Method performed by device for wireless communication and device therefor

Abstract

A method performed by a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving configuration information on a carrier wave (CW) for supporting backscattering from a second device; detecting the CW on the basis of the configuration information; and transmitting a backscattering signal on the basis of the detection of the CW, wherein the configuration information includes information on a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW, and the backscattering signal is transmitted at a position spaced apart from the frequency position of the CW by the frequency gap.

Description

Method performed by a device for wireless communication and device therefor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a method for transmitting or receiving signals between various devices in a wireless communication system and a device therefor.

[0002] The 5G mobile communications system, the successor to LTE (long-term evolution), is a new, clean-slate mobile communications system characterized by high performance, low latency, and high availability. 5G NR can utilize all available spectrum resources, from low-frequency bands below 1 GHz, to intermediate-frequency bands between 1 GHz and 10 GHz, and high-frequency (millimeter wave) bands above 24 GHz. 6G mobile communications systems are being developed based on the underlying technologies of 5G mobile communications.

[0003] Recently, research on ambient IoT (Internet of Things) communication is being conducted in NR standardization, and a method using backscattering to satisfy low-power requirements is being discussed.

[0004] The technical task of this specification is to provide a method for transmitting and receiving signals more accurately and efficiently between wireless communication devices. For example, a method for configuring a CW (carrier wave) signal and setting transmission parameters for more efficient transmission and reception of backscattering-based communications is provided.

[0005] In addition to the technical challenges described above, other technical challenges can be inferred from the description below.

[0006] A method performed by a first device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving, from a second device, configuration information for a CW (carrier wave) for supporting backscattering; detecting the CW based on the configuration information; and transmitting a backscattering signal based on the detection of the CW, wherein the configuration information includes information on a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW, and the backscattering signal can be transmitted at a position spaced apart from the frequency position of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0007] The above configuration information may include at least one of information on the number of subcarriers to which the CW is mapped and information on the frequency position of the CW.

[0008] The CW may be transmitted by a third device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the third device to the first device. The first device may be an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, the second device may be a base station or a reader, and the third device may be a terminal or a CW transmitting node.

[0009] The above backscattered signal can be received by the second device.

[0010] The CW may be transmitted by the second device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the first device to the second device.

[0011] The first device is an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, the second device is a base station, the CW is transmitted by the first terminal, and the backscatter signal can be received by the second terminal.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method described above may be provided.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first device comprises a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to perform operations by executing the instructions, wherein the operations of the processor include receiving, from a second device, configuration information for a carrier wave (CW) for supporting backscattering; detecting the CW based on the configuration information; and transmitting a backscattering signal based on the detection of the CW, wherein the configuration information includes information on a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW, and the backscattering signal can be transmitted from a position spaced apart from the frequency position of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0014] The above first device may further include a transceiver.

[0015] The above first device may be an ambient IoT (internet of things) device.

[0016] The first device may be a processing device configured to control an ambient IoT (internet of things) device.

[0017] A method performed by a second device according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises transmitting configuration information for a CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering; and receiving a backscattering signal for the CW from the first device, wherein the configuration information includes information about a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW, and the backscattering signal can be received at a position spaced apart from the frequency position of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0018] The second device can transmit the CW to the first device based on the setting information.

[0019] The above first device may be an ambient IoT (internet of things) device.

[0020] The second device may be a base station or a reader.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second device comprises a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to perform operations by executing the instructions, wherein the operations of the processor include transmitting configuration information for a carrier wave (CW) for supporting backscattering to a first device; transmitting the CW based on the configuration information; and receiving a backscattering signal from the first device based on the transmission of the CW, wherein the configuration information includes information on a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW, and the backscattering signal can be received at a position spaced apart from the frequency position of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0022] In one embodiment, signals can be transmitted and received more accurately and efficiently between wireless communication devices. For example, by supporting communication based on backscattering, power-efficient operation is possible, and by establishing a frequency gap for backscattering, interference between CW and backscattering signals can be reduced.

[0023] In addition to the technical effects described above, other technical effects can be inferred from the description below.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a flexible network topology to which some examples of this specification may be applied.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a communication system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a communication procedure between a first node (e.g., a terminal) and a second node (e.g., a base station) applicable to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates a general functional architecture for an AI / ML model.

[0029] Figure 6 illustrates a communication procedure between a first node (e.g., terminal) and a second node (e.g., base station) to which an AI / ML model is applied.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates an electromagnetic spectrum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a procedure for transmitting system information for THz communication to which the present disclosure applies.

[0032] Figure 9 illustrates a beam management procedure applicable to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a sensing operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates time / frequency resources for sensing operations according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates a procedure related to a sensing operation according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0036] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate wireless communication topologies according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates a flow of a method performed by a first device according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow of a method performed by a second device according to one embodiment.

[0039] As used herein, "A or B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." In other words, as used herein, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B." For example, as used herein, "A, B or C" can mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C."

[0040] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or a comma can mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C."

[0041] In this specification, "at least one of A and B" may mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Additionally, in this specification, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may be interpreted identically to "at least one of A and B".

[0042] Additionally, in this specification, “at least one of A, B and C” can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B and C.” Additionally, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” can mean “at least one of A, B and C.”

[0043] Additionally, parentheses used herein may mean "for example." Specifically, when "control information (ABC)" is indicated, "ABC" may be described as an example of "control information." For example, "control information" may include DEF as another example. In other words, "control information" in this specification is not limited to "ABC," and "ABC" may be described as an example of "control information." Furthermore, even when indicated as "control information (i.e., ABC)," "ABC" may be described as an example of "control information."

[0044] Additionally, in this specification, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component and are not used to limit the components, and do not limit the order or importance between the components unless specifically limited. Accordingly, a first component in one embodiment of this specification may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment, and similarly, a second component in one embodiment may be referred to as a first component in another embodiment.

[0045] In the following explanation, ‘when, if, in case of’ can be replaced with ‘based on’.

[0046] Technical features individually described in a single drawing in this specification may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0047] In this specification, a terminal is a user equipment (UE) or a consumer-side device, and may also be referred to as a base station / second node / IAB node / first node that receives / transmits signals from / to a Transmission-Reception Point (TRP). A terminal may correspond to a physical node or a logical node. A terminal may correspond to an endpoint on the user side, or may correspond to an intermediate point between other endpoints. In a communication between two points that is not limited to endpoints (including one-to-one / many-to-one / one-to-many / many-to-many communication), a terminal may correspond to a served node. A terminal may be a node with a fixed location, or a node with an unfixed location (or mobile).

[0048] In this specification, a base station (BS) is a device on the network side, and may also be called a second node / IAB node / x-NodeB (x-NodeB, x may be an abbreviation related to radio access technology (RAT)) / Transmission-Reception Point (TRP). A BS may correspond to a physical node or a logical node. A BS may correspond to an endpoint on the network side, or may correspond to an intermediate point between other endpoints. In communication between two points that are not limited to endpoints (including one-to-one / many-to-one / one-to-many / many-to-many communication), a BS may correspond to a serving node. A BS may be a node with a fixed location, or a node with an unfixed location.

[0049] In this specification, higher layer parameters may be set for the terminal, preset, or predefined. For example, the base station may transmit higher layer parameters to the terminal. For example, the terminal may transmit parameters such as capabilities to the base station as higher layer parameters. For example, the higher layer parameters may be transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) signaling.

[0050] In this specification, the information / state / parameter being “configured or pre-configured” can be interpreted as the information / state / parameter being provided / pre-provided to the terminal through pre-defined signaling (e.g., SIB, MAC, RRC) from the base station. In this specification, the information / state / parameter being “defined or pre-defined” can be interpreted as the information / state / parameter being known in advance or pre-stored at the base station and the terminal without signaling between the base station and the terminal.

[0051] The technology described in this specification can be used in various wireless communication systems such as CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access). CDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as UTRA (universal terrestrial radio access) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as GSM (global system for mobile communications) / GPRS (general packet radio service) / EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution). OFDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802-20, E-UTRA (evolved UTRA), LTE (long term evolution), and 5G NR.

[0052] The technology described in this specification can be implemented with 6G wireless technology and applied to various 6G systems. For example, the 6G system can have key factors such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), artificial intelligence (AI) integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0053] <Symbols, Abbreviations, Terms>

[0054] - PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control CHannel

[0055] - DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0056] - PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared CHannel

[0057] - PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared CHannel

[0058] - CSI: Channel state information

[0059] - RRM: Radio resource management

[0060] - SCS: Sub-carrier spacing

[0061] - RLM: Radio link monitoring

[0062] - DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0063] - CAP: Channel Access Procedure

[0064] - Ucell: Unlicensed cell

[0065] - TBS: Transport Block Size

[0066] - TDRA: Time Domain Resource Allocation

[0067] - SLIV: Starting and Length Indicator Value (This is an indicator value for the starting symbol index and number of symbols within the slot of the PDSCH and / or PUSCH, and can be set as a component of the entry that constitutes the TDRA field within the PDCCH that schedules the corresponding PDSCH and / or PUSCH.)

[0068] - BWP: BandWidth Part (can be composed of consecutive resource blocks (RBs) on the frequency axis and can correspond to one numerology (e.g., sub-carrier spacing, CP length, slot / mini-slot duration). In addition, multiple BWPs can be configured on one carrier (the number of BWPs per carrier can also be limited), but the number of activated BWPs can be limited to a part of it (e.g., 1) per carrier.)

[0069] - CORESET: COntrol REsourse SET (refers to the time-frequency resource area where PDCCH can be transmitted, and the number of CORESETs per BWP may be limited.)

[0070] - REG: Resource element group

[0071] - SFI: Slot Format Indicator (An indicator indicating the symbol level DL / UL direction within a specific slot(s), transmitted through the group common PDCCH.)

[0072] - COT: Channel occupancy time

[0073] - SPS: Semi-persistent scheduling

[0074] - QCL: Quasi-Co-Location (QCL relationship between two reference signals means that QCL parameters such as Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, and Spatial Rx parameter obtained from one reference signal can be applied to another reference signal (or antenna port(s) of the corresponding RS). In the NR system, four QCL types are defined as follows. 'typeA': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread}, 'typeB': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread}, 'typeC': {Doppler shift, average delay}, 'typeD': {Spatial Rx parameter} For any DL RS antenna port(s), the first DL RS is set as a reference for QCL type X (X=A, B, C, or D), and additionally, the second DL RS is set as a reference for QCL type Y (Y=A, B, C, or D but X≠Y) ) can be set as a reference to

[0075] - TCI: Transmission Configuration Indication (A TCI state includes the QCL relationship between one or more DL RSs, such as DM-RS ports of the PDSCH, the DM-RS port of PDCCH, or the CSI-RS port(s) of a CSI-RS resource. For the 'Transmission Configuration Indication' field in the DCI that schedules the PDSCH, the TCI state index corresponding to each code point that constitutes the field is activated by the MAC CE, and the TCI state setting for each TCI state index is set through RRC signaling. In the Rel-16 NR system, the TCI state is set between DL RSs, but in future releases, setting between DL RS and UL RS or UL RS and UL RS may be allowed. Examples of UL RSs include SRS, PUSCH DM-RS, and PUCCH DM-RS.)

[0076] - SRI: SRS resource indicator (Indicates one of the SRS resource index values ​​set in the 'SRS resource indicator' among the fields in the DCI that schedules the PUSCH. When transmitting a PUSCH, the UE can transmit the PUSCH using the same spatial domain transmission filter used for transmitting and receiving the reference signal linked to the corresponding SRS resource. At this time, the reference RS is set by RRC signaling through the SRS-SpatialRelationInfo parameter for each SRS resource, and SS / PBCH block, CSI-RS, or SRS can be set as the reference RS.)

[0077] - TRP: Transmission and Reception Point

[0078] - TAG: Timing advance group

[0079] - AmIoT: Ambient Internet of Things

[0080] - CW: Carrier Wave

[0081] - BSC: Backscattering

[0082] - BSS: Backscattered signal

[0083] - SIC: Self-Interference Cancellation

[0084] - RFID: Radio Frequency Identifier

[0085] - IN: Intermediate Node

[0086] Figure 1 illustrates a flexible network topology to which some examples of this specification may be applied.

[0087] To compensate for incomplete network coverage areas, a network topology that allows for more flexible and resilient split radio access networks (RANs) may be considered. For this purpose, various nodes, such as IAB nodes, relays, and RF repeaters, as illustrated in the example in Figure 1, may be applied, or NTNs may be integrated. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a node that provides wireless backhaul. For example, a relay may refer to any intermediate point, or in the case of a sidelink relay where a terminal functions as a relay, it may collectively refer to a terminal-to-network (U2N) relay and a terminal-to-terminal (U2U) relay. For example, an RF repeater may correspond to a node that simply performs the function of signal amplification and forwarding, while a network-controlled repeater may not only amplify and forward signals but also adjust transmission and reception settings based on information provided by the network. For example, an NTN node may correspond to a satellite or aircraft that provides NTN coverage that is difficult for terrestrial networks to provide. In addition to these examples, various intermediate points can be introduced to improve the network topology.

[0088] Referring to Figure 1, a split RAN can support the division of a base station into a centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs). The CU and DU can correspond to logical units. The CU can be further divided into a control plane (CP) portion and one or more user plane (UP) portions. Since a failure in the CU-CP affects not only the CU-UP but also the DUs, various intermediate points can be introduced to compensate for this.

[0089] An intermediate point may correspond to a terminal or a base station, depending on its relationship to other nodes. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile-termination (MT) portion and a unit (DU). The MT may connect the IAB node to a donor node. The unit (DU) of an IAB node may serve other terminals or connect to other IAB nodes to provide multi-hop wireless backhaul to the terminal. In other words, an IAB node may correspond to a base station in its relationship to a user-side node, and to a terminal in its relationship to a network-side node.

[0090] In some examples of this specification, the description of a terminal can be equally applied not only to a user-side endpoint, but also to an intermediate point corresponding to a terminal in a relative relationship with a network-side endpoint. Similarly, in some examples of this specification, the description of a base station can be equally applied not only to a network-side endpoint, but also to an intermediate point corresponding to a base station in a relative relationship with a user-side endpoint. However, in most cases where there is no additional description of the operations of three or more entities, the communicating entities in this specification are briefly described as terminals and / or base stations (or first nodes and / or second nodes), and the terms terminal and / or base stations (or first nodes and / or second nodes) are interpreted to include / replace any endpoint or any intermediate point in relation to other nodes.

[0091] That is, in some examples of this specification, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the subjects of the operation may be referred to as a base station and / or a terminal (or a first node and / or a second node). In addition, the terms base station and / or terminal (or a first node and / or a second node) may also be interpreted / replaced as in the following examples: For example, the base station (or a first node) and the terminal (or a second node) may respectively correspond to the first endpoint and the second endpoint; may respectively correspond to the endpoint and the intermediate point; may respectively correspond to the intermediate point and the endpoint; or may respectively correspond to the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point.

[0092] In this specification, there may be zero or more intermediate points between the base station and the terminal. If intermediate points exist, they may be IAB nodes, relays, RF repeaters, NTN (non-terrestrial network) nodes, or nodes supporting other functions. An intermediate point may be a node with a fixed location or a node with an unfixed location.

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates a communication system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0094] The communication system (100) of FIG. 2 includes a wireless device (110), a network device (120), and a network (130). Here, the wireless device (110) refers to a device that performs communication using a wireless access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G), and may be referred to as a communication / wireless / 5G / 6G device. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device (110) may include a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR (extended reality) device (110c), a hand-held device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT (Internet of Things) device (110f), and an AI (artificial intelligence) device / server (110g). For example, the vehicle may include a vehicle equipped with a wireless communication function, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication, etc. Here, the vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2) may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device (110c) includes an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) / mixed reality (MR) device, and may be implemented in the form of a head-mounted device (HMD), a head-up display (HUD) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The portable device (110d) may include a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), a computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.), etc. The home appliance (110e) may include a TV, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc. The IoT device (110f) may include a sensor, a smart meter, etc. The wireless device (110) may correspond to a terminal (or first node) or an intermediate point.The network device (120) may correspond to a base station (or second node) or another intermediate point. For example, the network device (120) may also be implemented as a wireless device (110), and a specific wireless device (120a) may act as a network device (120) to another wireless device (110).

[0095] Wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to a network (130) via a network device (120). AI technology can be applied to the wireless devices (110a to 110f), and the wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to an AI server (110g) via a network (130). The network (130) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR), or a 6G network. The wireless devices (110a to 110f) can communicate with each other via the network device (120) / network (130), but can also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the network device (120) / network (130). For example, vehicles (110b-1, 110b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) / V2X (vehicle to everything) communication). Additionally, IoT devices (110f) (e.g., sensors) can communicate directly with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices (110a to 110f).

[0096] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (110a to 110f) / network devices (120), network devices (120) / network devices (120). Here, the wireless communication / connection can be established through various wireless access technologies such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or D2D communication), and communication between network devices (150c) (e.g., relay, IAB (integrated access backhaul)). Through the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), the wireless device and the network device / wireless device, and the network device and the network device can transmit / receive wireless signals to each other. For example, the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, based on various descriptions of the present disclosure, at least some of various configuration information setting processes for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), resource allocation processes, etc. may be performed.

[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals via various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G). The wireless device (200) includes at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204), and may additionally include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208).

[0099] The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206), and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (206). In addition, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (206), and then store information obtained from signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, the memory (204) may store software code including instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202), or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. Here, the processor (202) and the memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology. The transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via at least one antenna (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In the present disclosure, a wireless device may also mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0100] Hereinafter, the hardware elements of the wireless device (200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, at least one protocol layer may be implemented by at least one processor (202). For example, at least one processor (202) may implement at least one layer (e.g., a functional layer such as physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP)). At least one processor (202) may generate at least one Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and / or at least one Service Data Unit (SDU) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate a message, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) can generate a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) including a PDU, an SDU, a message, control information, data or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals and / or methods disclosed in this document, and provide the signal to at least one transceiver (206). At least one processor (202) can receive a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) from at least one transceiver (206) and obtain the PDU, SDU, message, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this document.

[0101] At least one processor (202) may be referred to as a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a microcomputer. The at least one processor (202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one digital signal processing device (DSPD), at least one programmable logic device (PLD), or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be included in the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document may be included in the at least one processor (202), or may be stored in at least one memory (204) and driven by the at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0102] At least one memory (204) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions and / or commands. The at least one memory (204) can be configured as a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, a register, a cache memory, a computer readable storage medium and / or a combination thereof. The at least one memory (204) can be located internally and / or externally to the at least one processor (202). In addition, the at least one memory (204) can be connected to the at least one processor (202) via various technologies such as a wired or wireless connection.

[0103] At least one transceiver (206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the methods and / or flowcharts of this document to at least one other device. At least one transceiver (206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document from at least one other device. For example, at least one transceiver (206) can be connected to at least one processor (202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to at least one other device. Furthermore, at least one processor (202) can control at least one transceiver (206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from at least one other device. In addition, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one antenna (208), and at least one transceiver (206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this document through at least one antenna (208). In this document, at least one antenna may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the received wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using at least one processor (202). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the processed user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from baseband signals to RF band signals using at least one processor (202).For this purpose, at least one transceiver (206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0104] The components of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 may be referred to by different terms in terms of functionality. For example, the processor (202) may be referred to as a control unit, the transceiver (206) as a communication unit, and the memory (204) as a storage unit. In some cases, the communication unit may be used to mean at least a portion of the processor (202) and the transceiver (206).

[0105] The structure of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 can be understood as the structure of at least a portion of various devices. For example, the structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 can be at least a portion of various devices described with reference to FIG. 2 (e.g., a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR device (110c), a portable device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT device (110f), an AI device / server (110g)). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, the device may further include other components.

[0106] For example, the device may be a portable device such as a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), or a portable computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.). In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an interface unit that includes at least one port for connection with another device (e.g., an audio input / output port, a video input / output port), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting image information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input from a user.

[0107] For example, the device may be a mobile device such as a mobile robot, a vehicle, a train, an aerial vehicle (AV), a ship, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a driving unit including at least one of an engine, a motor, a power train, wheels, brakes, and a steering unit of the device, a power supply unit including a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc. that supplies power, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, an autonomous driving unit that performs functions such as path maintenance, speed control, and destination setting, and a position measurement unit that obtains location information of the mobile device through a global positioning system (GPS) and various sensors.

[0108] For example, the device may be an XR device such as an HMD, a head-up display (HUD) installed in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, a digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an input / output unit that obtains control information, data, etc. from the outside and outputs the generated XR object, and a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or the surroundings of the device.

[0109] For example, the device may be a robot that can be classified into industrial, medical, household, military, etc. types depending on the purpose or field of use. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a driving unit that performs various physical actions, such as moving the robot joints.

[0110] For example, the device may be an AI device such as a TV, a projector, a smartphone, a PC, a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a tablet PC, a wearable device, a set-top box (STB), a radio, a washing machine, a refrigerator, digital signage, a robot, a vehicle, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of an input unit that acquires various types of data from the outside, an output unit that generates output related to sight, hearing, or touch, a sensor unit that senses status information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a training unit that trains a model composed of an artificial neural network using learning data.

[0111] The structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be understood as a part of a terminal (or first node), or as a part of an intermediate point, or as a part of a base station (or second node). If the device illustrated in FIG. 3 is a base station (or second node), the device may further include a wired transceiver for front haul and / or back haul communications. However, if the front haul and / or back haul communications are based on wireless communications, at least one transceiver (206) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used for front haul and / or back haul communications, and a wired transceiver may not be included.

[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates a communication procedure between a first node (e.g., a terminal) and a second node (e.g., a base station) applicable to the present disclosure.

[0113] The second node of FIG. 4 supports dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), which can provide connectivity to both nodes implementing 6G technology and nodes implementing pre-6G wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G, 4G). That is, the first node of FIG. 4 can implement either 6G technology or pre-6G wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G, 4G). Furthermore, the first node and / or the second node can support full duplex mode as well as non-overlapping full duplex mode.

[0114] In Fig. 4, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the first node and the second node are assumed to be a terminal and a base station, respectively, and operations of the terminal (110) and the base station (120) transmitting and / or receiving data and operations performed prior thereto are illustrated. However, the operations of Fig. 4 are not limited to operations between the terminal and the base station, and may be interpreted as operations between the first node and the second node. In addition, although Fig. 4 illustrates direct wireless signal transmission and reception operations between the terminal (110) and the base station (120), one or more intermediate points may exist between the terminal (110) and the base station (120), and wireless signals may be transmitted and received via one or more intermediate points.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 4, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can perform synchronization (401). For example, the terminal (110) performs an initial cell search operation. Specifically, the terminal (110) can detect a synchronization signal for connection to at least one base station transmitted from the base station (120) according to a predefined rule. Here, the synchronization signal can include a plurality of synchronization signals classified according to structure or purpose (e.g., a first synchronization signal (e.g., a primary synchronization signal), a second synchronization signal (e.g., a secondary synchronization signal), etc.). Through this, the terminal (110) can confirm the boundary of a unit (e.g., a frame, a subframe, a slot, and / or a symbol) constituting a wireless signal transmission of the base station (120) and obtain information (e.g., a cell identifier) ​​about the base station (120).

[0116] The terminal (110) can obtain system information transmitted from the base station (120) (403). The system information is information related to the properties, characteristics, and / or capabilities of the base station (120) required to access the base station (120) and use the service, and can be classified according to the content (e.g., whether it is essential for access), transmission structure (e.g., channel used, whether provided on-demand), etc., and can be classified into, for example, first system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), primary system information), second system information (e.g., system information block (SIB), secondary system information), etc. If necessary, the terminal (110) can transmit a signal requesting system information before receiving the system information. However, the request and provision of system information can be performed after the random access procedure described below.

[0117] The terminal (110) and the base station (120) can perform a random access procedure (405). The terminal (110) can transmit and / or receive at least one message (e.g., a random access preamble, a random access response (RAR) message, etc.) for the random access procedure based on information related to a channel for the random access procedure of the base station (120) obtained through system information (e.g., channel location, channel structure, structure of a supported preamble, etc.). For example, the terminal (110) can transmit a first message (e.g., a preamble, MSG1) through the channel for the random access procedure, receive a second message (e.g., an RAR message, MSG2), transmit a third message (e.g., MSG3) including information related to the terminal (110) (e.g., identification information) to the base station (120) using scheduling information included in the second message, and receive a fourth message (e.g., MSG4) for contention resolution and / or connection establishment. As another example, the first and third messages may be sent and received as one message, or the second and fourth messages may be sent and received as one message.

[0118] The terminal (110) and the base station (120) can perform signaling of control information (407). Here, the control information can be defined in various layers, such as a layer that controls a connection (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer), a layer that handles mapping between logical channels and transport channels (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer), and a layer that handles physical channels (e.g., a physical (PHY) layer). For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can perform at least one of signaling for establishing a connection, signaling for determining settings related to communication, and signaling for indicating allocated resources.

[0119] The terminal (110) and the base station (120) can transmit and / or receive data (409). In other words, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can process, transmit, and / or receive data based on signaling of control information. For example, when transmitting data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of channel encoding, rate matching, scrambling, constellation mapping, layer mapping, waveform modulation, antenna mapping, and resource mapping on the information bits. Conversely, when receiving data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of signal extraction from resources, waveform demodulation for each antenna, signal arrangement considering layer mapping, constellation demapping, descrambling, and channel decoding.

[0120] <6G System Core Technologies>

[0121] The 6G (wireless) system aims to provide (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) low energy consumption for battery-free Internet of Things (IoT) devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be divided into four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity.

[0122] As core implementation technologies of the 6G system, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), THz (terahertz) communication, optical wireless technology, FSO backhaul network, massive MIMO technology, blockchain, 3D networking, quantum communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, cell-free communication, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET), integration of sensing and communication, integration of access backhaul networks, holographic beamforming, big data analysis, and large intelligent surface (LIS) can be adopted.

[0123] artificial intelligence

[0124] Incorporating AI into communications can streamline and improve real-time data transmission. AI can use numerous analytics to determine how complex target tasks should be performed. This means AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing delays. Time-consuming tasks such as handovers, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a crucial role in machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communications. Furthermore, AI can facilitate rapid communication in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0125] The following describes a functional framework for AI / ML operations.

[0126] Below, to explain AI (or AI / ML) more specifically, the terms can be defined as follows.

[0127] - Data collection: Data collected from network nodes, management entities, or terminals as a basis for AI model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0128] - AI Model: A data-driven algorithm that applies AI technology to generate a set of outputs containing predictive information and / or decision parameters based on a set of inputs.

[0129] - AI / ML Training: An online or offline process of training an AI model by learning features and patterns that best represent the data and obtain a trained AI / ML model for inference.

[0130] - AI / ML Inference: The process of making predictions or inducing decisions based on collected data and the AI ​​model using a trained AI model.

[0131] Life Cycle Management (LCM) procedures for AI / ML models (i.e., model training, model deployment, model inference, model monitoring, model updates, etc.) can be divided into functionality-based LCM and model-based LCM. In functionality-based LCM, AI / ML models may not be identified by the network, and the network can direct the activation / deactivation / fallback / switching of AI / ML functionality. In model-ID (identifier)-based LCM, AI / ML models can be identified by the network, and the network / terminal can activate / deactivate / select / switch AI / ML models based on the model ID.

[0132] Figure 5 illustrates a general functional architecture for an AI / ML model.

[0133] In particular, Figure 5 illustrates a general functional architecture relevant to both Functionality-based LCM and Model-based LCM. Some of the functions or some of the data / information / command flows (i.e., arrows) illustrated in Figure 5 may be omitted.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5, a general functional framework can be configured to include a data collection function (10), a model training function (20), a management function (30), an inference function (40), and a model storage function (50).

[0135] The Data Collection function (10) is a function that provides input data to the Model Training function (20), Management function (30), and Inference function (40). The Data Collection function (10) can perform data preparation based on raw data and provide input data processed through data preparation. Examples of raw data may include received data / measurement data from terminals or other network entities, inference / output of AI / ML models, etc. The Data Collection function (10) may be performed by a single entity (e.g., terminal, network node, etc.) or may be performed by multiple entities.

[0136] Here, training data (11) refers to data required as input for the AI / ML Model Training function (20). Monitoring data (12) refers to data required as input for the Management (30) of the AI / ML model or AI / ML function. Inference data (13) refers to data required as input for the AI / ML Inference function (30).

[0137] The Model Training function (20) is a function that performs AI / ML model training, validation, and testing, which can generate model performance metrics that can be used as part of the AI / ML model testing procedure. The Model Training function (20) can perform data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, forming, and transformation) based on the Training Data (11) transferred from the Data Collection function (10), if necessary.

[0138] Trained / Updated Model (21): If there is a Model Storage function (50), it is used to pass a trained, validated and tested AI / ML model to the Model Storage function (50) or to pass an updated version of the model to the Model Storage function (50).

[0139] The Management function (30) is a function that supervises the operation of the AI / ML model or AI / ML function. In addition, the Management function (30) may perform decisions to ensure appropriate inference operations based on data received from the Data Collection function (10) (i.e., Monitoring Data (12)) and / or data received from the Inference function (40) (i.e., Inference Output (41)).

[0140] Management Instruction (32) is information required as input to manage the Inference function (40). The relevant information may include selection / (de)activation / switching of an AI / ML model or AI / ML-based function, and may also include fallback to non-AI / ML operations (i.e., not relying on the inference process).

[0141] A Model Transfer / Delivery Request (33) can be used to request model(s) from Model Storage (50).

[0142] A Performance Feedback / Retraining Request (31) refers to information required as input to the Model Training function (20) (e.g., for the purpose of (re)training or updating the model).

[0143] The Inference function (40) is a function that provides output from the process of applying an AI / ML model or AI / ML function using data (i.e., Inference Data (13)) provided by Data Collection (10) as input. Data preparation (e.g., data preprocessing and cleaning, formatting, and transformation) may also be performed based on the Inference Data (13) delivered by Data Collection (10). If necessary, the Inference function (40) may also perform data preparation (e.g., data preprocessing and cleaning, forming, and transformation) based on the Inference Data (13) provided by Data Collection function (10).

[0144] Inference Output (41) is data used in the Management function (30) to monitor the performance of an AI / ML model or AI / ML function. Inference Output (41) may include the inference output of the AI / ML model generated by the Inference function (30), and the details of the inference output may vary depending on the use case.

[0145] The Model Storage function (50) stores a learned / updated model that can be used to perform the Inference function (40). The Model Storage function (50) illustrated in FIG. 5 can be used as a reference point (if any) when applicable to protocol termination, model transmission / delivery, and related processes. Furthermore, the Model Storage function (50) is merely an example and is not intended to limit the storage location of actual AI / ML models, and may be omitted.

[0146] Model Transfer / Delivery (51) is used to transfer AI / ML models to inference functions.

[0147] The level of cooperation can be defined as follows depending on the capability of AI / ML functions between multiple nodes, and variations due to combination of multiple levels or separation of any one level are also possible.

[0148] Cat 0a) No collaboration framework: AI / ML algorithms are purely implementation-based and do not require any changes to the wireless interface.

[0149] Cat 0b) This level corresponds to a framework with a modified wireless interface tailored to efficient implementation-based AI / ML algorithms, but without collaboration.

[0150] Category 1) involves inter-node support to improve the AI / ML algorithms of each node. For example, this applies when a specific node receives support from another node (for training, adaptation, etc.) and vice versa. At this level, model exchange between network nodes is not required.

[0151] Category 2) Joint AI / ML tasks can be performed across multiple nodes. This level requires the exchange of AI / ML model commands or network nodes.

[0152] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overall functional framework for an AI / ML model, and not all functions and / or all data / information / command signals illustrated in FIG. 5 may be performed within a specific node, but only some of them may be performed.

[0153] AI / ML models can be divided into one-side models and two-side models depending on whether training and / or inference are performed on a single node or jointly / sequentially on multiple nodes.

[0154] A one-side model can refer to an AI / ML model in which inference is performed entirely by a single node (e.g., a terminal or network). Here, AI / ML model training can also be performed entirely by a single node. AI / ML model training and inference can be performed by the same node, or they can be performed by separate nodes.

[0155] A two-side model can refer to an AI / ML model in which joint inference is performed across multiple nodes (e.g., terminals and networks). Joint inference refers to inference being performed jointly across multiple nodes. For example, the first part of the inference may be performed by a first node, and the remaining part by a second node. Two-side models can be categorized into several types depending on the training method of the AI / ML model, as follows:

[0156] - First type: AI / ML models can be trained on a single node. In this case, joint training can be performed. The trained model can then be distributed to other nodes / objects.

[0157] - Second type: Joint training of AI / ML models can be performed on multiple nodes / entities (e.g., networks and terminals). Joint training can mean that model generation (e.g., CSI generation part) and model reconstruction (CSI compression by sub-use case) are trained in the same loop for forward activation and backward gradient. In this type, joint training can include both simultaneous training (i.e., model generation training and model reconstruction training are performed simultaneously) and sequential training (i.e., model reconstruction training is performed after model generation training).

[0158] - Third type: Separate training of AI / ML models can be performed on multiple nodes (e.g., networks and terminals). Separate training may mean that training begins sequentially on one node and continues on other nodes. In this case, the first node first performs the AI / ML model and shares the training data with the second node. The second node can then use the shared training data to perform the AI / ML model. For example, training for the CSI generation part may be performed by the terminal, while CSI reconstruction may be performed by the network.

[0159] Figure 6 illustrates a communication procedure between a first node (e.g., terminal) and a second node (e.g., base station) to which an AI / ML model is applied.

[0160] The operations described below can be described / interpreted based on the AI / ML model proposed in this specification, as shown in Fig. 6 below, even without separate mention (i.e., without explicit mention of being by / based on / for the AI / ML model). In addition, unless specifically limited, the AI / ML model can correspond to a one-side model in which inference is entirely performed by a single node, or a two-side model in which joint inference is performed by multiple nodes.

[0161] First signaling (601): In the description below, the signaling (e.g., information / data / channel / signal, etc.) or set of signaling between a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) and another node may be interpreted as the signaling or set of signaling of the first signaling (601) used to perform an operation based on an AI / ML model, even if not otherwise mentioned. For example, it may correspond to training data for training (i.e., generation and / or reconstruction) the AI / ML model of FIG. 5, or correspond to inference data used for inference of the AI / ML model, or correspond to feedback for the AI / ML model, etc. If signaling between nodes is not required prior to an operation based on an AI / ML model in the present specification, the first signaling (601) may be omitted. If a one-side model is used in the present specification, the one-way / two-way signaling (set) in the present specification may correspond to the signaling of the first signaling (601). In addition, when a two-side model is used in this specification, the one-way / two-way signaling in this specification may correspond to the first signaling (601), and also, a repetitive signaling operation may correspond to the first signaling (601).

[0162] For example, in AI / ML model-based beam management (BM), if a base station predicts (i.e., infers) beam(s) with good quality based on an AI / ML model, the base station can receive quality / intensity information for multiple beams from a terminal. Furthermore, if a terminal predicts (i.e., infers) beam(s) with good quality based on an AI / ML model, the terminal can receive multiple beams from the base station.

[0163] AI / ML model-based operation (602): In the description below, an operation (e.g., calculation, selection, prediction, etc.) in a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) or a joint operation (e.g., calculation, selection, prediction, etc.) in multiple nodes (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) may correspond to an AI / ML model-based operation (602) based on one or more functions in the functional framework of the AI / ML model, even if not mentioned separately. For example, it may correspond to training (i.e., generation and / or reconstruction) of the AI / ML model of FIG. 5 or inference of the AI / ML model, etc. When a one-side model is used, an operation performed by a single node in the present specification may correspond to an AI / ML model-based operation (602), and also, when a two-side model is used, a joint operation performed by multiple nodes in the present specification may correspond to an AI / ML model-based operation (602).

[0164] For example, in an AI / ML model-based BM, the base station can use quality / intensity information for multiple beams received from the terminal as inference data to predict (i.e., infer) beam(s) with good quality based on the AI / ML model. Furthermore, the terminal can measure multiple beams received from the base station and use the measurement results as inference data to predict (i.e., infer) beam(s) with good quality based on the AI / ML model.

[0165] Second signaling (603): In the description below, signaling (e.g., information / data / channel / signal, etc.) or a set of signaling between a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) and another node may be interpreted as a second signaling (603) or a set of signaling generated due to (as a result of) an operation based on an AI / ML model, even if not otherwise mentioned. For example, it may correspond to an output resulting from inference of the AI / ML model in FIG. 5. If signaling between nodes is not required as a result of an operation based on an AI / ML model in this specification, the second signaling (603) may be omitted. If a one-side model is used in this specification, a one-way / two-way signaling (set) in this specification may correspond to the second signaling (603). In addition, when a two-side model is used in this specification, the one-way / two-way signaling in this specification may correspond to the second signaling (603), and also, a repetitive signaling operation may correspond to the second signaling (603).

[0166] For example, in an AI / ML model-based BM, the base station can transmit to the terminal the beam(s) predicted based on the AI / ML model as candidates so that the terminal can determine the optimal beam. Furthermore, the terminal can report to the base station the beam(s) predicted based on the AI / ML model to request the base station to transmit the candidate beams as candidates for determining the optimal beam.

[0167] THz communication (terahertz communication)

[0168] Data rates can be increased by increasing bandwidth. This can be achieved by utilizing sub-THz communications with wide bandwidths and applying advanced massive MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter waves, typically refer to the frequency range between 0.1 THz and 10 THz, with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz to 300 GHz band (sub-THz band) is considered a key part of the THz spectrum for cellular communications. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band will increase the capacity of 6G cellular communications. Among the defined THz bands, 300 GHz to 3 THz lies in the far infrared (IR) frequency band. While part of the optical band, the 300 GHz to 3 THz band lies at the boundary of the optical band, immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz to 3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0169] Figure 7 illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of Figure 7 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Key characteristics of THz communications include (i) a widely available bandwidth to support very high data rates, and (ii) high path loss at high frequencies (highly directional antennas are essential). The narrow beamwidth generated by the highly directional antenna reduces interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows for a much larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and base stations operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array techniques to overcome range limitations.

[0170] Transmitting system information (i.e., information related to the properties, characteristics, and / or capabilities of a BS required to use a service, such as MIB, SIB, etc.) in the THz frequency band may be inefficient because, as the beam width becomes narrower in high frequency bands, more beam sweeps must be performed to cover the entire area of ​​the cell. In particular, transmitting system information in this manner is even more inefficient when there are not many users in the cell. Accordingly, a system information transmission procedure such as that illustrated in FIG. 8 may be used.

[0171] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a procedure for transmitting system information for THz communications to which the present disclosure applies. While this example was developed with THz in mind, it is also applicable to 6G communication environments where THz is not applicable. Furthermore, the procedure illustrated in Figure 8 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, the embodiments described below can be performed based on system information acquired through the procedure illustrated in Figure 8.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 8, the base station can transmit system information of cell #1 through cell #2 (801). That is, the base station provides at least two cells, cell #1 uses a THz frequency band, and cell #2 uses a non-THz frequency band. Here, the system information can include at least one information / state / parameter / setting generated in each of a higher layer and a physical layer. For example, the at least one information / state / parameter / setting generated in the higher layer can include at least one of an SFN, control information setting for SIB1 (e.g., PDCCH configuration for SIB1, etc.), information related to cell selection / entry (e.g., cell barring, cell re-selection, etc.), and subcarrier spacing, and the at least one information / state / parameter / setting generated in the physical layer can include at least one of an SFN, a half frame indicator, and an SSB index. However, this is merely an example, and system information may include information / status / parameters / settings related to Cell #1 / Cell #2 generated from various types of physical layers / upper layers. For this purpose, as an example, Cell #1 and Cell #2 may have a relationship as a secondary cell and a primary cell.

[0173] The UE can acquire synchronization for cell #1 (803). Synchronization can be acquired by detecting a synchronization signal. Typically, synchronization is acquired before receiving system information. However, since the system information for cell #1 is received from cell #2, synchronization acquisition for cell #1 can be performed after receiving the system information. For example, the UE can acquire synchronization based on the system information. However, unlike FIG. 8, in another example, synchronization acquisition can be performed before step 801.

[0174] The UE may transmit a signal for accessing cell #1 (805). For example, the signal may include information for accessing cell #1 (e.g., a random access preamble). The structure of the signal and the resources for transmitting the signal (e.g., a channel) may be identified through system information. Thereafter, the UE and the base station may perform an access procedure for cell #1 and communicate (807). During this process, operations according to various embodiments described below may be performed.

[0175] The procedure described with reference to FIG. 8 may be performed when UE (801) first accesses cell #1 of the base station. Alternatively, a similar procedure may be performed when UE (801) hands over to cell #1 of the base station. However, in the case of handover, the system information of cell #1 may be received from a cell of a base station other than cell #2 of the base station.

[0176] Communications in the THz band are expected to experience extremely severe path loss, and to overcome this, terminals and base stations must use extremely sharp beams. The use of sharp beams means that terminals and base stations must perform beam control in addition to beamforming, and the number of beams used increases significantly. Consequently, it takes a very long time to align the transmit and receive beams between the base station and terminals. Furthermore, if the beam alignment between the base station and terminals is misaligned due to the movement or movement of the terminals, frequent re-alignment of the beams is required, which can lead to link instability. Accordingly, a beam management procedure, as illustrated in FIG. 9 below, may be employed.

[0177] FIG. 9 illustrates a beam management procedure applicable to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a procedure for searching and / or selecting beams for THz communication, but is not limited to a THz environment, and the present disclosure is applicable to a 6G communication environment. In addition, the procedure illustrated in FIG. 9 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. Here, a beam may be interpreted as 'spatial (setting) information', 'spatial domain filter', 'spatial domain transmission filter', 'spatial domain reception filter', or / and a term having an equivalent technical meaning that can distinguish the beam (e.g., Reference signal, SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) Index, TRP (transmission reception point), panel, cell, TP (transmission point), base station, control resource related information (e.g., CORESET (control resource set) related information, etc.).

[0178] Referring to FIG. 9, a base station can configure resources for beam management (901). Here, the resources can include at least one of time-frequency resources, channels, and spatial resources (e.g., antenna ports). For example, the base station can utilize a beam search signal (BSS) that is transmitted spatially separated from existing downlink signals / channels for beam search. Here, the BSS can be transmitted based on a dedicated port for beam search. The dedicated port can be a different port from a port for transmitting existing downlink signals / channels (e.g., synchronization signals (e.g., SSB, etc.), data channels (e.g., PDSCH, etc.)). BSS is a term defined for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept according to the present embodiment is not limited to the term BSS itself. That is, a signal transmitted based on a dedicated port defined / configured for beam search can be included in the technical concept according to the present embodiment.

[0179] The base station can transmit measurement signals using multiple transmission beams (903). For example, the measurement signals can include at least one of a reference signal and a synchronization signal. At this time, the measurement signals can be transmitted as many times as the number of beams that require measurement, and can be transmitted using a multi-beam transmission method that forms multiple beams simultaneously to reduce sweeping time. Here, the multi-beam transmission can be performed based on at least one of a multi-panel, a sub-array, and a true time delay (TTD).

[0180] The UE may transmit a feedback signal to the base station (905). The feedback signal indicates at least one beam selected by the UE. The UE may select at least one preferred beam based on the received measurement signals. The UE and the base station may communicate (907). At this time, the UE and the base station may communicate using the previously selected beam. If channel reciprocity is established, the transmission beam of the UE may also be determined through operations 903 and 905, and thus the transmission of the UE may also be performed using the beam selected in operation 905. If channel reciprocity is not established, a procedure including transmission of measurement signals by the UE and transmission of a feedback signal by the base station may be performed first to determine the transmission beam of the UE. In operation 907, operations according to various embodiments described below may be performed.

[0181] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

[0182] Wireless sensing is a technology that uses radio frequencies to determine the instantaneous linear velocity, angle, distance (range), etc. of an object, thereby obtaining information about the characteristics of the environment and / or objects within the environment. Because radio frequency sensing does not require a networked device to connect to the object, it can provide a service for object positioning without a device. The ability to obtain range, velocity, and angle information from radio frequency signals can enable a wide range of new capabilities, such as various object detection, object recognition (e.g., vehicles, humans, animals, UAVs), and high-precision localization, tracking, and activity recognition. Wireless sensing services can provide information to a variety of industries (e.g., drones, smart homes, V2X, factories, railways, public safety, etc.), enabling applications such as intruder detection, assisted vehicle steering and navigation, trajectory tracking, collision avoidance, traffic management, and health and traffic management. In some cases, wireless sensing can utilize non-3GPP type sensors (e.g., radar, cameras) to further support 3GPP-based sensing. For example, the operation of wireless sensing services, i.e., sensing operations, may depend on the transmission, reflection, and scattering of wireless sensing signals. Therefore, wireless sensing offers an opportunity to enhance existing communication systems from a communication network to a wireless communication and sensing network.

[0183] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a sensing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 10(a) illustrates an example of sensing using a sensing receiver and a sensing transmitter located at the same location (e.g., monostatic sensing), and FIG. 10(b) illustrates an example of sensing using a separated sensing receiver and sensing transmitter (e.g., bistatic sensing).

[0184] For example, in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present specification, referring to FIG. 10(a), the sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver may be configured to be included in a single base station (i.e., the same base station) or a single terminal (i.e., the same terminal). Alternatively, referring to FIG. 10(b), the sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver may be configured to be included in different base stations, different terminals, or each terminal and base station.

[0185] In this regard, the following six types of sensing modes can be defined based on whether the sensing transmitter and sensing receiver are included in the base station or the terminal, respectively.

[0186] - Mode 1: A mode in which the sensing transmitter and sensing receiver are contained in a single base station (e.g., base station-based sensing mode in monostatic mode).

[0187] - Second mode: A mode in which the sensing transmitter is included in a first base station and the sensing receiver is included in a second base station different from the first base station (e.g., base station-based sensing mode in bistatic mode).

[0188] - Mode 3: A mode in which the sensing transmitter is included in the base station and the sensing receiver is included in the terminal (e.g., base station-terminal sensing mode).

[0189] - Mode 4: A mode in which the sensing transmitter is included in the terminal and the sensing receiver is included in the base station (e.g., terminal-base station sensing mode).

[0190] - Mode 5: A mode in which the sensing transmitter and sensing receiver are contained in a single terminal (e.g., terminal-based sensing mode in monostatic mode).

[0191] - 6th mode: A mode in which the sensing transmitter is included in a first terminal and the sensing receiver is included in a second terminal different from the first terminal (e.g., terminal-based sensing mode in bistatic mode).

[0192] In a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present specification, one or more of the six types of sensing modes described above may be utilized independently / in combination.

[0193] In relation to the sensing operation in FIG. 10, the sensing transmitter may transmit a sensing signal for sensing one or more objects (and / or an environment around the objects). For example, the sensing signal may correspond to a radio (frequency) signal defined to be transmittable by a base station / terminal in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present specification. The sensing receiver may receive a signal scattered / reflected by one or more objects (and / or an environment around the objects) from a sensing signal transmitted from the sensing transmitter. In the sensing receiver, sensing data may be derived from the scattered / reflected signals, and sensing results may be generated / obtained through processing of the sensing data. Here, the sensing results may include characteristic information (e.g., location, distance, speed, angle, etc.) about one or more objects (and / or the environment around the objects). The sensing results generated / obtained in this way may be utilized for wireless sensing services (e.g., detection, tracking, etc. of objects and / or environments) provided in the wireless communication system based on the 6G network of the present specification, or may be provided / disclosed to a trusted third party.

[0194] Additionally, the sensing operation in FIG. 10 is described as a representative example of the operation in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network, but can be extended and applied to cases where terminals / base stations / signals based on networks of previous generations (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.) are utilized.

[0195] Additionally, with respect to the wireless sensing described herein, in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present specification, time / frequency resources for sensing operations and time / frequency resources for general communications (e.g., UL / DL / sidelink-based communications, etc.) may be scheduled / configured separately.

[0196] FIG. 11 illustrates time / frequency resources for sensing operations according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 11 may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 11, time / frequency resources (hereinafter, sensing resources) for the aforementioned sensing operation (e.g., sensing operation based on FIG. 10) can be set / allocated separately from time / frequency resources (hereinafter, communication resources) for general communication.

[0198] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, sensing resources can be set / allocated in units of symbols in the time domain and / or resource blocks in the frequency domain. Resources other than those for which the sensing resources are set / allocated can be utilized as resources for general communication. That is, sensing resources and communication resources can be set / allocated based on a time-division multiplexing (TDM) scheme and / or a frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) scheme in terms of the operation of the base station / terminal. Additionally or alternatively, unlike what is illustrated in FIG. 10, sensing resources can also be set / allocated based on other units in the time domain (e.g., slots, frames, absolute time (ms, us), etc.) and / or other units in the frequency domain (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, absolute frequencies (MHz, GHz), etc.).

[0199] Additionally or alternatively, in connection with the setting / allocation / scheduling of resources for general communication as described herein, the relationship between the resources and the aforementioned sensing resources may need to be considered. For example, when setting / allocating resources for general communication according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the resources may be set / allocated to rate-match or puncture the resource region corresponding to the sensing resource. For example, when scheduling resources for general communication according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the resources may be scheduled so as not to overlap with the resource region corresponding to the sensing resource. If the resources for general communication according to the embodiment(s) of the present disclosure and the resource region corresponding to the sensing resource are set / allocated / scheduled to overlap, one or both operations may be dropped, skipped, or postponed based on priorities, predefined rules, etc. That is, in the embodiment(s) of the present specification, it may be desirable that resources related to general communication (e.g., resources for signals / channels related to UL / DL / Sidelink-based data / control, etc.) are set / allocated / scheduled so as not to overlap with the sensing resources described above.

[0200] Additionally, various channel modeling methods may be applied in connection with the wireless sensing described herein. Channel modeling related to sensing may refer to configuring a path for transmitting and receiving sensing signals and / or scattered / reflected signals, taking into account the object being sensed and / or the environment in which the object resides. Channel modeling may be related to the performance / requirements of sensing in wireless communication systems, and thus may be an important factor in validating the sensing function.

[0201] Channels related to sensing can be divided into channels between objects (e.g., targets of interest) and sensing transmitters / receivers, and channels between the environment to which the object belongs and sensing transmitters / receivers. In this regard, channel modeling related to sensing can be divided based on sensing mode (e.g., the six types of modes described above), presence of objects / environments, and / or sensing scenarios. For example, channel modeling for targets in base station / terminal-based monostatic sensing mode, channel modeling for targets in base station / terminal-based bistatic sensing mode, channel modeling for environments in base station / terminal-based monostatic sensing mode, and channel modeling for environments in base station / terminal-based bistatic sensing mode can be optimized and configured differently. For example, when various sensing scenarios are classified, channel modeling for detection, location, and tracking scenarios can be divided into channel modeling for motion recognition, and channel modeling for imaging / environment reconstruction scenarios. Additionally, channel modeling related to sensing may be based on statistical channel modeling techniques and / or deterministic channel modeling techniques. For example, modeling for sensing in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present disclosure may be based on stochastic geometric channel modeling techniques and / or hybrid with ray tracing channel modeling techniques. Here, the stochastic geometric channel model may be based on various statistical characteristics of the channel state. Furthermore, the hybrid channel model may be based on both ray tracing techniques and stochastic techniques.In the case of a hybrid approach, a method can be applied in which the channel for the object (e.g., the target of interest) that requires high accuracy and consistency is modeled using a ray tracing technique, and the channel for the environment is modeled using a probabilistic technique.

[0202] FIG. 12 illustrates a procedure related to a sensing operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 12 may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0203] For example, in a wireless communication system based on a 6G network of the present specification, in the case of a sensing operation in which a terminal participates, the base station may need to confirm (1205) the capability of the terminal for the sensing operation. In this regard, the terminal may be configured to report capability information on whether it supports the sensing operation to the base station. Additionally or alternatively, if the terminal is defined in advance in the standard as supporting the sensing operation, the procedure may be omitted. In addition, in the case of a sensing operation in which only the base station participates, the base station may be configured to report capability information on whether it supports the sensing operation to an entity that configures / controls its sensing operation (e.g., a network entity at an upper level / layer of the base station).

[0204] For example, the base station can perform signaling with the terminal to exchange configuration information related to the sensing operation. For example, the base station can set / instruct the terminal about the mode of the sensing operation (e.g., based on the six types of modes described above), the subject of the sensing operation (e.g., sensing transmitter, sensing receiver), the resource of the sensing operation (e.g., sensing resource as in FIG. 11), the target of utilizing the sensing result (e.g., type of wireless sensing service based on 6G network, trusted third party), channel modeling for sensing (e.g., channel between the base station / terminal and object / environment), etc. (1210). For example, the base station can also set / instruct such information from a network entity at an upper level / layer of the base station.

[0205] For example, the base station and / or the terminal may perform a sensing operation based on the set / instructed information (1215). For example, the base station and / or the terminal may, as a sensing transmitter and / or a sensing receiver, perform procedures such as transmitting a sensing signal, receiving a scattered / reflected signal, deriving sensing data, obtaining a sensing result through processing the sensing data, and providing the sensing result, as in FIG. 9 described above. As an example, in the operation of the base station / terminal described herein, the sensing result provided through the sensing operation may be utilized.

[0206] Ambient IoT

[0207] The Ambient Internet of Things (IoT) has recently attracted significant attention in the wireless communications world. By reducing the size, complexity, and power consumption of IoT devices and enabling the installation and connection of hundreds of billions or even trillions of IoT devices, it can be applied to a wide range of applications.

[0208] For example, active signal generation and / or backscattering may be among the communication technologies considered to achieve low power operation of A-IoT devices.

[0209] For example, backscattering is a technique widely used in radio frequency identification (RFID), allowing devices to communicate with a network by reflecting incident waves after modulating them with information to be transmitted. For example, devices can be powered by the incident RF signal or by stored energy.

[0210] For example, IoT devices can be categorized into various types, such as passive, semi-passive, and active, depending on how they store energy and generate transmission signals. For example, passive devices do not have an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor) and can communicate based on backscatter communication technology. For example, semi-passive devices have an energy storage device and can communicate using backscatter communication technology with the help of the energy storage device. For example, active devices have an energy storage device and can actively generate signals using active RF components and the stored energy to communicate.

[0211] In the NR Rel.19 standardization, the device types of A-IoT (ambient IoT) are divided into Type 1 and Type 2 as follows.

[0212] 1) Type 1: It has a maximum power consumption of approximately 1 uW and transmits to the reader by backscattering a CW (carrier wave) provided from an external source (e.g., a reader such as a base station or UE or a separate node).

[0213] 2) Type 2: It has a maximum power consumption of approximately several hundred uW and transmits to the reader by backscattering CW provided from an external source (e.g., a reader such as a base station or UE or a separate node) or by internally generating a signal.

[0214] The NR Rel.19 standardization primarily considers topologies #1 and #2. Topology #1 is a topology in which base stations and A-IoT devices are directly connected, while topology #2 is a topology in which base stations and A-IoT devices are connected through intermediate nodes.

[0215] In topology #1, the A-IoT device can communicate directly and bidirectionally with the base station. For example, the communication between the base station and the A-IoT device can include A-IoT data and / or signals. For example, the A-IoT data and / or signals can be transmitted or received based on a control channel and / or a data channel (e.g., a shared channel). The base station transmitting to the A-IoT device and the base station receiving from the A-IoT device can be different. For example, in topology 1, the base station and the A-IoT device in a micro-cell environment can communicate directly with each other. For example, the base station can be located at the same site as a base station equipped with existing 3GPP technology.

[0216] In topology #2, the A-IoT device can bidirectionally communicate with an intermediate node between the device and the base station. Here, the intermediate node can be, for example, an A-IoT-capable relay, an IAB node, a terminal, a repeater, etc. For example, the intermediate node can transmit A-IoT data and / or signals between the base station and the A-IoT device. For example, the A-IoT data and / or signals can be transmitted or received based on a control channel and / or a data channel (e.g., a shared channel). The intermediate node transmitting to the A-IoT device and the intermediate node receiving from the A-IoT device can be different. For example, in topology 2, an intermediate node can exist between a base station and the A-IoT device in a macro-cell environment. For example, the base station can be co-sited with a base station equipped with existing 3GPP technology. For example, the intermediate node can be limited to a terminal, and the intermediate node can be located indoors.

[0217] Additionally, the NR Rel.19 standardization considers the FDD licensed spectrum of FR1, and transmission from AmIoT devices can occur at least in the FDD UL spectrum.

[0218] Carrier Wave Configuration for Backscattering-Based Ambient IoT Communication

[0219] A CW (carrier wave) transmitted by a network node (e.g., a base station) or an intermediate node can be either a CW for energy harvesting (EH) or a CW for backscattering (BSC). The CW proposed below can be applied to either one of the two CW purposes or can be applied commonly to both CW purposes. The NR system in the following can be replaced by a (5G and / or 6G) wireless communication system (or a mother system or a coexisting communication system, etc.), the base station can mean a base station of an NR system or a next-generation wireless communication system, and the UE can mean a terminal of an NR system or a next-generation wireless communication system. For convenience, the following describes only the case where the entity operating as an intermediate node (IN) is a UE, but it can be extended to other types of nodes such as an Integrated access-backhaul (IAB) and a Network-controlled Repeater (NCR).

[0220] Figure 13 illustrates topology #1 according to one embodiment.

[0221] Referring to Figure 13, a base station transmits CW (for BSC purposes) using frequency resource #A, and an AmIoT device receiving the CW performs backscattering to transmit a backscattered signal (BSS). Since the base station must simultaneously transmit CW and receive BSS from the AmIoT device, self-interference cancellation (SIC) operation may be required.

[0222] One way to increase SIC performance by suppressing self-interference (SI) during SIC operation of a base station is to apply a frequency shift when an AmIoT device performs backscattering. The size of this frequency shift is conveniently expressed as F-gap. As shown in Fig. 13, F-gap can refer to the gap between CW and BSS (center frequency).

[0223] As an example of how AmIoT devices can implement this F-gap, Miller sub-carrier encoding, which is used in RFID standards (e.g., EPCglobal Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID standard), can be applied.

[0224] Another example of how an AmIoT device implements the F-gap is that, especially for device type 2 that performs uplink transmission using internally generated signals, it can directly generate a signal with a center frequency of CW+F-gap. In this case, it may not be easy for the AmIoT device to dynamically change the size of the F-gap compared to applying the F-gap based on an external CW. In addition, if multiple AmIoT devices transmit BSS signals in response to the CW transmitted by the base station, collisions may occur if the F-gap is the same.

[0225] Therefore, we propose an F-gap generation method to maximize the SIC performance of the base station and reduce collisions between AmIoT devices. Furthermore, in addition to forming a frequency-axis gap, such as a frequency shift, we also propose a T-gap generation method for the same purpose, as creating a time-axis gap (termed T-gap for convenience) can be beneficial for improving the SIC performance of the base station and mitigating collisions between AmIoT devices.

[0226] Figure 14 illustrates topology #2 according to one embodiment.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 14, UE1, acting as an intermediate node, transmits CW (for BSC purposes) using frequency resource #A, and the AmIoT device receiving this performs backscattering to transmit a backscattered signal (BSS). Since UE1 must simultaneously transmit CW and receive BSS from the AmIoT device, self-interference cancellation (SIC) operation may be required.

[0228] One way to increase SIC performance by suppressing SI during SIC operation of UE1 may be to apply a frequency shift when the AmIoT device performs backscattering. The size of this frequency shift is conveniently expressed as F-gap, and can mean the gap between CW and BSS (center frequency), as shown in FIG. 14 below.

[0229] As an example of how AmIoT devices can implement this F-gap, Miller sub-carrier encoding, which is used in RFID standards (e.g., EPCglobal Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID standard), can be applied.

[0230] Another example of how AmIoT devices implement this F-gap is that, in particular, device type 2, which performs uplink transmission via internally generated signals, can directly generate a signal with a center frequency of CW+F-gap. Furthermore, if multiple AmIoT devices transmit BSS signals in response to the CW transmitted by UE1, collisions may occur if the F-gap is the same.

[0231] Therefore, we propose an F-gap generation method to maximize the SIC performance of UE1 and reduce collisions between AmIoT devices. In addition, since creating a gap in the time axis (named T-gap for convenience) in addition to forming a frequency-axis gap such as a frequency shift can be beneficial for the SIC performance of UE1 and alleviate collisions between AmIoT devices, we also propose a T-gap generation method for the same purpose.

[0232] In this specification, we propose a method for configuring carrier wave (CW) signals and setting transmission parameters for ambient IoT (AmIoT) communication based on backscattering transmission.

[0233] In the case of CW signals, depending on their purpose / use, they can be divided into two types: 1) CW transmitted from a base station / reader / IN or a separate node to transfer / charge energy to an AmIoT device (for convenience, defined as "E-CW"), and 2) CW transmitted from a base station / reader / IN or a separate node for backscattering transmission from an AmIoT device to the base station / reader / IN (for convenience, defined as "B-CW").

[0234] Meanwhile, in the above topology #2 situation, the UE can be set to operate as IN.

[0235] [Proposal #1] Setting the time / frequency resources and signal properties to be used for CW transmission.

[0236] a. The base station / reader can configure the time / frequency resources and / or signal property related parameters to be used for CW signal transmission to the IN / AmIoT device (or a separate CW transmission node) (in the following manner).

[0237] As a specific example of frequency resource configuration, the number of tones (or subcarriers) to which a CW signal is mapped on the frequency (e.g., whether single tone or multi-tone) and / or location information can be configured.

[0238] Meanwhile, for the E-CW signal, information can be set on which UL signal / channel format (e.g. PUSCH or PUCCH or SRS) to use and which parameters (e.g. power control value / offset, sequence) to apply (if generated using a UL signal / channel defined in NR).

[0239] Meanwhile, for the B-CW signal, a set of information on frequencies corresponding to the F-gap that multiple AmIoT devices will use for backscattering transmission as well as the CW transmission frequency transmitted by the base station / reader / IN can be set.

[0240] When the B-CW transmission frequency and the frequency set corresponding to the F-gap are set as above, the E-CW signal can be configured / generated using all or a specific portion of the frequencies belonging to the entire frequency set that combines the B-CW frequencies and the F-gap frequencies (without a separate setting for the E-CW transmission frequency).

[0241] b. The base station / reader may set multiple CW resource properties / patterns in advance (via RRC, etc.) and transmit a MAC / DCI signal (to the IN (UE)) or the base station / reader / IN may transmit a specific command signal (to the AmIoT device) to indicate one of the CW resources.

[0242] Alternatively, the base station / reader / IN can preset (and transmit) certain default (e.g. single-tone) CW resources and dynamically instruct additional (e.g. multi-tone) CW resources.

[0243] c. The base station / reader / IN transmits the E-CW signal and B-CW signal by separating them into two FDM bands with a certain gap (guard band) between them, and the AmIoT device can also receive the E-CW signal and B-CW signal in different bands.

[0244] The band mentioned above may mean a unit frequency band / channel (defined as “AmIoT channel”) defined for AmIoT device connection / operation.

[0245] [Proposal #2] Generating / configuring E-CW and B-CW transmission signals

[0246] d. A base station / reader / IN (specifically an IN UE operating / configured to operate as an IN) (or a separate CW transmitting node) can transmit E-CW signals to AmIoT devices in the following manner.

[0247] By utilizing a pre-configured specific NR UL signal / channel (e.g. periodic or semi-persistent PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS (i.e., P / SP-PUCCH, P / SP-PUSCH, P / SP-SRS) transmission (to the reader / IN (UE)), the reader / IN (UE) can operate / configure to additionally (e.g., repeatedly) transmit the corresponding NR signal to the AmIoT devices at the time of CW transmission.

[0248] - For example, at a specific CW transmission point in time, the reader / IN (UE) can operate to additionally transmit for CW purposes (to AmIoT devices) a signal identical to the NR signal set / instructed / transmitted at the closest point before / after that point in time (at that CW transmission frequency or at any frequency).

[0249] - As another example, when CG PUSCH is set at a specific CW transmission time or the closest time before / after, even if there is no UL-SCH to transmit (without performing UL skipping operation), the reader / IN (UE) can generate and transmit an arbitrary PUSCH signal using a dummy signal or padding, etc.

[0250] - In the case of a signal additionally transmitted for CW purposes as described above, it can be transmitted with power boosting in the form of a specific power offset added to the transmission power set / indicated in the original NR signal.

[0251] - Meanwhile, the CW transmission time point in the above may be explicitly designated / instructed to the reader / IN (UE) transmitting the NR signal as the CW transmission time point, or an operation may be stipulated to perform the above transmission at a specific designated / instructed time point.

[0252] e. A base station / reader / IN (specifically an IN UE operating / configured to operate as an IN) (or a separate CW transmitting node) can transmit B-CW signals to AmIoT devices in the following manner.

[0253] It can be operated to generate and transmit a predetermined signal as a B-CW signal (not based on OFDM modulation or CP addition) separated from the NR (UL) signal by placing guard time and guard bands on both sides of the frequency before and after transmission. This may be for the purpose of avoiding the complexity of having the AmIoT device perform CP removal and symbol boundary detection required for OFDM reception.

[0254] For this purpose, guard time and guard band information can be set to IN (UE) and AmIoT devices.

[0255] [Proposal #3] Controlling CW transmission timing at CW transmission nodes

[0256] f. If a separate (CW) node other than Reader / IN performs CW signal transmission, it can be set up / operated in the following manner.

[0257] In Topology #1 situation, the base station / reader can set resources and / or transmission timing to transmit CW signals to the CW node (for interference cancellation operation at the base station / reader).

[0258] In addition to the above settings in the Topology #2 situation, the base station can set the reception timing for receiving a backscattering signal from the AmIoT device (i.e., a signal transmitted to the IN (UE) by the AmIoT device based on backscattering) to the IN (UE) (for the transmission / reception interference cancellation operation in the IN (UE)).

[0259] Alternatively / additionally, the base station may inform the IN (UE) of the CW transmission resources and / or transmission timing information set for the CW node.

[0260] g. If the transmission link from Reader / IN to (AmIoT) device is defined as R-to-D, the CW transmission from Reader / IN to (AmIoT) device is defined as CW, and the transmission link from (AmIoT) device to Reader / IN is defined as D-to-R, then for the same device, R-to-D transmission (e.g., R-to-D transmission for providing information / data to the device, not CW transmission for BSC) and CW transmission are performed by a specific reader / IN (i.e., R1) and D-to-R reception is performed by another reader / IN (i.e., R2),

[0261] The above R1 can signal / instruct R2 (or R2 to R1, or the base station to R1 and / or R2) about resources and / or transmission timing information for transmitting a CW signal (or resources and reception timing information for receiving a D-to-R signal).

[0262] And / or (R1 to R2, R2 to R1, or base station to R1 and / or R2) guard time can be set / indicated between R-to-D transmission (e.g., R-to-D transmission for providing information / data to device, not CW transmission for BSC) and CW transmission and / or guard time (without signal transmission) between R-to-D transmission and D-to-R transmission / reception.

[0263] h. For the same (AmIoT) device, when R-to-D transmission and D-to-R reception are performed by the reader / IN (i.e., Reader) and CW transmission is performed by a separate CW node,

[0264] The Reader can signal / instruct the CW node (or the base station to the Reader and / or the CW node) about resources and / or transmission timing information for transmitting a CW signal (or resources and reception timing information for receiving a D-to-R signal).

[0265] And / or (Reader to CW node, or Base Station to Reader and / or CW node) may set / instruct guard time between R-to-D transmission and CW transmission or guard time (without signal transmission) between R-to-D transmission and D-to-R transmission / reception.

[0266] i. When the same IN (e.g. UE) performs both R-to-D transmission and D-to-R reception and CW transmission for the same device,

[0267] The base station may signal / instruct the IN about resources and / or transmission timing information to transmit a CW signal (or resources and reception timing information to receive a D-to-R signal).

[0268] And / or (the base station may set / instruct the IN) a guard time between R-to-D transmission and CW transmission or a guard time (without signal transmission) between R-to-D transmission and D-to-R transmission / reception.

[0269] FIG. 15 illustrates a flow of a method performed by a first device according to one embodiment.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 15, a first device may receive configuration information for a CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering from a second device (1505). The configuration information may include information about a frequency gap from the frequency position of the CW.

[0271] The first device can detect the CW based on the above setting information (1510).

[0272] The first device can transmit a backscatter signal based on detection of the CW (1515). The backscatter signal can be transmitted at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0273] The above configuration information may include at least one of information on the number of subcarriers to which the CW is mapped and information on the frequency position of the CW.

[0274] For example, the CW may be transmitted by a third device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the third device to the first device. The first device may be an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, the second device may be a base station or a leader, and the third device may be a terminal or a CW transmitting node (IN).

[0275] For example, the backscatter signal can be received by the second device.

[0276] For example, the CW may be transmitted by the second device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the first device to the second device.

[0277] For example, the first device may be an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, the second device may be a base station, the CW may be transmitted by the first terminal, and the backscatter signal may be received by the second terminal.

[0278] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow of a method performed by a second device according to one embodiment.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 16, a second device may transmit configuration information for a CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering (1605). The configuration information may include information about a frequency gap from a frequency position of the CW. The configuration information may include at least one of information about the number of subcarriers to which the CW is mapped and information about the frequency position of the CW. The first device may be an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, the second device may be a base station or a leader, and the third device may be a terminal or a CW transmitting node.

[0280] The above setting information may be transmitted to at least one of the first device and / or the third device.

[0281] A second device can receive a backscatter signal for the CW from the first device (1610). The backscatter signal can be received at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

[0282] The above CW may be transmitted by a second device and / or a third device.

[0283] For example, the CW may be transmitted by a third device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the third device to the first device.

[0284] For example, the CW may be transmitted by the second device. The configuration information may further include information regarding a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the first device to the second device.

[0285] The embodiments described above are combinations of components and features of the present disclosure in a predetermined form. Each component or feature should be considered optional unless explicitly stated otherwise. Each component or feature may be implemented without being combined with other components or features. Furthermore, it is also possible to form embodiments of the present disclosure by combining some components and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment. It is self-evident that claims that do not have an explicit citation relationship in the patent claims may be combined to form embodiments or incorporated as new claims through post-application amendments.

[0286] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of equivalents of the present disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0287] The present disclosure may be used in a terminal, base station, or other equipment of a wireless mobile communication system.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first device, Receive configuration information for CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering from a second device; Detecting the CW based on the above setting information; and Including transmitting a backscatter signal based on detection of the above CW, The above setting information includes information about the frequency gap from the frequency position of the CW, A method in which the backscattered signal is transmitted at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

2. In paragraph 1, A method wherein the above configuration information includes at least one of information on the number of subcarriers to which the CW is mapped and information on the frequency position of the CW.

3. In paragraph 1, The above CW is transmitted by a third device, A method according to claim 1, wherein the above configuration information further includes information about a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the third device to the first device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first device is an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, The above second device is a base station or reader, A method wherein the third device is a terminal or a CW transmitting node.

5. In paragraph 3, A method wherein the backscattered signal is received by the second device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above CW is transmitted by the second device, A method according to claim 1, wherein the above configuration information further includes information about a guard time required between (i) transmission from the second device to the first device and (ii) transmission from the first device to the second device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above first device is an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, The above second device is a base station, The above CW is transmitted by the first terminal, A method wherein the above backscattered signal is received by a second terminal.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method described in paragraph 1.

9. In the first device, a memory configured to store instructions; and A processor configured to perform operations by executing the above instructions, The operations of the above processor are: Receive configuration information for CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering from a second device; Detecting the CW based on the above setting information; and Including transmitting a backscatter signal based on detection of the above CW, The above setting information includes information about the frequency gap from the frequency position of the CW, A method in which the backscattered signal is transmitted at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

10. In paragraph 9, Including a transmitter and receiver, The first device is an ambient IoT (internet of things) device.

11. In paragraph 9, The first device is a processing device configured to control an ambient IoT (internet of things) device.

12. As a method performed by a second device, Transmitting configuration information for CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering; and Including receiving a backscatter signal for the CW from the first device, The above setting information includes information about the frequency gap from the frequency position of the CW, A method in which the backscattered signal is received at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

13. In paragraph 12, A method further comprising transmitting the CW to the first device based on the setting information.

14. In paragraph 12, The above first device is an ambient IoT (internet of things) device, A method wherein the second device is a base station or a reader.

15. In the second device, a memory configured to store instructions; and A processor configured to perform operations by executing the above instructions, The operations of the above processor are: Transmitting configuration information for CW (carrier wave) to support backscattering; and Including receiving a backscatter signal for the CW from the first device, The above setting information includes information about the frequency gap from the frequency position of the CW, A second device, wherein the backscattered signal is received at a location spaced apart from the frequency location of the CW by the frequency gap.

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