Information processing device, communication device, information processing method, and communication method

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires sensing results pertaining to a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication; a generation unit that, on the basis of the sensing results, generates assistance information for assisting processing relating to the wireless communication; and a transmission unit that transmits the assistance information to at least one communication device included in the plurality of communication devices.

Description

Information processing device, communication device, information processing method, and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a communication device, an information processing method, and a communication method.

[0002] Recently, technologies related to wireless communication such as cellular communication have been actively developed. In order to realize more efficient communication, research into integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has begun (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] 3GPP TR 22.837 V19.1.0 (2023-09), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group TSG SA; Feasibility Study on Integrated Sensing and Communication (Release 19)

[0004] It is expected that the integration of sensors and communications will enable efficient communications. However, simply combining conventional sensing technology with communications technology does not necessarily result in communications with high performance (e.g., stable communication quality, high communication quality, low latency, high reliability, or high throughput).

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing device, a communication device, an information processing method, and a communication method that can achieve communication with high communication performance.

[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.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device of one embodiment according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires sensing results related to multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication, a generation unit that generates assistance information to assist in processing related to the wireless communication based on the sensing results, and a transmission unit that transmits the assistance information to at least one communication device included in the multiple communication devices.

[0008] 10 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an operation of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of resource selection processing by a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of resource selection processing by a terminal device. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a communication system 1 according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of time resources in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining monostatic sensing. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining bistatic sensing. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining multistatic sensing. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining multistatic sensing. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a first sensing scenario. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a second sensing scenario. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a third sensing scenario.FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth sensing scenario. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a fifth sensing scenario. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a sixth sensing scenario. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining feedback of sensing results. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of sensing processing related to monostatic sensing. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of sensing processing related to bistatic sensing. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a sensing scenario of multistatic sensing. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of sensing processing related to multistatic sensing.

[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] In addition, in this description (specification) and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers after the same reference numeral. １ , 40 ２ , and 40 ３ However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are used. For example, the terminal device 40 １ , 40 ２ , and 40 ３ When there is no need to particularly distinguish between them, they will be simply referred to as terminal devices 40.

[0011] Additionally, in this description / specification, the phrase "at least one of" following a list of elements is understood to mean that the listed elements are optional. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C)." "At least one of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, and / or C" are similar to "at least one of A, B, and C." Here, A, B, and C are all arbitrary expressions (e.g., words, phrases, clauses, terms, or items).

[0012] One or more embodiments (including examples and variations) 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.

[0013] <<1. Overview>> First, an overview of this embodiment will be described.

[0014] The rapid evolution of digital technology in recent years has made the integration of sensing and communication technologies important. One example of this integration trend is ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication). In ISAC, for example, a communication device collects and processes different types of sensing data in real time, and shares the information with other devices through communication technology. The integration of sensing and communication technologies has the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in a wide range of fields. For example, the integration of sensors and communication is expected to enable more efficient communication control.

[0015] One example of information that is expected to be acquired by sensors is information about objects that do not have communication capabilities. In high-frequency bands, such as millimeter waves, radio waves have a strong tendency to propagate in a straight line, so blocking by objects significantly affects communication quality. Therefore, communication systems may be able to achieve high-performance communication by controlling communication using sensing data from objects that may affect communication. For example, a communication system may be able to achieve stable communication (e.g., seamless communication) by quickly switching communication links between communication devices based on predicted changes in the state of objects that may affect communication (e.g., changes in the object's position).

[0016] Therefore, in this embodiment, a communication system that can more effectively combine sensing technology and communication technology will be described. By using the technology disclosed in this embodiment, the communication system can achieve communication with high communication performance (for example, stable communication quality, high communication quality, low latency, high reliability, or high throughput).

[0017] Before describing the outline of the communication system of this embodiment, ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication), TCI (Transmission Configuration Indicator), and QCL (Quasi-co-location) will be described.

[0018] <1-1. About ISAC> First, ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) will be explained.

[0019] The primary role of ISAC is to collect sensing data. The communication device uses different types of sensors to monitor various phenomena, such as environmental changes and / or object behavior. This allows the communication device to collect data in real time and accurately capture the situation in the physical world.

[0020] The second role of ISAC is data processing and transformation. The communication device converts collected data into useful information through processing such as analysis and / or pattern recognition. For example, in environmental monitoring, the communication device uses sensing data to identify trends in temperature and humidity and use them to predict future weather conditions.

[0021] Another role of ISAC is to share data through communication technology. Communication devices transmit sensing data (or data based on sensing data) to appropriate locations and / or devices through communication technology. Real-time information sharing enables monitoring and control in remote locations. As a result, it becomes possible to respond quickly to various problems.

[0022] ISAC is expected to be important in many fields, such as smart city infrastructure management, industrial automation, and medical monitoring, where data integration and sharing can lead to more efficient operations and / or more efficient data-driven decision-making.

[0023] (Regarding Sensing Technology) In this embodiment, sensing technology includes technology for detecting / measuring physical phenomena. In ISAC, sensing technology is an important element for detecting changes in the environment and / or objects and collecting them as digital data.

[0024] In the following description, data detected by one or more sensing functions of an information processing device may be referred to as sensing data. The information processing device may be one of multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication, or may be a device other than the multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication. Here, the multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication may be a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 40 described below) and a base station (e.g., base station 30 described below), a terminal device and another terminal device, or a base station and another base station.

[0025] In the above and below descriptions, sensing data may be 3GPP sensing data or non-3GPP sensing data. 3GPP sensing data refers to data obtained from 3GPP radio signals affected by an object and / or environment for the purpose of sensing. The effect of the object and / or environment may be, for example, at least one of reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Non-3GPP sensing data refers to data about an object and / or environment provided by a sensor other than 3GPP for sensing. The sensor other than 3GPP may be, for example, at least one of a camera, LiDAR, and sonar. Sensing data appearing in the following description may be referred to as sensing information, detection data, or detection information.

[0026] The sensing function may be realized by one or more sensors included in the information processing device. The information processing device having the sensing function may be a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver. Furthermore, the information processing device having the sensing function may be a device that functions as both a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver.

[0027] The sensing transmitter is an entity that transmits a sensing signal used by the sensing service in its operation. The sensing transmitter may be part of a RAN node (e.g., a base station 30 described below), part of a UE (e.g., a terminal device 40 described below), or part of a device other than a RAN node or a UE (e.g., an information processing device 50 described below). The sensing transmitter may be located in the same entity as the sensing receiver, or in a different entity.

[0028] The sensing receiver is an entity that receives sensing signals used by the sensing service in its operation. The sensing receiver may be part of a RAN node (e.g., a base station 30 described below), part of a UE (e.g., a terminal device 40 described below), or part of a device other than a RAN node or a UE (e.g., an information processing device 50 described below). The sensing receiver may be located in the same entity as the sensing transmitter or in a different entity.

[0029] In this embodiment, sensing may include at least one of the following (1) to (5). The word "detection" that appears in the following description can be replaced with "measurement." Furthermore, the word "communication device" that appears in the following description can be replaced with "information processing device." Furthermore, the word "information processing device" that appears in the following description can be replaced with "communication device."

[0030] (1) Temperature Detection The communication device may collect environmental temperature data detected by a temperature sensor as sensing data (or data based on the sensing data). The communication device may use the collected data for, for example, weather forecasting and / or energy management.

[0031] (2) Humidity Detection The communication device may collect humidity data in the air detected by a humidity sensor as sensing data (or data based on the sensing data). The communication device may use the collected data for, for example, indoor comfort control and / or agricultural management.

[0032] (3) Light Detection The communication device may collect data on the intensity and / or brightness of light detected by the light sensor as sensing data (or data based on the sensing data). The communication device may utilize the collected data for, for example, lighting control and / or environmental monitoring.

[0033] (4) Acceleration Detection The communication device may collect data on the acceleration and / or vibration of an object detected by an acceleration sensor as sensing data (or data based on the sensing data). The communication device may use the collected data for, for example, motion sensing and / or equipment health diagnosis.

[0034] (5) Position Detection The communication device may collect position data of an object detected by a position sensor (e.g., a GNSS sensor such as a GPS sensor) as sensing data (or data based on the sensing data). The communication device may use the collected data, for example, to track the movement of the object.

[0035] The sensing of this embodiment is not limited to the above examples (1) to (5). The sensing of this embodiment may involve, for example, detecting at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectance of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound. Of course, the sensing of this embodiment may involve sensing other than these.

[0036] (ISAC in Cellular Communication System) Cellular communication technology is, for example, a radio access technology (RAT) that enables mobile communication of terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells. A cellular communication system is a communication system that enables mobile communication of terminal devices using cellular communication technology.

[0037] Cellular communication systems include not only third-generation mobile communication systems (so-called 3G) and fourth-generation mobile communication systems (so-called 4G), but also fifth-generation mobile communication systems (so-called 5G). The first 5G standard was established in 2018 as Rel-15. 5G is a wireless access technology that can support a variety of use cases, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC).

[0038] The cellular communication system may include a sixth-generation mobile communication system (so-called 6G). 6G is the next generation system after 5G. 6G is being considered as a wireless communication system that pursues further evolution of 5G. Note that the cellular communication system may include not only 6G but also B5G (Beyond 5G).

[0039] The high-speed communication, low latency, and multiple connectivity of 5G, B5G, and 6G meet the requirements of use cases related to ISAC. Therefore, cellular communication systems (e.g., 5G, B5G, and 6G) ​​have a high affinity with ISAC. In particular, in cellular communication systems, ISAC sensing technology can be an important element in controlling wireless communications.

[0040] Here, sensing technology in 5G may be referred to as 5G wireless sensing technology. 5G wireless sensing technology may be technology for acquiring information about characteristics of a communication environment and / or an object within the communication environment. 5G wireless sensing technology may determine the distance (range), angle, or instantaneous linear velocity of an object. In the following description, a sensing function using radio frequencies may be referred to as a radio frequency sensing function. The radio frequency sensing function can identify the location of an object even if the object is not wirelessly connected to the object via a device in the network. In other words, the radio frequency sensing function can provide a device-free object location service. Here, the device in the network is, for example, a base station 30 and / or a terminal device 40, which will be described later.

[0041] The ISAC sensing technique may include a parameter estimation technique. For example, the ISAC sensing technique may include a technique for estimating at least one of signal strength, delay, Doppler, and angular spectrum information. These parameter estimations may be performed using sensing signals (e.g., NR radio frequency signals). For example, these parameter estimations may be performed using scattered and reflected radio frequency signals transmitted or received by the RAN node or UE.

[0042] A communication system may process radio frequency signals to extract features related to an object. The features may include, for example, at least one of object position, object velocity, and object geometric information. The extracted features may be exposed to various applications along with context information. The ability to obtain information (e.g., at least one of distance, velocity, and angle) from radio frequency signals enables a cellular communication system to provide a variety of new services related to objects (e.g., vehicles, humans, animals, or UAVs). For example, the cellular communication system may provide services related to object detection, object recognition, high-precision object localization, and / or object tracking.

[0043] The introduction of ISAC sensing technology enables cellular communication systems to monitor the surroundings of communication devices and / or their communication environments in an advanced manner and collect data in real time. This allows the cellular communication system to quickly detect changes in the communication environment and / or the presence of obstacles and take appropriate measures. For example, the cellular communication system can use sensing data to detect the effects of radio interference and / or obstacles and optimize communication channels and / or frequency bands.

[0044] Furthermore, cellular communication systems can utilize data collected by sensing technologies to optimize and / or improve the quality of their communication networks. For example, by monitoring the network in real time based on the sensing data, the communication system can adjust communication bandwidth and / or optimize device connection control, thereby improving the user experience.

[0045] Furthermore, cellular communication systems can utilize data collected by sensing technology for network slicing. For example, by building a customized network environment based on sensing data, cellular communication systems can provide an optimal communication environment for different applications / services.

[0046] Additionally, cellular communication systems can utilize data collected by sensing technologies to enhance security. For example, sensing technologies can detect abnormal behavior and / or signs of attack and provide early warnings to protect the network and / or enhance security measures.

[0047] That is, in a cellular communication system, ISAC is useful for improving the quality of the communication network, optimizing its operation, or strengthening its security. In a cellular communication system, ISAC can be an important element in creating a more reliable communication environment.

[0048] <1-2. TCI and QCL> Next, the TCI (Transmission Configuration Indicator) and QCL (Quasi-co-location) will be described.

[0049] In 5G, it is being considered to control reception processing of signals and / or channels based on Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI). Here, the reception processing may be, for example, at least one of reception, demapping, demodulation, and decoding. Here, the TCI is information related to Quasi-Co-Location (QCL) of the signals and / or channels. The TCI may also be referred to as spatial reception parameters, spatial relation information, or the like. The TCI may be set in a communication device for each channel or for each signal.

[0050] The QCL indicates statistical properties of signals and / or channels. For example, the QCL indicates the relationship between antenna ports. For example, if the propagation of signals between different antenna ports can be predicted based on specific channel characteristics, the relationship can be considered quasi-co-location (QCL). In other words, if the characteristics of a signal on one antenna port can be predicted from the characteristics of a signal on another antenna port, the relationship can be considered QCL. For example, if a signal and / or channel is QCL to another signal and / or channel, it can be assumed that at least one of the following is the same: Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, and spatial parameter between the different signals and / or channels.

[0051] For example, suppose that reference signals X and Y are transmitted from the same antenna array and the same spatial filter is applied to these signals. In this case, reference signals X and Y have similar channel characteristics. Therefore, a receiving communication device (hereinafter also referred to as a receiving device) can detect reference signal Y using the channel characteristics of reference signal X. In such a case, reference signals X and Y can be considered to be QCLs.

[0052] Here, the reference signal X can be a signal such as a CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) or an SSB (SS / PBCH Block). SS means Synchronization Signal, and PBCH means Physical Broadcast Channel. The reference signal Y can be a channel such as a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), a PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), a PSCCH (Physical Sidelink Control Channel), or a PSSCH (Physical Sidelink Shared Channel). For example, when a predetermined CSI-RS and a predetermined PDCCH are QCL, the receiving device can perform PDCCH reception processing assuming that the predetermined channel characteristics for receiving the PDCCH are the same as the predetermined channel characteristics of the CSI-RS.

[0053] The channel characteristics related to QCL may be some or all of the multiple channel characteristics shown in (1) to (5) below.

[0054] (1) Doppler Shift Doppler shift refers to the change in wavelength caused by the movement of a communication device. Doppler shift is a phenomenon in which the frequency of a transmitted signal changes depending on the speed.

[0055] (2) Doppler spread The Doppler spread is, for example, a time representation of the difference in frequency between a transmitted signal and a received signal. The Doppler spread indicates the spread of the received signal.

[0056] (3) Average Delay The average delay indicates the average arrival time of a signal due to, for example, multipath propagation.

[0057] (4) Delay Spread Delay spread indicates, for example, the difference in arrival time between the first multipath component and the last component.

[0058] (5) Spatial Parameter The spatial parameter is information related to beamforming. The spatial parameter may be a spatial reception parameter. In this case, the spatial reception parameter may correspond to a reception beam (e.g., a reception analog beam) of the receiving device. In this case, the receiving device may identify a beam based on the spatial parameter.

[0059] A plurality of types may be defined as the QCL type. For example, the following four QCL types (1) to (4) having different parameter sets may be defined as the QCL type.

[0060] (1) QCL Type A parameter set: Doppler shift, Doppler spread, mean delay, and delay spread

[0061] (2) QCL Type B parameter set: Doppler shift and Doppler spread

[0062] (3) QCL Type C Parameter Set: Doppler shift and mean delay

[0063] (4) QCL Type D Parameter Set: Spatial parameters

[0064] A Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) is information for notifying the QCL. The TCI is dynamically transmitted, for example, in a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. The TCI may include information such as the QCL relationship between RSs in a Downlink (DL) RS set.

[0065] <1-3. Overview of Operation of Communication System> Based on the above, an overview of operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of operation of the communication system of this embodiment. The communication system of this embodiment is, for example, a cellular communication system. The communication system of this embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication. For example, the communication system includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, one or more base stations and / or one or more terminal devices) that have cellular communication functions. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication system includes a base station and a terminal device as the plurality of communication devices. Each of the plurality of communication devices may include a wireless communication unit (for example, a 3GPP transceiver).

[0066] Note that the communication device of this embodiment may be a device different from the terminal device and the base station. For example, the communication device of this embodiment may be a device having some or all of the functions of the terminal device, or a device having some or all of the functions of the base station. For example, the communication device of this embodiment may be a repeater that repeats a predetermined signal, or a relay device that relays a predetermined signal.

[0067] The communication system of this embodiment includes a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 1, a terminal device and a base station), as well as an information processing device that performs sensing on the plurality of communication devices. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication system includes an assistant node as the information processing device. The assistant node is a node that assists in processing related to wireless communication of at least one of the plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 1, a terminal device and a base station). The assistant node may be another communication device that has a wireless communication function. In this case, the wireless communication function may be a cellular communication function, or a wireless communication function other than a cellular communication function. In the following description, processing related to wireless communication may be referred to as wireless communication processing.

[0068] The assistant node includes a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes one or more sensors for sensing an object. The sensor unit of the assistant node senses the object by receiving, detecting, or measuring a sensing signal transmitted by the assistant node itself or another device. In the example of FIG. 1 , the sensor unit of the assistant node senses the object by receiving, detecting, or measuring a reflected signal of a sensing signal transmitted by the assistant node itself.

[0069] The assistant node acquires a result of sensing using the sensor unit, for example, the assistant node acquires a result of sensing an object that may affect wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices.

[0070] An object that may affect wireless communication is, for example, an object that may block wireless communication. For example, an object that may affect wireless communication is an object that may block a communication path of wireless communication. In this case, the communication path may be a communication path formed by a beam of beamforming. Of course, the communication path may also be a communication path formed by means other than a beam (for example, radio waves with low directionality). In the following description, an object that may affect wireless communication may be referred to as an obstruction. An obstruction may also be referred to as a shield. Note that, in this embodiment, blocking does not necessarily mean completely blocking wireless communication. In other words, an object that may block wireless communication includes not only an object that may completely block wireless communication, but also an object that may interfere with wireless communication.

[0071] In this embodiment, an object that may affect wireless communication is not limited to an object that is determined to definitely affect wireless communication. An object that may affect wireless communication may also include an object whose possibility of affecting wireless communication is uncertain and / or unclear. Furthermore, the possibility of affecting wireless communication may include not only a possibility at the present or future time, but also a possibility at a past time. For example, suppose that a reference signal that has already been received may have been affected by an object on the communication path. In this case, the object may correspond to an object that may affect wireless communication. Of course, an object that may affect wireless communication may also include an object that has affected wireless communication in the past.

[0072] Similarly, in this embodiment, objects that may block wireless communication are not limited to objects that are determined to definitely block wireless communication. Objects that may block wireless communication may also include objects whose possibility of blocking wireless communication is uncertain and / or unclear. Furthermore, the possibility of blocking wireless communication may include not only the possibility of blocking at a present or future time, but also the possibility of blocking at a past time. Of course, objects that may block wireless communication may also include objects that have blocked wireless communication in the past.

[0073] Next, the assistant node generates assistance information based on the sensing results to assist in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of at least one of the multiple communication devices (in the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device and the base station). The assistance information may include information indicating the state of the communication path between the multiple communication devices. For example, the assistance information may include, as information indicating the state of the communication path, information indicating whether or not there is an object on the communication path that may affect communication. The assistance information may include information indicating the future state of the communication path. In this case, the assistant node may generate information indicating the future state of the communication path (for example, information about a period during which the communication path is predicted to be interrupted) based on the sensing results.

[0074] The assistant node then transmits assistance information to at least one of the multiple communication devices. The communication device that receives the assistance information performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information. For example, assume that the communication device that receives the assistance information is a base station, and the assistance information includes information indicating the future state of the communication path. In this case, the base station schedules wireless communication between the base station and the terminal device based on the information indicating the future state of the communication path (e.g., information about a period during which the communication path is predicted to be interrupted). For example, if the information indicating the future state of the communication path is information about a period during which the communication path is predicted to be interrupted, the base station schedules uplink communication or downlink communication so as to avoid the period during which the communication path is predicted to be interrupted.

[0075] This allows the communication devices in the communication system to perform wireless communication without being significantly affected by blockages of communication paths due to objects, thereby enabling the communication system to achieve high communication performance.

[0076] The communication system of this embodiment has been outlined above, and the communication system of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0077] <<2. Configuration of the Communication System>> First, the configuration of the communication system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1 according to this embodiment. The communication system 1 includes a server 10, a management device 20, a base station 30, a terminal device 40, and an information processing device 50. The communication system 1 provides users with a wireless network (mobile network) that enables mobile communication by having the wireless communication devices that make up the communication system 1 operate in cooperation with each other.

[0078] The wireless network of this embodiment may be, for example, a cellular network composed of a radio access network RAN ​​and a core network CN. In this embodiment, the wireless communication device is a device having a wireless communication function, and in the example of Figure 2, this corresponds to the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0079] The communication system 1 may include a plurality of servers 10, a plurality of management devices 20, a plurality of base stations 30, a plurality of terminal devices 40, and a plurality of information processing devices 50. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of servers 10. １ and server 10 ２ The management device 20 includes the management device 20 １ and management device 20 ２ The communication system 1 also includes a base station 30. １ , base station 30 ２ , and base station 30 ３ The terminal device 40 is provided with the terminal device 40 １ , terminal device 40 ２ , and terminal device 40 ３ The communication system 1 also includes an information processing device 50. １ , and the information processing device 50 ２ In the following description, the devices included in the communication system 1 may be referred to as network devices.

[0080] The terminal device 40 may be configured to connect to a network using a radio access technology (RAT) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), NR (New Radio), B5G (Beyond 5G), 6G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use different radio access technologies (wireless communication methods). For example, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use NR and Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use different cellular communication technologies (e.g., LTE, NR, B5G, or 6G).

[0081] 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. 6G is also expected to be a type of cellular communication technology that also enables mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells.

[0082] In the following description, "LTE" includes LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), LTE-A Pro (LTE-Advanced Pro), and EUTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access). NR includes NRAT (New Radio Access Technology) and FEUTRA (Further EUTRA). NR may also include 5G-Advanced. A single base station 30 may manage multiple cells. In the following description, a cell corresponding to LTE may be referred to as an LTE cell, and a cell corresponding to NR may be referred to as an NR cell.

[0083] NR is the next generation (5th generation) radio access technology after LTE (4th generation communications including LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro). 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 was standardized in 3GPP (registered trademark) Rel-15 as a technical framework that corresponds to the usage scenarios, requirements, and deployment scenarios of these use cases. Furthermore, B5G and 6G are required to simultaneously achieve multiple axes of high speed, large capacity, low latency, high reliability, and multiple simultaneous connections.

[0084] 6G has the potential to be the next generation of mobile communications technology after NR and 5GS (5G system), which are fifth-generation mobile communications. Like 5G (NR), 6G could also be a cellular communications technology. 6G includes radio access technology and network technologies between base stations, core networks, and data networks. 6G may also include technologies for extreme connectivity, which were the main use cases or requirements of NR: eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC. 6G may also include new technologies in new areas. For example, 6G may include technologies related to AI (cognitive network, AI native air interface), sensing (including radar sensing, network as a sensor, ISAC), and terahertz communications.

[0085] The wireless network described above or below may correspond to at least one of radio access technologies (RATs) such as LTE, NR, B5G, 6G, etc. The wireless access method used by the communication system 1 is not limited to LTE, NR, or 6G, and may be other wireless access methods such as W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000).

[0086] Furthermore, the base station 30 may be a terrestrial station or a non-terrestrial station. In other words, the communication system shown in Fig. 2 may be a non-terrestrial network. The non-terrestrial station may be a satellite station or an aircraft station. If the non-terrestrial station is a satellite station, the wireless network may be a bent-pipe (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0087] In this embodiment, the terrestrial station and terrestrial base station refer to base stations and relay stations installed on the ground. Here, "terrestrial" refers to the ground in a broad sense, including not only land but also underground, on water, and underwater. In the following description, the term "terrestrial station" may be replaced with "gateway."

[0088] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. An NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. A 6G base station may be referred to as a 6G NodeB (6GNB). An LTE RAN may be referred to as an EUTRAN. An NR RAN may be referred to as an NGRAN. A 6G RAN may be referred to as a 6GRAN. In LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G, a terminal device (also referred to as a mobile station or terminal) may be referred to as a 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.

[0089] The terminal device 40 may be able to connect to a network using a wireless access technology (wireless communication method) other than LTE, NR, B5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. For example, the terminal device 40 may be able to connect to a network using low power wide area (LPWA) communication. The terminal device 40 may also be able to connect to a network using proprietary wireless communication.

[0090] Here, LPWA communication refers to wireless communication that enables low-power, wide-area communication. For example, LPWA wireless refers to IoT (Internet of Things) wireless communication using a specified low-power radio (e.g., the 920 MHz band) or the ISM (Industry-Science-Medical) band. LPWA wireless may include LTE-M, which operates in the cellular frequency band, and / or C-IoT (Cellular IoT), represented by NB-IoT. The LPWA communication used by the terminal device 40 may conform to the LPWA standard. The LPWA standard may be, for example, at least one of ELTRES, ZETA, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, LTE-M, and NB-IoT. Of course, the LPWA standard is not limited to these and may be another LPWA standard.

[0091] Each wireless communication device shown in Fig. 2 may be considered as a device in a logical sense, i.e., a part of each wireless communication device may be realized by a virtual machine (VM), a container such as Docker, or the like, and these may be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0092] In this embodiment, the concept of a wireless 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 wireless communication devices. Furthermore, the concept of a wireless communication device includes not only terminal devices 40 but also base stations 30. A wireless communication device is a type of processing device or information processing device. A wireless communication device can also be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the resource may indicate, for example, at least one of Frequency, Time, Resource Element (including REG, CCE, and CORESET), Resource Block, Bandwidth Part, Component Carrier, Symbol, Sub-Symbol, Slot, Mini-Slot, Subslot, Subframe, Frame, PRACH occasion, Occasion, Code, Multi-access physical resource, Multi-access signature, and Subcarrier Spacing (Numerology). That is, the above-mentioned or below-mentioned "resource," "radio resource," or "wireless communication resource" may be interpreted as at least one of the above examples.

[0094] The following describes in detail the configuration of each communication device that constitutes the communication system 1. Note that the configuration of the communication device shown below is merely an example. The configuration of the communication device may be different from the configuration shown below.

[0095] <2-1. Server Configuration> First, the configuration of the server 10 will be described.

[0096] The server 10 is an information processing device (computer) that provides various services to the terminal device 40. For example, the server 10 is an information processing device that executes processing related to a sensing service.

[0097] A sensing service is, for example, a service provided using data (hereinafter referred to as sensing data) detected by one or more sensing functions provided in one or more communication devices (e.g., at least one of the base station 30, the terminal device 40, and the information processing device 50). Note that the sensing service is not limited to a service provided using the sensing data directly. The sensing service may also be a service provided using the sensing data indirectly. For example, the sensing service may be a service provided using processing results based on the sensing data.

[0098] A sensing service is typically a service that provides sensing data. For example, a sensing service is a service that provides sensing data used in a specific use case (e.g., processing related to the autonomous driving of a mobile object, processing related to the autonomous operation of a device / system, or processing related to XR content). However, a sensing service is not limited to a service that provides sensing data. A sensing service may be a service that provides processing performed using sensing data, or a service that provides information generated using one or more sensing services. Sensing services will be described later.

[0099] The one or more sensing functions of the communication device may include an RF (Radio Frequency) based sensing function (e.g., an RF based sensing function supported by a 3GPP transceiver). Of course, the one or more sensing functions of the communication device may include various detection functions (e.g., a function to detect at least one of an object color, an object speed, an object acceleration, an object reflectance, an object transmittance, a distance to an object, an object / environment temperature, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound) using one or more sensors (physical sensors and / or logical sensors) of the communication device.

[0100] The one or more sensors included in the one or more communication devices may include, for example, one or more sensors included in the base station 30, the terminal device 40, or the information processing device 50 (e.g., one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34, the sensor unit 46, or the sensor unit 54 described below). For example, the one or more sensors may include a sensor that detects an image and / or the shape of an object, such as a camera and / or LiDAR. The one or more sensors may also include a sensor that detects at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectivity of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound. In this case, the sensing service may be a service based on image data or shape data detected by the sensor (e.g., a service related to autonomous driving of a mobile object). The sensing service may also be a service based on sensing data from a sensor that detects at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectivity of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound.

[0101] Note that the one or more sensors used directly or indirectly for the sensing service are not limited to one or more sensors provided in the base station 30, the terminal device 40, and the information processing device 50. The one or more sensors used directly or indirectly for the sensing service may be one or more sensors provided in a communication device other than the base station 30, the terminal device 40, and the information processing device 50. For example, the one or more sensors used directly or indirectly for the sensing service may be one or more sensors provided in the server 10 and / or the management device 20.

[0102] The server 10 may be an application server or a web server. The server 10 may be a cloud server or an edge server. The server 10 may be a PC server, a mid-range server, or a mainframe server. The server 10 may be an information processing device that performs data processing (edge ​​processing) near a user or a terminal. For example, the server 10 may be an information processing device (computer) attached to or built into a base station. The server 10 may also have a function as a core network. For example, the server 10 may be a device that functions as the management device 20. Of course, the server 10 may be an information processing device that performs cloud computing. The server 10 of this embodiment can function as an application function.

[0103] The server 10 is connected to other communication devices (e.g., the management device 20) via a network N. Although only one network N is shown in the example of FIG. 2, there may be multiple networks N. Here, the network N is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. Note that the network N is not limited to the Internet, and may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, a fixed telephone network, or a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network. The network N may include a wired network or a wireless network.

[0104] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the server 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the server 10 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. For example, the server 10 may be configured by multiple information processing devices.

[0105] The server 10 does not necessarily have to have all of the configurations described above or below. The server 10 may also have configurations other than the configurations described above or below. For example, the management device 20 may have a sensor unit with a configuration similar to that of the sensor unit (sensor unit 34 or sensor unit 46) provided in the base station 30 or the terminal device 40.

[0106] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication unit 11 is a network interface. For example, the communication unit 11 is a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 communicates with the management device 20, the base station 30, the terminal device 40, and other servers 10 under the control of the control unit 13.

[0107] The storage unit 12 is a storage device that can read and write data, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0108] The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each component of the server 10. The control unit 13 may be implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). Specifically, the control unit 13 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device within the management device 20 using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a work area. The control unit 13 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 13 may also be implemented by a graphics processing unit (GPU). A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, and a GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 13 may be configured by multiple physically separated entities. For example, the control unit 13 may be configured by multiple semiconductor chips.

[0109] <2-2. Configuration of Management Device> Next, the configuration of the management device 20 will be described.

[0110] The management device 20 is an information processing device (computer) that manages the wireless network. For example, the management device 20 is an information processing device that manages communication of the base station 30.

[0111] The management device 20 may be a device constituting a core network CN. For example, the management device 20 may be a device having a function as an MME (Mobility Management Entity). The management device 20 may also be a device having a function as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and / or an SMF (Session Management Function). The MME, AMF, and SMF are control plane network function nodes in the core network CN. The management device 20 may be a device having a function as a control plane network function (6G CPNF) in 6G. The 6G CPNF may be composed of one or more logical nodes.

[0112] Of course, the functions of the management device 20 are not limited to MME, AMF, SMF, and 6G CPNF. The management device 20 may be a device having functions as a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Unified Data Management (UDM). Furthermore, the management device 20 may be a device having functions as a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0113] The management device 20 may have a gateway function. For example, the management device 20 may have a function as an S-GW (Serving Gateway) or a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway). The management device 20 may also have a UPF (User Plane Function) function. In this case, the management device 20 may have multiple UPFs. The management device 20 may also be a device having a 6G user plane network function (6G UPNF).

[0114] The management device 20 may also have a function for executing processing related to the sensing service. For example, the management device 20 may have an application function for executing processing related to the sensing service based on a request from another communication device (e.g., at least one of the server 10, the base station 30, the terminal device 40, and another management device 20).

[0115] The core network CN is composed of multiple network functions, and each network function may be consolidated into one physical device or distributed across multiple physical devices. That is, the management device 20 may be distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, this distributed distribution may be controlled so that it is executed dynamically. The core network CN may be composed of one management device 20 or multiple management devices. The base station 30 and the management device 20 form a single network, providing wireless communication services to terminal devices 40. The management device 20 is connected to the Internet, and the terminal devices 40 can use various services provided via the Internet via the base station 30.

[0116] The management device 20 does not necessarily have to be a device that constitutes the core network CN. For example, assume that the core network CN is a core network of W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000). In this case, the management device 20 may be a device that functions as an RNC (Radio Network Controller).

[0117] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management device 20 according to this embodiment. The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the management device 20 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. The management device 20 may also be configured by multiple server devices.

[0118] The management device 20 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations described above or below. Furthermore, the management device 20 may include configurations other than the configurations described above or below. For example, the management device 20 may include a sensor unit having a configuration similar to the sensor unit (sensor unit 34 or sensor unit 46) included in the base station 30 or the terminal device 40.

[0119] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface for communicating with a wireless communication device (e.g., base station 30). The communication unit 21 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. The communication unit 21 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface configured by a USB host controller or a USB port. The communication unit 21 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 21 is controlled by the control unit 23.

[0120] The storage unit 22 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, the connection state of the terminal device 40. The storage unit 22 stores the state of the RRC (Radio Resource Control) of the terminal device 40 and the state of the ECM (EPS Connection Management) or the 5G System CM (Connection Management). The storage unit 22 may function as a home memory that stores location information of the terminal device 40.

[0121] The control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of the management device 20. The control unit 23 may be realized by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. In particular, the control unit 23 may be realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 20 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 23 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 23 may also be realized by a GPU. A CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 23 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 23 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0122] <2-3. Configuration of Base Station> Next, the configuration of the base station 30 will be described.

[0123] The base station 30 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., terminal devices 40 or other base stations 30). The base station 30 may perform wireless communication with the terminal devices 40 via a relay station, or may perform wireless communication directly with the terminal devices 40.

[0124] The base station 30 is a device equivalent to a wireless base station (such as a base station, a node B, an eNB, a gNB, or a 6GNB) or a wireless access point. In the following description, the base station 30 may be referred to as a base station (BS), a node B, an eNB, a gNB, a 6GNB, or a BS30.

[0125] The base station 30 may be a radio relay station. The base station 30 may be an optical device called a remote radio head (RRH). The base station 30 may be a receiving station such as a field pickup unit (FPU). The base station 30 may be an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) 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.

[0126] The wireless access technology used by the base station 30 may be cellular communication technology. The wireless access technology used by the base station 30 may be wireless LAN technology. The wireless access technology used by the base station 30 may be low-power wide-area (LPWA) communication technology. However, the wireless access technology used by the base station 30 is not limited to these and may be other wireless access technologies. The wireless communication used by the base station 30 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves or wireless communication using terahertz waves. The wireless communication used by the base station 30 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless). Furthermore, the base station 30 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 30 may be capable of NOMA communication with other base stations 30.

[0127] The base station 30 may be able to communicate with the core network via a base station-core network interface (e.g., NG Interface, S1 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless. The base station may also be able to communicate with other base stations via an inter-base station interface (e.g., Xn Interface, X2 Interface, F1 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless.

[0128] The concept of a base station (also referred to as a "base station device") includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (also referred to as a "relay station"). A relay base station may be any one of an RF Repeater, a Smart Repeater, and an Intelligent Surface. The concept of a base station may also include a road-side unit (RSU). The concept of a base station may also include not only a structure having the functions of a base station but also a device installed in the structure.

[0129] 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 wind turbines. The concept of a structure includes not only land (ground in the narrow sense) or underground structures, but also water-based structures such as piers or megafloats, and underwater structures such as ocean observation facilities. A base station can also be referred to as an information processing device.

[0130] The base station 30 may be a donor station or a relay station (relay station). The base station 30 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 30 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 a base station 30 as a mobile station. Furthermore, devices that are inherently mobile and have base station functionality (at least part of the base station functionality), such as vehicles, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) represented by drones, and smartphones, also fall under the category of a base station 30 as a mobile station.

[0131] Here, the moving body may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. The moving body may also be a moving body that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense) (e.g., a vehicle such as an automobile, bicycle, bus, truck, motorcycle, train, or linear motor car), or a moving body that moves underground (e.g., in a tunnel) (e.g., a subway). The moving body may also 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 submersible boat, submarine, or unmanned submersible). The moving body may also be a moving body that moves within the atmosphere (e.g., an aircraft such as an airplane, airship, or drone).

[0132] The base station 30 may be a terrestrial base station (ground station) installed on the ground. The base station 30 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. The base station 30 may be an antenna installed on a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to that antenna. The base station 30 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. The base station 30 is not limited to a terrestrial base station. If the communication system 1 is a satellite communication system, the base station 30 may be an aircraft station. From the perspective of a satellite station, an aircraft station located on Earth is a ground station.

[0133] The base station 30 is not limited to a ground station. The base station 30 may be a non-terrestrial base station (non-ground station) that can float in the air or space. The base station 30 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0134] A satellite station is a satellite station capable of floating outside the atmosphere. The 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. The space vehicle may be at least one of an artificial satellite, a spacecraft, a space station, and a probe. Of course, the space vehicle may also be an artificial celestial body other than these. Note that a satellite that serves as a satellite station may be any of a low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbiting (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbiting (GEO) satellite, or a highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite. The satellite station may be a device mounted on a low Earth orbiting (LEO), a medium Earth orbiting (MEO), a geostationary Earth orbiting (GEO), or a highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite.

[0135] An aircraft station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the atmosphere of an aircraft or the like. The aircraft station may be a device mounted on the aircraft or the like, 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 includes not only heavier-than-air vehicles or lighter-than-air vehicles, but also rotorcraft such as helicopters and autogyros. The aircraft station, or an aircraft equipped with an aircraft station, may be an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone.

[0136] The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and tethered unmanned aerial systems (UAS). 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).

[0137] The coverage size of the base station 30 may be relatively large, such as a macrocell, or relatively small, such as a picocell. The coverage size of the base station 30 may be extremely small, such as a femtocell. The base station 30 may have a beamforming function. The base station 30 may form a cell or service area for each beam. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to beamforming, which gives directionality to the beam, the base station 30 may have a function to deliver a desired wave to a specific point with pinpoint accuracy by further considering distance information from the antenna of the base station 30. This function may be called beam focusing or point forming. The base station 30 may also be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using beams.

[0138] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station 30 according to this embodiment. The base station 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, and a sensor unit 34. The configuration shown in Fig. 5 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the base station 30 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated units.

[0139] It should be noted that the base station 30 does not necessarily have to include all of the components described above or below. For example, the base station 30 does not necessarily have to include the sensor unit 34. Furthermore, the base station 30 may have a component other than the components described above or below.

[0140] The wireless communication unit 31 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., at least one of the terminal device 40 and another base station 30). The wireless communication unit 31 may be referred to as a wireless transceiver or simply as a transceiver. In this case, the wireless communication unit 31 may be a transceiver (hereinafter referred to as a 3GPP transceiver) conforming to the specifications defined in the Technical Specification (TS) of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 3GPP transceiver may be a 3G transceiver, a 4G (LTE) transceiver, a 5G (NR) transceiver, or a transceiver of a generation after 5G (e.g., 6G). The wireless communication unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 33. The wireless communication unit 31 supports one or more wireless access methods. The wireless communication unit 31 may support at least one of NR, LTE, B5G (Beyond 5G), and 6G. The wireless communication unit 31 may support W-CDMA, cdma2000, etc. in addition to NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 31 may support automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest). Some or all of the processing performed by the wireless communication unit 31 may be performed by the control unit 33.

[0141] The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmission processing unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an antenna 313. Alternatively, at least one of the transmission processing unit 311, the reception processing unit 312, and the antenna 313 may be considered as the wireless communication unit 31. The wireless communication unit 31 may include a plurality of transmission processing units 311, a plurality of reception processing units 312, and a plurality of antennas 313. When the wireless communication unit 31 supports a plurality of wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured individually for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 311 and the reception processing unit 312 may be configured individually for LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G. The antenna 313 may be configured with a plurality of antenna elements, for example, a plurality of patch antennas. The wireless communication unit 31 may have a beamforming function. For example, the wireless communication unit 31 may have a polarization beamforming function that uses vertically polarized waves (V polarization) and horizontally polarized waves (H polarization) (or a polarization beamforming function that uses dual polarization in polarization directions of 45 degrees and −45 degrees from the vertical direction). Note that the wireless communication unit 31 may transmit the sensing signal described above or below.

[0142] The transmission processing unit 311 performs transmission processing of the downlink control information and downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 311 encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 33 using a coding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, the encoding may be performed using polar codes or low density parity check codes (LDPC codes). The transmission processing unit 311 then modulates the coded bits using a predetermined modulation method (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM, or a higher-order multi-level modulation method). In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily need to be equidistant. The constellation may also be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). The transmission processing unit 311 then multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates them to predetermined resource elements. The transmission processing unit 311 then performs various signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 311 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 311 is transmitted from an antenna 313.

[0143] The reception processing unit 312 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 313. For example, the reception processing unit 312 performs downconversion, 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, and the like on the uplink signal. The reception processing unit 312 then separates uplink channels such as a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and an uplink reference signal from the signal that has undergone these processes. The reception processing unit 312 also demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) or Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation method 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). The reception processing unit 312 then performs decoding processing on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 33.

[0144] The antenna 313 is an antenna device that converts electric current and radio waves into each other. The antenna 313 may be composed of a single antenna element, for example, a single patch antenna. The antenna 313 may be composed of multiple antenna elements, for example, multiple patch antennas. When the antenna 313 is composed of multiple antenna elements, the wireless communication unit 31 may have a beamforming function. The wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a wireless signal using the multiple antenna elements. The antenna 313 may be a dual-polarized antenna. When the antenna 313 is a dual-polarized antenna, the wireless communication unit 31 may use vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization) (or dual polarization with polarization directions at 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction) when transmitting a wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 31 may control the directivity of a wireless signal transmitted using vertical polarization and horizontal polarization (or dual polarization with polarization directions at 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction). Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 31 may transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals via multiple layers each consisting of multiple antenna elements.

[0145] The storage unit 32 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0146] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 30. The control unit 33 controls the wireless communication unit 31 to perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., terminal devices 40 or other base stations 30). The control unit 33 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. Specifically, the control unit 33 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device within the base station 30 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 33 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 33 may also be implemented by a GPU. A CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 33 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 33 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0147] The control unit 33 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 331, a generation unit 332, a transmission unit 333, a sensing unit 334, a reception unit 335, and a communication control unit 336. The control unit 33 may include a plurality of each of these blocks, or may include only one of each.

[0148] Each block (acquisition unit 331 to communication control unit 336) constituting the control unit 33 is a functional block that indicates a function of the control unit 33. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-described functional blocks may be a software module implemented 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 33 may be configured with functional units different from the above-described functional blocks. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. Note that the operation of the control unit 33 may be the same as the operation of a control unit (control unit 13, control unit 23, control unit 43, or control unit 53) of the server 10, management device 20, terminal device 40, or information processing device 50.

[0149] The sensor unit 34 is composed of one or more sensors. For example, the sensor unit 34 includes one or more sensors configured to receive, detect, or measure a sensing signal transmitted by the same device or another communication device. In this case, the sensor unit 34 may be the same functional unit as the wireless communication unit 31. Note that if the wireless communication unit 31 is defined as a first wireless communication unit, the sensor unit 34 may be interpreted as a second wireless communication unit. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a sensor that detects the surroundings of the base station 30. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a ranging sensor (e.g., a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an image sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 34 (or one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34) may be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using a beamforming function.

[0150] The sensors included in the sensor unit 34 are not limited to sensors that detect the surroundings of the base station 30. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a sensor that detects the position or attitude of the base station 30. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include an acceleration sensor and / or a gyro sensor. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a 6DoF (Six degrees of freedom) sensor or a 3DoF (Three degrees of freedom) sensor. Furthermore, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a positioning sensor such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor. The GNSS sensor may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a GLONASS sensor, a Galileo sensor, or a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) sensor.

[0151] The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a sensor unit configured by combining multiple sensors. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured by combining multiple sensors selected from a positioning sensor (e.g., a GNSS sensor), an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. The sensor unit can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0152] Furthermore, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include a device / component configured using a sensor. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include at least one of a camera (e.g., a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a light field camera), a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a radar (e.g., a microwave radar or a millimeter wave radar), a microphone, and an imaging device. An imaging device is a device configured using one or more sensors. A device / component configured using a sensor can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0153] In addition, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor unit 34 may include a sensor that detects at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectivity of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound.

[0154] Furthermore, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor section 34 may include a sensor / sensor unit / device / component configured by combining two or more sensors selected from the above-mentioned plurality of sensors.

[0155] In this embodiment, one or more sensing functions realized by devices / components included in the base station 30 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the base station 30. For example, one or more sensing functions included in the wireless communication unit 31 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the base station 30. In this case, the one or more sensing functions included in the wireless communication unit 31 may include an RF (Radio Frequency)-based sensing function (e.g., an RF-based sensing function supported by a 3GPP transceiver). In this case, the wireless communication unit 31 (e.g., a 3GPP transceiver) may be considered as the sensor unit 34 (or a sensor included in the sensor unit 34).

[0156] In the above and below descriptions, descriptions regarding sensors may distinguish between physical sensors and logical sensors, i.e., the above and below descriptions of sensors may refer to physical sensors or logical sensors.

[0157] For example, the physical sensor may be at least one of the sensor examples described above or below. For example, the physical sensor may be at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a ranging sensor (e.g., a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a Six degrees of freedom (6DoF) sensor, a Three degrees of freedom (3DoF) sensor, a positioning sensor (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a GLONASS sensor, a Galileo sensor, or a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) sensor), an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a camera (e.g., a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a light field camera), a light detection and ranging (LiDAR), a radar (e.g., a microwave radar, a millimeter wave radar, etc.), a microphone, an image device, and a sensing function (e.g., one or more sensing functions of the wireless communication unit 31 or the wireless communication unit 41).

[0158] For example, a logical sensor may be a sensor-related entity defined in a standard (e.g., 3GPP Technical Standard). One logical sensor may be associated with one or more physical sensors (including multiple sensors of the same type and multiple sensors of different types). Additionally or alternatively, multiple logical sensors may be associated with multiple physical sensors.

[0159] In some embodiments, the base station 30 may be configured as a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. As an example, the base station 30 of this embodiment may be divided into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). The base station 30 may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Furthermore, the base station may be either a BBU or an RU, or may be both. The BBU and the RU may be connected by a predetermined interface such as an enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI).

[0160] The RU may be referred to as an RRU (Remote Radio Unit) or an RD (Radio DoT). The RU may correspond to a gNB-DU (gNB Distributed Unit) described later. The BBU may correspond to a gNB-CU (gNB Central Unit) described later. The RU may be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antenna of the base station 30, for example, an antenna integrally formed with the RU, may employ an Advanced Antenna System and support MIMO such as FD-MIMO or beamforming. The antenna of the base station 30 may have, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports.

[0161] The antenna mounted on the RU may be an antenna panel consisting of one or more antenna elements, and the RU may be equipped with one or more antenna panels. The RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels, a horizontally polarized antenna panel and a vertically polarized antenna panel. The RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels, a right-handed circularly polarized antenna panel and a left-handed circularly polarized antenna panel, or an antenna panel with a polarization direction at 45 degrees from the vertical direction and an antenna panel with a polarization direction at -45 degrees from the vertical direction. Multiple antennas with these multiple polarization directions may be mounted on a single antenna panel. The RU may form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0162] A plurality of base stations 30 may be connected to each other. One or more base stations 30 may be included in a radio access network (RAN). In this case, the base station 30 may be simply referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an AN (Access Network), an AN node, or the like. The RAN in LTE may be called an Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). The RAN in NR may be called an NGRAN. Furthermore, the RAN in 6G may be called a 6GRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) may be called a UTRAN.

[0163] An LTE base station 30 may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. In this case, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). An NR base station 30 may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In this case, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. A 6G base station may be referred to as a 6GNodeB, 6gNodeB, 6GNB, or 6gNB. In this case, the 6GRAN includes one or more 6GNBs. The EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). The NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS).

[0164] When the base station 30 is an eNB, gNB, 6GNB, or the like, the base station 30 may be referred to as a 3GPP access. When the base station 30 is a wireless access point, the base station 30 may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. The base station 30 may be a radio extension device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). When the base station 30 is a gNB, the base station 30 may be a combination of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU described above, or may be either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0165] Here, the gNB-CU hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control), SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol)) of the access stratum for communication with the UE. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Medium Access Control), PHY (Physical layer)) of the access stratum. That is, among the messages / information described below, RRC signaling (semi-static notification) is generated by the gNB-CU, while MAC The CE and DCI (dynamic notification) may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, some configurations of the RRC configuration (semi-static notification), 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.

[0166] The base station 30 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base stations. When multiple base stations 30 are eNBs or a combination of eNBs and en-gNBs, these base stations 30 may be connected via an X2 interface. When multiple base stations 30 are gNBs or a combination of gn-eNBs and gNBs, these base stations 30 may be connected via an Xn interface. When multiple base stations 30 are a combination of gNB-CUs and gNB-DUs, these base stations 30 may be connected via the F1 interface described above. Messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC Control Element (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI)) described below may be transmitted between multiple base stations 30 via these inter-base station interfaces (e.g., X2 interface, Xn interface, or F1 interface).

[0167] A cell provided by the base station 30 may be referred to as a serving cell. The concept of a serving cell includes a PCell (Primary Cell) and an SCell (Secondary Cell). When dual connectivity is provided to the terminal device 40, the PCell and zero or more SCells provided by a Master Node (MN) may be referred to as a Master Cell Group. The dual connectivity may be at least one of EUTRA-EUTRA Dual Connectivity, EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA Dual Connectivity (NEDC), NR-NR Dual Connectivity, NR-6G Dual Connectivity, and 6G-NR Dual Connectivity. Of course, dual connectivity is not limited to these.

[0168] The serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). When dual connectivity is provided to the terminal device 40, the PSCell provided by a Secondary Node (SN) and zero or more SCells 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 by the PCell and PSCell but not by the SCell. Radio link failure is detected by the PCell and PSCell but not (does not need to be detected by) the SCell. As such, the PCell and PSCell play special roles among serving cells and are therefore also referred to as Special Cells (SpCells).

[0169] One cell may be associated with one downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier. 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 in the terminal device 40, and one BWP may be used by the terminal device 40 as an active BWP. Radio resources available to the terminal device 40, such as a frequency band, numerology (subcarrier spacing), or slot format, may differ for each cell, component carrier, or BWP.

[0170] 2-4. Configuration of Terminal Device Next, the configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described.

[0171] The terminal device 40 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, a base station 30 or another terminal device 40). In the following description, the terminal device 40 may be referred to as UE (User Equipment) or UE 40.

[0172] The terminal device 40 may be any type of information processing device (computer). For example, the terminal device 40 may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a notebook PC. The terminal device 40 may also be a communication module that is connected to an information processing device (e.g., an imaging device without wireless communication capabilities) and provides the information processing device with wireless communication capabilities. The terminal device 40 may also be an imaging device with wireless communication capabilities (e.g., a camcorder).

[0173] The terminal device 40 may be a motorcycle or a mobile broadcasting vehicle equipped with a communication device such as a Field Pickup Unit (FPU). The terminal device 40 may be a Machine to Machine (M2M) device or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The terminal device 40 may be a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0174] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may be an XR (Extended Reality) device such as an AR (Augmented Reality) device, a VR (Virtual Reality) device, or an MR (Mixed Reality) device. In this case, the XR device may be a glasses-type device such as AR glasses or MR glasses, or a head-mounted device such as a VR head-mounted display. When the terminal device 40 is an XR device, the terminal device 40 may be a standalone device consisting only of a part worn by a user (e.g., a glasses part). Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may be a terminal-linked device consisting of a part worn by a user (e.g., a glasses part) and a terminal part (e.g., a smart device) linked to the part worn by a user.

[0175] The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication with the base station 30. The terminal device 40 may be able to use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when communicating with the base station 30. The terminal device 40 may be capable of sidelink communication with another terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may be able to use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication when performing sidelink communication with another terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may be capable of LPWA communication with other wireless communication devices such as the base station 30. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 40, including sidelink communication, may be wireless communication using radio waves, or wireless communication using infrared or visible light, i.e., optical wireless.

[0176] The terminal device 40 may be a mobile wireless communication device, i.e., a mobile device. The terminal device 40 may be a wireless communication device installed in a mobile device, or may be the mobile device itself. The terminal device 40 may be a vehicle that moves on a road, such as an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle, or a train that runs on a track, or may be a wireless communication device mounted on the vehicle. The mobile device may be a mobile terminal, or a mobile device that moves on land (in the narrow sense of the word), underground, on water, or underwater. The mobile device may also be a mobile device that moves within the atmosphere, such as an airplane, airship, balloon, or helicopter, or a mobile device that moves outside the atmosphere, such as an artificial satellite. The mobile device may also be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) such as a drone. The terminal device 40 may also be a wireless communication device mounted on the mobile device.

[0177] The terminal device 40 may be capable of simultaneously connecting to and communicating with a plurality of base stations 30 or a plurality of cells. When one base station 30 supports a communication area through a plurality of cells (e.g., pCell or sCell), the plurality of cells can be bundled together to enable communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 by using carrier aggregation (CA) technology, dual connectivity (DC) technology, multi-connectivity (MC) technology, or the like. Alternatively, communication between the terminal device 40 and the plurality of base stations 30 can also be achieved via cells of different base stations 30 by coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0178] The terminal device 40 may be capable of connecting to and communicating with a plurality of base stations 30 or a plurality of cells. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may transmit and / or receive a sensing signal to and from each of the plurality of base stations 30. The terminal device 40 may be configured to receive information about the sensing signal (e.g., information about resources) from at least one of the plurality of base stations 30, or may be configured to receive information about the sensing signal (e.g., information about resources) from each of the plurality of base stations 30. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may transmit and / or receive a sensing signal in each of the plurality of cells. The terminal device 40 may be configured to receive information about the sensing signal (e.g., information about resources) from at least one of the plurality of cells, or may be configured to receive information about the sensing signal (e.g., information about resources) in each of the plurality of cells.

[0179] The terminal device 40 may be a relay terminal that relays communications to a remote terminal.

[0180] Multistatic sensing may be performed in the base station 30, the remote terminal, and the relay terminal. Specifically, a sensing signal may be transmitted from each of the base station 30 and the relay terminal. The remote terminal may receive the sensing signal transmitted from each of the base station 30 and the relay terminal.

[0181] The base station 30 and / or the relay terminal may transmit information regarding the sensing signals transmitted and / or received at the relay terminal and / or the remote terminal to the relay terminal and / or the remote terminal. In other words, the relay terminal and / or the remote terminal may receive information regarding the sensing signals transmitted and / or received at the relay terminal and / or the remote terminal from the base station 30 and / or the relay terminal.

[0182] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 40 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, an input unit 44, an output unit 45, and a sensor unit 46. The configuration shown in Fig. 6 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 units.

[0183] It should be noted that the terminal device 40 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations described above or below. For example, the terminal device 40 may not have at least one of the input unit 44, the output unit 45, and the sensor unit 46. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may have a configuration other than the configurations described above or below. The terminal device 40 may have a beamforming function. The terminal device 40 may be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using beams.

[0184] The wireless communication unit 41 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., a base station 30 or another terminal device 40). The wireless communication unit 41 may be referred to as a wireless transceiver or simply as a transceiver. In this case, the wireless communication unit 41 may be a transceiver of a standard defined by the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) (hereinafter referred to as a 3GPP transceiver). The 3GPP transceiver may be a 3G transceiver, a 4G (LTE) transceiver, a 5G (NR) transceiver, or a transceiver of a generation after 5G. The wireless communication unit 41 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 43. The wireless communication unit 41 supports one or more wireless access methods. The wireless communication unit 41 may support at least one of NR, LTE, B5G (Beyond 5G), and 6G. The wireless communication unit 41 may support W-CDMA, cdma2000, etc. in addition to NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 41 may support automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest). Some or all of the processing performed by the wireless communication unit 41 may be performed by the control unit 43.

[0185] The wireless communication unit 41 includes a transmission processing unit 411, a reception processing unit 412, and an antenna 413. At least one of the transmission processing unit 411, the reception processing unit 412, and the antenna 413 may be considered as the wireless communication unit 41. The wireless communication unit 41 may include a plurality of transmission processing units 411, a plurality of reception processing units 412, and a plurality of antennas 413. When the wireless communication unit 41 supports a plurality of wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 41 may be configured individually for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 may be configured individually for LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G. The antenna 413 may be configured with a plurality of antenna elements, for example, a plurality of patch antennas. The wireless communication unit 41 may have a beamforming function. For example, the wireless communication unit 41 may have a polarization beamforming function that uses vertically polarized waves (V polarization) and horizontally polarized waves (H polarization) (or a polarization beamforming function that uses dual polarization in polarization directions of 45 degrees and −45 degrees from the vertical direction). Note that the wireless communication unit 41 may transmit the sensing signal described above or below.

[0186] The storage unit 42 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0187] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 43 controls the wireless communication unit 41 to perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., a base station 30 or another terminal device 40). The control unit 43 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. In particular, the control unit 23 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device internal to the terminal device 40 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 43 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered controllers. The control unit 43 may be implemented by a GPU. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 43 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 43 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0188] The control unit 43 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 431, a generation unit 432, a transmission unit 433, a sensing unit 434, a reception unit 435, and a communication control unit 436. The control unit 43 may include a plurality of each of these blocks, or may include only one of each.

[0189] Each block constituting the control unit 43 (acquisition unit 431 to communication control unit 436) is a functional block that represents a function of the control unit 43. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-described functional blocks may be a software module implemented 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 with functional units different from the above-described functional blocks. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. Note that the operation of the control unit 43 may be the same as the operation of the control unit (control unit 13, control unit 23, control unit 33, or control unit 53) of the server 10, management device 20, base station 30, or information processing device 50.

[0190] The input unit 44 is an input device that accepts various inputs from the outside. For example, the input unit 44 is an operation device that allows the user to perform various operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or voice input. If a touch panel is employed in the terminal device 40, the touch panel is also included in the input unit 44. In this case, the user performs various operations by touching the screen with a finger or a stylus.

[0191] The output unit 45 is a device that outputs various types of information to the outside, such as sound, light, vibration, and image. The output unit 45 includes a display unit that displays various types of information. The display unit is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. If a touch panel is employed in the terminal device 40, the display unit may be integrated with the input unit 44. If the terminal device 40 is an XR device, the terminal device 40 may be a transparent device that projects an image onto glasses, or a retinal projection device that projects an image directly onto the user's retina. The output unit 45 outputs various types of information to the user under the control of the control unit 43.

[0192] The sensor unit 46 is composed of one or more sensors. For example, the sensor unit 46 includes one or more sensors configured to receive, detect, or measure a sensing signal transmitted by the same device or another communication device. In this case, the sensor unit 46 may be the same functional unit as the wireless communication unit 41. Note that if the wireless communication unit 41 is defined as a first wireless communication unit, the sensor unit 46 may be interpreted as a second wireless communication unit. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include a sensor that detects the surroundings of the terminal device 40. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 34 may include at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a ranging sensor (e.g., a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an image sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 46 (or one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46) may be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using a beamforming function.

[0193] The sensors included in the sensor unit 46 are not limited to sensors that detect the position or attitude of the terminal device 40. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include a sensor that detects the surroundings of the terminal device 40. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a distance measurement sensor (for example, a ToF sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an image sensor.

[0194] The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include a sensor unit configured by combining multiple sensors. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include an inertial measurement unit configured by combining multiple sensors selected from a positioning sensor (e.g., a GNSS sensor), an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. The sensor unit can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0195] Furthermore, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include a device / component configured using a sensor. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 46 may include at least one of a camera (e.g., a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a light field camera), a LiDAR, a radar (e.g., a microwave radar or a millimeter wave radar), a microphone, and an imaging device. An imaging device is a device configured using one or more sensors. A device / component configured using a sensor can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0196] In addition, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor unit 46 may include a sensor that detects at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectivity of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound.

[0197] Furthermore, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor section 46 may include a sensor / sensor unit / device / component configured by combining two or more sensors selected from the above-mentioned plurality of sensors.

[0198] In the present embodiment, one or more sensing functions realized by devices / components included in the terminal device 40 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the terminal device 40. For example, one or more sensing functions included in the wireless communication unit 41 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the terminal device 40. In this case, the one or more sensing functions included in the wireless communication unit 41 may include an RF-based sensing function (e.g., an RF-based sensing function supported by a 3GPP transceiver). In this case, the wireless communication unit 41 (e.g., a 3GPP transceiver) may be considered as the sensor unit 46 (or a sensor included in the sensor unit 46).

[0199] As mentioned above, the description of sensors may distinguish between physical sensors and logical sensors, i.e., the sensors described above or below may refer to either physical sensors or logical sensors.

[0200] 2-5. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the configuration of the information processing device 50 will be described.

[0201] The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists a wireless communication device (for example, a base station 30 and / or a terminal device 40) in processing related to wireless communication. In the following description, processing related to wireless communication may be referred to as wireless communication processing.

[0202] The information processing device 50 may be a communication device having a cellular communication function. For example, the information processing device 50 may be a communication device compatible with a radio access technology (RAT) such as LTE, NR, B5G, or 6G. The information processing device 50 may be a communication device having a wireless communication function other than the cellular communication function. For example, the information processing device 50 may be a communication device compatible with a radio access technology (RAT) such as wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LPWA. Of course, the communication function of the information processing device 50 may be a wired communication function.

[0203] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 50 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, a control unit 53, and a sensor unit 54. The configuration shown in Fig. 7 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the information processing device 50 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated units.

[0204] It should be noted that the information processing device 50 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations described above or below. For example, the information processing device 50 may not include the sensor unit 54. Furthermore, the information processing device 50 may include configurations other than the configurations described above or below. The information processing device 50 may have a beamforming function. The information processing device 50 may be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using a beam.

[0205] The communication unit 51 is a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices (e.g., the server 10, the management device 20, the base station 30, the terminal device 40, or another information processing device 50). The communication unit 51 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. The communication unit 51 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 or a USB port. The communication unit 51 may be a wired interface. Alternatively, the communication unit 21 may be a wireless interface. In this case, the communication unit 51 may have a configuration similar to that of the wireless communication unit 31 of the base station 30 and / or the wireless communication unit 41 of the terminal device 40.

[0206] The storage unit 52 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0207] The control unit 53 is a controller that controls each unit of the information processing device 50. The control unit 53 may be realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. In particular, the control unit 53 may be realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 50 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 53 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered controllers. The control unit 53 may be realized by a GPU. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 53 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 53 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0208] The control unit 53 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 531, a generation unit 532, a transmission unit 533, and a sensing unit 534. The control unit 53 may include a plurality of each of these blocks, or may include only one of each.

[0209] Each block constituting the control unit 53 (acquisition unit 531 to sensing unit 534) is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 53. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-described functional blocks may be a software module implemented 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 53 may be configured with functional units different from the above-described functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary. Note that the operation of the control unit 53 may be the same as the operation of the control unit (control unit 13, control unit 23, control unit 33, or control unit 43) of the server 10, management device 20, base station 30, or terminal device 40.

[0210] The sensor unit 54 is composed of one or more sensors. For example, the sensor unit 54 includes one or more sensors configured to receive, detect, or measure a sensing signal transmitted by the same device or another communication device. In this case, the sensor unit 54 may be the same functional unit as the communication unit 51. Note that if the communication unit 51 is defined as a first wireless communication unit, the sensor unit 54 may be interpreted as a second wireless communication unit. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include a sensor that detects the surroundings of the information processing device 50. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a ranging sensor (e.g., a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an image sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 54 (or one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54) may be configured to acquire sensing data by performing sensing using a beamforming function.

[0211] It should be noted that the sensors included in the sensor unit 54 are not limited to sensors that detect the position or attitude of the information processing device 50. The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include a sensor that detects the surroundings of the information processing device 50. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include at least one of a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a distance measurement sensor (for example, a ToF sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, and an image sensor.

[0212] The one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include a sensor unit configured by combining multiple sensors. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include an inertial measurement unit configured by combining multiple sensors selected from a positioning sensor (e.g., a GNSS sensor), an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. A sensor unit can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0213] Furthermore, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include a device / component configured using a sensor. For example, the one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54 may include at least one of a camera (e.g., a visible light camera, an infrared camera, or a light field camera), a LiDAR, a radar (e.g., a microwave radar or a millimeter wave radar), a microphone, and an imaging device. An imaging device is a device configured using one or more sensors. A device / component configured using a sensor can also be considered a type of sensor.

[0214] In addition, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor unit 54 may include a sensor that detects at least one of the color of an object, the speed of an object, the acceleration of an object, the reflectivity of an object, the transmittance of an object, the distance to the object, the temperature of the object / environment, geomagnetism, illuminance, air pressure, light, and sound.

[0215] Furthermore, the one or more sensors provided in the sensor section 54 may include a sensor / sensor unit / device / component configured by combining two or more sensors selected from the above-mentioned plurality of sensors.

[0216] In the present embodiment, one or more sensing functions realized by devices / components included in the information processing device 50 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the information processing device 50. For example, it is assumed that the communication unit 51 included in the information processing device 50 has a configuration similar to the wireless communication unit 31 included in the base station 30 or the wireless communication unit 41 included in the terminal device 40. In this case, one or more sensing functions included in the communication unit 51 (wireless communication unit) included in the information processing device 50 may be considered as one or more sensors included in the information processing device 50. In this case, the one or more sensing functions included in the communication unit 51 may include an RF-based sensing function (e.g., an RF-based sensing function supported by a 3GPP transceiver). In this case, the communication unit 51 (e.g., a 3GPP transceiver) may be considered as the sensor unit 54 (or a sensor included in the sensor unit 54).

[0217] As mentioned above, the description of sensors may distinguish between physical sensors and logical sensors, i.e., the sensors described above or below may refer to either physical sensors or logical sensors.

[0218] <<3. Operation of the Communication System>> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 having the above configuration will be described.

[0219] 3-1. First Example First, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first example will be described.

[0220] <3-1-1. Overview of the First Example> Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first example. In the first example, a base station 30 and a terminal device 40 perform wireless communication. An object D1 is a movable object (for example, an automobile).

[0221] In the example of FIG. 8 , the object D1 is a truck (lorry), but the object D1 is not limited to a truck. The object D1 may be a moving object other than a truck. Here, the moving object may be a moving object that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense), a moving object that moves underground, a moving object that moves on water, or a moving object that moves underwater. The moving object may also be a moving object that moves within the atmosphere or outside the atmosphere. The moving object may be a UAV such as a drone. Other mobile devices (e.g., other terminal devices 40 or other mobile base stations 30) can also be considered as the object D1. Note that the object D1 is not limited to a moving object. The object D1 may be a structure or a device installed in a structure (e.g., other base stations 30 installed in a structure). Here, the structure may be a building or a non-building structure. Other examples of the object D1 include an immobile object. The object D1 may be a living organism such as a human being.

[0222] The object D1 moves at least between time Ta and time Tc so as to block the communication path C1 between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 at time Tb. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. Note that the object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, the communication path C1 is blocked by the object D1 due to the movement of at least one of the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0223] The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 in processing related to wireless communication. In the following description, processing related to wireless communication may be referred to as wireless communication processing.

[0224] The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to object sensing. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing results of the sensing unit 534.

[0225] The information processing device 50 includes a generation unit 532 that generates assistance information. The assistance information is information for assisting the wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The generation unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates the assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmission unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0226] The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives the assistance information from the information processing device 50. The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information.

[0227] The outline of the first embodiment has been described above. The operation of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0228] <3-1-2. Determining the State of the Communication Path> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 1. Specifically, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing time resources from time T0 to time T10.

[0229] 9, the period during which the object D1 affects wireless communication using the communication path C1 is from time Tbx to time Tby. Here, time Tbx is between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Time Tby is between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tby<T7).

[0230] In the following description, a period of time when there is an influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may be referred to as a blocking period. A blocking period may be referred to as an influence period or a blocking period. Furthermore, a period of time when there is no influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may be referred to as a non-blocking period. A non-blocking period may be referred to as a non-influence period or a non-blocking period.

[0231] As described above, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 8 , the base station 30 and the terminal device 40) that perform wireless communication. For example, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on an object (in the example of FIG. 8 , the object D1) that may affect wireless communication between the plurality of communication devices. Then, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path C1 based on the results of sensing on the object (in the example of FIG. 8 ) that may affect wireless communication.

[0232] The information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is, for example, information indicating whether the object D1 is affecting the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. For example, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is information indicating a period during which the object D1 is blocking / non-blocking the communication path C1. In this case, the information processing device 50 may determine whether the object D1 is affecting the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 based on a predetermined value related to the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. Here, the predetermined value may be at least one of a received power value, a received Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) value, a value based on path loss, and a value based on shadowing.

[0233] (Determination Example 1) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an influence from the object D1 based on whether or not there is an object (object D1) on the communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication. That is, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 may be information indicating whether or not there is an object (object D1) on the communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication. Note that the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an object (object D1) on the communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication based on whether the path between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 is in a line of sight (LOS) or a non-line of sight (NLOS).

[0234] (Determination Example 2) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an influence from the object D1 based on whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. That is, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 may be information indicating whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. Here, the information processing device 50 may acquire the received RSRP value from the base station 30, from the terminal device 40, or from a device belonging to the core network CN (e.g., the management device 20). The information processing device 50 may acquire a predicted value of the received RSRP based on sensing data as the received RSRP value. In Determination Example 2, the description of the received RSRP may be replaced with a description indicating another predetermined value, such as a received power value.

[0235] <3-1-3. Generation of Assistance Information> As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the sensing results and transmits it to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The information processing device 50 may use an AI (Artificial Intelligence) / ML (Machine Learning) model to generate the assistance information. The AI / ML model may also be referred to as a learning model or a trained model. The algorithm of the AI / ML model used in this embodiment may be at least one of the following:

[0236] ・Deep Neural Network (DNN) ・Convolution Neural Network (CNN) ・Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) ・Fully connected neural network ・Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) ・Autoencoder

[0237] As described above, the information processing device 50 determines the state of the communication path C1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the assistance information generated by the information processing device 50 may include information about the state of the communication path C1, which is generated based on information indicating the state of the communication path C1. Note that the information about the state of the communication path C1 may be considered as the assistance information itself. In the following description, information included in the assistance information (e.g., information about the state of the communication path C1) may also be referred to as assistance information.

[0238] (Generation Example 1) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path C1 is blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing results. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path C1) based on the information about the blocked period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a non-recommended resource. Non-recommended can be rephrased as not in use, refusal to use, stop, reject, prohibition of use, non-preferred, etc.

[0239] (Generation Example 2) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path C1 is not blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing results. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path C1) based on the information about the non-blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a recommended resource. Recommended can be rephrased as use, permission to use, preferred, etc.

[0240] (Specific Example of Assistance Information) The assistance information may be information indicating a slot including a period (blocked period and / or non-blocked period) determined based on the sensing result.

[0241] For example, the assistance information may be in a bitmap format, with a blocked period being 1 and a non-blocked period being 0. In the example of Fig. 9, of slots 0 to 9, slots 3 to 6 are blocked periods and the other slots are non-blocked periods. In this case, the assistance information may be 0001111000.

[0242] For example, the assistance information may be information indicating the start slot number of the cut-off period and the length of the cut-off period. In the example of Fig. 9, of slots 0 to 9, four slots, slots 3 to 6, are the cut-off period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating slot 3 and information indicating that the slot length is 4.

[0243] Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the start slot number of the cut-off period and the end slot number of the cut-off period. In the example of Fig. 9, among slots 0 to 9, slots 3 to 6 are the cut-off period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating slot 3 and information indicating slot 6.

[0244] (Other) The assistance information is not limited to current information (e.g., information about the current state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be future information (e.g., information about the future state of the communication channel) or past information (e.g., information about the past state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be information about the future state of the communication channel with respect to a predetermined time point (i.e., predicted information), or may be information about the past state of the communication channel with respect to a predetermined time point.

[0245] Here, the predetermined time may be any of the following times (1) to (4): (1) The time when the assistance information is generated; (2) The time when the assistance information is transmitted to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40; (3) The time when the generation of the assistance information is triggered; or (4) The time when the transmission of the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 is triggered.

[0246] The predetermined time point may be a time point that takes into consideration the generation time (processing time) of the assistance information. For example, the predetermined time point may be a time point that is earlier than the time point at which the assistance information is transmitted to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 by the generation time of the assistance information.

[0247] <3-1-4. Processing Example When Assistance Information is Future Information> Next, wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on assistance information will be described. First, a processing example when the assistance information is future information (information about the future state of a communication path) will be described.

[0248] (Transmission of Assistance Information) As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the sensing results. For example, the information processing device 50 predicts the state of the communication channel C1 based on the sensing results and generates assistance information. For example, the information processing device 50 predicts the future movement (e.g., position and / or speed) of the object D1 based on the sensing results. Then, the information processing device 50 determines whether or not the object D1 will have an effect on the communication channel C1 based on the prediction result of the future movement of the object D1. The information processing device 50 may acquire the determination result as assistance information. The information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0249] (Execution of wireless communication processing) The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50 before performing a predetermined process (processing related to wireless communication). The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs the predetermined process (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information received in advance. For example, the base station 30 may schedule wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0250] The predetermined processing is a type of wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication). Here, various processes related to wireless communication performed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 can be considered as the predetermined processing. For example, the predetermined processing may be at least one of the multiple processes included in (X1) and / or (X2) below.

[0251] (X1) Processing Related to Transmission of Signals and / or Channels For example, the predetermined processing may be processing related to transmission of signals and / or channels from the base station 30. Here, the signals may be downlink signals or reference signals. Furthermore, the predetermined processing may be processing related to transmission of signals and / or channels from the terminal device 40. Specifically, the processing related to transmission may be the following processing. - Transmission processing of at least one of PDSCH, PDCCH, synchronization signal, PBCH, and CSI-RS - Transmission processing of at least one of PRACH, PUCCH, PUSCH, and SRS - Processing for determining whether to transmit signals and / or channels - Transmission power control processing - Processing for determining at least one of MCS, number of MIMO layers, modulation method, coding rate, number (size) of time and / or frequency resources, and transport block size

[0252] (X2) Processing related to measurement / reporting For example, the predetermined processing may be RRM measurement / RRM reporting by the terminal device 40, or may be CSI measurement / CSI reporting.

[0253] (Sequence Example) Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. Specifically, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing wireless communication processing when the assistance information is future information (information about the state of the communication channel C1 in the future). The wireless communication processing shown in Fig. 10 includes the above-mentioned predetermined processing. In the example of Fig. 10, the predetermined processing is processing related to transmission of an uplink signal by the terminal device 40. More specifically, in the example of Fig. 10, the predetermined processing is processing related to transmission of a PUSCH using uplink resources that are periodically allocated (i.e., transmission of a CG (Configured Grant) PUSCH). Hereinafter, the wireless communication processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 10.

[0254] First, the base station 30 transmits information regarding a CG (Configured Grant) setting of a PUSCH to the terminal device 40 (step S101). The terminal device 40 performs CG setting of a PUSCH based on the received information.

[0255] Next, the information processing device 50 (assistant node) transmits assistance information to the terminal device 40 (step S102). As described above, the assistance information includes information about the future state of the communication path C1.

[0256] Next, the terminal device 40 determines the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) of the PUSCH based on the assistance information.

[0257] For example, the terminal device 40 uses a first MCS for the CG PUSCH transmitted in a slot during a period when there is no influence from the object D1 (non-blocking period). On the other hand, the terminal device 40 uses a second MCS for the CG PUSCH transmitted in a slot during a period when there is influence from the object D1 (blocking period). Here, it is preferable that the second MCS has higher error correction capability than the first MCS.

[0258] The terminal device 40 may use the same MCS table for the first and second MCSs. In this case, the index of the second MCS is smaller than the index of the first MCS. That is, the second MCS has a lower coding rate and / or a smaller modulation order of the modulation scheme than the first MCS.

[0259] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may use different MCS tables for the first MCS and the second MCS. In this case, the MCS table used for the second MCS includes more MCSs with higher error correction capabilities than the MCS table used for the first MCS.

[0260] The terminal device 40 transmits a PUSCH based on the determined MCS (first MCS or second MCS) to the base station 30. For example, the terminal device 40 transmits a PUSCH of the first MCS during a period when there is no influence from the object D1 (non-blocking period) (steps S103 and S105). On the other hand, the terminal device 40 transmits a PUSCH of the second MCS during a period when there is an influence from the object D1 (blocking period) (step S104).

[0261] <3-1-5. Example of Processing When Assistance Information is Past Information> Next, an example of processing when assistance information is past information (information about the past state of the communication path) will be described.

[0262] (Transmission of Assistance Information) As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing. For example, the information processing device 50 recognizes (measures and / or counts) the state of the communication channel C1 based on the results of sensing, and generates assistance information. For example, the information processing device 50 recognizes the past movement (e.g., position and / or speed) of the object D1 based on the results of sensing. Then, the information processing device 50 determines whether or not the object D1 will have an effect on the communication channel C1 based on the recognition result of the future movement of the object D1. The information processing device 50 may acquire the determination result as assistance information. The information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0263] (Execution of wireless communication processing) After executing a predetermined process (at least a part of the predetermined process), the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 executes the predetermined process (at least a part of the predetermined process) based on the subsequently received assistance information.

[0264] The predetermined processing is a type of wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication). Here, various processes related to wireless communication performed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 can be considered as the predetermined processing. For example, the predetermined processing may be processing related to a report of measurement results of a reference signal. In this case, the report may be an RRM report or a CSI report. Alternatively, the predetermined processing may be the same as the predetermined processing shown in the processing example when the assistance information is future information. For example, the predetermined processing may be at least one of the multiple processes included in the above-mentioned (X1) and / or (X2).

[0265] (Sequence Example) Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. Specifically, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing wireless communication processing when the assistance information is past information (information about the past state of the communication channel C1). The wireless communication processing shown in Fig. 11 includes the above-mentioned predetermined processing. In the example of Fig. 11, the predetermined processing is processing related to CSI feedback by the terminal device 40. CSI (Channel State Information) is information about the communication channel C1 between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 (information indicating the state of the communication channel C1). Hereinafter, the wireless communication processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 10.

[0266] First, the base station 30 transmits information on the CSI configuration and the CSI feedback configuration to the terminal device 40 (step S201). The terminal device 40 performs the CSI configuration and the CSI feedback configuration based on the received information.

[0267] The base station 30 then periodically transmits CSI-RS (CSI-Reference Signal) to the terminal device 40. In the example of FIG. 11 , the base station 30 transmits four CSI-RS (CSI-RS1 to CSI-RS4) to the terminal device 40. Here, the base station 30 transmits CSI-RS1 and CSI-RS4 in slots during a period when there is no influence from the object D1 (non-blocking period) (steps S201 and S205). The base station 30 also transmits CSI-RS2 and CSI-RS3 in slots during a period when there is influence from the object D1 (blocking period) (steps S202 and S203). That is, CSI-RS2 and CSI-RS3 are transmitted under a different transmission path state from CSI-RS1 and CSI-RS4.

[0268] Next, the information processing device 50 (assistant node) transmits assistance information to the terminal device 40 (step S206). As described above, the assistance information includes information about the past state of the communication path C1.

[0269] Next, the terminal device 40 generates CSI based on the CSI-RS received from the base station 30. As described above, the CSI is information about the communication channel C1 between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 (information indicating the state of the communication channel C1). The CSI includes, for example, a Rank Indicator (RI), a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), and a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI).

[0270] As described above, CSI-RS2 and CSI-RS3 are transmitted under different transmission path conditions from CSI-RS1 and CSI-RS4. The terminal device 40 recognizes such transmission path conditions based on the assistance information and individually generates CSI according to each transmission path condition. Then, the terminal device 40 reports the CSI (CSI feedback) to the base station 30 via the PUCCH and / or PUSCH.

[0271] For example, the terminal device 40 generates the first CSI based on CSI-RS1 and CSI-RS4. Then, the terminal device 40 reports the first CSI (first CSI feedback) to the base station 30 (step S207). The first CSI feedback is CSI feedback corresponding to a period during which there is no influence from the object D1 (non-blocking period).

[0272] For example, the terminal device 40 generates the second CSI based on CSI-RS2 and CSI-RS3. Then, the terminal device 40 reports the second CSI (second CSI feedback) to the base station 30 (step S207). The second CSI feedback is CSI feedback corresponding to a period (blocking period) affected by the object D1.

[0273] The terminal device 40 can set the first CSI feedback and the second CSI feedback separately. For example, in the case of periodic CSI feedback, the terminal device 40 can set CSI feedback for each period. Additionally, the terminal device 40 can set CSI feedback for each type of channel (PUCCH / PUSCH) used for CSI feedback. The terminal device 40 can set CSI feedback for each resource used for CSI feedback. The terminal device 40 can set CSI feedback for each scrambling sequence used for CSI feedback.

[0274] 11, the terminal device 40 transmits the first CSI and the second CSI, but the CSI feedback is not limited to this example.

[0275] For example, the terminal device 40 may merge (integrate / combine) the first CSI and the second CSI into one CSI, or may feed back each CSI on one PUCCH or one PUSCH.

[0276] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may feed back only a part of the first CSI and the second CSI to the base station 30. For example, the terminal device 40 may feed back only the first CSI to the base station 30. For example, the terminal device 40 may feed back only the second CSI to the base station 30.

[0277] In the example of FIG. 11 , the predetermined processing is processing related to CSI feedback (also referred to as CSI reporting). However, the predetermined processing is not limited to CSI feedback. For example, the predetermined processing may be RRM feedback (also referred to as RRM reporting). In this case, the method of the present embodiment is similarly applicable. That is, the terminal device 40 may perform measurement and / or reporting according to the transmission path state in the RRM measurement (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.). Furthermore, in an event trigger of RRM reporting that can be used for handover of the base station 30, the RSRP used for the judgment may be measured based on an SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal) transmitted during a period when there is no influence from the object D1 (a non-blocking period).

[0278] <3-2. Second Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the second example will be described. Note that the following description of the second example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Example 1 and Examples 3 to 7). In other words, the following description of the second example may omit descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the second example as appropriate.

[0279] <3-2-1. Overview of the Second Example> Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the second example. In the second example, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 also perform wireless communication. In the second example, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 are capable of beamforming.

[0280] In the second embodiment, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 are capable of wireless communication using beamforming. In the example of Fig. 12, the base station 30 outputs at least three beams, beams B1, B2, and B3.

[0281] Beams B1, B2, and B3 may be beams specific to the base station 30 (cell-specific), or may be beams specific to a specific terminal device 40. For example, a beam specific to the base station 30 (cell-specific) corresponds to (is associated with) a specific SSB (Synchronization Signal Block). An SSB may also be referred to as a Synchronization / PBCH block. A beam specific to a specific terminal device 40 corresponds to (is associated with) a specific CSI-RS. Furthermore, beams B1, B2, and B3 each correspond to (is associated with) an individual TCI (Transmission configuration indication) state.

[0282] Note that beams B1, B2, and B3 may correspond to (be associated with) individual antenna ports (or antenna port sets). An antenna port set is a set of one or more antenna ports. In this embodiment, the descriptions of beams B1, B2, and B3 can be replaced with antenna ports B1, B2, or B3, respectively. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the descriptions of beams B1, B2, and B3 can be replaced with antenna port sets B1, B2, or B3, respectively. Here, the antenna port set can be rephrased as an antenna port group.

[0283] Object D1 moves so as to block the beams output from base station 30 at least between time Ta and time Tc. In the example of FIG. 12 , object D1 blocks beam B1 at time Ta. Object D1 also blocks beam B2 at time Tb. Object D1 also blocks beam B3 at time Tc. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. Note that object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, as at least one of base station 30 and terminal device 40 moves, beams B1, B2, and B3 output from base station 30 are blocked by object D1.

[0284] The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication). The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to object sensing. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing result of the sensing unit 534.

[0285] The information processing device 50 includes a generation unit 532 that generates assistance information. The assistance information is information for assisting the wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The generation unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates the assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmission unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0286] The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives the assistance information from the information processing device 50. The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information.

[0287] The outline of the second embodiment has been described above. The operation of the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0288] <3-2-2. Determining Beam State> Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 2. Specifically, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing time resources for each beam from time T0 to time T10.

[0289] The period during which the object D1 has an effect varies for each beam. In the example of FIG. 13 , the period during which the object D1 has an effect on wireless communication using beam B1 is from time Tax to time Tay. Here, time Tax is the time between time T0 and time T1 (i.e., T0<Tbx<T1). Time Tay is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). The period during which the object D1 has an effect on wireless communication using beam B2 is from time Tbx to time Tby. Here, time Tbx is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Time Tby is the time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tbx<T7). The period during which the object D1 has an effect on wireless communication using beam B3 is from time Tcx to time Tcy. Here, time Tcx is a time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tcx<T7), and time Tby is a time between time T9 and time T10 (i.e., T9<Tcx<T10).

[0290] In this embodiment, a period when there is an influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a blocking period. Also, a period when there is no influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a non-blocking period.

[0291] As described above, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication (in the example of FIG. 12, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40). For example, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on an object that may affect wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 12, object D1). Then, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path formed by the beams based on the results of sensing on the object that may affect wireless communication (in the example of FIG. 12, object D1). For example, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path for each of beams B1 to B3.

[0292] In the following description, the state of a communication path formed by a beam may be simply referred to as the state of the beam. For example, in the following description, the state of a communication path formed by beam B1 may be simply referred to as the state of beam B1. Also, in the following description, the state of a communication path formed by beam B2 may be simply referred to as the state of beam B2. Also, in the following description, the state of a communication path formed by beam B3 may be simply referred to as the state of beam B3.

[0293] The information indicating the state of the beam is, for example, information indicating whether or not the object D1 is affecting the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. For example, the information indicating the state of beam B1 is information indicating a period in which beam B1 is blocked / unblocked by object D1. For example, the information indicating the state of beam B2 is information indicating a period in which beam B2 is blocked / unblocked by object D1. For example, the information indicating the state of beam B3 is information indicating a period in which beam B3 is blocked / unblocked by object D1. In this case, the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not the object D1 is affecting the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 based on a predetermined value related to the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. Here, the predetermined value may be at least one of a received power value, a received RSRP value, a value based on path loss, and a value based on shadowing.

[0294] (Determination Example 1) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an effect from the object D1 based on whether or not there is an object (object D1) that may affect wireless communication on the communication path formed by the beam. That is, the information indicating the state of the beam may be information indicating whether or not there is an object (object D1) that may affect wireless communication on the communication path formed by the beam. Note that the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an object (object D1) that may affect wireless communication on the communication path formed by the beam based on whether there is LOS or NLOS between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0295] (Determination Example 2) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether or not there is an influence from the object D1 based on whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. That is, the information indicating the beam state may be information indicating whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. Here, the information processing device 50 may acquire the received RSRP value from the base station 30, from the terminal device 40, or from a device belonging to the core network CN (e.g., the management device 20). The information processing device 50 may acquire a predicted value of the received RSRP based on sensing data as the received RSRP value. In Determination Example 2, the description of the received RSRP may be replaced with a description indicating another predetermined value, such as a received power value.

[0296] <3-2-3. Generation of Assistance Information> As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing and transmits it to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The information processing device 50 may use an AI / ML model to generate the assistance information. The information processing device 50 may generate assistance information for each beam (for each communication path formed by a beam).

[0297] As described above, the information processing device 50 determines the state of the beam based on the sensing result. For example, the information processing device 50 determines the state of at least one of beam B1, beam B2, and beam B3 based on the sensing result. At this time, the assistance information generated by the information processing device 50 may include information about the state of the beam that is generated based on information indicating the state of the beam. Note that the information about the state of the beam may be considered to be the assistance information itself. In the following description, information included in the assistance information (e.g., information about the state of the beam) may also be referred to as assistance information.

[0298] (Generation Example 1) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the beam is blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the beam) based on the information about the blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a non-recommended resource.

[0299] (Generation Example 2) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the beam is not blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the beam) based on information about the non-blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating recommended resources.

[0300] (Specific Example of Assistance Information) The assistance information may be information indicating a slot including a period (blocked period and / or non-blocked period) determined based on the sensing result. The assistance information may include information for each beam. Each piece of information for each beam included in the assistance information may be considered as assistance information.

[0301] For example, the assistance information may be information in a bitmap format in which a blocked period is represented by 1 and a non-blocked period is represented by 0. In the example of FIG. 13 , the assistance information may be 30-bit information including information about beam B (1110000000), information about beam B (0001111000), and information about beam C (0000001111). The information about beam B, the information about beam B, and the information about beam C may each be considered as assistance information. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocked period and the length of the blocked period. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocked period and the number of the end slot of the blocked period.

[0302] (Beam Identification Information) The assistance information may include beam identification information. In this case, the information processing device 50 may include information on the states of only some of the beams in the assistance information, rather than including information on the states of all the beams in the assistance information.

[0303] (Other) The assistance information is not limited to current information (e.g., information about the current beam state). For example, the assistance information may be future information (e.g., information about the future beam state) or past information (e.g., information about the past beam state). For example, the assistance information may be information about the future beam state with respect to a predetermined time point (i.e., predicted information) or information about the past beam state with respect to the predetermined time point. The predetermined time point may be the same as the predetermined time point shown in Example 1.

[0304] <3-2-4. Wireless Communication Processing Based on Assistance Information> Next, a description will be given of wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) performed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. As described above, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. Then, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0305] For example, the base station 30 may perform scheduling for the terminal device 40 based on the assistance information. For example, the base station 30 may select a beam that is not affected by the object D1 based on the assistance information. Then, the base station 30 may perform downlink transmission to the terminal device 40. Also, for example, the base station 30 may select a beam that is not affected by the object D1 and allocate resources for uplink transmission to the terminal device 40.

[0306] For example, the terminal device 40 may perform processing related to transmission of a signal to the base station 30 and / or processing related to reception of a signal from the base station 30 based on the assistance information. For example, assume that a CG PUSCH configuration is performed on the terminal device 40 by the base station 30. Furthermore, assume that resources of multiple beams (spatial domains) are also allocated to the terminal device 40 in addition to multiple periodic slots. In this case, the terminal device 40 may determine (select) a beam to use for PUSCH transmission based on the assistance information.

[0307] Additionally, the wireless communication processing executed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may be the same as the wireless communication processing shown in the other embodiments.

[0308] <3-3. Third Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the third example will be described. Note that the following description of the third example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Examples 1 and 2, and Examples 4 to 7). In other words, the following description of the third example may omit descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the third example as appropriate.

[0309] 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 also perform wireless communication.

[0310] In the third embodiment, spaces SP1 and SP2 are set (defined) for beams (communication paths formed by beams) from the base station 30. Note that in the example of Fig. 14, spaces are set (defined) for beams (communication paths formed by beams), but the communication paths for which spaces are set (defined) are not limited to beams (communication paths formed by beams). Spaces may be set (defined) for communication paths formed by beams other than beams of beamforming.

[0311] In the example of FIG. 14 , the space is set (defined) based on the distance from the base station, but the setting (definition) of the space is not limited to this. For example, the space may be a gridded space determined based on latitude and longitude. Furthermore, the space may be a three-dimensional space that takes height into consideration. Furthermore, the space may be a space based on the terminal device 40 and / or the information processing device 50 (assistant node).

[0312] The object D1 moves at least between time Ta and time Tc so as to block the space SP1 and / or space SP2 at time Ta or time Tc. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. Note that the object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, the space SP1 and / or space SP2 is blocked by the object D1 due to the movement of at least one of the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0313] The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication). The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to object sensing. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing result of the sensing unit 534.

[0314] The information processing device 50 includes a generation unit 532 that generates assistance information. The assistance information is information for assisting the wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The generation unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates the assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmission unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0315] The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives the assistance information from the information processing device 50. The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information.

[0316] The outline of the third embodiment has been described above. The operation of the communication system 1 according to the third embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0317] <3-3-2. Determining the State of a Space> Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 3. Specifically, Fig. 15 is a diagram showing time resources for each space from time T0 to time T10.

[0318] The period during which the object D1 has an influence differs for each space. In the example of FIG. 15 , in the space SP1, the period during which the object D1 has an influence is from time Tax to time Tay. Here, time Tax is the time between time T0 and time T1 (i.e., T0<Tbx<T1). Also, time Tay is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Also, in the space SP2, the period during which the object D1 has an influence is from time Tcx to time Tcy. Here, time Tcx is the time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tcx<T7). Also, time Tby is the time between time T9 and time T10 (i.e., T9<Tcx<T10).

[0319] In this embodiment, a period when there is an influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a blocking period. Also, a period when there is no influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a non-blocking period.

[0320] As described above, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 14, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40) that perform wireless communication. For example, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on an object (in the example of FIG. 14, the object D1) that may affect wireless communication between the plurality of communication devices. Then, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of communication based on the results of sensing on the object (in the example of FIG. 14, the object D1) that may affect wireless communication. For example, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path (state of the space) for each of the spaces SP1 to SP2.

[0321] In the following description, the state of the communication path related to the space (state of the space) may be simply referred to as the state of the space. For example, in the following description, the state of the communication path related to the space SP1 (state of the space) may be simply referred to as the state of the space SP1. Also, in the following description, the state of the communication path related to the space SP1 (state of the space) may be simply referred to as the state of the space SP2.

[0322] The information indicating the state of the space is, for example, information indicating whether or not the object D1 has an effect on wireless communication (radio wave propagation) within the set (defined) space. For example, the information indicating the state of the space SP1 is information indicating a period during which the object D1 blocks / does not block the space SP1. For example, the information indicating the state of the space SP2 is information indicating a period during which the object D1 blocks / does not block the space SP2.

[0323] <3-3-3. Generation of Assistance Information> As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing and transmits it to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The information processing device 50 may use an AI / ML model to generate the assistance information. The information processing device 50 may generate assistance information for each space set (defined) in the communication path between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0324] As described above, the information processing device 50 determines the state of the space based on the sensing result. For example, the information processing device 50 determines the state of at least one of the spaces SP1 and SP2 based on the sensing result. At this time, the assistance information generated by the information processing device 50 may include information about the state of the space that is generated based on information indicating the state of the space. Note that the information about the state of the space may be considered to be the assistance information itself. In the following description, information included in the assistance information (e.g., information about the state of the space) may also be referred to as assistance information.

[0325] (Generation Example 1) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the object D1 blocks a space based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the space) based on the information about the blockage period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a non-recommended resource.

[0326] (Generation Example 2) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the object D1 does not block a space based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the space) based on information about the non-blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating recommended resources.

[0327] (Specific Example of Assistance Information) The assistance information may be information indicating a slot including a period (blocked period and / or non-blocked period) determined based on the sensing result. The assistance information may include information for each space. Each piece of information for each space included in the assistance information may be considered as assistance information.

[0328] For example, the assistance information may be information in a bitmap format in which a blocked period is 1 and a non-blocked period is 0. In the example of FIG. 15 , the assistance information may be 20-bit information including information about space SP1 (1110000000) and information about space SP2 (0000001111). The information about space SP1 and the information about space SP2 may each be considered as assistance information. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocked period and the length of the blocked period. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocked period and the number of the end slot of the blocked period.

[0329] (Space Identification Information) The assistance information may include identification information of the space. In this case, the information processing device 50 may include only information on the states of some of the spaces in the assistance information, rather than including information on the states of all of the spaces. When transmitting only information on the states of some of the spaces, the information processing device 50 may determine the spaces from which to transmit the state information depending on the states of the spaces. For example, the information processing device 50 may determine the spaces from which to transmit the state information depending on the length of the blocking period. For example, the information processing device 50 may transmit only information on the state of the space with the longest blocking period as the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 50 may transmit only information on the state of the space to which a specific terminal device 40 is connected (used) to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 as the assistance information.

[0330] (Other) The assistance information is not limited to current information (e.g., information about the current state of the space). For example, the assistance information may be future information (e.g., information about the future state of the space) or past information (e.g., information about the past state of the space). For example, the assistance information may be information about the future state of the space with respect to a predetermined time point (i.e., predicted information), or information about the past state of the space with respect to the predetermined time point. The predetermined time point may be the same as the predetermined time point described in the first embodiment.

[0331] <3-3-4. Wireless Communication Processing Based on Assistance Information> Next, a description will be given of wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) performed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. As described above, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. Then, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0332] For example, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may determine the timing of wireless communication based on the assistance information. For example, when the terminal device 40 is in space SP1, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 do not communicate during the cut-off period, but communicate during other periods. The assistance information may include information that indicates to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 which space the terminal device 40 is in. In this case, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may determine which space the terminal device 40 is in based on the assistance information.

[0333] Additionally, the wireless communication processing executed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may be the same as the wireless communication processing shown in the other embodiments.

[0334] <3-4. Fourth Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the fourth example will be described. Note that the following description of the fourth example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Examples 1 to 3 and Examples 5 to 7). In other words, in the following description of the fourth example, descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples may be omitted. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the fourth example as appropriate.

[0335] 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 also perform wireless communication.

[0336] In the fourth embodiment, the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication with a plurality of base stations 30. In the example of FIG. １ and base station 30２ The terminal device 40 performs wireless communication with the two base stations 30. A plurality of communication paths are formed between the terminal device 40 and the plurality of base stations 30. In the example of FIG. 16, １ A communication path C1 is formed between the terminal device 40 and the base station 30. １ A communication path C2 is formed between them.

[0337] The object D1 moves at least between time Ta and time Tc so as to block the communication path C1 and / or the communication path C2 at time Ta or time Tc. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. Note that the object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, the communication path C1 and / or the communication path C2 is blocked by the object D1 due to the movement of at least one of the base station 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0338] The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication). The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to object sensing. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing result of the sensing unit 534.

[0339] The information processing device 50 includes a generation unit 532 that generates assistance information. The assistance information is information for assisting the wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the base station 30 (at least one of the multiple base stations 30) and / or the terminal device 40. The generation unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates the assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmission unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40.

[0340] The base station 30 (at least one of the multiple base stations 30) and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. The base station 30 (at least one of the multiple base stations 30) and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information.

[0341] The outline of the fourth embodiment has been described above. The operation of the communication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0342] <3-4-2. Determining the State of a Communication Path> Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 4. Specifically, Fig. 17 is a diagram showing time resources for each communication path (each base station 30) from time T0 to time T10.

[0343] The period during which the object D1 has an influence differs for each communication path. In the example of FIG. 17 , the period during which the object D1 has an influence for communication path C1 is from time Tax to time Tay. Here, time Tax is the time between time T0 and time T1 (i.e., T0<Tbx<T1). Time Tay is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Also, for communication path C2, the period during which the object D1 has an influence is from time Tcx to time Tcy. Here, time Tcx is the time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tcx<T7). Also, time Tby is the time between time T9 and time T10 (i.e., T9<Tcx<T10).

[0344] In this embodiment, a period when there is an influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a blocking period. Also, a period when there is no influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a non-blocking period.

[0345] As described above, the information processing device 50 is a device that communicates with a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 16, the base station 30 １ , base station 30 ２, and terminal device 40). For example, the information processing device 50 performs sensing on an object (object D1 in the example of FIG. 16) that may affect wireless communication between multiple communication devices. Then, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path based on the results of sensing on the object (object D1 in the example of FIG. 16) that may affect wireless communication. For example, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of each of communication path C1 and communication path C2.

[0346] The information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is, for example, １ The information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is information indicating whether the object D1 has an effect on the wireless communication between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. For example, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is information indicating the period during which the communication path C1 is blocked or not blocked by the object D1. For example, the information indicating the state of the communication path C2 is information indicating the period during which the object D1 has blocked or not blocked the communication path C2. ２ The information indicating whether the object D1 has an effect on the wireless communication between the object D1 and the terminal device 40. For example, the information indicating the state of the communication path C2 is information indicating a blocking period / non-blocking period of the communication path C2 due to the object D1.

[0347] (Determination Example 1) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 based on whether there is an object (object D1) on the communication path that may have an effect on wireless communication. That is, the information indicating the state of the beam may be information indicating whether there is an object (object D1) on the communication path that may have an effect on wireless communication. Note that the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 on the communication path based on whether there is an object (object D1) on the communication path that may have an effect on wireless communication. １ , or base station 30 ２ It may be possible to determine whether or not there is an object (object D1) on the communication path that may affect wireless communication based on whether there is LOS or NLOS between the terminal device 40 and the object D1.

[0348] (Determination Example 2) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 based on whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the information indicating the state of the communication path may be information indicating whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. Here, the information processing device 50 may transmit the received RSRP value to the base station 30 (base station 30 １ and / or base station 30 ２ ), or may be acquired from the terminal device 40, or may be acquired from a device belonging to the core network CN (for example, the management device 20). The information processing device 50 may acquire a predicted value of the received RSRP based on the sensing data as the received RSRP value. In determination example 2, the description of the received RSRP may be replaced with a description indicating another predetermined value, such as a received power value.

[0349] <3-4-3. Generation of Assistance Information> As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing and transmits it to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The information processing device 50 may use an AI / ML model to generate the assistance information. The information processing device 50 may generate assistance information for each communication path between the terminal device 40 and multiple base stations 30 (i.e., for each base station 30). In the example of FIG. 16 , the information processing device 50 generates assistance information for communication path C1 (base station 30 １ ) and communication channel C2 (base station 30 ２ ) Assistance information may be generated for each of them.

[0350] As described above, the information processing device 50 determines the state of the communication path based on the sensing result. For example, the information processing device 50 determines the state of at least one of the communication path C1 and the communication path C2 based on the sensing result. At this time, the assistance information generated by the information processing device 50 may include information regarding the state of the communication path that is generated based on information indicating the state of the communication path. Note that the information regarding the state of the communication path may be considered as the assistance information itself. In the following description, information included in the assistance information (e.g., information regarding the state of the communication path) may also be referred to as assistance information.

[0351] (Generation Example 1) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path is blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path) based on information about the blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a non-recommended resource.

[0352] (Generation Example 2) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path is not blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path) based on information about the non-blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating recommended resources.

[0353] (Specific Example of Assistance Information) The assistance information may be information indicating slots including periods (blocked periods and / or non-blocked periods) determined based on the sensing results. The assistance information may include information for each communication path (each base station 30). Each piece of information for each communication path included in the assistance information may be considered as assistance information.

[0354] For example, the assistance information may be information in a bitmap format, with a blocked period being 1 and a non-blocked period being 0. In the example of FIG. 17 , the assistance information may be 20-bit information including information about communication path C1 (1110000000) and information about communication path C2 (0000001111). Information about space SP1 and information about space SP2 may each be considered as assistance information. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the start slot number of the blocked period and the length of the blocked period. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the start slot number of the blocked period and the end slot number of the blocked period.

[0355] (Communication Path Identification Information) The assistance information may include communication path identification information. The communication path identification information may be, for example, a PCI (Physical Cell Identity), a TCI (Transmission Configuration Indication), information indicating an antenna port, information indicating an antenna port group, or a combination of these pieces of information. The information processing device 50 may include only status information of some of the communication paths in the assistance information, rather than including status information of all of the communication paths. When transmitting status information of only some of the communication paths, the information processing device 50 may determine the communication path from which to transmit the status information depending on the status of the communication path. For example, the information processing device 50 may determine the communication path from which to transmit the status information depending on the length of the cutoff period. For example, the information processing device 50 may transmit, as assistance information, only status information of the communication path with the longest cutoff period to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 50 may transmit, as assistance information, to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40, only information on the state of the communication path to which a specific terminal device 40 is connected (used).

[0356] In addition, the communication path C1 and the communication path C2 (base station 30 １ and base station 30 ２ ) may correspond to (be associated with) individual antenna ports (or antenna port sets). Alternatively, the communication paths C1 and C2 (base station 30 １ and base station 30 ２ ) may correspond to (be associated with) a separate antenna port set. An antenna port set is a set of one or more antenna ports. In this embodiment, the communication path C1 and the communication path C2 (base station 30 １ and base station 30 ２ ) can be replaced with antenna port C1 or C2, respectively. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the communication path C1 and the communication path C2 (base station 30 １ and base station 30 ２) can be replaced with antenna port set C1 or C2, respectively. Here, the antenna port set can be replaced with an antenna port group.

[0357] (Other) The assistance information is not limited to current information (e.g., information about the current state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be future information (e.g., information about the future state of the communication channel) or past information (e.g., information about the past state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be information about the future state of the communication channel with respect to a predetermined time point (i.e., predicted information), or may be information about the past state of the communication channel with respect to the predetermined time point. The predetermined time point may be the same as the predetermined time point described in the first embodiment.

[0358] <3-4-4. Wireless Communication Processing Based on Assistance Information> Next, a description will be given of wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) performed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. As described above, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. Then, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0359] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. In this embodiment, the terminal device 40 connects to a plurality of base stations 30. In the example of FIG. 18, the terminal device 40 connects to two base stations 30 (base stations 30 １ , and base station 30 ２ ) are connected to the base station 30. The terminal device 40 can simultaneously transmit signals to a plurality of base stations 30 and / or simultaneously receive signals from a plurality of base stations 30. That is, the terminal device 40 can perform multi-TRP (Transmission Reception Point) communication / CoMP (Coordinated Multi-Point) communication with a plurality of base stations 30. In the following description, the base station 30 １ The communication path between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 is referred to as communication path C1. ２The communication path between the terminal device 40 and the terminal device 40 is referred to as a communication path C2. Hereinafter, the wireless communication process of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0360] First, the base station 30 (in the example of FIG. 18, the base station 30 １ ) transmits information about the multi-TRP setting to the terminal device 40 (step S301). Based on the received information, the terminal device 40 １ , and base station 30 ２ Multi-TRP settings are made to enable multi-TRP communication.

[0361] Next, the information processing device 50 (assistant node) １ , and base station 30 ２ (step S302). The assistance information includes, for example, information about the state of the communication path between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. For example, the assistance information includes information about the state of the communication path C1 and / or information about the state of the communication path C2. The information about the state of the communication path may be information about the future state of the communication path or information about the past state of the communication path.

[0362] By using the assistance information, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 can stop wireless communication using a communication path affected by the object D1 during the period affected by the object D1. １ , base station 30 ２ , and the terminal device 40 can select a period of time during which there is no influence from the object D1 and / or a communication path that is not influenced by the object D1 based on the assistance information to perform wireless communication.

[0363] Base station 30 １ , and base station 30 ２ performs downlink multi-TRP control based on the assistance information. １、 and base station 30 ２, selects a period (non-blocking period) during which there is no influence from the object D1 based on assistance information (information on the state of the communication path C1) and performs wireless communication with the terminal device 40.

[0364] In the example of FIG. 18, the base station 30 ２ The base station 30 does not transmit a signal to the terminal device 40 during the disconnection period of the communication path C2, but transmits a signal to the terminal device 40 during the non-disconnection period of the communication path C2 (steps S303 and S304). １ does not transmit a signal to the terminal device 40 during the disconnection period of the communication path C1, but transmits a signal to the terminal device 40 during the non-disconnection period of the communication path C1 (steps S304 and S305).

[0365] The wireless communication process based on the assistance information is not limited to the downlink multi-TRP control of the base station 30. The wireless communication process based on the assistance information may be the uplink multi-TRP control of the terminal device 40. For example, the terminal device 40 selects a period not affected by the object D1 and / or a communication path not affected by the object D1 based on the assistance information (information on the state of the communication path C1 and / or information on the state of the communication path C2), and transmits the wireless communication to the base station 30 (base station 30 １ , and base station 30 ２ The wireless communication may be performed with at least one of the above.

[0366] Furthermore, the wireless communication processing based on the assistance information is not limited to multi-TRP control by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. For example, the wireless communication processing based on the assistance information may be handover control based on the assistance information. That is, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may perform handover control so that the terminal device 40 can communicate during a period when it is not affected by the object D1 and / or so that the terminal device 40 can communicate using a communication path that is not affected by the object D1.

[0367] Additionally, the wireless communication processing executed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may be the same as the wireless communication processing shown in the other embodiments.

[0368] <3-5. Fifth Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the fifth example will be described. Note that the following description of the fifth example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Examples 1 to 4, and Examples 6 and 7). In other words, in the following description of the fifth example, descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples may be omitted. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the fifth example as appropriate.

[0369] 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a communication system 1 according to a fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a terminal device 40 and another terminal device 40 perform direct wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as direct communication).

[0370] In the fifth embodiment, the terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ The sidelink communication is performed as direct communication between the two devices. Here, the sidelink communication may be PC5 communication. However, the sidelink communication is not limited to PC5 communication.

[0371] In the example of FIG. 19, the terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ A communication path C1 is formed between the base station 30 and the terminal device 40. １ and terminal device 40 ２ In this case, the base station 30 may be connected to at least one of the multiple terminal devices 40 that perform direct communication. In the example of FIG. 19, the base station 30 １ is connected to.

[0372] The object D1 is a terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ The object D1 moves at least from time Ta to time Tc so as to interrupt the communication path C1 between the terminal device 40 and the object D1 at time Tb. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. The object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, the terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ When at least one of them moves, the communication path C1 is blocked by the object D1.

[0373] The information processing device 50 is a terminal device 40 １ and / or terminal device 40 ２ The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the information processing device 50. The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to sensing of an object. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing result of the sensing unit 534.

[0374] The information processing device 50 includes a generating unit 532 that generates assistance information. The assistance information is sent to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 (terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ The information generating unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmitting unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the terminal device 40. １ and / or terminal device 40 ２ Send to.

[0375] The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 (terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ At least one of the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. １ and / or terminal device 40 ２ performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information.

[0376] The fifth embodiment has been outlined above, and the operation of the communication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0377] <3-5-2. Determining the State of the Communication Path> Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 5. Specifically, Fig. 20 is a diagram showing time resources from time T0 to time T10.

[0378] In the example of Fig. 20, the period during which the object D1 affects wireless communication using the communication path C1 is from time Tbx to time Tby. Here, time Tbx is between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3 < Tbx < T4). Time Tby is between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6 < Tby < T7).

[0379] In this embodiment, a period when there is an influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a blocking period. Also, a period when there is no influence from an object (e.g., object D1) may also be referred to as a non-blocking period.

[0380] As described above, the information processing device 50 is a device that communicates with a plurality of communication devices (in the example of FIG. 19, the terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ 19 ) that may affect wireless communication between multiple communication devices. Then, the information processing device 50 generates information indicating the state of the communication path C1 based on the results of sensing the object (object D1 in the example of FIG. 19 ) that may affect wireless communication between multiple communication devices.

[0381] The information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is, for example, １ and terminal device 40 ２ For example, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 is information indicating a period during which the communication path C1 is blocked or not blocked by the object D1. At this time, the information processing device 50 determines whether or not there is an influence from the object D1 by using the terminal device 40. １ and terminal device 40 ２ The determination may be based on a predetermined value related to wireless communication between the two stations, where the predetermined value may be at least one of a received power value, a received RSRP value, a value based on path loss, and a value based on shadowing.

[0382] (Determination Example 1) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 based on whether there is an object (object D1) on the communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication. That is, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 may be information indicating whether there is an object (object D1) on the communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication. Note that the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 on the communication path C1 based on the information of the terminal device 40. １ and terminal device 40 ２ It may be possible to determine whether or not there is an object (object D1) on communication path C1 that may affect wireless communication, based on whether there is LOS or NLOS between the two.

[0383] (Determination Example 2) For example, the information processing device 50 may determine whether there is an influence of the object D1 based on whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. That is, the information indicating the state of the communication path C1 may be information indicating whether the received RSRP value is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. Here, the information processing device 50 may acquire the received RSRP value from the base station 30 or may acquire the received RSRP value from the terminal device 40. １ and / or terminal device 40 ２ Alternatively, the information processing device 50 may acquire the received RSRP value from the received power value or from a device (e.g., the management device 20) belonging to the core network CN. The information processing device 50 may acquire a predicted value of the received RSRP based on the sensing data as the received RSRP value. In the second determination example, the description of the received RSRP may be replaced with a description indicating another predetermined value, such as a received power value.

[0384] <3-5-3. Generation of Assistance Information> As described above, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing, and transmits the information to the terminal device 40. １ and / or terminal device 40 ２ The information processing device 50 may use an AI / ML model to generate the assistance information.

[0385] As described above, the information processing device 50 determines the state of the communication path C1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the assistance information generated by the information processing device 50 may include information about the state of the communication path C1, which is generated based on information indicating the state of the communication path C1. Note that the information about the state of the communication path C1 may be considered as the assistance information itself. In the following description, information included in the assistance information (e.g., information about the state of the communication path C1) may also be referred to as assistance information.

[0386] (Generation Example 1) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path C1 is blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path) based on the information about the blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating a non-recommended resource.

[0387] (Generation Example 2) For example, assume that the information processing device 50 determines a period during which the communication path C1 is not blocked by the object D1 based on the sensing result. At this time, the information processing device 50 may generate assistance information (information regarding the state of the communication path) based on information about the non-blocking period. In this case, the assistance information may be information indicating recommended resources.

[0388] (Specific Examples of Assistance Information) The assistance information may be information indicating slots including periods (blocking periods and / or non-blocking periods) determined based on the sensing results. For example, the assistance information may be information in a bitmap format in which a blocking period is 1 and a non-blocking period is 0. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocking period and the length of the blocking period. Furthermore, for example, the assistance information may be information indicating the number of the start slot of the blocking period and the number of the end slot of the blocking period.

[0389] (Other) The assistance information is not limited to current information (e.g., information about the current state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be future information (e.g., information about the future state of the communication channel) or past information (e.g., information about the past state of the communication channel). For example, the assistance information may be information about the future state of the communication channel with respect to a predetermined time point (i.e., predicted information), or may be information about the past state of the communication channel with respect to the predetermined time point. The predetermined time point may be the same as the predetermined time point described in the first embodiment.

[0390] <3-5-4. Wireless communication processing based on assistance information> Next, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 (terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ As described above, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. Then, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0391] Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless communication processing using assistance information. Specifically, Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of sensing processing in sidelink communication (sidelink sensing processing). The assistance information is used in the sidelink sensing processing illustrated in Fig. 21.

[0392] In the example of FIG. 21, the terminal device 40 (terminal device 40 １ and terminal device 40 ２ In the sidelink resource allocation mode 2, the terminal device 40 autonomously selects resources to be used for sidelink communication. At this time, the terminal device 40 selects resources based on assistance information. For example, the terminal device 40 may perform a process of excluding resource candidates in the resource selection process for sidelink communication based on the assistance information (e.g., information indicating a future state of the communication channel C1).

[0393] (Specific Example 1 of Resource Selection Processing) Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of resource selection processing by the terminal device 40. As shown in Fig. 22, for example, the terminal device 40 selects resources based on assistance information by excluding a period (blocked period) affected by the object D1 from a selection window.

[0394] (Specific Example 2 of Resource Selection Processing) Fig. 23 is a diagram showing another example of resource selection processing by the terminal device 40. For example, as shown in Fig. 23, the terminal device 40 determines a selection window based on assistance information, excluding a period affected by the object D1 (blocking period). Then, the terminal device 40 selects a resource from the determined selection window.

[0395] Additionally, the wireless communication processing executed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may be the same as the wireless communication processing shown in the other embodiments.

[0396] <3-6. Sixth Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the sixth example will be described. Note that the following description of the sixth example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Examples 1 to 5 and Example 7). In other words, in the following description of the sixth example, descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples may be omitted. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the sixth example as appropriate.

[0397] 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the base station 30 and the terminal device 40 perform wireless communication using frequencies in an unlicensed band (also called a shared band).

[0398] In the example of FIG. 24, the base station 30 １ and terminal device 40 １ A communication path C1 is formed between the base station 30 and １ and terminal device 40 ２ A communication path C2 is formed between the base station 30 and ２ and terminal device 40 ２A communication path C3 is formed between them.

[0399] The object D1 is connected to the base station 30 １ and terminal device 40 １ The object D1 moves at least from time Ta to time Tc so as to interrupt the communication path C1 between the base station 30 and the object D1 at time Tb. Here, Ta, Tb, and Tc satisfy the relationship Ta<Tb<Tc. Note that the object D1 may be an immobile object. In this case, the object D1 moves from time Ta to time Tc so as to interrupt the communication path C1 between the base station 30 and the object D1. １ and terminal device 40 １ When at least one of them moves, the communication path C1 is blocked by the object D1.

[0400] The information processing device 50 is a base station 30 １ and / or terminal device 40 １ The information processing device 50 is an assistant node that assists in wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) of the information processing device 50. The information processing device 50 includes a sensing unit 534 that performs processing related to sensing of an object. The sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 senses the object D1 using one or more sensors included in the sensor unit 54. For example, the sensing unit 534 of the information processing device 50 detects (e.g., tracks and / or recognizes) the object D1 using the sensing method described above or below. The acquisition unit 531 of the information processing device 50 acquires the sensing result of the sensing unit 534.

[0401] The information processing device 50 includes a generating unit 532 that generates assistance information. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ The information is information for assisting the wireless communication process (processing related to wireless communication) of the information processing device 50. The generation unit 532 of the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 534. The transmission unit 533 of the information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information to the base station 30. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ Send to.

[0402] Base station 30 １ and / or terminal device 40 １ receives assistance information from the information processing device 50. １and / or terminal device 40 １ performs wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0403] In this embodiment, the base station 30 １ and terminal device 40 １ The base station 30 communicates using frequencies in the unlicensed band. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ Before transmitting a signal or channel, the base station 30 performs channel access called LBT (Listen before talk). １ and / or terminal device 40 １ The base station 30 then performs carrier sensing called CCA (Clear Channel assessment) on the frequency. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ transmits a signal or channel when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when the LBT is cleared). In this embodiment, the base station 301 and / or the terminal device 401 performs processing related to the LBT (CCA) as wireless communication processing (processing related to wireless communication) based on the assistance information.

[0404] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 6. Specifically, Fig. 25 is a diagram showing time resources from time T0 to time T10.

[0405] In the example of FIG. 25 , the period during which wireless communication using communication path C1 is affected by object D1 is from time Tbx to time Tby. Here, time Tbx is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Time Tby is the time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tby<T7). In this embodiment, too, a period during which there is an effect from an object (e.g., object D1) may be referred to as a blocking period. A period during which there is no effect from an object (e.g., object D1) may be referred to as a non-blocking period.

[0406] During the cutoff period (time Tbx to time Tby), the base station 30 １ and terminal device 40 ２is located in an area A1, and the base station 30 ２ and terminal device 40 １ The received signal between area A1 and area A2 where area A1 is located will be reduced by object D1. In other words, interference between area A1 and area A2 is less likely to occur. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the LBT at the base station 30 or terminal device 40 in each area will be clear. Therefore, wireless communication can be performed within each area.

[0407] Therefore, the base station 30 １ and / or terminal device 40 １ In another example, the base station 30 may perform LBT on the communication path C2 and / or the communication path C3 during the cutoff period (time Tbx to time Tby), and perform LBT on the communication path C1 during the other periods. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ During the cutoff period (time Tbx to time Tby), the base station 30 may perform LBT on a communication path other than the communication path C1. １ and / or terminal device 40 １ may perform LBT on all communication paths.

[0408] To achieve this, the base station 30 １ and terminal device 40 １ The base station 30 can individually access the channel based on the assistance information. １ and terminal device 40 １ Alternatively, the base station 30 may determine (set) the contention window individually. １ and terminal device 40 １ The base station 30 may use different channel access methods. １ and terminal device 40 １ The conditions for clearing the LBT may be different for each (e.g., the received power threshold and / or the length of the contention window).

[0409] Additionally, the wireless communication processing executed by the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 may be the same as the wireless communication processing shown in the other embodiments.

[0410] <3-7. Seventh Example> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the seventh example will be described. Note that the following description of the seventh example will mainly focus on the differences from the other examples (Examples 1 to 6). In other words, in the following description of the seventh example, descriptions of parts that are the same as those in the other examples may be omitted. The contents and methods described in the other examples can be applied to the communication system 1 according to the seventh example as appropriate.

[0411] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication system 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In the previous embodiments, the information processing device 50 (assistant node) generated assistance information based on the results of sensing an object D1 that may affect wireless communication and notified the communication device of the generated assistance information. In the seventh embodiment, the information processing device 50 generates assistance information based on the results of sensing a communication device (terminal device 40 in the example of FIG. 26) that performs wireless communication and notifies the communication device (base station 30 and / or terminal device 40 in the example of FIG. 26) of the generated assistance information.

[0412] The content of this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 26. The method shown in this embodiment may be combined with the methods shown in other embodiments.

[0413] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of time resources in Example 7. Specifically, Fig. 27 is a diagram showing time resources for each beam from time T0 to time T10.

[0414] In the example of FIG. 27 , the period in which the reception state is good in wireless communication using beam B1 is from time Tax to time Tay. Here, time Tax is the time between time T0 and time T1 (i.e., T0<Tbx<T1). Time Tay is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Also, the period in which the reception state is good in wireless communication using beam B2 is from time Tbx to time Tby. Here, time Tbx is the time between time T3 and time T4 (i.e., T3<Tbx<T4). Also, time Tby is the time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tbx<T7). Also, the period in which the reception state is good in wireless communication using beam B3 is from time Tcx to time Tcy. Here, time Tcx is a time between time T6 and time T7 (i.e., T6<Tcx<T7), and time Tby is a time between time T9 and time T10 (i.e., T9<Tcx<T10).

[0415] The information processing device 50 generates, as assistance information, information on periods when reception conditions are good for each beam. The information processing device 50 transmits the assistance information (information on periods when reception conditions are good for each beam) to the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40. The base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication processing based on the assistance information. For example, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 selects (changes or resets) a combination of a period and a beam that results in good reception conditions based on the assistance information. Then, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40 performs wireless communication based on the selection (change or reset).

[0416] <<4. Sensing>> Next, sensing methods that can be used by the communication system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0417] <4-1. Overview of Sensing Methods That Can Be Used by the Communication System> In the above-described embodiments (for example, Examples 1 to 6), the information processing device 50 performed sensing of an object (for example, object D1) that may affect wireless communication. Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment (for example, Example 7), the information processing device 50 performed sensing of a communication device (for example, terminal device 40) that performs wireless communication. However, the device that performs sensing (hereinafter also referred to as a sensing device) is not limited to the information processing device 50.

[0418] For example, the sensing device may be at least one of a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication. For example, the sensing device may be a base station 30 or a terminal device 40. Of course, the sensing device may be a communication device other than these. For example, the sensing device may be a server 10 or a device (e.g., a management device 20) that belongs to the core network CN. Furthermore, the sensing device may be a repeater that repeats a signal or a relay device that relays a signal. Alternatively, the sensing device may be at least one of a roadside unit, a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), and a sensor device.

[0419] Furthermore, the sensing device may be an assistant node, or may be a device other than an assistant node. If the sensing device is a device other than an assistant node, the assistant node may acquire sensing results from the sensing device. Of course, the sensing device may function as an assistant node. In this case, the sensing device may be at least one of a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication, or may be a device other than a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication. In the following description, a sensing device other than a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication may also be referred to as a communication device (or a communication node).

[0420] The sensing device has one or more sensing functions. The one or more sensing functions of the sensing device may include an RF (Radio Frequency)-based sensing function (e.g., an RF-based sensing function supported by a 3GPP transceiver). The RF-based sensing function is, for example, a function for detecting surrounding objects using wireless communication resources for cellular communication.

[0421] In this embodiment, the communication device does not necessarily have to have a sensing function. A sensing device having a sensing function may be a device separate from the communication device. In this case, it is preferable that the sensing device can be connected to at least one communication device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0422] The sensing device detects surrounding objects using an RF-based sensing function. For example, the sensing device transmits a sensing signal using wireless communication resources for cellular communication. The sensing device then receives the sensing signal. In the following description, the sensing device that transmits the sensing signal may be referred to as a transmitting device (or a sensing transmitter). Furthermore, the sensing device that receives the sensing signal may be referred to as a receiving device (or a sensing receiver). The transmitting device and the receiving device may be the same device or different devices.

[0423] A sensing signal is a signal used for sensing. The sensing signal may refer to a transmission on a 3GPP radio interface that may be used for sensing purposes. The sensing signal may be, for example, a signal such as a CSI-RS or SSB, or may be a signal transmitted and / or received on a channel such as a PDCCH, a PDSCH, a PUCCH, a PUSCH, a PSCCH, or a PSSCH. The sensing signal may be referred to as a sensing RS (Reference Signal).

[0424] In the above and below descriptions, receiving a sensing signal may include collecting sensing data. The process of collecting sensing data may be referred to as a sensing measurement process. That is, receiving a sensing signal may be measuring the sensing signal. Receiving a sensing signal may include receiving other signals and / or channels that are quasi-co-located (QCL) with the sensing signal. Other signals and / or channels that are quasi-co-located (QCL) with the sensing signal may also be considered as sensing signals.

[0425] The sensing performed by the sensing device may be monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, or multistatic sensing. Monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, and multistatic sensing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 28 to 32.

[0426] (Monostatic Sensing) Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining monostatic sensing. Monostatic sensing is a monostatic sensing method in which one sensing device both transmits and receives sensing signals. In the example of Fig. 28, one sensing device transmits sensing signals to the surrounding area and receives the sensing signals reflected by objects. This allows the sensing device to detect surrounding objects.

[0427] (Bistatic Sensing) FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining bistatic sensing. Bistatic sensing is a bistatic sensing method in which one sensing device (transmitting device) transmits a sensing signal and another sensing device (receiving device) receives the sensing signal. In the example of FIG. 29, one sensing device (transmitting device) transmits a sensing signal to the surrounding area, and another sensing device (receiving device) receives the sensing signal reflected by an object. This allows the sensing device to detect objects in the surroundings of the transmitting device and / or receiving device.

[0428] (Multistatic Sensing) FIGS. 30 to 32 are diagrams illustrating multistatic sensing. Multistatic sensing is a multistatic sensing method in which multiple sensing devices are involved in transmitting or receiving sensing signals. Multistatic sensing may also be referred to by other terms, such as multisensing. In the example of FIG. 30, one sensing device (transmitting device) transmits a sensing signal to the surroundings, and multiple other sensing devices (receiving devices) receive the sensing signal. In the example of FIG. 31, multiple sensing devices (transmitting devices) transmit sensing signals to the surroundings, and multiple other sensing devices (receiving devices) receive the sensing signals. In the example of FIG. 32, multiple sensing devices (transmitting devices) transmit sensing signals to the surroundings, and multiple other sensing devices (receiving devices) receive the sensing signals. This allows the sensing devices to detect objects around the transmitting device and / or receiving device.

[0429] Multistatic sensing may include a combination of at least one monostatic sensing and at least one bistatic sensing. For example, one sensing device may transmit a sensing signal to its surroundings, receive the sensing signal reflected by an object, and another sensing device (receiving device) may receive the sensing signal reflected by the object. This allows the sensing device to detect objects around the transmitting device and / or receiving device.

[0430] When a transmitting device transmits a sensing signal to the surrounding area, if other sensing devices do not have prior information about the transmission of the sensing signal, there is a possibility that cellular communication and / or sensing may be disrupted.

[0431] Therefore, prior to transmitting and / or receiving a sensing signal, the sensing device of this embodiment may perform signaling regarding at least one of transmitting and receiving the sensing signal with one or more other communication devices included in the communication system. The information transmitted or received through this signaling (information regarding at least one of transmitting and receiving the sensing signal) may be referred to as sensing assistance information. Sensing assistance information may be defined as information provided to the 5G system by a trusted third party and usable to support the derivation of sensing results. The sensing assistance information may include the 3GPP sensing data itself. Alternatively, the sensing assistance information may not include the 3GPP sensing data itself.

[0432] For example, in the example of monostatic sensing shown in Fig. 28 , the sensing device may notify one or more other communication devices by signaling not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. In other words, the sensing device may notify one or more other communication devices of information indicating (or instructing) not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting the sensing signal.

[0433] 29 , the transmitting device may notify the receiving device of information on wireless communication resources used for transmitting the sensing signal by signaling. The transmitting device may notify the receiving device of information on the QCL of the sensing signal by signaling.

[0434] 30 , the transmitting device may acquire capability information related to multistatic sensing of each of the other communication devices included in the communication system by signaling. In this case, the transmitting device may select a device to be a receiving device from the other communication devices based on the capability information.

[0435] 31 , the receiving device may acquire capability information related to multistatic sensing of each of the other communication devices included in the communication system by signaling. In this case, the receiving device may select a device to be a transmitting device from among the other communication devices based on the capability information.

[0436] 32, the transmitting device or the receiving device may acquire capability information related to multistatic sensing of each of the other communication devices by signaling from the other communication devices included in the communication system. In this case, the receiving device or the receiving device may select a device to become a receiving device and / or a device to become a transmitting device from the other communication devices based on the capability information.

[0437] 28 to 32, the sensing assistance information may include at least one of the following information (1) to (3): (1) Information indicating (or instructing) that wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals are not used; (2) Information on wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals; and (3) Capability information related to multistatic sensing for each communication device.

[0438] Then, the sensing device (transmitting device and / or receiving device) may transmit and / or receive a sensing signal after the signaling.

[0439] This allows one or more communication devices included in the communication system 1 to smoothly perform cellular communication and / or sensing. In particular, in multi-static sensing, many communication devices are involved in sensing. By performing coordination in advance through signaling, even if many communication devices use wireless communication resources for sensing, communication is not significantly affected. Conversely, by performing coordination in advance through signaling, even if many communication devices use wireless communication resources for communication, sensing (e.g., multi-static sensing) is not significantly affected.

[0440] <4-2. Sensing Scenario> Next, the sensing scenario will be described. Here, the sensing scenario is defined based on the type of node that transmits the sensing signal and / or the type of node that receives the sensing signal.

[0441] In the following description, a communication node that transmits a sensing signal may be referred to as a transmitting node, and a node that receives a sensing signal may be referred to as a receiving node. A communication node is a communication device (e.g., a server 10, a management device 20, a base station 30, a terminal device 40, or an information processing device 50) included in the communication system 1. A communication node may also be referred to as a node, an entity, or a communication subject. A transmitting node may also be referred to as a transmitting subject. A receiving node may also be referred to as a receiving subject.

[0442] In the following description, the communication nodes are assumed to be base stations 30 and / or terminal devices 40, but the communication nodes are not limited to base stations 30 and / or terminal devices 40. The description of the base station 30 appearing in the following description can be replaced with a description indicating another communication device (e.g., server 10, management device 20, or information processing device 50). Similarly, the description of the terminal device 40 appearing in the following description can be replaced with a description indicating another communication device (e.g., server 10, management device 20, or information processing device 50).

[0443] Six sensing scenarios (first to sixth sensing scenarios) will be described below as scenarios for monostatic sensing and bistatic sensing. Multistatic sensing will be described later.

[0444] <4-2-1. First Sensing Scenario> Fig. 33 is a diagram for explaining the first sensing scenario. The first sensing scenario is a scenario of monostatic sensing by the base station 30. In the first sensing scenario, the base station 30 both transmits and receives a sensing signal. That is, in the first sensing scenario, the base station 30 transmits a sensing signal and receives the sensing signal reflected by an object.

[0445] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal may be used by the base station 30 that transmitted the sensing signal. The base station 30 may also transmit the sensing result to other communication nodes.

[0446] <4-2-2. Second Sensing Scenario> Fig. 34 is a diagram for explaining the second sensing scenario. The second sensing scenario is a scenario of monostatic sensing by the terminal device 40. In the second sensing scenario, the terminal device 40 both transmits and receives a sensing signal. That is, in the second sensing scenario, the terminal device 40 transmits a sensing signal and receives the sensing signal reflected by an object.

[0447] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal may be used by the terminal device 40 that transmitted the sensing signal. The terminal device 40 may transmit the sensing result to another communication node.

[0448] <4-2-3. Third Sensing Scenario> Fig. 35 is a diagram for explaining the third sensing scenario. The third sensing scenario is a scenario of bistatic sensing from the base station 30 to the terminal device 40. In the third sensing scenario, a sensing signal is transmitted from the base station 30 and received by the terminal device 40. That is, in the third sensing scenario, the base station 30 transmits a sensing signal, and the terminal device 40 receives the sensing signal reflected by an object.

[0449] For example, in the third sensing scenario, the sensing signal is, for example, a downlink signal transmitted from the base station 30 using downlink resources. Alternatively, the sensing signal is, for example, a predetermined sensing signal transmitted from the base station 30 using downlink resources. In this case, the terminal device 40 may receive, as the sensing signal, the downlink signal transmitted from the base station 30 using downlink resources.

[0450] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal may be used by the terminal device 40 that receives the sensing signal. The terminal device 40 may transmit the sensing result to another communication node. For example, the terminal device 40 may feed back the sensing result to the base station 30 that transmitted the sensing signal by a method described below. In the above and below descriptions, the sensing result and the sensing data may be distinguished. The sensing data may mean data sensed by a receiving device (sensing receiver), while the sensing result may indicate the output result after performing a predetermined process on the sensing data.

[0451] <4-2-4. Fourth Sensing Scenario> Fig. 36 is a diagram for explaining the fourth sensing scenario. The fourth sensing scenario is a bistatic sensing scenario from the terminal device 40 to the base station 30. In the fourth sensing scenario, a sensing signal is transmitted from the terminal device 40 and received by the base station 30. That is, in the fourth sensing scenario, the terminal device 40 transmits a sensing signal, and the base station 30 receives the sensing signal reflected by an object.

[0452] For example, in the fourth sensing scenario, the sensing signal is, for example, an uplink signal transmitted from the terminal device 40 using uplink resources. Alternatively, the sensing signal is, for example, a predetermined sensing signal transmitted from the terminal device 40 using uplink resources. In this case, the base station 30 may receive the signal transmitted from the terminal device 40 using uplink resources as the sensing signal.

[0453] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal may be used in the base station 30 that receives the sensing signal. The base station 30 may transmit the sensing result to another communication node. For example, the base station 30 may feed back the sensing result to the terminal device 40 that transmitted the sensing signal by a method described below.

[0454] 4-2-5. Fifth Sensing Scenario> FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the fifth sensing scenario. The fifth sensing scenario is a scenario in which a certain terminal device 40 (in the example of FIG. 37, the terminal device 40 １ ) to another terminal device 40 (in the example of FIG. 37, the terminal device 40 ２ In the fifth sensing scenario, a sensing signal is transmitted from one terminal device 40 and received by another terminal device 40. That is, in the fifth sensing scenario, for example, as shown in FIG. 37, １ transmits a sensing signal, and the terminal device 40 ２ receives the sensing signal reflected by the object.

[0455] For example, in the fifth sensing scenario, the sensing signal is, for example, １ Alternatively, the sensing signal may be, for example, a side link signal transmitted from the terminal device 40 using a side link resource. １ In this case, the predetermined sensing signal is transmitted using the side link resource from the terminal device 40. ２ terminal device 40 １ The sensing signal may be a signal transmitted from the base station using side link resources.

[0456] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal is transmitted to the terminal device 40 that receives the sensing signal. ２ It should be noted that the terminal device 40 ２ The terminal device 40 may transmit the sensing result to another communication node. ２ The sensing result is transmitted to the terminal device 40 that transmitted the sensing signal by a method to be described later. １ may provide feedback to the

[0457] 38 is a diagram for explaining the sixth sensing scenario. The sixth sensing scenario is a scenario in which a certain base station 30 (in the example of FIG. 38, the base station 30 １ ) to another base station 30 (in the example of FIG. 38, base station 30 ２ In the sixth sensing scenario, a sensing signal is transmitted from one base station 30 and received by another base station 30. That is, in the sixth sensing scenario, for example, as shown in FIG. １ transmits a sensing signal, and the base station 30 ２ receives the sensing signal reflected by the object.

[0458] For example, in the sixth sensing scenario, the sensing signal is transmitted from, for example, the base station 30 １ Alternatively, the sensing signal may be, for example, an uplink / downlink signal transmitted from the base station 30 using an uplink resource / downlink resource. １In this case, the base station 30 ２ base station 30 １ The sensing signal may be a signal transmitted from the mobile station 100 using uplink resources / downlink resources.

[0459] The sensing result obtained based on the sensing signal is transmitted to the base station 30 that receives the sensing signal. ２ It should be noted that the base station 30 ２ The base station 30 may transmit the sensing result to another communication node. ２ The base station 30 that transmitted the sensing signal sends the sensing result to the base station 30 by the method described later. １ For example, the base station 30 ２ The sensing result is transmitted to the base station 30 that transmitted the sensing signal via the X2 interface or the core network. １ may provide feedback to the

[0460] In the above-described sensing scenario, an example in which a reflected sensing signal is received has been described. However, examples of this embodiment are not limited to this. For example, the communication device may receive a transmitted sensing signal. Wireless communication used to transmit or receive the sensing signal may be wireless communication using millimeter waves or wireless communication using terahertz waves.

[0461] <4-3. Resource Allocation> The sensing scenario of this embodiment has been described above, but before describing the sensing operation of the communication system 1, resource allocation for transmitting a sensing signal will be described.

[0462] As described above, the communication nodes (for example, the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40) included in the communication system 1 transmit sensing signals using wireless communication resources (hereinafter simply referred to as resources) for cellular communication. Resource allocation for each of the cases where the sensing signal is transmitted using downlink resources, uplink resources, and sidelink resources will be described below.

[0463] <4-3-1. Case of Transmission Using Downlink Resources> First, resource allocation when a sensing signal is transmitted using downlink wireless communication resources will be described. In the following description, a sensing signal transmitted using downlink resources may be referred to as a downlink sensing signal.

[0464] <4-3-1-1. Downlink Sensing Signal> The downlink sensing signal is, for example, a downlink signal or a predetermined sensing signal transmitted using downlink resources from the base station 30. The downlink sensing signal may be, for example, at least one of the signals shown in (E1) to (E9) below.

[0465] (E1) PRS (Positioning Reference Signal) (E2) CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) (E3) SSB (SS / PBCH Block) (E4) PSS (Primary synchronization signal) (E5) SSS (Secondary synchronization signal) (E6) DMRS (Demodulation reference signal) (E7) PT-RS (Phase-tracking reference signal) (E8) RIM RS (Remote interference management reference signal) (E9) DRS (Detection reference signal)

[0466] In addition, the downlink sensing signal may be a signal obtained by modifying a portion of at least one of the signals (E1) to (E9) above (for example, at least one of the mapping to resource elements, signal series, sequence, scrambling code, and parameters used for signal generation).

[0467] Furthermore, the downlink sensing signal may be a signal and / or channel that is quasi-co-located (QCL) with at least one of the signals (E1) to (E9) above.

[0468] The downlink sensing signal may be, for example, a chirp signal. Alternatively, the downlink sensing signal may be any signal, any sequence, and / or any waveform. The DRS is a newly defined (standardized) signal for object detection.

[0469] Even in these cases, a communication node (for example, base station 30) can transmit a downlink sensing signal using resources allocated using a resource allocation method described below.

[0470] The communication node may multiplex the sensing signal with signals / information (e.g., downlink control information and / or downlink transport blocks) in the PDCCH and / or PDSCH and transmit the sensing signal. Furthermore, the communication node may transmit the sensing signal on a downlink channel (e.g., a channel for the sensing signal) different from the downlink channels (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH).

[0471] <4-3-1-2. Downlink Resource Allocation Method> A communication node may be allocated wireless communication resources for transmitting a sensing signal by another communication node, or may allocate the resources itself. For example, if the communication node transmitting the sensing signal is a base station 30, the base station 30 may allocate the resources itself. A communication node (or another communication node) may allocate wireless communication resources periodically or non-periodically. The downlink resources may be, for example, resources of a PDCCH and / or a PDSCH. Furthermore, the downlink resources may be resources of a downlink channel (e.g., a channel dedicated to transmitting the sensing signal) different from the downlink channels (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH).

[0472] A communication node (e.g., base station 30) that transmits a sensing signal may determine downlink resources based on information from other communication nodes (e.g., management device 20 and / or other base stations 30) and / or control information from a control station.

[0473] <4-3-1-3. Correspondence with Sensing Scenarios> The above-described <4-3-1-1. Downlink Sensing Signal> and <4-3-1-2. Downlink Resource Allocation Method> can be applied to, for example, the first sensing scenario, the third sensing scenario, and the sixth sensing scenario.

[0474] A communication node not involved in sensing (e.g., the base station 30 and / or a communication node located in the vicinity of another base station 30) may not recognize the sensing signal. For example, a communication node not involved in sensing (e.g., the terminal device 40) may be configured not to use resources for transmitting downlink sensing signals. For example, a communication node not involved in sensing (e.g., the terminal device 40) may be configured not to receive or to skip signals transmitted using resources for transmitting downlink sensing signals.

[0475] In order to prevent surrounding communication devices (e.g., terminal devices 40 in the same cell) from using resources for transmitting sensing signals, the base station 30 may notify one or more communication devices (e.g., one or more terminal devices 40 under the control of the base station 30) not to use the resources. In the following description, a notification for preventing one or more communication devices from using wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals (a notification of information indicating (or instructing) that wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals will not be used) may be referred to as a non-use notification. Note that the non-use notification is also referred to as a resource reservation notification, and may be reserved as a wireless communication resource to be used for transmitting sensing signals.

[0476] The base station 30 may notify the plurality of terminal devices 40 of this non-use status using, for example, at least one of the following methods.

[0477] Information that can be broadcast to all or some of the terminal devices 40 (for example, PBCH, SIB (System information block)) DCI transmitted on a common PDCCH PDSCH scheduled on a common PDCCH

[0478] The base station 30 may individually send a non-use notification to one or more terminal devices 40. For example, the base station 30 may individually send a non-use notification to one or more terminal devices 40 using the PDCCH and / or the PDSCH.

[0479] A communication device (e.g., a terminal device 40 under the control of the base station 30) that has received a non-use notification from the base station 30 does not use the resources related to the non-use notification. For example, the communication device that has received the non-use notification may not perform reception processing of a signal transmitted using the resources related to the non-use notification. Furthermore, the communication device that has received the non-use notification may, for example, perform reception processing excluding at least the resources related to the non-use notification. Furthermore, the communication device that has received the non-use notification may, for example, operate as if the resources related to the non-use notification are not scheduled.

[0480] <4-3-2. Case where sensing signals are transmitted using uplink resources> Next, resource allocation when sensing signals are transmitted using uplink wireless communication resources will be described. In the following description, sensing signals transmitted using uplink resources may be referred to as uplink sensing signals.

[0481] <4-3-2-1. Uplink Sensing Signal> The uplink sensing signal is, for example, an uplink signal or a predetermined sensing signal transmitted from the terminal device 40 using uplink resources.

[0482] For example, the uplink sensing signal is an uplink signal or a predetermined sensing signal transmitted using uplink resources from the terminal device 40. The uplink sensing signal may be, for example, at least one of the signals shown in (U1) to (U6) below.

[0483] (U1) PRS (Positioning reference signal) (U2) DMRS (Demodulation reference signal) (U3) PT-RS (Phase-tracking reference signal) (U4) SRS (Sounding reference signal) (U5) PRACH (Physical random access channel) or random access preamble (U6) DRS (Detection reference signal)

[0484] In addition, the uplink sensing signal may be a signal obtained by modifying a portion of at least one of the signals (U1) to (U6) above (e.g., at least one of the mapping to resource elements, signal series, sequence, scrambling code, and parameters used for signal generation).

[0485] Furthermore, the uplink sensing signal may be a signal / channel that is quasi-co-located (QCL) with at least one of the signals (U1) to (U6) above.

[0486] The uplink sensing signal may be, for example, a chirp signal. Alternatively, the uplink sensing signal may be any signal, any sequence, and / or any waveform. The DRS is a newly defined (standardized) signal for object detection.

[0487] Even in these cases, a communication node (for example, terminal device 40) can transmit an uplink sensing signal using resources allocated using a resource allocation method described below.

[0488] The communication node may multiplex the sensing signal with signals / information in the PUCCH and / or PUSCH (e.g., uplink control information and / or uplink transport blocks) and transmit the same. Furthermore, the communication node may transmit the sensing signal on an uplink channel (e.g., a channel dedicated to transmitting the sensing signal) different from the uplink channels (e.g., PUCCH and / or PUSCH).

[0489] Sensing using an uplink sensing signal may be available only when a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) is in the reception area (in-coverage) of the base station 30. In other words, when a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) is outside the reception area (out-of-coverage) of the base station 30, the communication node may not transmit a sensing signal using uplink resources.

[0490] <4-3-2-2. Uplink Resource Allocation Method> A communication node may be allocated wireless communication resources for transmitting a sensing signal by another communication node. For example, assume that the communication node transmitting the sensing signal is a terminal device 40. In this case, the terminal device 40 may be allocated one or more resources for transmitting the sensing signal by the base station 30. Note that the other communication node (e.g., the base station 30) may allocate uplink resources by signaling prior to sensing by the communication node. In this case, the other communication node may allocate wireless communication resources periodically or aperiodically. The uplink resources may be, for example, resources for the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH. Furthermore, the uplink resources may be resources for an uplink channel (e.g., a channel dedicated to transmitting the sensing signal) different from the uplink channel (e.g., the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH).

[0491] <4-3-2-3. Correspondence with Sensing Scenarios> The above-described <4-3-2-1. Uplink Sensing Signal> and <4-3-2-2. Uplink Resource Allocation Method> can be applied to, for example, the second sensing scenario, the fourth sensing scenario, and the fifth sensing scenario.

[0492] <4-3-3. Case where a sensing signal is transmitted using sidelink resources> Next, resource allocation when a sensing signal is transmitted using sidelink wireless communication resources will be described. In the following description, a sensing signal transmitted using sidelink resources may be referred to as a sidelink sensing signal.

[0493] <4-3-3-1. Sidelink Sensing Signal> For example, the sidelink sensing signal is a sidelink signal or a predetermined sensing signal transmitted by using sidelink resources from the terminal device 40. The uplink sensing signal may be, for example, at least one of the signals shown in (S1) to (S8) below.

[0494] (S1) S-PRS (Sidelink Positioning Reference Signal) (S2) CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) (S3) S-SSB (Sidelink SS / PBCH Block) (S4) S-PSS (Sidelink Primary Synchronization Signal) (S5) S-SSS (Sidelink Secondary Synchronization Signal) (S6) DMRS (Demodulation Reference signal) (S7) PT-RS (Phase Tracking Reference Signal) (S8) DRS (Detection reference signal)

[0495] In addition, the sidelink sensing signal may be a signal obtained by modifying a portion of at least one of the signals (S1) to (S8) above (for example, at least one of the mapping to resource elements, signal series, sequence, scrambling code, and parameters used for signal generation).

[0496] In addition, the sidelink sensing signal may be a signal / channel that is quasi-co-located (QCL) with at least one of the signals (S1) to (S8) above.

[0497] The sidelink sensing signal may be, for example, a chirp signal. Alternatively, the sidelink sensing signal may be any signal, any sequence, and / or any waveform. The DRS is a newly defined (standardized) signal for object detection.

[0498] Even in these cases, a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) can transmit a sidelink sensing signal using resources allocated using the resource allocation method described below.

[0499] The communication node may transmit the sensing signal multiplexed with signals / information (e.g., at least one of sidelink control information, sidelink transport blocks, and sidelink feedback information) in at least one channel of a PSCCH (Physical Sidelink Shared Channel), a PSSCH (Physical Sidelink Control Channel), and a PSFCH (Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel). Also, the communication node may transmit the sensing signal in a sidelink channel (e.g., a channel dedicated to transmitting the sensing signal) different from the above-mentioned sidelink channels (e.g., at least one of the PSCCH, the PSSCH, and the PSFCH).

[0500] Sensing using a sidelink sensing signal may be available only when a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) is out of coverage of the base station 30. In this case, settings related to the sensing signal and its resources may be made in advance (e.g., when the communication node is in the coverage of the base station 30).

[0501] Note that sensing using a sidelink sensing signal can also be used when a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) is within the reception area of ​​the base station 30 (in-coverage). For example, a communication node may determine whether to use sensing using a sidelink sensing signal depending on whether the communication node receiving the sensing signal is the terminal device 40. For example, the terminal device 40 transmitting a sensing signal may determine to transmit the sensing signal using sidelink resources if the communication node receiving the sensing signal is the terminal device 40, and may determine to transmit the sensing signal using uplink resources if the communication node receiving the sensing signal is the base station 30. This determination may be made by a device other than the communication node transmitting the sensing signal (e.g., the management device 20 and / or the base station 30).

[0502] <4-3-3-2. Method of Allocating Sidelink Resources> A communication node may be allocated wireless communication resources for transmitting a sensing signal by another communication node. For example, if the communication node transmitting the sensing signal is a terminal device 40, the terminal device 40 may be allocated one or more resources for transmitting the sensing signal by the base station 30. Note that the other communication node (e.g., the base station 30 or another terminal device 40) may allocate sidelink resources to the communication node by signaling prior to sensing by the communication node. In this case, the other communication node may allocate the sidelink resources dynamically, for example, by PDCCH, or quasi-statically, for example, by RRC signaling. The other communication node may allocate the sidelink resources periodically or aperiodically.

[0503] This sidelink resource may be an available resource (a resource that satisfies a specified condition) discovered by a communication node (e.g., a transmitting and / or receiving terminal device 40) by monitoring the availability of sidelink resources using a specified method (sidelink sensing).

[0504] The sidelink resources may be, for example, at least one resource of the PSCCH, the PSSCH, and the PSFCH. Alternatively, the sidelink resources may be resources of a sidelink channel (e.g., a channel dedicated to transmitting a sensing signal) different from the sidelink channels (e.g., the PSCCH, the PSSCH, and the PSFCH).

[0505] <4-3-3-3. Correspondence with Sensing Scenarios> The above-mentioned <4-3-3-1. Sidelink Sensing Signals> and <4-3-3-2. Sidelink Resource Allocation Method> can be applied to the second sensing scenario, the fourth sensing scenario, and the fifth sensing scenario.

[0506] <4-4. Feedback> The sensing scenario of this embodiment has been described above, but before describing the sensing operation of the communication system 1, feedback of the sensing results will be described.

[0507] FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating feedback of sensing results. As described above, a sensing device that receives a sensing signal (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device) may feed back the sensing result to a sensing device that transmitted the sensing signal (hereinafter referred to as a transmitting device). The sensing result may be the reception result of the sensing signal itself, or may be a processing result based on the reception result of the sensing signal (e.g., an object detection result). In the following description, information that is fed back as a sensing result may simply be referred to as feedback information.

[0508] The sensing signal transmitting device may perform various processes based on feedback information from the sensing signal receiving device. For example, the sensing signal transmitting device may detect an object based on the reception result of the sensing signal fed back from the sensing signal receiving device. Furthermore, the sensing signal transmitting device may perform communication settings related to its own wireless communication based on the reception result / detection result fed back from the sensing signal receiving device. Furthermore, the sensing signal transmitting device may perform communication control of other communication devices based on the reception result / detection result fed back from the sensing signal receiving device.

[0509] Below, we will explain the feedback of sensing results in each case: when the sensing results are transmitted using uplink resources (or uplink channels), when they are transmitted using sidelink resources (or sidelink channels), and when they are transmitted using downlink resources (or downlink channels).

[0510] <4-4-1. Cases where the sensing signal is transmitted using uplink resources> The sensing signal receiving device may feed back the sensing result to the sensing signal transmitting device using uplink resources or channels. Here, the sensing signal transmitting device is, for example, the base station 30, and the sensing signal receiving device is, for example, the terminal device 40.

[0511] <4-4-1-1. Feedback Method> The receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result as physical layer information (uplink control information) via PUCCH and / or PUSCH. The receiving device of the sensing signal may also feed back the sensing result as RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer and / or MAC (Medium Access Control) layer information via PUSCH. Additionally or alternatively, when the receiving device of the sensing signal is a terminal device 40, the feedback of the sensing result may be performed by NAS signaling. That is, the terminal device 40 as the receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result to a core network node (for example, an AMF or a core network entity providing a sensing service) by NAS signaling.

[0512] <4-4-1-2. Resource Allocation Method> The base station 30 may notify the transmitting device and / or receiving device of the sensing signal of information about resources for transmitting feedback information. In this case, the base station 30 may be the transmitting device of the sensing signal. For example, the base station 30, which is the transmitting device of the sensing signal, may notify the terminal device 40, which is the receiving device of the sensing signal, of information about resources for transmitting feedback information.

[0513] In this case, the base station 30 may explicitly notify information about resources for transmitting feedback information via PDCCH and / or RRC signaling. The base station 30 may transmit the resource information by including it in control information for scheduling the sensing signal. Alternatively, the base station 30 may multiplex the resource information into the sensing signal and transmit it.

[0514] Furthermore, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information based on the sensing signal corresponding to the feedback information (sensing result) and / or information on resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. In this case, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information by further using (or combining) the control information notified by the above-mentioned PDCCH and / or RRC signaling.

[0515] For example, the receiving device of the sensing signal may determine the resource for transmitting the feedback information based on at least one of the following parameters: ID for identifying the sensing signal, sequence (sequence and / or code) of the sensing signal, at least one of the resource block number, slot number, subcarrier number, and symbol number for transmitting the sensing signal, and at least one of the transmission configuration indicator (TCI), quasi-co-location (QCL), and beam-related information of the sensing signal.

[0516] <4-4-2. Cases where the sensing signal is transmitted using sidelink resources> The sensing signal receiving device may feed back the sensing result to the sensing signal transmitting device using sidelink resources or channels. Here, the sensing signal transmitting device is, for example, a terminal device 40, and the sensing signal receiving device is, for example, another terminal device 40.

[0517] <4-4-2-1. Feedback Method> The receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result as physical layer information (sidelink control information) via the PSCCH and / or PSSCH. Also, the receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result as RRC layer and / or MAC layer information via the PSSCH.

[0518] <4-4-2-2. Resource Allocation Method> The base station 30 may notify the transmitting device and / or receiving device of the sensing signal of information about resources for transmitting feedback information. In this case, the base station 30 may be a device other than the transmitting device and receiving device of the sensing signal.

[0519] In this case, the base station 30 may explicitly notify information about resources for transmitting feedback information via PDCCH and / or RRC signaling. The base station 30 may transmit the resource information by including it in control information for scheduling the sensing signal. The base station 30 may multiplex the resource information into the sensing signal and transmit it.

[0520] Furthermore, the sensing signal transmitting device may explicitly notify the sensing signal receiving device of resource information for transmitting feedback information via PDCCH and / or RRC signaling. The sensing signal transmitting device may transmit the resource information by including it in control information for scheduling the sensing signal. The sensing signal transmitting device may multiplex the resource information into the sensing signal and transmit it.

[0521] Furthermore, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information based on the sensing signal corresponding to the feedback information (sensing result) and / or information on resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. In this case, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information by further using (or combining) control information notified by at least one of the PDCCH, the PSCCH, and the RRC signaling.

[0522] For example, the receiving device of the sensing signal may determine the resource for transmitting the feedback information based on at least one of the following parameters: ID for identifying the sensing signal, sequence (sequence and / or code) of the sensing signal, at least one of the resource block number, slot number, subcarrier number, and symbol number for transmitting the sensing signal, and at least one of the transmission configuration indicator (TCI), quasi-co-location (QCL), and beam-related information of the sensing signal.

[0523] The resources for transmitting this feedback information may be available resources (resources that satisfy specified conditions) discovered by a communication node (e.g., a transmitting and / or receiving terminal device 40) by monitoring the availability of sidelink resources using a specified method (sidelink sensing).

[0524] <4-4-3. Cases where the sensing signal is transmitted using downlink resources> The sensing signal receiving device may feed back the sensing result to the sensing signal transmitting device using downlink resources or channels. Here, the sensing signal transmitting device is, for example, the terminal device 40, and the sensing signal receiving device is, for example, the base station 30.

[0525] <4-4-3-1. Feedback Method> The receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result as physical layer information (downlink control information) via the PDCCH and / or PDSCH. Also, the receiving device of the sensing signal may feed back the sensing result as RRC layer and / or MAC layer information via the PDSCH.

[0526] <4-4-3-2. Resource Allocation Method> When the base station 30 is a receiving device of a sensing signal, the base station 30 may determine by itself information about resources for transmitting feedback information. In this case, a communication node (e.g., terminal device 40) that receives the feedback information may have resources for transmitting the feedback information scheduled. In other words, the base station 30 may notify the communication node that receives the feedback information of information about the resources (scheduling information).

[0527] At this time, the base station 30 may explicitly notify information about resources for transmitting feedback information by PDCCH and / or RRC signaling.

[0528] Furthermore, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information based on the sensing signal corresponding to the feedback information (sensing result) and / or information on the resources used to transmit the sensing signal. In this case, the sensing signal transmitting device may perform reception processing assuming that the resources for receiving the feedback information corresponding to the sensing signal are resources determined based on the sensing signal and / or information on the resources used to transmit the sensing signal.

[0529] The sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information based on the sensing signal corresponding to the feedback information (sensing result) and / or information on resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. In this case, the sensing signal receiving device may determine resources for transmitting the feedback information by further using (or combining) the control information notified by the PDCCH and / or RRC signaling.

[0530] For example, the receiving device of the sensing signal may determine the resource for transmitting the feedback information based on at least one of the following parameters: ID for identifying the sensing signal, sequence (sequence and / or code) of the sensing signal, at least one of the resource block number, slot number, subcarrier number, and symbol number for transmitting the sensing signal, and at least one of the transmission configuration indicator (TCI), quasi-co-location (QCL), and beam-related information of the sensing signal.

[0531] <4-5. Sensing Operation of Communication System 1>> Based on the above, the sensing operation of the communication system 1 will be described.

[0532] <4-5-1. First Sensing Operation Example (Monostatic Sensing)> First, the sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to the first sensing operation example will be described. In the first sensing operation example, the sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to monostatic sensing (for example, the first sensing scenario or the second sensing scenario) will be described.

[0533] Fig. 40 is a sequence diagram showing an example of sensing processing related to monostatic sensing. Not all of the processing shown in Fig. 40 is necessarily required to implement the invention. In other words, each processing in Fig. 40 can be performed independently.

[0534] In monostatic sensing, a sensing signal is a signal for monostatic sensing that is transmitted and received by a single sensing device. A sensing device is a device that transmits and / or receives the sensing signal. The sensing device is, for example, a base station 30 or a terminal device 40. Sensing processing related to monostatic sensing will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 18 .

[0535] First, the sensing device performs signaling related to sensing with one or more other communication devices (step S401). Here, signaling refers to the transmission and / or reception of information related to sensing (e.g., control information for sensing). For example, assume that the sensing device is a base station 30. At this time, the base station 30 performs signaling related to sensing with a terminal device 40 and / or another base station 30. Also, for example, assume that the sensing device is a terminal device 40. At this time, the terminal device 40 performs signaling related to sensing with the base station 30 and / or another terminal device 40.

[0536] Here, the sensing device (e.g., the base station 30 or the terminal device 40) may notify one or more other communication devices by signaling not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. The signaling may be signaling related to at least one of transmission and reception of the sensing signal.

[0537] For example, suppose the sensing device is a base station 30. In this case, the base station 30 may notify the terminal device 40 and / or other base stations 30 not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals. Also, for example, suppose the sensing device is a terminal device 40. In this case, the terminal device 40 may notify the base station 30 and / or other terminal devices 40 not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting sensing signals. This makes it possible to prevent disruptions in sensing and / or cellular communications.

[0538] Also, assume that the sensing device is a terminal device 40, and the one or more other communication devices include a base station 30. In this case, the terminal device 40 may confirm, by signaling, whether or not it is within the coverage of the base station 30, in order to determine whether or not it is permissible to transmit a sensing signal.

[0539] Next, the sensing device sets wireless communication resources for transmitting the sensing signal (step S402). At this time, the sensing device may set the resources allocated by the method described above in <4-3. Resource allocation> as the wireless communication resources for transmitting the sensing signal.

[0540] Next, the sensing device transmits and receives a sensing signal using the wireless communication resource set in step S402 (step S403). For example, assume that the sensing device is the base station 30. At this time, the sensing unit 334 of the base station 30 may transmit and receive the sensing signal. Also, for example, assume that the sensing device is the terminal device 40. At this time, the sensing unit 434 of the terminal device 40 may transmit and receive the sensing signal.

[0541] It is assumed that the sensing device is a terminal device 40, and the one or more other communication devices include a base station 30. As described above, the terminal device 40 may confirm, by signaling, whether or not it (the terminal device 40) is within the coverage of the base station 30. In this case, the sensing unit 334 of the terminal device 40 may transmit and receive a sensing signal when it (the terminal device 40) is within the coverage of the base station 30, and may not transmit or receive a sensing signal when it (the terminal device 40) is not within the coverage of the base station 30. This makes it possible to prevent irregular use of wireless communication resources.

[0542] Next, the sensing device performs a detection process for the object D1 based on the reception result of the sensing signal (step S404). For example, it is assumed that the sensing device is the base station 30. At this time, the sensing unit 334 of the base station 30 may perform the detection process for the object D1. Also, for example, it is assumed that the sensing device is the terminal device 40. At this time, the sensing unit 434 of the terminal device 40 may perform the detection process for the object D1.

[0543] The sensing device may change the settings of its own communication parameters based on the detection result of the object D1. The sensing device may also transmit the detection result of the object D1 to another communication device (e.g., the server 10 and / or the management device 20).

[0544] 4-5-2. Second Sensing Operation Example (Bistatic Sensing) First, the sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to the second sensing operation example will be described. In the second sensing operation example, the sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to bistatic sensing (for example, the third sensing scenario, the fourth sensing scenario, the fifth sensing scenario, or the sixth sensing scenario) will be described.

[0545] Fig. 41 is a sequence diagram showing an example of sensing processing related to bistatic sensing. Not all of the processing shown in Fig. 41 is necessarily required to implement the invention. In other words, each processing in Fig. 41 can be implemented independently.

[0546] In bistatic sensing, a sensing signal is a signal for bistatic sensing that is transmitted from one communication entity (hereinafter referred to as a transmitting device) to another communication entity (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device). Here, the transmitting device is a communication device that transmits the sensing signal, such as a base station 30 or a terminal device 40. Also, the receiving device is a communication device that receives the sensing signal, such as another base station 30 or another terminal device 40. Sensing processing related to bistatic sensing will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 41.

[0547] First, the transmitting device and the receiving device perform signaling related to sensing (step S501). Here, the signaling is the transmission and / or reception of information related to sensing (e.g., control information for sensing). The signaling may be signaling related to at least one of the transmission and reception of a sensing signal.

[0548] For example, assume that one of the transmitting device and the receiving device is a base station 30. In this case, the base station 30 may perform signaling related to sensing (for example, transmitting and / or receiving capability information related to at least one of transmitting and receiving a sensing signal) with the terminal device 40 and / or another base station 30. Also, for example, assume that one of the transmitting device and the receiving device is a terminal device 40. In this case, the terminal device 40 may perform signaling related to sensing (for example, transmitting and / or receiving capability information related to at least one of transmitting and receiving a sensing signal) with the base station 30 and / or another terminal device 40.

[0549] The transmitting device and / or the receiving device may perform signaling with one or more other communication devices other than the transmitting device and the receiving device. For example, the transmitting device and / or the receiving device may perform signaling with one or more other communication devices other than the transmitting device and the receiving device in the same cell. In this case, the transmitting device and / or the receiving device may notify the one or more other communication devices other than the transmitting device and the receiving device by signaling not to use wireless communication resources used for transmitting the sensing signal. This can prevent disruptions to sensing and / or cellular communication.

[0550] Also, assume that one of the transmitting device and the receiving device is a terminal device that performs sidelink communication with another terminal device 40, and the other of the transmitting device and the receiving device is another terminal device 40. Assume that one or more other communication devices includes a base station 30 that controls this sidelink communication. In this case, the terminal device 40 and / or the other terminal device 40 may confirm, by signaling, whether or not it is within the coverage of the base station 30 in order to determine whether or not it is permitted to transmit a sensing signal.

[0551] Next, the transmitting device sets wireless communication resources for transmitting the sensing signal (step S502a). The receiving device sets wireless communication resources for receiving the sensing signal (step S502b). At this time, the transmitting device and the receiving device may set the resources allocated by the method described above in <4-3. Resource allocation> as wireless communication resources for transmitting or receiving the sensing signal.

[0552] Next, the transmitting device transmits the sensing signal using the wireless communication resource set in step S502a (step S503). The receiving device receives the sensing signal transmitted using the wireless communication resource.

[0553] It is assumed that one of the transmitting device and the receiving device is a terminal device that performs sidelink communication with another terminal device 40, and the other of the transmitting device and the receiving device is another terminal device 40. Furthermore, it is assumed that one or more other communication devices includes a base station 30 that controls this sidelink communication. As described above, the terminal device 40 and / or the other terminal device 40 may confirm whether the terminal device 40 and / or the other terminal device 40 are within the coverage of the base station 30 by signaling with the other communication device (e.g., the base station 30). The other communication device with which the signaling is performed is not limited to the base station 30, but may also be, for example, the terminal device 40 with which the sidelink communication is performed. The terminal device 40 and / or the other terminal device 40 may transmit a sensing signal when at least one of the terminal device 40 and the other terminal device 40 is within the coverage of the base station 30, and may not transmit a sensing signal when at least one of the terminal device 40 and the other terminal device 40 is not within the coverage of the base station 30. This makes it possible to prevent irregular use of wireless communication resources.

[0554] Next, the receiving device performs a detection process for the object D1 based on the received sensing signal (step S504). The receiving device may change its own communication parameter settings based on the detection result of the object D1. The sensing device may also transmit the detection result of the object D1 to another communication device (e.g., the server 10 and / or the management device 20).

[0555] The receiving device (e.g., another terminal device 40) may feed back the result of receiving the sensing signal to at least one of one or more other communication devices (step S505). For example, the receiving device may feed back the result of receiving the sensing signal to the transmitting device. In this case, the receiving device may feed back the result of receiving the sensing signal using resources determined based on at least one of the sensing signal and the wireless communication resources for transmitting the sensing signal. Alternatively, the receiving device may feed back the result of receiving the sensing signal using resources allocated by the method shown in <4-4. Feedback> above.

[0556] The receiving device may be a terminal device 40 that performs sidelink communication with another terminal device 40. The one or more other communication devices may include a base station 30 that controls the sidelink communication. In this case, the receiving device may feed back the result of receiving the sensing signal to the base station 30.

[0557] <4-5-3. Third Sensing Operation Example (Multistatic Sensing)> Next, a sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to a third sensing operation example will be described. In the third sensing operation example, a sensing operation of the communication system 1 according to multistatic sensing will be described.

[0558] <4-5-3-1. Regarding Multistatic Sensing> Multistatic sensing is a multistatic sensing method in which multiple communication devices are involved in the transmission or reception of sensing signals. The multistatic sensing of this embodiment may be any of the following patterns (P1) to (P3).

[0559] (P1) Pattern 1 (One-to-Many) The multistatic sensing of this embodiment may be a pattern in which one communication device (one transmitting device) transmits a sensing signal and multiple communication devices (multiple receiving devices) receive the sensing signal. The multiple receiving devices may or may not include a transmitting device.

[0560] (P2) Pattern 2 (Many-to-One) The multistatic sensing of this embodiment may be a pattern in which multiple communication devices (multiple transmission devices) transmit sensing signals and one communication device (one reception device) receives the sensing signals. The multiple transmission devices may or may not include a reception device.

[0561] (P3) Pattern 3 (Many-to-Many) The multistatic sensing of this embodiment may be a case in which multiple communication devices (multiple transmission devices) transmit sensing signals and multiple communication devices (multiple reception devices) receive the sensing signals. The multiple reception devices may or may not include some or all of the multiple transmission devices. The multiple transmission devices may or may not include some or all of the multiple reception devices.

[0562] <4-5-3-2. Transmission and / or Reception of Sensing Signals> In the multistatic sensing described above or below, sensing signals are signals transmitted from multiple communication entities to one or more communication devices, or transmitted from one or more communication devices to multiple communication entities. The one or more communication devices are, for example, one or more base stations 30 and / or one or more terminal devices 40. The multiple communication entities include at least one of one or more other communication devices (for example, another base station 30 or another terminal device 40).

[0563] In the multistatic sensing described above or below, one or more communication devices (e.g., one or more base stations 30 and / or one or more terminal devices 40) may each transmit and / or receive one sensing signal, or may transmit and / or receive multiple sensing signals.

[0564] Furthermore, when multiple sensing signals are used for sensing, one or more communication devices may transmit and / or receive the sensing signals using the same resource or different resources, where the resource may be at least one of a time resource, a frequency resource, and a space resource.

[0565] Furthermore, when multiple transmissions of the sensing signal are performed, one or multiple communication devices may perform multiple transmissions (or multiple receptions) at different timings.

[0566] <4-5-3-3. Communication Entities Performing Multistatic Sensing> Multiple communication entities (one or more transmitting devices and / or one or more receiving devices) performing multistatic sensing may be defined as a group. Multiple transmitting devices may be defined as a group, multiple receiving devices may be defined as a group, or multiple communication devices including one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices may be defined as a group. Furthermore, the group may be defined as a set of one or more transmitting devices and / or one or more receiving devices that can synchronously collect sensing data.

[0567] At this time, the communication device may select multiple communication entities to be grouped from the multiple communication devices. That is, the communication device (e.g., the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40) may select multiple communication entities to perform multistatic sensing from the multiple communication devices.

[0568] In this case, the communication device that performs the selection may be a communication device that is a transmitter of the sensing signal (e.g., the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40), or may be a communication device that is a receiver of the sensing signal (e.g., another base station 30 and / or another terminal device 40). Furthermore, the communication device that performs the selection may be a device other than the transmitter and receiver (e.g., the server 10 and / or the management device 20). The devices other than the transmitter and receiver may include wireless communication devices that are not involved in sensing (e.g., the base station 30 and / or the terminal device 40).

[0569] The communication device may configure the group statically, semi-statically, or dynamically, i.e., the communication device may statically, semi-statically, or dynamically select multiple communication subjects to perform multistatic sensing from among multiple communication devices.

[0570] For example, a communication device may dynamically select multiple communication subjects to perform multistatic sensing from among multiple communication devices based on the results of signaling with at least one of the other multiple communication devices (e.g., information on at least one of the position, attitude, and capabilities of the communication device).

[0571] For example, suppose a group is dynamically configured. In this case, a communication device first configures a group at time t. For example, the communication device selects multiple communication entities (one or more transmitting devices and / or one or more receiving devices) at time t from multiple communication devices. In this case, the communication device may select multiple communication entities at time t from multiple other communication devices based on the results of signaling with the other multiple communication devices.

[0572] Next, the communication device forms a group at time t+1. At this time, the communication device may select multiple communication entities at time t+1 (one or more transmitting devices and / or one or more receiving devices) from the multiple communication entities at time t. At this time, the communication device may select multiple communication entities at time t+1 from the multiple communication entities at time t based on the result of signaling with o...

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires sensing results related to multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication; a generation unit that generates assistance information to assist in processing related to the wireless communication based on the sensing results; and a transmission unit that transmits the assistance information to at least one communication device included in the multiple communication devices.

2. The information processing device described in claim 1, wherein the sensing is sensing of an object that may affect wireless communication between the multiple communication devices, and the generation unit generates the assistance information based on information indicating the state of the communication path between the multiple communication devices, determined based on the results of the sensing.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the state of the communication path is information indicating whether or not there is an object on the communication path that may affect the wireless communication.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the state of the communication path is information indicating whether a received power value related to the wireless communication is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold value.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of communication devices include a communication device capable of beamforming, and the generation unit generates assistance information for each communication path formed by a beam.

6. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit generates the assistance information for each space set in a communication path between the plurality of communication devices.

7. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of communication devices include a terminal device and a plurality of base stations that communicate wirelessly with the terminal device, and the generation unit generates assistance information for each communication path between the terminal device and the plurality of base stations.

8. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating a future state of the communication path.

9. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating the state of the communication path prior to a predetermined point in time, and the predetermined point in time is at least one of the point in time when the assistance information is generated, the point in time when the assistance information is transmitted to the communication device, the point in time when the generation of the assistance information is triggered, and the point in time when the transmission of the assistance information to the communication device is triggered.

10. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a sensing unit that senses an object, and wherein the acquisition unit acquires a result of the object detected by the sensing unit as a result of the sensing.

11. A communication device included in a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication, the communication device comprising: a receiving unit that receives, from another device, assistance information for assisting processing related to the wireless communication, the assistance information being generated based on the results of sensing related to the plurality of communication devices; and a communication control unit that performs processing related to the wireless communication based on the assistance information.

12. The communication device described in claim 11, wherein the sensing is sensing of an object that may affect wireless communication between the multiple communication devices, the assistance information includes information regarding the state of the communication path between the multiple communication devices generated based on the results of the sensing, and the communication control unit performs processing regarding the wireless communication based on the information regarding the state of the communication path between the multiple communication devices.

13. The communication device described in claim 12, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating the future state of the communication path, the plurality of communication devices include a base station and a terminal device, and the communication control unit, as processing related to the wireless communication, schedules the wireless communication between the base station and the terminal device based on the information indicating the future state of the communication path.

14. The communication device described in claim 12, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating the future state of the communication path, the plurality of communication devices are capable of communication using radio waves in an unlicensed band, and the communication control unit performs processing related to channel access in communication using radio waves in the unlicensed band as processing related to the wireless communication based on the information indicating the future state of the communication path.

15. The communication device described in claim 12, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating a future state of the communication path, the plurality of communication devices includes a plurality of terminal devices capable of sidelink communication, and the communication control unit, as a process related to the wireless communication, performs a process of excluding resource candidates in a resource selection process for the sidelink communication based on the information indicating the future state of the communication path.

16. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein the assistance information includes information indicating the state of the communication path from a predetermined point in time in the past, and the communication control unit performs processing related to the wireless communication based on the information indicating the state of the communication path in the past.

17. The communication device described in claim 16, wherein the predetermined point in time is a point in time when a report of the measurement results of the reference signal is made, and the communication control unit performs processing related to the report as processing related to the wireless communication based on information indicating the past state of the communication path.

18. The communication device according to claim 17, wherein the report is an RRM report or a CSI report.

19. An information processing method comprising: acquiring sensing results related to a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication; generating assistance information for assisting processing related to the wireless communication based on the sensing results; and transmitting the assistance information to at least one communication device included in the plurality of communication devices.

20. A communication method executed by a communication device included in a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication, the method comprising: receiving, from another device, assistance information for assisting processing related to the wireless communication, the assistance information being generated based on the results of sensing related to the plurality of communication devices; and performing processing related to the wireless communication based on the assistance information.

Images