 inputs the information related to the resource acquired in step S502 and the information related to the reception strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S503 to the calculation model set by the setting unit 441. The output from this calculation model becomes the signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied by the base station 20 to each resource unit.

[0227] Here, the information acquired in step S504 (information regarding the number of adjacent resource units to which the same signal processing parameter is applied) can be information that provides a reference for calculations using the calculation model. By using this reference information, the terminal device 40 can relatively identify information regarding the signal processing parameters applied to other resource units.

[0228] For example, the determination unit 433 determines whether the same signal processing parameters exist in the number (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined number) acquired in step S504 among the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44. If the predetermined number of identical signal processing parameters exist, the determination unit 433 directly determines the signal processing parameters for each resource unit output from the calculation unit 44 as the determination result. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of identical signal processing parameters do not exist, the determination unit 433 causes the calculation unit 44 to perform calculation again by fine-tuning information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal to be input to the calculation model. At this time, the acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the reception strength of the downlink reference signal. The acquisition unit 431 may again acquire information on the configuration of the calculation model and each coefficient of the calculation model. The determination unit 433 repeats this process until the two match.

[0229] The computation model may be configured to accept input of the signal processing parameters acquired in step S504 (information on the number of adjacent resource units to which the same signal processing parameter is applied). Then, the processing unit 442 of the computation unit 44 inputs the information on the resources acquired in step S402, the information on the received strength of the downlink reference signal acquired in step S403, and the information acquired in step S504 to the computation model set by the setting unit 441. This also enables the determination unit 433 to determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit.

[0230] The communication control unit 434 of the control unit 43 executes predetermined signal processing (demultiplexing processing, demodulation processing, and decoding processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S505 (step S406).

[0231] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is expected that the accuracy of determining signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) applied to each resource unit will be improved.

[0232] <4-6. Fifth Example> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0233] The state of the propagation channel differs depending on the mobility of the terminal device 40. Figures 16A and 16B are diagrams showing the relationship between mobility and propagation channel. Figure 16A is a diagram showing the state of the propagation channel when the moving speed of the terminal device 40 is 3 km / h, and Figure 16B is a diagram showing the state of the propagation channel when the moving speed is 300 km / h.

[0234] In the example of Fig. 16A, the change in the state of the propagation channel in the time direction due to fading is small. On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 16B, the change in the state of the propagation channel in the time direction due to fading is large, and the frequency of the drop in the reception S / N ratio called a notch also changes. Therefore, when different signal processing parameters (modulation method, coding method, and number of layers) are applied for each finer resource unit, there is a concern that the change in the frequency of the notch due to this fading will cause a deterioration in the reception performance of the terminal device 40.

[0235] Therefore, in a fifth embodiment, the base station 20 controls the resource unit according to the mobility of the terminal device 40. For example, when the base station 20 determines that the mobility of the terminal device 40 is smaller than a predetermined standard (for example, in the case of FIG. 16A), the base station 20 reduces the resource unit so as to efficiently use frequencies. On the other hand, when the base station 20 determines that the mobility of the terminal device 40 is larger than the predetermined standard (for example, in the case of FIG. 16B), the base station 20 increases the resource unit to absorb the effects of fading.

[0236] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of transmission processing of the base station 20 according to the fifth embodiment. Note that the operation of the terminal device 40 is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments except that information related to the mobility of the terminal device 40 is transmitted to the base station 20, and therefore will not be described. Hereinafter, the operation of the base station 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. The following processing is executed by, for example, the control unit 23 and the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20.

[0237] First, the setting unit 232 of the control unit 23 sets information relating to the configuration of the computation model and each coefficient of the computation model (step S601).

[0238] Next, the acquisition unit 231 of the control unit 23 acquires information relating to the mobility of the terminal device 40 via the wireless communication unit 21 (step S602). There are various methods for acquiring information relating to mobility.

[0239] For example, a method of acquiring information related to mobility may involve the terminal device 40 reporting the information related to mobility to the base station 20.

[0240] At this time, the mobility information reported by the terminal device 40 may be a UE mobility state, which transitions to a normal-mobility state, a medium-mobility state, or a high-mobility state depending on the number of cell changes that occur within a specified period.

[0241] Furthermore, if the terminal device 40 is equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), the terminal device 40 detects its own position at a fixed or variable period and calculates a moving speed based on changes in the position. The terminal device 40 may then report the calculated moving speed as information related to mobility. Note that if the terminal device 40 or a device (e.g., a vehicle) equipped with the terminal device 40 has a function of detecting moving speed, the terminal device 40 may report the detected moving speed as information related to mobility.

[0242] Another possible method for acquiring information related to mobility is for the base station 20 to calculate the mobility of the terminal device 40. For example, the base station 20 acquires information related to the dynamic location of the terminal device 40 via an LMF (Location Management Function) and calculates the mobility of the terminal device 40.

[0243] LMF acquires information related to the location of terminal device 40 using a positioning technique called OTDOA (Observed Time Difference Of Arrival), Multi-RTT (Round Trip Time), DL AoD (Downlink Angle-of-Departure), DL TDOA (Downlink Time Difference of Arrival), UL TDOA (Uplink Time Difference of Arrival), UL AoA (Angle of Arrival), or a positioning technique using CID (Cell ID).

[0244] For example, in OTDOA, the terminal device 40 receives downlink PRS (Positioning Reference Signals) from multiple TPs (Transmission Points) and reports measurements related to the Physical cell ID, Global cell ID, TP ID, and timing of the PRS to the LMF via LPP (LTE Positioning Protocol), and the LMF calculates the position of the terminal device 40 based on information about the known coordinates of each measured TP and the relative timing of the reported PRS.

[0245] For example, in positioning using CID, the LMF calculates the position of the terminal device 40 based on information on the known coordinates of the ng-eNB or gNB and the following measurement results reported from the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 reports to the LMF, for example, an Evolved Cell Global Identifier (ECGI) or a Physical Cell ID, and measurement results related to RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and UE Rx-Tx time difference. Here, the UE Rx-Tx time difference is defined as the time difference between the timing of reception and transmission by the terminal device 40.

[0246] The acquisition unit 231 may also acquire information related to mobility using a calculation model. For example, the calculation unit 24 of the base station 20 inputs the received strength of an uplink reference signal allocated across the frequency axis and the time axis to a CNN. The CNN outputs information related to mobility based on the characteristics of two-dimensional information related to the received strength of the uplink reference signal. The acquisition unit 231 acquires the output information as information related to the mobility of the terminal device 40.

[0247] Next, the setting unit 232 sets information about resources for downlink data transmission (step S603). This information is notified to the terminal device 40 from the base station 20 via downlink control information, for example.

[0248] In step S603, the setting unit 232 may set information related to resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing. At this time, the setting unit 232 sets resource units to which different signal processing parameters (modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) are applied based on the mobility of the terminal device 40. Here, the setting unit 232 sets a small resource unit when the mobility of the terminal device 40 is low, and sets a large resource unit when the mobility of the terminal device 40 is high.

[0249] The notification unit 233 of the control unit 23 notifies the terminal device 40 of the information related to the resource unit (step S604). Then, the acquisition unit 231 of the control unit 23 receives the uplink reference signal from the terminal device 40 via the wireless communication unit 21. Then, the acquisition unit 231 acquires information related to the reception strength of the uplink reference signal based on the received uplink reference signal (step S605).

[0250] Then, the determination unit 234 of the control unit 23 determines signal processing parameters (modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) to be applied to each resource unit (step S606). At this time, the determination unit 234 may determine the signal processing parameters for each resource unit based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 24.

[0251] Then, the communication control unit 235 of the control unit 23 executes predetermined signal processing (modulation processing, encoding processing, and multiplexing processing) for each resource unit based on the signal processing parameters determined in step S606 (step S607).

[0252] In addition, in step S604, the notification unit 233 of the control unit 23 may notify the terminal device 40 of information regarding resource units corresponding to multiple mobilities, so that the terminal device 40 determines the resource units to which the same signal processing parameters are applied based on the mobilities detected by the terminal device 40.

[0253] Up to this point, an embodiment has been shown in which signal processing parameters are determined based on the mobility of the terminal device 40. However, mobility information of the base station 20 or attributes of the base station 20 may also be used to determine the signal processing parameters. For example, if the base station 20 is a low-earth orbit satellite, the low-earth orbit satellite moves at high speed in the sky, and therefore the change in the state of the propagation channel over time due to fading becomes significant. Therefore, mobility information of the base station 20 or attribute information of the base station 20, such as a low-earth orbit satellite, a geostationary satellite, or a terrestrial base station, may be used to determine the signal processing parameters. Furthermore, this information may be notified to the terminal device 40.

[0254] According to this embodiment, transmission and reception with reduced influence of fading is possible.

[0255] <<5. Modifications>> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0256] For example, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the base station 20 performs the transmission process of downlink data, and the terminal device 40 performs the reception process of downlink data. However, the above-described first to fifth embodiments can also be modified to transmit and receive uplink data.

[0257] For example, the base station 20 sets resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing (e.g., modulation processing, coding processing, and multiplexing processing), and notifies the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 acquires information on the resources and resource units allocated for transmitting uplink data from the base station, and identifies signal processing parameters (e.g., modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) to be applied to the resources allocated for each resource unit. At this time, the terminal device 40 may identify the signal processing parameters using a calculation model. Then, the terminal device 40 performs signal processing of the uplink data using the identified signal processing parameters for each resource unit. Then, the base station 20 determines the signal processing parameters for each resource unit. At this time, the base station 20 may determine the signal processing parameters using a calculation model. Then, the base station 20 performs signal processing of the uplink data received from the terminal device 40 using the identified signal processing parameters for each resource unit. In this modification, optimal coding processing, modulation processing, and multiplexing processing can be performed for each resource unit. This improves frequency utilization efficiency.

[0258] For example, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the base station 20 performs the process of transmitting relink data, and the terminal device 40 performs the process of receiving downlink data. However, the above-described first to fifth embodiments can be modified to transmit and receive sidelink data.

[0259] For example, the terminal device 40 sets resource units related to the application of predetermined signal processing (e.g., modulation processing, coding processing, and multiplexing processing) and notifies another terminal device xx. The other terminal device xx acquires information on the resources and resource units allocated for transmitting sidelink data from the terminal device 40, and identifies signal processing parameters (e.g., modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) to be applied to the resources allocated for each resource unit. At this time, the other terminal device xx may identify the signal processing parameters using a calculation model. Then, the other terminal device xx performs signal processing of the sidelink data using the identified signal processing parameters for each resource unit. Then, the terminal device 40 determines the signal processing parameters for each resource unit. At this time, the terminal device 40 may determine the signal processing parameters using a calculation model. Then, the terminal device 40 performs signal processing of the sidelink data received from the other terminal device xx using the identified signal processing parameters for each resource unit. In this modification, optimal coding processing, modulation processing, and multiplexing processing can be performed for each resource unit. This improves frequency utilization efficiency.

[0260] Furthermore, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, when receiving downlink data corresponding to one TB (Transport Block), the terminal device 40 uses a calculation model or the like to identify the signal processing parameters applied to the downlink data. However, the method by which the terminal device 40 determines the signal processing parameters is not limited to this. For example, the base station 20 may notify the terminal device 40 of the signal processing parameters applied to the downlink data for each TB or for each resource unit.

[0261] Whether the terminal device 40 identifies the signal processing parameters by itself or acquires the signal processing parameters from the base station 20 may be dynamically and selectively controlled based on notification from the base station 20. For example, the base station 20 sets this reception method based on UE Radio Capability information sent from the terminal device 40. In other words, the UE Radio Capability information includes information on whether the terminal device 40 has the capability to identify and receive the applied signal processing parameters by itself, without the base station 20 notifying it of the signal processing parameters to be applied to each resource unit. Then, the terminal device 40 determines the signal processing parameters based on the set reception method.

[0262] Furthermore, whether the terminal device 40 identifies the signal processing parameters by itself or acquires the signal processing parameters from the base station 20 may be controlled according to the operating frequency. Here, the operating frequency may be an NR-ARFCN (NR-Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number), a band number, a frequency band classification such as FR1 or FR2, a BWP-ID, or a type of operating frequency, for example, a classification such as a licensed frequency, a shared frequency, or an unlicensed frequency.

[0263] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the base station 20 determines the resource unit, but the terminal device 40 or the relay station 30 may determine the resource unit. Furthermore, a device other than the communication device that performs signal processing (e.g., the base station 20, the relay station 30, and the terminal device 40) may determine the resource unit. For example, the management device 10 may determine the resource unit to be used in communication between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40. Then, the management device 10 may notify the base station 20 and / or the terminal device 40 of the determined signal processing method. The base station 20 and / or the terminal device 40 may determine the resource unit to be used in communication based on the resource unit information notified by the management device 10.

[0264] Furthermore, the management device 10 may store capability information related to resource units of the terminal device 40. In this case, the capability information may include information indicating whether the terminal device 40 is able to change the resource units. Then, the management device 10 may notify the capability information to the base station 20. Then, the base station 20 may determine a notification method of signal processing parameters and resource units to be used in communication with the terminal device 40 based on the capability information received from the management device 10.

[0265] In the above-described embodiment, the base station 20 determines signal processing parameters (e.g., modulation scheme, coding method, and number of layers) based on information about the state of the propagation channel. Here, the information about the state of the propagation channel is not limited to the S / N of the uplink reference signal. For example, the base station 20 may determine the measurement result of the downlink reference signal fed back from the terminal device 40.

[0266] The control device that controls the management device 10, base station 20, relay station 30, and terminal device 40 of this embodiment may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0267] For example, a communication program for executing the above-described operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed in a computer and the above-described processing is executed to configure a control device. In this case, the control device may be a device (e.g., a personal computer) external to the management device 10, the base station 20, the relay station 30, or the terminal device 40. Alternatively, the control device may be a device (e.g., a control unit 13, a control unit 23, a control unit 33, a control unit 43, a calculation unit 24, a calculation unit 34, or a calculation unit 44) internal to the management device 10, the base station 20, the relay station 30, or the terminal device 40.

[0268] The communication program may also be stored in a disk device provided in a server device on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer. The above-mentioned functions may also be realized by cooperation between an OS (Operating System) and application software. In this case, the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device and downloaded to a computer.

[0269] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0270] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0271] The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention without causing any inconsistency in the processing content. The order of the steps shown in the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0272] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can also be implemented as any configuration that constitutes an apparatus or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a set in which other functions are added to a unit, etc. (i.e., a configuration of a part of an apparatus).

[0273] In this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

[0274] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can be configured as a cloud computing system in which one function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0275] <<6. Conclusion>> As described above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 20 sets resource units for application of predetermined signal processing including at least one of modulation processing, encoding processing, and multiplexing processing. Then, the base station 20 notifies the terminal device 40 of information related to the resource units. The terminal device 40 acquires information related to the resource units for application of the predetermined signal processing from the base station 20, and determines signal processing parameters for each resource unit, including information on at least one of a modulation scheme, an encoding method, and the number of layers.

[0276] This allows the base station 20 and the terminal device 40 to change signal processing parameters in any unit (for example, a unit smaller than a TB), so that even if a situation occurs in which the reception quality changes significantly within the frequency resources allocated to one TB, communication can be performed with optimal signal processing parameters. As a result, even more efficient use of frequencies is achieved.

[0277] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0278] Furthermore, the effects of each embodiment described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0279] In this specification, "determine" may also be "specify," which may also be "identify," "select," "be expected," "interpret," or "assume."

[0280] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) an acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource that is configured from a plurality of first resources from another communication device; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources based on information about the second resources, and which includes information about at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, and the number of layers; A communication device comprising: (2) the acquisition unit acquires information about a state of a propagation channel used in wireless communication; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources based on information about a state of the propagation channel; The communication device according to (1) above. (3) the acquisition unit acquires, as information on the state of the propagation channel, information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources based on information regarding the reception strength of the reference signal. The communication device according to (2) above. (4) the other communication device is a base station that sets the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources and transmits downlink data; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station for each of the first resources based on information regarding reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel; The communication device according to (3) above. (5) the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information regarding a calculation model that receives as input at least information regarding the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel and outputs as at least information regarding the signal processing parameters; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station for each of the first resources by inputting information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel into the calculation model; The communication device according to (4) above. (6) the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information on the signal processing parameter to be applied to one of the first resources among the plurality of first resources; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameter set for each of the first resources by the base station based on information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on the signal processing parameter applied to one of the first resources. The communication device according to (5) above. (7) the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information on a predetermined parameter that is one parameter among a plurality of types of parameters included in the signal processing parameters, and information on the predetermined parameters of all of the plurality of first resources; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameters set for each of the first resources by the base station based on information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on all of the signal processing parameters for the plurality of first resources. The communication device according to (5) above. (8) The predetermined parameter is one of a modulation method, a coding method, and a number of layers. The communication device according to (7) above. (9) the predetermined parameter has the same value for all of the plurality of first resources; The communication device according to (7) or (8). (10) the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information regarding the number of adjacent first resources to which the same signal processing parameter is applied; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station to each of the first resources by inputting information on the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on the number of adjacent first resources to which the same signal processing parameter is applied to the calculation model; The communication device according to (5) above. (11) the first resource is a subcarrier, a resource element, or a resource block; The determination unit determines at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers to be applied for each of the subcarriers, resource elements, or resource blocks. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The acquisition unit acquires information related to the first resource via system information or dedicated signaling. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) a transmitter that determines signal processing parameters, including information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, and the number of layers, to be applied to each of the first resources based on information on second resources configured from a plurality of first resources, and transmits information on the second resources to another communication device; A communication device comprising: (14) an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the mobility of the other communication device; the setting unit sets the first resource to a different size depending on the mobility of the other communication device. The communication device according to (13) above. (15) a determination unit that determines, for each of the first resources, a signal processing parameter including at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and the number of layers; The communication device according to (13) or (14). (16) the other communication device is a terminal device that receives downlink data transmitted by the communication device, the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters to be set for each of the first resources when transmitting the downlink data, based on information regarding a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the terminal device via a propagation channel. The communication device according to (15) above. (17) acquiring information about a second resource that is composed of a plurality of first resources from another communication device; determining a signal processing parameter to be applied to each of the first resources based on the information about the second resources, the signal processing parameter including information about at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, and a number of layers; Communication method. (18) transmitting information about the second resources to another communication device that determines signal processing parameters, including information about at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and the number of layers, to be applied to each of the first resources based on information about the second resources that are configured from a plurality of first resources; Communication method. (19) A communication system including a base station and a terminal device, The base station a transmitting unit configured to transmit information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources to the terminal device; The terminal device an acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources from the base station; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, including information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, and a number of layers, to be applied to each of the first resources based on information on the second resources; Communication system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0281] 1. Communication Systems 10 Management device 20 base station 30 relay stations 40 Terminal Equipment 11 Communications Department 21, 31, 41 Radio Communication Section 12, 22, 32, 42 storage section 13, 23, 33, 43 Control section 24, 34, 44 calculation section 211, 311, 411 Transmission processing unit 212, 312, 412 Receiving processing unit 213, 313, 413 antennas 231, 431 Acquisition Department 232, 241, 432, 441 Setting section 233 Notification Department 234 Decision Section 235, 434 Communication control section 433 Discrimination part 242, 442 Processing section 243 Extraction part 443 Specific part

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources from another communication device and acquires information about a state of a propagation channel used in wireless communication; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources and includes information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers, by inputting information on the second resource and information on the propagation channel into a calculation model; A communication device comprising:

2. The acquisition unit acquires information about the calculation model that has at least information about the propagation channel as input and at least information about the signal processing parameters as output from the other communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquisition unit acquires, as information on the state of the propagation channel, information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources by inputting information about the second resource and information about the reception strength of the reference signal into the calculation model.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the other communication device is a base station that sets the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources and transmits downlink data; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set for each of the first resources by the base station by inputting information about the second resources and information about the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel into the calculation model; The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. An acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource that is composed of a plurality of first resources from another communication device; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources, based on information about the second resources, the signal processing parameter including information about at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers; the acquisition unit acquires, as information about a state of a propagation channel used for wireless communication, information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel; the other communication device is a base station that sets the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources and transmits downlink data; the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information regarding a calculation model that receives as input at least information regarding the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel and outputs as at least information regarding the signal processing parameters; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station for each of the first resources by inputting information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel into the calculation model; Communication equipment.

6. the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information on the signal processing parameter to be applied to one of the first resources, the determining unit determines the signal processing parameter set for each of the first resources by the base station based on information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on the signal processing parameter applied to one of the first resources.

6. The communication device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information on a predetermined parameter that is one parameter among a plurality of types of parameters included in the signal processing parameters, and information on the predetermined parameters of all of the plurality of first resources; the determining unit determines the signal processing parameters set for each of the first resources by the base station based on information on a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on all of the signal processing parameters for the plurality of first resources.

6. The communication device according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The predetermined parameter is one of a modulation method, a coding method, and a number of layers. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. the predetermined parameter has the same value for all of the plurality of first resources; 9. A communication device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information regarding the number of adjacent first resources to which the same signal processing parameter is applied; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station to each of the first resources by inputting information on the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel and information on the number of adjacent first resources to which the same signal processing parameter is applied to the calculation model; 6. The communication device according to claim 4 or 5.

11. the first resource is a subcarrier, a resource element, or a resource block; The determination unit determines at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers to be applied for each of the subcarriers, resource elements, or resource blocks. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The acquisition unit acquires information related to the first resource via system information or dedicated signaling. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. an acquisition step of acquiring information on a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources from another communication device, and acquiring information on a state of a propagation channel used for wireless communication; a determining step of determining a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources and includes information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers, by inputting information on the second resource and information on the propagation channel into a calculation model; A communication method comprising:

14. In the obtaining step, information about the calculation model having at least information about the propagation channel as input and at least information about the signal processing parameters as output is obtained from the other communication device. The communication method according to claim 13.

15. In the acquiring step, information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted through the propagation channel is acquired as information about the state of the propagation channel; In the determining step, information about the second resource and information about the reception strength of the reference signal are input to the calculation model, thereby determining the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources.

15. A communication method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. An acquisition step of acquiring information about a second resource consisting of a plurality of first resources from another communication device; determining a signal processing parameter, the signal processing parameter including information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, and a number of layers, to be applied to each of the first resources based on information on the second resources; In the acquiring step, information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via a propagation channel used for wireless communication is acquired as information about a state of the propagation channel; the other communication device is a base station that sets the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources and transmits downlink data; the acquiring step acquires, from the base station, information about a calculation model that receives as input at least information about the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel and outputs as at least information about the signal processing parameters; In the determining step, information regarding a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel is input to the calculation model, thereby determining the signal processing parameters set by the base station for each of the first resources. Communication method.

17. A communication system including a base station and a terminal device, The base station a transmitting unit configured to transmit information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources to the terminal device; The terminal device an acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources from another communication device and acquires information about a state of a propagation channel used in wireless communication; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources and includes information on at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers, by inputting information on the second resource and information on the propagation channel into a calculation model; Communication system.

18. The acquisition unit acquires information about the calculation model, which has at least information about the propagation channel as input and at least information about the signal processing parameters as output, from the other communication device.

18. The communication system of claim 17.

19. A communication system comprising a base station and a terminal device, The base station a transmitting unit configured to transmit information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources to the terminal device; The terminal device an acquisition unit that acquires information about a second resource configured from a plurality of first resources from the base station; a determination unit that determines a signal processing parameter, which is applied to each of the first resources, based on information about the second resources, the signal processing parameter including information about at least one of a modulation scheme, a coding method, and a number of layers; the acquisition unit acquires, as information about a state of a propagation channel used for wireless communication, information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel; the base station sets the signal processing parameter for each of the first resources and transmits downlink data; the acquisition unit acquires, from the base station, information regarding a calculation model that receives as input at least information regarding the reception strength of a reference signal transmitted via the propagation channel and outputs as at least information regarding the signal processing parameters; the determination unit determines the signal processing parameters set by the base station for each of the first resources by inputting information about a reception strength of a reference signal transmitted from the base station via the propagation channel into the calculation model; Communication system.

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