Communication control method and communication node

Abstract

A communication control method according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a wireless communication system. The communication control method includes a step in which a communication node transmits, to an IoT device, a transmission signal that is composed of an unmodulated continuous wave and a modulation wave obtained by modulating a command. The command includes identification information of the unmodulated continuous wave.

Description

Communication control method and communication node

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control method and a communication node.

[0002] In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been attracting attention as a wireless communication technology. As more and more "things" are interconnected, it is expected that production efficiency will improve and life will become more comfortable than ever before.

[0003] Technologies used in IoT include barcodes and radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs), for example. However, barcodes and RFIDs lack interference management schemes, making it difficult for them to support large-scale networks.

[0004] Therefore, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (registered trademark; hereinafter the same), a standardization project for mobile communication systems, is studying the feasibility of new IoT technologies. This IoT technology is expected to have a greater number of connections and a higher device density than existing 3GPP IoT technologies. Furthermore, this IoT technology is expected to have lower complexity and power consumption than existing 3GPP LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band-IoT) or LTE-MTC (Long Term Evolution-Machine Type Communication). IoT devices used in this IoT technology are called ambient IoT devices.

[0005] 3GPP TR 38.848 V18.0.0 (2023-09)

[0006] A communication control method according to a first aspect is a communication control method in a wireless communication system, the communication control method including a step of transmitting, from a communication node to an IoT device, a transmission signal composed of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command and an unmodulated continuous wave, wherein the command includes identification information of the unmodulated continuous wave.

[0007] A communication node according to a second aspect is a communication node in a wireless communication system. The communication node has a transmitter that transmits a transmission signal composed of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command and an unmodulated continuous wave to an IoT device. Here, the command includes identification information of the unmodulated continuous wave.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a UE (user equipment) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a gNB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ambient IoT device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a protocol stack related to a user plane according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a protocol stack related to a control plane according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a topology according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a topology according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a topology according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of "device 1" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of "device 2a" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication according to the fourth embodiment.

[0009] One aspect is to enable a communication node to appropriately communicate with an IoT device.

[0010] Most existing wireless communication devices use batteries that need to be manually replaced and manually charged. However, powering all IoT devices with batteries would be difficult because it would require not only the cost of the IoT devices themselves but also the maintenance costs for the IoT devices.

[0011] First, the ambient IoT devices described above are envisioned to function as battery-less devices with no energy storage capabilities, in which case the ambient IoT devices function as pure battery-less devices that have no power storage capabilities whatsoever and are completely dependent on the availability of an external energy source.

[0012] Second, ambient IoT devices are envisioned to function as battery devices with limited energy storage, e.g., energy storage that does not require manual replacement and does not require manual charging.

[0013] Specific examples of ambient IoT devices will be described later. As described above, technology using ambient IoT devices is expected to have a higher number of connections, lower complexity, and lower power consumption than existing 3GPP technology. The use of such ambient IoT devices is expected to lead to automation and digitalization in various industries, as well as the development of new markets.

[0014] Hereinafter, a wireless communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. An ambient IoT device is used in the wireless communication system according to the embodiment.

[0015] [First embodiment]

[0016] (Configuration example of wireless communication system) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. The wireless communication system 1 includes a mobile communication system that is a 5th Generation System (5GS) of the 3GPP standard. In the following, the mobile communication system will be described using 5GS as an example, but an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system may also be applied at least in part. A sixth generation (6G) system or later system may also be applied at least in part as the mobile communication system. Note that the wireless communication system 1 may be a mobile communication system.

[0017] The wireless communication system 1 includes a user equipment (UE) 100, a 5G radio access network (NG-RAN: Next Generation Radio Access Network) 10, a 5G core network (5GC: 5G Core Network) 20, and an ambient IoT device 300. Hereinafter, the 5GC 20 may be simply referred to as the core network (CN) 20. Note that a node other than the UE 100 may exist between the gNB 200 and the ambient IoT device 300. Such a node may be referred to as an assisting node or an intermediate node. Details of the assisting node and the intermediate node will be described later.

[0018] The UE 100 is a mobile wireless communication device. The UE 100 may be any device that is used by a user. The UE 100 may be, for example, a mobile phone terminal (including a smartphone) and / or a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a communication module (including a communication card or a chipset), a sensor or a device provided in a sensor, a vehicle or a device provided in a vehicle (Vehicle UE), or an aircraft or a device provided in an aircraft (Aerial UE).

[0019] The NG-RAN 10 includes a base station (called a "gNB" in a 5G system) 200. The gNBs 200 are connected to each other via an Xn interface, which is an interface between base stations. The gNB 200 manages one or more cells. The gNB 200 performs wireless communication with a UE 100 that has established a connection with its own cell. The gNB 200 has a radio resource management (RRM) function, a routing function for user data (hereinafter simply referred to as "data"), a measurement control function for mobility control and scheduling, and the like. Note that the term "cell" is used to indicate the smallest unit of a wireless communication area. The term "cell" is also used to indicate a function or resource for wireless communication with the UE 100. One cell belongs to one carrier frequency (hereinafter simply referred to as "frequency").

[0020] In addition, gNBs can also be connected to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which is the core network of LTE. LTE base stations can also be connected to 5GC. LTE base stations and gNBs can also be connected via an inter-base station interface.

[0021] The 5GC20 includes an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 30 and a UPF (User Plane Function). The AMF 30 performs various mobility controls for the UE 100. The AMF 30 manages the mobility of the UE 100 by communicating with the UE 100 using NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling. The UPF controls data forwarding. The AMF 30 and the UPF are connected to the gNB 200 via an NG interface, which is an interface between a base station and a core network. The devices (or nodes) included in the 5GC20 may be referred to as core network devices (or core network nodes). The AMF 30 and the UPF are examples of core network devices.

[0022] The ambient IoT device 300 is a wireless communication device capable of wireless communication with the UE 100 and / or the gNB 200. The ambient IoT device 300 may also perform wireless communication with an assist node or an intermediate node, as described below.

[0023] First, the ambient IoT device 300 can transmit information within the ambient IoT device 300 by reflecting radio waves transmitted from the UE 100 or the gNB 200 and modulating the reflected waves. Generally, the technology of reflecting unmodulated radio waves and modulating the reflected waves to transmit information is called backscattering communication. The ambient IoT device 300 has a backscattering communication function. The ambient IoT device 300 may be an information medium capable of reading information from an internal memory using the backscattering communication function. The ambient IoT device 300 may be an information medium capable of writing information to an internal memory. In this case, the ambient IoT device 300 can receive transmitted radio waves modulated with information and extract the information by demodulating the received radio waves.

[0024] Second, the ambient IoT device 300 may be a battery-less IoT device. In this case, the ambient IoT device 300 converts received radio waves into energy (specifically, power) and operates using the energy. The ambient IoT device 300 may use an energy source other than radio waves, such as light, heat, magnetism, vibration, or sound, to convert energy. Generally, such energy conversion is called energy harvesting. A known method for energy harvesting may be used. In this manner, the ambient IoT device may have an energy harvesting function. Alternatively, the ambient IoT device 300 may have a limited battery function. As described above, a "limited battery" refers to a battery that does not require manual replacement or manual charging. The ambient IoT device 300 may have a battery function that charges power obtained by the energy harvesting function. The ambient IoT device 300 may be a wireless tag.

[0025] (Example of UE configuration) Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the UE 100 (user equipment) according to the first embodiment. The UE 100 includes a receiving unit 110, a transmitting unit 120, and a control unit 130. The receiving unit 110 and the transmitting unit 120 constitute a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the gNB 200. The receiving unit 110 and the transmitting unit 120 are capable of wireless communication with the ambient IoT device 300.

[0026] The receiving unit 110 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 110 includes an antenna and a receiver. The receiver converts a radio signal received by the antenna into a baseband signal (received signal) and outputs it to the control unit 130. The receiving unit 110 may receive a reflected wave reflected by the ambient IoT device 300 under the control of the control unit 130. The receiving unit 110 receives the received reflected wave as a radio signal, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs it to the control unit 130.

[0027] The transmitting unit 120 performs various transmissions under the control of the control unit 130. The transmitting unit 120 includes an antenna and a transmitter. The transmitter converts a baseband signal (transmission signal) output by the control unit 130 into a radio signal and transmits it from the antenna. Alternatively, the transmitting unit 120 (or the transmitter) may transmit an unmodulated carrier wave under the control of the control unit 130. The carrier wave is reflected by the ambient IoT device 300.

[0028] The control unit 130 performs various controls and processes in the UE 100. Such processes include processes of each layer described below. The control unit 130 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used in the processes by the processor. The processor may include a baseband processor and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The baseband processor performs modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, etc. of baseband signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to perform various processes. In the example shown below, the operation or processing in the UE 100 may be performed by the control unit 130.

[0029] (Example of gNB configuration) Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gNB200 (base station) according to the first embodiment. The gNB200 comprises a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a control unit 230, and a backhaul communication unit 240. The transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 constitute a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the UE100. The transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 are capable of wireless communication with the ambient IoT device 300. The backhaul communication unit 240 constitutes a network communication unit that communicates with the CN20.

[0030] The transmitting unit 210 performs various transmissions under the control of the control unit 230. The transmitting unit 210 includes an antenna and a transmitter. The transmitter converts a baseband signal (transmission signal) output by the control unit 230 into a radio signal and transmits it from the antenna. Alternatively, the transmitting unit 210 (or the transmitter) may transmit an unmodulated carrier wave under the control of the control unit 230. The carrier wave is reflected by the ambient IoT device 300.

[0031] The receiving unit 220 performs various types of reception under the control of the control unit 230. The receiving unit 220 includes an antenna and a receiver. The receiver converts a radio signal received by the antenna into a baseband signal (received signal) and outputs the signal to the control unit 230. The receiving unit 220 may receive a reflected wave reflected by the ambient IoT device 300 under the control of the control unit 230. The receiving unit 220 receives the reflected wave as a radio signal, converts the received signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the control unit 230.

[0032] The control unit 230 performs various controls and processes in the gNB 200. Such processes include processes for each layer described below. The control unit 230 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information used in the processing by the processor. The processor may include a baseband processor and a CPU. The baseband processor performs modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, etc. of baseband signals. The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to perform various processes. In the example shown below, the operation or processing in the gNB 200 may be performed by the control unit 230.

[0033] The backhaul communication unit 240 is connected to adjacent base stations via an Xn interface, which is an interface between base stations. The backhaul communication unit 240 is connected to the AMF 30 / UPF via an NG interface, which is an interface between a base station and a core network. The gNB 200 is composed of a CU (Central Unit) and a DU (Distributed Unit) (i.e., functionally divided), and the two units may be connected by an F1 interface, which is a fronthaul interface.

[0034] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ambient IoT device 300 according to the first embodiment. The ambient IoT device 300 according to the first embodiment includes an antenna 310, a modulator 320, a control unit 330, and a memory 340.

[0035] The antenna 310 receives an unmodulated carrier wave. Hereinafter, this unmodulated carrier wave will be referred to as a CW (Continuous Wave). The antenna 310 converts the received CW into a received signal and outputs this received signal to the modulator 320. The antenna 310 also reflects the CW in accordance with the transmission signal output from the modulator 320 and transmits a reflected wave. Hereinafter, this reflected wave will be referred to as a BS (Back Scattering or Back Scatter). The antenna 310 performs BS transmission.

[0036] The modulator 320 may generate a transmission signal by modulating data read from the memory 340 under the control of the control unit 330. The modulator 320 outputs the modulated signal to the antenna 310. The modulator 320 may also acquire data by demodulating a signal received from the antenna 310 under the control of the control unit 330. The modulator 320 outputs the acquired data to the control unit 330. In the ambient IoT device 300, the modulator 320 may specifically be a switch. When the switch receives a reception signal from the antenna 310, the switch turns on and outputs the reception signal to the control unit 330. The switch is controlled to be on or off under the control of the control unit 330, and outputs a transmission signal corresponding to the on or off state to the antenna 310. The switch may be an RF (Radio Frequency) switch. The switch may be configured with a transistor. Alternatively, the switch may be a mechanical switch that can be physically switched on or off.

[0037] The control unit 330 has an energy harvesting function that converts the received signal received from the modulator 320 into power. The control unit 330 controls the modulator 320 and the memory 340 using the converted power as driving power for the ambient IoT device 300. The control unit 330 also reads information stored in the memory 340 and controls the modulator 320 to transmit a transmission signal corresponding to the information. For example, the control unit 330 controls the on / off of the modulator 320 to control the reflectivity of the reflected wave (BS) (e.g., whether the reflectivity is 100% or 0%) and output a transmission signal corresponding to information (e.g., 1 bit) stored in the memory 340 from the modulator 320 to the antenna 310. For example, the control unit 330 controls the timing of turning the modulator 320 on or off to output a transmission signal corresponding to multiple bits from the modulator 320 to the antenna 310. In this way, the control unit 330 controls the reflectivity of the reflected wave (BS) by controlling the on / off of the modulator 320, and is able to transmit a modulated reflected wave corresponding to the information stored in the memory 340 from the antenna 310.

[0038] The memory 340 stores various types of information. The information stored in the memory 340 may be information acquired when the ambient IoT device 300 functions as a sensor. Alternatively, the information stored in the memory 340 may be information specific to the ambient IoT device 300 that has been stored in advance in the memory 340. Examples of the specific information include identification information for the ambient IoT device 300 (or the group to which the ambient IoT device 300 belongs). The memory 340 can read the stored information under the control of the control unit 330. Information may be written to the memory 340 under the control of the control unit 330. In this case, the control unit 330 (or the modulator 320) converts the signal received from the antenna 310 into a baseband signal in the baseband band, reads information from the baseband signal, and writes the read information to the memory 340.

[0039] The ambient IoT device 300 may have a limited battery. As described above, limited battery means a battery that does not need to be manually replaced or manually charged. Furthermore, the ambient IoT device 300 may have the energy harvesting function described above.

[0040] (Protocol Stack) Next, a configuration example of a protocol stack will be described. Here, a configuration example of a protocol stack in the UE 100, the gNB 200, and the AMF 30 will be described.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a protocol stack of a radio interface of a user plane that handles data.

[0042] The user plane radio interface protocol includes a physical (PHY) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer.

[0043] The PHY layer performs encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, antenna mapping / demapping, and resource mapping / demapping. Data and control information are transmitted between the PHY layer of UE100 and the PHY layer of gNB200 via a physical channel. The PHY layer of UE100 receives downlink control information (DCI) transmitted from gNB200 on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Specifically, UE100 performs blind decoding of the PDCCH using a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) and acquires successfully decoded DCI as DCI addressed to the UE. The DCI transmitted from gNB200 has a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Code) parity bit scrambled by the RNTI added.

[0044] The MAC layer performs data priority control, retransmission processing using Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ), random access procedures, etc. Data and control information are transmitted between the MAC layer of the UE 100 and the MAC layer of the gNB 200 via a transport channel. The MAC layer of the gNB 200 includes a scheduler. The scheduler determines the uplink and downlink transport format (transport block size, modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) and the resource blocks to be allocated to the UE 100.

[0045] The RLC layer transmits data to the receiving RLC layer using the functions of the MAC layer and PHY layer. Data and control information are transmitted between the RLC layer of the UE 100 and the RLC layer of the gNB 200 via a logical channel.

[0046] The PDCP layer performs header compression / decompression, encryption / decryption, and the like.

[0047] The SDAP layer maps IP flows, which are units for Quality of Service (QoS) control by the core network, to radio bearers, which are units for QoS control by the Access Stratum (AS). Note that if the RAN is connected to the EPC, SDAP may not be required.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a protocol stack of a radio interface of a control plane that handles signaling (control signals).

[0049] The protocol stack of the radio interface of the control plane has a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) instead of the SDAP layer shown in FIG.

[0050] RRC signaling for various settings is transmitted between the RRC layer of UE100 and the RRC layer of gNB200. The RRC layer controls logical channels, transport channels, and physical channels according to the establishment, re-establishment, and release of radio bearers. When there is a connection (RRC connection) between the RRC of UE100 and the RRC of gNB200, UE100 is in an RRC connected state. When there is no connection (RRC connection) between the RRC of UE100 and the RRC of gNB200, UE100 is in an RRC idle state. When the connection between the RRC of UE100 and the RRC of gNB200 is suspended, UE100 is in an RRC inactive state.

[0051] The NAS, which is located above the RRC layer, performs session management, mobility management, etc. NAS signaling is transmitted between the NAS of the UE 100 and the NAS of the AMF 30. Note that the UE 100 has an application layer and the like in addition to the radio interface protocol. The layer below the NAS is called an Access Stratum (AS).

[0052] (Communication Example of Ambient IoT Device) Next, a communication example of the ambient IoT device 300 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of communication of the ambient IoT device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7 , a node (or device) capable of directly communicating with the ambient IoT device 300 is referred to as a communication node 400. The communication node 400 may be the UE 100 or the gNB 200. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be a relay device. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be referred to as an assist node. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be referred to as an intermediate node. Assist nodes and intermediate nodes will be described later. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node. The IAB node is, for example, a relay node interposed between the UE 100 and the gNB 200, and is a node in which a backhaul link (a communication link between the IAB node and the gNB 200) is mainly connected by wire. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be an NCR (Network-Controlled Repeater). The NCR is, for example, a relay node interposed between the UE 100 and the gNB 200, and is a node connected mainly by wireless connection between the gNB 200 and the NCR. Alternatively, the communication node 400 may be an eNB, which is an LTE base station. The communication node 400 may be a network node that functions as a base station in 6G or later. The communication node 400 may be called a reader.

[0055] The communication node 400 transmits an unmodulated carrier wave (CW). That is, the communication node 400 performs CW transmission. The ambient IoT device 300 reflects the unmodulated carrier wave and transmits a reflected wave. The reflected wave is modulated according to the data transmitted from the ambient IoT device 300. That is, the ambient IoT device 300 performs BS transmission. The communication node 400 performs BS reception.

[0056] In addition, the communication node 400 may be a communication node that performs CW transmission and a communication node that performs BS reception.

[0057] As described above, various connection configurations between the ambient IoT devices 300 and the communication nodes 400 are assumed depending on the type of the communication node 400. Alternatively, various connection configurations of the ambient IoT devices 300 within the wireless communication system 1 are assumed. In 3GPP, such connection configurations are referred to as topologies, and four topologies are discussed. The four topologies (Topology 1, Topology 2, Topology 3, and Topology 4) will be described below.

[0058] (Topology of Ambient IoT Device 300)

[0059] (A1) Topology 1 FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of topology 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] 8A, in topology 1, the ambient IoT device 300 communicates directly and bidirectionally with a base station (BS) 410. Data related to the ambient IoT device 300 and / or signaling related to the ambient IoT device 300 are transferred between the ambient IoT device 300 and the base station 410. In topology 1, the base station 410 that performs CW transmission to the ambient IoT device 300 may be different from the base station 410 that performs BS reception from the ambient IoT device 300. Topology 1 illustrates an example in which the communication node 400 is the base station 410.

[0061] (A2) Topology 2 FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of topology 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8(B), in topology 2, an intermediate node 420 exists between the ambient IoT device 300 and the base station 410. That is, in topology 2, the ambient IoT device 300 communicates bidirectionally with the intermediate node 420. The intermediate node 420 may be a communication node 400. That is, the intermediate node 420 may be any of the gNB 200, the UE 100, a relay node, an IAB node, and an NCR. The intermediate node 420 transfers data related to the ambient IoT device 300 and / or signaling related to the ambient IoT device 300 between the base station 410 and the ambient IoT device 300. Topology 2 illustrates an example in which the communication node 400 serves as the intermediate node 420.

[0063] (A3) Topology 3 Figures 9(A) and 9(B) are diagrams showing an example configuration of topology 3 according to the first embodiment. In topology 3, communication is performed via a node called an assisting node 430. That is, as shown in Figure 9(A), the ambient IoT device 300 transmits data and / or signaling to a base station 410 and receives data and / or signaling from the assisting node 430. In Figure 9(A), the assisting node 430 may perform CW transmission, and the base station 410 may perform BS reception. Figure 9(A) shows communication in the downstream direction.

[0064] 9(B), the ambient IoT device 300 receives data and / or signaling from the base station 410 and transmits the data and / or signaling to the assist node 430. In FIG. 9(B), the base station 410 may perform CW transmission, and the assist node 430 may perform BS reception. FIG. 9(B) shows communication in the uplink stream direction.

[0065] Thus, in topology 3, the assist node 430 may be a node that performs CW transmission but does not perform BS reception (FIG. 9(A)). The assist node 430 may be a node that does not perform CW transmission but performs BS reception (FIG. 9(B)). In other words, the assist node 430 may be a node that performs either CW transmission or BS reception. Topology 3 shows an example in which the assist node 430 is the communication node 400. The assist node 430 may be any of the gNB 200, UE 100, relay node, IAB node, and NCR.

[0066] (A4) Topology 4 Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of topology 4 according to the first embodiment. In topology 4, the ambient IoT device 300 communicates bidirectionally with the UE 100. Data and / or signaling is transferred between the UE 100 and the ambient IoT device 300. Topology 4 illustrates an example in which the communication node 400 is the UE 100.

[0067] (Ambient IoT Device Types) In 3GPP, it has been agreed that there are the following three types of ambient IoT devices 300.

[0068] (B1) Device 1

[0069] (B2) Device 2a

[0070] (B3) Device 2b "Device 1" is, for example, a device with peak power consumption of "1 μW" or less, no amplification in either the DL or UL direction, and backscattering transmission using an externally provided carrier. "Device 2a" is, for example, a device with peak power consumption of "several hundred μW" or less, amplification in the DL and / or UL direction, and backscattering transmission using an externally provided carrier. "Device 2b" is, for example, a device with peak power consumption of "several hundred μW" or less, amplification in the DL and / or UL direction, and UL transmission generated internally. Note that both device types have an energy storage function.

[0071] In 3GPP, any of the above terms (B1) to (B3) is used to represent the type of the ambient IoT device 300. In the present embodiment, any of the above terms (B1) to (B3) may also be used to represent the type of the ambient IoT device 300.

[0072] (Example of Block Configuration of Each Device) The 3GPP also agreed on the block configuration of "Device 1" and "Device 2a." The configuration of each block will be described.

[0073] (C1) Example of Block Configuration of "Device 1" Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the block configuration of "Device 1" (i.e., the ambient IoT device 300 whose type is "Device 1") according to the first embodiment. The same blocks as those in the example configuration of Fig. 4 described above are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11 , “device 1” includes at least an antenna 310, a matching network 350, an RF energy harvester 351, a PMU (Power Management Unit) 352, an energy storage unit 353, an RF BPF (Radio Frequency Band Pass Filter) 354, an RF envelope detector (or envelope detector) 355, a BB LPF (Base Band Low Pass Filter) 356, a comparator 357, baseband logic 358, a memory 359, a backscattering modulator 360, and a clock generator 361.

[0075] The matching network 350 matches the impedance between the antenna 310 and other blocks (including the RF energy harvester 351 and the RF BPF 354) and outputs the radio signal received by the antenna 310 to the other blocks.

[0076] The RF energy harvester 351 has an energy harvesting function and extracts energy from the radio signal. The RF energy harvester 351 may also have a rectifier that converts the radio signal from an AC component to a DC component.

[0077] The PMU 352 manages (or controls) the accumulation of energy from the RF energy harvester 351 and manages (or controls) the supply of power to the blocks that require it.

[0078] The energy storage unit 353 stores energy from the RF energy harvester 351 .

[0079] The RF BPF 354 outputs a radio signal in a specific frequency band. The RF BPF 354 is used to improve selectivity. Note that the RF BPF 354 may not be included in the "device 1" depending on the implementation.

[0080] The RF envelope detector 355 converts the radio signal in the radio band output from the RF BPF 354 into a baseband signal in the baseband band.

[0081] The BB LPF 356 removes high frequency components from the baseband signal output from the RF envelope detector 355 and improves the quality of the signal input to the comparator 357 .

[0082] The comparator 357 determines whether the input signal output from the BB LPF 356 is “high” or “low.”

[0083] The baseband logic 358 includes functional blocks such as an encoder, a decoder, and a controller.

[0084] The memory 359 stores device identification information (or device ID) and the like for identifying (or distinguishing) the ambient IoT device 300 from other ambient IoT devices. The memory 359 may be a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)) that permanently stores the device ID and the like. The memory 359 may also be a memory (register) that temporarily stores information required only while the energy stored in the energy storage unit 353 is available.

[0085] The backscattering modulator 360 switches impedance to modulate the output signal from the baseband logic 358 into a backscattering signal. Alternatively, the backscattering modulator 360 switches impedance (the impedance of the antenna or the transmission line) using the output signal (digital signal or digital data) from the baseband logic 358 to modulate the high-frequency signal (e.g., CW) input from the antenna 310 into a backscattering signal. For example, the backscattering modulator 360 can modulate and then reflect the high-frequency signal input from the antenna 310 by terminating (not reflecting) the high-frequency input signal for digital data "0" and opening (reflecting) the high-frequency input signal for digital data "1."

[0086] The clock generator 361 generates the clock signals required within the device.

[0087] The above is an example of the configuration of "device 1." In relation to the example of the configuration of the ambient IoT device 300 shown in FIG. 4 , for example, the following applies. That is, the matching network 350, the RF BPF 354, the RF envelope detector 355, the BB LPF 356, the comparator 357, and the backscattering modulator 360 may be included in the modulator 320 shown in FIG. 4 . Also, the PMU 352 and the baseband logic 358 may be included in the control unit 330 shown in FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the memory 359 may correspond to the memory 340 shown in FIG. 4 .

[0088] (C2) Example of block configuration of "device 2a" Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the block configuration of "device 2a" (i.e., the ambient IoT device 300 whose type is "device 2a") according to the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same blocks as those in the example configurations of Figs. 4 and 11 described above.

[0089] The "device 2a" shown in FIG. 12 further includes at least an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) ​​365, a baseband amplifier 366, a large frequency shifter 367, a reflection amplifier 368, and an energy harvester 369 in addition to the "device 1" shown in FIG. 11.

[0090] LNA365 amplifies the output signal from RF BPF354 (i.e., the signal from the reader (gNB200 or UE100)) to improve the signal strength and signal sensitivity at the receiving side.

[0091] The baseband amplifier 366 amplifies the baseband signal output from the RF envelope detector 355 to improve the signal strength.

[0092] The large frequency shifter 367 shifts the frequency of the backscattering signal from one frequency (eg, the FDD-DL frequency) to another frequency (eg, the FDD-UL frequency).

[0093] The energy harvester 369 generates energy from an environment using a source other than an RF signal. Specifically, energy harvesting sources include sunlight (solar panels), vibration (vibration power generation), and heat (thermal power generation), but are not limited to these.

[0094] The above describes an example configuration of the "device 2a." Of the blocks shown in Fig. 12, the LNA 365 and the large frequency shifter 367 are items for future study. In the example block configuration shown in Fig. 12, in relation to the example block configuration shown in Fig. 4, the LNA 365, the baseband amplifier 366, the large frequency shifter 367, and the reflection amplifier 368 may be further included in the modulator 320.

[0095] (PRDCH and PDRCH) In addition, the 3GPP has also agreed on the physical channels used by the ambient IoT device 300.

[0096] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the physical channel used for transmission from the communication node 400 to the ambient IoT device 300 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "R2D (Reader to Device) transmission") is called the PRDCH (Physical Reader to Device channel).

[0097] On the other hand, the physical channel used for transmission from the ambient IoT device 300 to the communication node 400 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "D2R (Device to Reader) transmission") is called a PDRCH (Physical Device to Reader channel).

[0098] For example, in topology 1 shown in Figure 8 (A), the physical channel used for R2D transmission from BS410 (or gNB200) to ambient IoT device 300 is PRDCH, and the physical channel used for D2R transmission from ambient IoT device 300 to BS410 is PDRCH.

[0099] In topology 2 shown in FIG. 8(B), the physical channel used for R2D transmission from the intermediate node 420 to the ambient IoT device 300 is PRDCH, and the physical channel used for D2R transmission from the ambient IoT device 300 to the intermediate node 420 is PDRCH.

[0100] In the following, a communication link using a PRDCH may be referred to as an R2D link, and a communication link using a PDRCH may be referred to as a D2R link. In the following, the PRDCH and the R2D link may be used without distinction. In the following, the PDRCH and the D2R link may be used without distinction.

[0101] (Communication Control Method According to First Embodiment) There are cases where the communication node 400 (or a device on the network side) wishes to page the ambient IoT device 300. For example, the communication node 400 pages the plurality of ambient IoT devices 300, calls the plurality of ambient IoT devices 300, transmits data to the plurality of ambient IoT devices 300, or acquires data (such as device IDs) from the plurality of ambient IoT devices 300.

[0102] Generally, paging is used to call a UE 100 in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. A network-side device (gNB 200 or AMF 30) sets a paging cycle (DRX cycle) to the UE 100. A UE 100 in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state monitors a paging channel (specifically, a paging message) during one paging opportunity per DRX cycle. The network-side device (gNB 200 or AMF 30) transmits a paging message to all cells within a tracking area (TA) in which the UE 100 is registered, i.e., using all frequencies used in all cells within the TA. In response to receiving the paging message, the UE 100 performs, for example, an RRC connection establishment procedure or an RRC connection resumption procedure to establish (or resume) a connection to the network.

[0103] On the other hand, it is expected that one or a very small number of frequencies will be used in the ambient IoT device 300. In a situation where limited frequencies are expected to be used in this way, transmitting a paging message using all frequencies used in all cells within a TA, as in conventional paging, is not efficient in terms of frequency usage.

[0104] Therefore, the first embodiment aims to enable paging to be performed on the ambient IoT device 300 using an appropriate frequency.

[0105] Therefore, in the first embodiment, first, a core network device (e.g., AMF 30) transmits a first paging message to a network node (e.g., gNB 200) including identification information of an IoT device (e.g., ambient IoT device 300) and frequency information regarding a frequency supported by the IoT device. Second, the network node receives the first paging message.

[0106] As a result, for example, in the case of topology 1, gNB200 can page ambient IoT device 300 having identification information acquired from AMF 30 using frequency information acquired from AMF 30. Also, for example, even in the case of topology 2, gNB200 can transmit the identification information and frequency information acquired from AMF 30 to UE100 as a paging message, and UE100 can page ambient IoT device 300 having the identification information using the frequency information.

[0107] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the gNB 200 or the UE 100 can use the frequency associated with the ambient IoT device 300, and therefore paging can be performed using an appropriate frequency for the ambient IoT device 300. Also, in the first embodiment, the gNB 200 or the UE 100 can use the frequency associated with the ambient IoT device 300, and therefore frequency efficiency can be improved compared to when paging is performed using all frequencies within the TA.

[0108] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the AMF 30 associates and holds the device ID of the ambient IoT device 300 with the frequency information supported by the ambient IoT device 300. If it is assumed that the gNB 200 associates and holds the device ID and frequency information, in topology 1, the gNB 200 itself may not know which cell the ambient IoT device 300 is communicating with, and it is considered more efficient for the AMF 30 to hold the information. Also, in topology 2, the gNB 200 itself may not know which UE 100 the ambient IoT device 300 is communicating with, and in this case too, it is considered more efficient for the AMF 30 to hold the information.

[0109] In the following embodiments, the intermediate node 420 (e.g., FIG. 8(B)) will be described using the UE 100 as an example, but the intermediate node 420 is not limited to the UE 100 and may be, for example, a relay node, an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, or an NCR (Network Controller Repeater).

[0110] (Example of Operation According to First Embodiment) Next, an example of operation according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0111] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the first embodiment.

[0112] 13, the AMF 30 is used as an example of the core network device, but the core network device is not limited to the AMF 30. For example, the core network device may be a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0113] As described above, the AMF 30 is assumed to associate and store the device ID (identification information) of the ambient IoT device 300 with frequency information supported by the ambient IoT device 300. The device ID and the frequency information may be stored in the AMF 30 by manual input via the OAM.

[0114] Furthermore, AMF30 is assumed to hold topology information indicating whether the ambient IoT device 300 is located directly under gNB200 (i.e., topology 1) or whether the ambient IoT device 300 is located under UE100 (i.e., topology 2).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 13 , in step S10 , the AMF 30 determines a call to the ambient IoT device 300 .

[0116] In step S11, the AMF 30 transmits a paging message (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an "NG-AP paging message") according to the NG-AP (Next Generation Application Protocol) protocol to the gNB 200. The NG-AP paging message (for example, a first paging message) includes the following information.

[0117] First, the NG-AP paging message includes the device ID of the ambient IoT device 300 and frequency information related to the frequency supported by the ambient IoT device 300. The AMF 30 may include the device ID and frequency information stored therein in the NG-AP paging message. The device ID and the frequency information are linked (or associated) and included in the NG-AP paging message. The linking may be performed by linking information. For example, the NG-AP paging message includes linking information #1 linked to device ID #1 and frequency information #2, linking information #2 linked to device ID #2 and frequency information #2, and so on. It is sufficient that the device ID and the frequency information are linked. For example, the NG-AP paging message may include a pair of device ID #1 and frequency information #1, and the NG-AP paging message may include a pair of device ID #2 and frequency information #2. The association may be such that a plurality of pieces of frequency information are associated with one device ID. The association may be such that a plurality of device IDs are associated with one piece of frequency information. Instead of a device ID, a group ID including a plurality of device IDs may be used.

[0118] Second, the NG-AP paging message may include a device ID of the ambient IoT device 300 and topology information of the ambient IoT device 300. The AMF 30 may include the topology information together with the device ID in the NG-AP paging message by using topology-related information held by the AMF 30. In the case of Topology 2, identification information (e.g., UE-ID) of the UE 100 may be included in the NG-AP paging message.

[0119] The NG-AP paging message may include a device ID, frequency information, and topology information.

[0120] The NG-AP paging message may be a newly defined message in the NG-AP protocol (for example, an "A-IoT paging message").

[0121] The backhaul communication unit 240 of gNB200 receives the NG-AP paging message.

[0122] In step S12, the control unit 230 of the gNB 200 performs a predetermined process. The predetermined process is, for example, the following process.

[0123] First, when the ambient IoT device 300 to be called is located directly under the gNB 200, i.e., in the case of topology 1, the gNB 200 performs paging on the ambient IoT device 300. Details of the paging performed by the gNB 200 on the ambient IoT device 300 will be described in the third embodiment.

[0124] Secondly, when the ambient IoT device 300 to be called is under the control of the UE 100, i.e., in the case of topology 2, the gNB 200 extracts information contained in the NG-AP paging message, generates a paging message including the information, and transmits the paging message to the UE 100. Since the paging message is used as a message on the NR Uu protocol, hereinafter, the paging message may be referred to as a "Uu paging message."

[0125] That is, in the case of topology 2, the transmitter 210 of the gNB 200 transmits a Uu paging message to the UE 100. The Uu paging message (e.g., a second paging message) includes the device ID of the ambient IoT device 300 and frequency information supported by the ambient IoT device 300. Alternatively, the Uu paging message (e.g., a third paging message) may include the device ID and topology information (here, topology 2) of the ambient IoT device 300. Alternatively, the Uu paging message may include the device ID, frequency information, and topology information. Subsequent processing in the case of topology 2 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0126] The Uu paging message may be transmitted using a paging channel (PCH). Alternatively, a paging channel dedicated to ambient IoT (e.g., AIoTPCH) may be newly defined and the Uu paging message may be transmitted using the paging channel. In the following description, the Uu paging message is assumed to be transmitted using the Uu paging channel. The Uu paging channel may be an existing paging channel. Alternatively, the Uu paging channel may be a newly defined paging channel dedicated to ambient IoT.

[0127] Furthermore, the Uu paging message may be broadcast (or notified) as a new RRC message for the ambient IoT device 300. The Uu paging message may be transmitted individually to the UE 100.

[0128] The control unit 230 of the gNB 200 may determine, based on the topology information included in the NG-AP paging message, whether the ambient IoT device 300 to be called is located directly under the gNB 200, or whether the ambient IoT device 300 is located under the UE 100. Alternatively, the control unit 230 of the gNB 200 may determine, based on past communication history for the ambient IoT device 300, whether the ambient IoT device 300 is located directly under the gNB 200, or whether the ambient IoT device 300 is located under the UE 100.

[0129] As such, the paging operation example shown in Figure 13 can operate in either topology 1 or topology 2. In the following second embodiment, an operation example regarding paging between gNB200 and UE100 in topology 2 will be described. In addition, in a third embodiment, a paging operation of UE100 for ambient IoT device 300 in topology 2 will be described, and a paging operation of gNB200 for ambient IoT device 300 in topology 1 will be described.

[0130] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an operation related to paging between the gNB 200 and the UE 100 in the topology 2 will be described. Note that the second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0131] As described in the first embodiment, the Uu paging message transmitted from the gNB 200 to the UE 100 may include the device ID of the ambient IoT device 300 and frequency information supported by the ambient IoT device 300, or may include the device ID and topology information without including frequency information. If the Uu paging message does not include frequency information (i.e., if the Uu paging message is a second paging message), the UE 100 does not know what frequency to use to page the ambient IoT device 300.

[0132] Therefore, in the second embodiment, paging is performed on the ambient IoT device 300 using all frequencies supported by the UE 100. Alternatively, the UE 100 may perform paging on the ambient IoT device 300 using frequency information set from the gNB 200. This allows the UE 100 to perform paging on the ambient IoT device 300 even when it receives a Uu paging message that does not include frequency information.

[0133] On the other hand, if the Uu paging message includes frequency information (that is, if the Uu paging message is the third paging message), the UE 100 may execute paging on the ambient IoT device 300 using the frequency information.

[0134] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment.

[0135] 14, in step S20, the receiving unit 110 of the UE 100 monitors the Uu paging channel regardless of the RRC state (any of the RRC connected state, the RRC inactive state, and the RRC idle state) of the UE 100. Alternatively, when a Uu paging message is transmitted (or broadcast) as a new RRC message, the receiving unit 110 monitors the new RRC message in the RRC connected state.

[0136] The monitoring operation may be performed in any of the following cases:

[0137] (D1) When the UE 100 is configured with the monitoring operation from the gNB 200

[0138] (D2) When the UE 100 is configured for communication with the ambient IoT device 300 by the gNB 200

[0139] (D3) When the UE 100 itself has the ability to communicate with the ambient IoT device 300

[0140] (D4) When the UE 100 itself operates in the leader mode with respect to the ambient IoT device 300

[0141] (D5) When the UE 100 recognizes (or understands) that the ambient IoT device 300 exists under its control

[0142] (D6) When the AS of the UE 100 receives a notification or instruction from an upper layer of the UE 100 (NAS, or a layer newly defined as a layer for ambient IoT (e.g., an "ambient IoT layer")), the settings of (D1) and (D2) above may be set by an RRC message, a MAC CE, or the like. Furthermore, (D5) above may be determined from a past communication history of the UE 100 with the ambient IoT device 300. Furthermore, in the case of (D6), a notification (or instruction) to the AS may be performed in response to the upper layer of the UE 100 receiving the NAS message including information regarding the notification (or instruction) of the monitoring operation.

[0143] In addition, the frequency used when paging the ambient IoT device 300 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "ambient IoT paging") to the UE 100 may be set by the gNB 200. For example, if frequency information is not included in the Uu paging message, the UE 100 may perform ambient IoT paging using the frequency set by the gNB 200. Alternatively, the UE 100 may be set with a frequency that is permitted as being able to perform ambient IoT paging. The UE 100 may perform ambient IoT paging using the permitted frequency. Alternatively, the UE 100 may be set with a frequency that does not permit ambient IoT paging. The UE 100 may perform ambient IoT paging using a frequency other than the unauthorized frequency. Alternatively, the UE 100 may be set with permission in the guard band (in guard-band to LTE / NR). The UE 100 may be configured with permission for a frequency (in a standard band) other than the frequency used in the NR Uu. The UE 100 may perform ambient IoT paging using the permitted guard band or the permitted other frequency. Such setting or permission may be performed by an RRC message from the gNB 200 to the UE 100.

[0144] In step S21, the receiving unit 110 of the UE 100 receives a Uu paging message.

[0145] First, if the Uu paging message does not include frequency information, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 performs ambient IoT paging using all frequencies capable of ambient IoT paging (step S22). That is, if the Uu paging message does not include frequency information, the control unit 130 may select all frequencies supported by the UE 100 according to the capabilities of the UE 100. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may select a set or permitted frequency according to the setting from the gNB 200, as described above. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may select the frequency (NR in-band (in band to NR)) at which the Uu paging message was received and perform ambient IoT paging at that frequency (step S22). Details of ambient IoT paging will be described in the third embodiment.

[0146] Secondly, if the Uu paging message includes frequency information, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 executes ambient IoT paging using the frequency information (step S22).

[0147] Third, if the Uu paging message includes resource allocation information used when performing ambient IoT paging, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 uses the resource (frequency resource and / or time resource) to perform the ambient IoT paging. In this case, the transmission unit 210 of the gNB 200 transmits a Uu paging message including resource allocation information for ambient IoT paging to the UE 100.

[0148] In step S22, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 executes ambient IoT paging. Details of ambient IoT paging will be described in a third embodiment.

[0149] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, details of ambient IoT paging will be described. Note that the third embodiment will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0150] As described in the second embodiment, in the case of topology 2, the UE 100 that receives the Uu paging message executes ambient IoT paging to the ambient IoT device 300.

[0151] That is, in the third embodiment, a user apparatus (e.g., UE 100) transmits a transmission signal composed of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command (e.g., a control command) and an unmodulated continuous wave (e.g., CW) to an IoT device (e.g., ambient IoT device 300). Here, the command includes response method designation information that designates a response method of the IoT device.

[0152] As described above, in the third embodiment, ambient IoT paging is executed by a command including response method designation information, and therefore, the UE 100 can receive a response corresponding to the response method designation information from the ambient IoT device 300. This allows the UE 100 to appropriately communicate with the ambient IoT device 300, for example.

[0153] The transmission signal will include a modulated wave that modulates the command and an unmodulated continuous wave (CW), but in the following, the transmission signal may be described as including the command and CW.

[0154] (Operation Example According to Third Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation example according to the third embodiment.

[0155] As shown in Fig. 15 , in step S30, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 determines to perform ambient IoT paging. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may determine to perform ambient IoT paging when the receiving unit 110 receives a Uu paging message (step S21 in Fig. 14 ). Note that, as described above, the transmission signal (R2D signal) used in ambient IoT paging is composed of a command (control command) (a modulated wave obtained by modulating the command) and an unmodulated continuous wave (CW).

[0156] In step S31, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 generates response method designation information.

[0157] First, the response method designation information includes response device designation information that designates the ambient IoT device 300 that will respond. Specifically, the response device designation information may be the device ID of the ambient IoT device 300. The ambient IoT device 300 can respond when the device ID designated as the response device designation information matches its own device ID, and not respond when they do not match. Alternatively, the response device designation information may be a group ID. The ambient IoT device 300 can respond when the group ID designated as the response device designation information matches the group ID of the group to which it belongs, and not respond when they do not match. Alternatively, the response device designation information may be all "1"s or all "0"s. All "1"s or all "0"s indicate that all ambient IoT devices 300 that received the response device designation information will respond. Alternatively, the response device designation information may be "no value." "No value" implicitly indicates that all ambient IoT devices 300 that receive the response device designation information will respond.

[0158] Second, the response method designation information may include response content designation information that designates the content of the response. Specifically, the response content designation information may be a device ID. The ambient IoT device 300 that has received the response content designation information will return (or respond to) its own device ID to the UE 100 via the PDRCH. Alternatively, the response content designation information may be a group ID. The ambient IoT device 300 that has received the response content designation information will return (or respond to) the group ID of the group to which it belongs to the UE 100 via the PDRCH. Alternatively, the response content designation information may be device data. The ambient IoT device 300 that has received the response content designation information will return (or respond to) data (e.g., sensor measurement values) to the UE 100 via the PDRCH.

[0159] In step S32, the transmitter 120 of the UE 100 transmits a transmission signal (or an R2D signal) consisting of a command and a CW via the PRDCH. The command includes response method designation information. The command and the CW may be consecutive in time, or there may be a certain interval between them. The certain interval may be specified by the command. The certain interval may be a fixed value (a value determined by a specification). The ambient IoT device 300 receives the transmission signal.

[0160] In step S33, the ambient IoT device 300 returns a response signal (or a D2R signal) to the UE 100 during the CW period of the transmission signal. That is, the modulator 320 of the ambient IoT device 300 demodulates the command. Then, the control unit 330 of the ambient IoT device 300 responds with a response signal (D2R signal) in accordance with the response method designation information included in the command.

[0161] Specifically, as described above, the control unit 330 determines whether the response device designation information included in the response method designation information matches its own information (device ID or group ID) read from the memory 340, and if they match, returns a response signal during the CW period of the transmission signal. If the response method designation information includes response content designation information, the control unit 330 reads information specified in the response content designation information (device ID, group ID, device data, etc.) from the memory 340 (or acquires it from a sensor) and returns the specified information during the CW period of the transmission signal. In this case, the specified information is modulated by the modulator 320 and returned to the UE 100 as a response signal. The receiving unit 110 of the UE 100 receives the response signal (R2D signal). If the device ID included in the response signal matches the device ID transmitted in step S32, the transmitting unit 120 of the UE 100 may transmit the device ID to the gNB 200 (or the AMF 30). In addition, the transmitting unit 120 of the UE 100 may transmit to the gNB 200 the receiving frequency (or response frequency) used when receiving the response signal.

[0162] (Another operation example according to the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, an example of ambient IoT paging of the UE 100 to the ambient IoT device 300 (i.e., topology 2) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ambient IoT paging of the gNB 200 to the ambient IoT device 300 (i.e., topology 1) can also be implemented. For example, in FIG. 15, this can be implemented by replacing the UE 100 with the gNB 200. This makes it possible for the gNB 200 to appropriately communicate with the ambient IoT device 300, as in the case of the UE 100.

[0163] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0164] As shown in the block configuration examples (FIGS. 11 and 12) of "Device 1" and "Device 2a" of the ambient IoT device 300, after the RF signal of a predetermined frequency band is extracted in the RF BPF 354, there is no block for detecting the frequency of the RF signal. Therefore, the ambient IoT device 300 may not be able to accurately grasp the reception frequency and may not be able to accurately distinguish the reception signal (R2D signal) that should be backscattered.

[0165] For example, assume the following case: That is, assume that communication node #1 (400-1) transmits CW #1 at frequency f1, communication node #2 (400-2) transmits CW #2 at frequency f2, and CW #1 and CW #2 are simultaneously transmitted to the ambient IoT device 300. Also, assume that in the ambient IoT device 300, CW #1 and CW #2 are within a predetermined frequency band in the RF BPF 354, and both signals are output to a subsequent block.

[0166] In this case, if the ambient IoT device 300 backscatters to CW#2 instead of CW#1 at Δf, it may return a response signal (D2R signal) of f2±Δf to the communication node #1 (400-1). The communication node #1 (400-1) may not be able to receive the response signal (D2R signal) of f2±Δf, and may not be able to properly communicate with the ambient IoT device 300.

[0167] Therefore, the fourth embodiment aims to enable the communication node 400 to communicate appropriately with the ambient IoT device 300.

[0168] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a communication node (for example, the communication node 400) transmits a transmission signal composed of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command and an unmodulated continuous wave (for example, CW) to an IoT device (for example, the ambient IoT device 300). Here, the command includes identification information (for example, CW-ID) of the unmodulated continuous wave.

[0169] This allows the ambient IoT device 300 to identify the CW. For example, in the above-described case, the ambient IoT device 300 can identify the CW #1 transmitted from the communication node #1 (400-1) and the CW #2 transmitted from the communication node #2 (400-2) using the CW-ID. Therefore, for example, even if the ambient IoT device 300 receives the CW #1 and the CW #2 simultaneously, if a response is permitted for the CW #1 (CW-ID #1), the ambient IoT device 300 can transmit a response signal to the CW #1. Therefore, the communication node #1 (400-1) can receive a response signal of f1±Δf, and can appropriately communicate with the ambient IoT device 300.

[0170] Furthermore, for example, even if communication node #1 (400-1) and communication node #2 (400-2) simultaneously transmit CWs of the same frequency f, if the CW-IDs are different, the ambient IoT device 300 can distinguish between the two CWs. Therefore, if a response is permitted for one of the CWs, the ambient IoT device 300 can also return a response signal to the CW transmitted from one of the communication nodes 400. Therefore, in this case as well, the communication node 400 can appropriately communicate with the ambient IoT device 300.

[0171] The fourth embodiment does not necessarily have to be premised on the execution of ambient IoT paging. The fourth embodiment can be applied to ambient IoT paging (the first to third embodiments) and can also be applied to communication with the ambient IoT device 300 other than ambient IoT paging.

[0172] 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, a transmission signal transmitted from the communication node 400 to the ambient IoT device 300 may be referred to as an R2D signal, and a response signal transmitted from the ambient IoT device 300 to the communication node 400 may be referred to as a D2R signal.

[0173] 16, in step S40, the transmitter of the communication node 400 (for example, the transmitter 120 of the UE 100 or the transmitter 210 of the gNB 200) transmits an R2D signal consisting of a command including CW identification information (CW-ID) and a CW. As in the third embodiment, the R2D signal consists of a command and a CW. The ambient IoT device 300 receives the R2D signal.

[0174] In step S41, the control unit 330 of the ambient IoT device 300 checks whether a response is permitted for the CW-ID included in the command. The CW-ID permitted for response may be stored in advance in the memory 340 of the ambient IoT device 300. Alternatively, the response may be permitted by the communication node 400 setting the CW-ID permitted for response in the ambient IoT device 300. In this case, the communication node 400 may transmit a setting signal including the CW-ID permitted for response to the ambient IoT device 300 via the PRDCH, and the setting may be performed by storing the CW-ID permitted for response in the memory 340 of the ambient IoT device 300. Alternatively, the control unit 330 may determine whether a response is permitted based on its own device ID (identification information of the ambient IoT device 300). For example, the control unit 330 may determine that a response is permitted if predetermined digits (for example, the last three digits) of the device ID match the CW-ID included in the command.

[0175] In step S42, if the control unit 330 of the ambient IoT device 300 determines that a response is permitted for the CW-ID included in the command, the control unit 330 responds by transmitting a D2R signal during the CW period of the R2D signal. The D2R signal may be an unmodulated response signal. Alternatively, the D2R signal may be a modulated response signal (e.g., a response signal including a device ID). The D2R signal is transmitted via the PDRCH.

[0176] (Another Operation Example 1 According to Fourth Embodiment) For the CW-ID described in the fourth embodiment, if all the CW-IDs are "1" (or all "0"), this may indicate that responses are permitted for all ambient IoT devices 300. In this case, all ambient IoT devices 300 that receive a command including the CW-ID can transmit a D2R signal during the CW period of the R2D signal.

[0177] (Another Operation Example 2 According to Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a case where multiple CWs are transmitted simultaneously at the same frequency has been described, but the transmission of multiple CWs is not limited to this. For example, the multiple CWs may be transmitted at different timings. Alternatively, the multiple CWs may be transmitted at different frequencies. Alternatively, the multiple CWs may be transmitted at different timings and at different frequencies.

[0178] [Other Embodiments] The above-described operational flows are not limited to being implemented independently, but can be implemented by combining two or more operational flows. For example, some steps of one operational flow may be added to another operational flow, or some steps of one operational flow may be replaced with some steps of another operational flow. In each flow, it is not necessary to execute all steps, and only some steps may be executed.

[0179] In the above-described embodiments and examples, an example in which the base station is an NR base station (gNB) has been described, but the base station may be an LTE base station (eNB) or a 6G base station. The base station may also be a relay node such as an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node. The base station may also be a DU of the IAB node. The UE 100 may also be an MT (Mobile Termination) of the IAB node.

[0180] That is, the UE 100 may be a terminal function unit (a type of communication module) for a base station to control a repeater that relays signals. Such a terminal function unit is referred to as an MT. Examples of the MT include, in addition to the IAB-MT, an NCR (Network Controlled Repeater)-MT and a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface)-MT.

[0181] The term "network node" primarily refers to a base station, but may also refer to a core network device or a part of a base station (CU, DU, or RU). A network node may also be configured by a combination of at least a part of a core network device and at least a part of a base station.

[0182] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the UE 100, the gNB 200, the communication node 400, or the core network device. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, the program can be installed on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and / or a DVD-ROM. Furthermore, circuits that execute each process performed by the UE 100, the gNB 200, the communication node 400, or the core network device may be integrated, and at least a portion of the UE 100, the gNB 200, the communication node 400, or the core network device may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chip set, SoC: System on a chip).

[0183] The functions performed by the UE 100, the gNB 200, the communication node 400, or the core network device may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this specification, circuitry, unit, or means refers to hardware that is programmed to perform the described functions or hardware that executes them. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed or capable of performing the described functions. If the hardware is a processor, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0184] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "depending only on" and "depending at least in part on." The terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof do not mean including only the listed items, but may mean including only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Additionally, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to mean an exclusive or. Furthermore, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some way. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0185] Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the gist. Furthermore, the embodiments, operation examples, and processes can be appropriately combined within the scope of not being inconsistent.

[0186] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-060020 (filed April 3, 2024), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0187] (Addendum) The above can be summarized as follows.

[0188] (Supplementary Note 1) A communication control method in a wireless communication system, comprising: a step in which a communication node transmits a transmission signal composed of a command and an unmodulated continuous wave to an IoT device, wherein the command includes identification information of the unmodulated continuous wave.

[0189] (Supplementary Note 2) The communication control method according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising the step of the communication node setting the identification information, for which a response is permitted, in the IoT device.

[0190] (Supplementary Note 3) The communication control method according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, further comprising a step of the IoT device responding to the communication node by using the continuous wave if the IoT device is permitted to respond to the identification information included in the transmission signal.

[0191] (Supplementary Note 4) A communication node in a wireless communication system, comprising: a transmitter that transmits a transmission signal composed of a command and an unmodulated continuous wave to an IoT device, wherein the command includes identification information of the unmodulated continuous wave.

[0192] 1: Wireless communication system 10: NG-RAN 20: 5GC (CN) 30: AMF 100: UE 110: Receiver 120: Transmitter 130: Controller 200: gNB 210: Transmitter 220: Receiver 230: Controller 240: Backhaul communication unit 300: Ambient IoT device 310: Antenna 320: Modulator 330: Controller 340: Memory 350: Matching network 351: RF energy harvester 352: PMU 353: Energy storage unit 354: RF BPF 355: RF envelope detector 356: BB LPF 357: Comparator 358: Baseband logic 359: Memory 360: Backscattering modulator 361: Clock generator 365: LNA 366: Baseband amplifier 367: Large frequency shifter 368: Reflection amplifier 369: Energy harvester 400: Communication node 410: Base station 420: Intermediate node 430: Assist node

Claims

1. A communication control method in a wireless communication system, comprising: a communication node transmitting a transmission signal consisting of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command and an unmodulated continuous wave to an IoT (Internet of Things) device; and the command includes identification information for the unmodulated continuous wave.

2. The communication control method according to claim 1, further comprising the communication node setting the identification information that is permitted to respond to the IoT device.

3. The communication control method according to claim 2, further comprising the IoT device responding to the communication node using the continuous wave if the IoT device is permitted to respond to the identification information included in the transmission signal.

4. A communication node in a wireless communication system, comprising a transmitter that transmits a transmission signal consisting of a modulated wave obtained by modulating a command and an unmodulated continuous wave to an IoT device, wherein the command includes identification information for the unmodulated continuous wave.

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