Communication apparatus and communication method

Abstract

This communication apparatus comprises: a control unit that, on the basis of information pertaining to an uplink signal transmission timing of a device that transmits an uplink signal on the basis of a carrier wave from the outside, determines the transmission timing of the carrier wave; and a transmission unit that transmits the carrier wave on the basis of the determined transmission timing.

Description

Communication device and communication method

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

[0002] For NR (New Radio) (also known as "5G"), the successor system to LTE (Long Term Evolution), technologies that satisfy requirements such as a large-capacity system, high-speed data transmission speed, low latency, simultaneous connection of a large number of terminals, low cost, and low power consumption are being considered (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, 3GPP (registered trademark) Release 18 is considering Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). Ambient IoT targets devices with extremely simple configurations for low-end IoT applications that operate with extremely low power consumption.

[0004] 3GPP TS 38.300 V17.3.0 (2022-12)"Revised SID on Ambient IoT", RP-232404, 3GPP TSG RAN Meeting #101, September 20233GPP TR 38.848 V1.0.0 (2023-09)3GPP TS 36.211 V16.7.0 (2021-09)" New SID: Study on solutions for Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) in NR ", RP-234058, 3GPP TSG RAN Meeting #102, December 2023

[0005] However, in ambient IoT, the operation of carrier wave transmission has not been sufficiently studied, and further study is required.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device and a communication method that can appropriately transmit a carrier wave.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information regarding the transmission timing of an uplink signal of a device that transmits the uplink signal based on a carrier wave from an external source, and a transmission unit that transmits the carrier wave based on the determined transmission timing.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating Topology 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating Topology 3 in DL assistance. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating Topology 3 in UL assistance. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating Topology 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating backscatter transmission. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a time interval between an R2D and a corresponding D2R. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating option 1 of proposal 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating option 2 of proposal 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating option 1 of proposal 2. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating option 1 of proposal 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating option 2 of proposal 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating option 1 of proposal 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating option 2 of proposal 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating proposal 4. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an intermediate node according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a base station and a device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example, and the embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0010] In operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, existing technologies are used as appropriate. The existing technologies are, for example, existing LTE or NR, but are not limited to existing LTE or NR. Furthermore, the term "LTE" as used in this specification has a broad meaning including LTE-Advanced and systems beyond LTE-Advanced, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described below, terms used in existing LTE, such as SS (synchronization signal), PSS (primary SS), SSS (secondary SS), PBCH (physical broadcast channel), PRACH (physical random access channel), PDCCH (physical downlink control channel), PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), PUCCH (physical uplink control channel), and PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel), are used. This is for convenience of description, and similar signals, functions, etc. may be referred to by other names. Furthermore, the above-mentioned terms in NR correspond to NR-SS, NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, NR-PRACH, etc. However, even signals used in NR are not necessarily designated as "NR-".

[0012] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the duplex method may be a time division duplex (TDD) method, a frequency division duplex (FDD) method, or another method (for example, flexible duplex, etc.).

[0013] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, "configuring" radio parameters and the like may mean that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that radio parameters notified from a base station, a device, a terminal, etc. are set.

[0014] <Wireless Communication System> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1 includes a base station 10 and a device 20. While FIG. 1 illustrates one base station 10 and one device 20, this is merely an example, and multiple base stations and devices may exist. The base station may also be referred to as a BS (Base Station), gNB, or the like. The device 20 may be a form of terminal (UE: User Equipment) and may be an ambient IoT device, which is a device with lower complexity than an NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) device. The ambient IoT device may also be referred to as an ambient IoT terminal, ambient IoT UE, or the like.

[0015] The base station 10 is a communication device that provides one or more cells and performs wireless communication with the device 20. The physical resources of a wireless signal are defined in the time domain and the frequency domain. The time domain may be defined by the number of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. The frequency domain may be defined by the number of subcarriers or the number of resource blocks.

[0016] The base station 10 transmits DL signals such as control information, setting information, and data to the device 20 via DL (Downlink). The base station 10 receives UL signals such as control information, information related to the processing capability of the device 20 (device capability (information) or A-IoT capability (information); for example, capability, device capability, A-IoT capability, A-IoT device capability, etc.), and data from the device 20 via UP (Uplink).

[0017] Channels used for transmitting DL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For example, the data channel may include a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the control channel may include a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). For example, the base station 10 transmits control information to the device 20 using the PDCCH, and transmits DL data signals using the PDSCH. Note that the PDSCH is an example of a downlink shared channel or a data channel, and the PDCCH is an example of a downlink control channel. The PDCCH may be interpreted as downlink control information (DCI), control information, etc. transmitted in the PDCCH.

[0018] As will be described later, the wireless communication system may include an intermediate node, an assisting node, and / or a terminal (UE) (see <Device Types and Topologies> below). Note that, hereinafter, "and / or" may be simply written as " / ".

[0019] The device 20 is a communication device equipped with a wireless communication function, and may be an ambient IoT device (e.g., a sensor, etc.) as described above. Hereinafter, the ambient IoT device will also be referred to as an A-IoT UE or an A-IoT device.

[0020] The device 20 receives DL signals such as control signals, setting information, and data from the base station 10 via DL, and transmits UL signals such as control signals, capability information of the device 20, and data to the base station 10 via UL.

[0021] Channels used for transmitting UL signals include, for example, data channels and control channels. For example, the data channel may include a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and the control channel may include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). For example, the device 20 transmits control information using the PUCCH and transmits UL data signals using the PUSCH. Note that the PUSCH is an example of an uplink shared channel or a data channel, and the PUCCH is an example of an uplink control channel. Note that the PUSCH or the PUCCH may be interpreted as uplink control information (UCI), control information, or the like transmitted in the PUSCH or the PUCCH.

[0022] <Ambient IoT> Rel-18 approved the study of ambient IoT, which is even lower-end than the existing NB-IoT (see, for example, Section 10 of Non-Patent Document 4) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). Ambient IoT targets ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low complexity devices.

[0023] For Ambient IoT, for example, the following deployment scenarios and characteristics can be considered for the relevant use cases: Indoor or outdoor environment Base station type, e.g., macro / micro / pico cell-based deployment Connectivity topology, e.g., which nodes communicate with Ambient IoT devices, such as base stations, terminals (UE), relays and repeaters, etc. Duplexing method, TDD or FDD, licensed or unlicensed frequency band Coexistence with UE and network equipment in frequency bands for existing 3GPP technologies Assumptions of traffic originating from / terminating to the device

[0024] Based on the above deployment scenarios and characteristics, for example, the following RAN design targets can be formulated: Power consumption Complexity Coverage Data rate Positioning accuracy

[0025] Based on deployment scenarios appropriate for the relevant use cases, compare and evaluate the feasibility of meeting design targets and identify supporting features.

[0026] <Device Types and Topologies> Based on the results of the study items, TR 38.848 (Non-Patent Document 3) was approved. TR 38.848 considers the following categories of ambient IoT devices: Device A: Device A has no power (energy) storage, no independent signal generation or signal amplification functions, and performs backscattering transmission. Device B: Device B has power storage, no independent signal generation function, and performs backscattering transmission. Device B uses the stored power to amplify the reflected signal. Device C: Device C has power storage, independent signal generation function, and an active RF (radio frequency) component for transmission.

[0027] The complexity of device A is assumed to be about the same as that of RFID (Radio frequency identification).

[0028] TR 38.848 defines the following topologies 1 to 4 in an ambient IoT network.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating Topology 1. As shown in Figure 2, Topology 1 is a configuration in which a base station (BS) and an ambient IoT device communicate with each other. The ambient IoT device communicates directly with the base station in both directions.

[0030] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating Topology 2. As shown in Figure 3, Topology 2 is a configuration in which a base station and an ambient IoT device communicate via an intermediate node. The ambient IoT device performs bidirectional communication with the intermediate node located between the base station and the ambient IoT device. The intermediate node may be, for example, a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a UE, a repeater, etc.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating Topology 3 in DL assistance. As shown in Fig. 4, Topology 3 is a configuration including communication between a base station and an assisting node, communication between the assisting node and an ambient IoT device, and communication between the ambient IoT device and a base station.

[0032] The support node supports DL communication. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the support node receives DL signals from the base station and transmits the received DL signals to the ambient IoT device. For UL communication, the ambient IoT device transmits UL signals directly to the base station.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating Topology 3 in UL support. As shown in Fig. 5, Topology 3 is a configuration including communication between a base station and a support node, communication between a support node and an ambient IoT device, and communication between an ambient IoT device and a base station.

[0034] The support node supports UL communication. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the support node receives UL signals from the ambient IoT device and transmits the received UL signals to the base station. For DL ​​communication, the ambient IoT device receives DL signals directly from the base station.

[0035] The supporting nodes shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be, for example, relays, IAB nodes, UEs, repeaters, etc.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates Topology 4. Topology 4 is a configuration in which a UE and an ambient IoT device communicate with each other. The ambient IoT device communicates with the UE bidirectionally. The communication related to Topology 4 may be considered as sidelink (SL) communication.

[0037] In the above topologies 1 to 4, the ambient IoT device may be provided with a carrier wave from another node inside or outside the topology (see Section 4.2.1 of Non-Patent Document 3).

[0038] The wireless communication system 1 (wireless communication network) may include a base station, a support node, an intermediate node, and / or a terminal (UE in Topology 4) in addition to the device 20. In this specification, the base station, the support node, the intermediate node, and the terminal may be read as a network or a (network) node. Furthermore, the A-IoT device may be used interchangeably with the A-IoT UE or the A-IoT terminal. The A-IoT device may be simply referred to as A-IoT.

[0039] Backscatter Transmission: Base stations, intermediate nodes, support nodes, and other nodes transmit RF signals to ambient IoT devices that are activated and obtain power from the RF operating field from the base stations, intermediate nodes, support nodes, and other nodes via inductive coupling.

[0040] The ambient IoT device backscatters and modulates the RF signals received from the base station, the intermediate node, the support node, and other nodes by switching the reflection coefficient of the antenna of the ambient IoT device, and transmits information to the base station, the intermediate node, the support node, and other nodes. The RF signals may also be referred to as carrier waves.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating backscatter transmission. FIG. 7 shows an example in which an ambient IoT device performs ON-OFF keying and transmits information. The dashed line area in FIG. 7 indicates an OFF section, which may correspond to the information (bit) "0." A sine wave signal may correspond to the information "1."

[0042] <Rel-19 SID> In the Rel-19 SID, necessary and feasible solutions for A-IoT were considered (Section 4.1 of Non-Patent Document 5). The considered solutions include, for example, determining which functions, procedures, etc. are necessary and which functions, procedures, etc. are not.

[0043] Additionally, several issues for A-IoT DL and UL will be discussed under the leadership of RAN 1. Issues to be discussed include: - Frame structure, synchronization and timing, and random access - Numerology, bandwidth, and multiple access - Waveform and modulation - Channel coding - DL channel / signal aspects - UL channel / signal aspects A-IoT has been approved as a topic for Rel. 19. In the discussion of A-IoT, the following 1. traffic flow, 2. device assumptions, and 3. topology can be considered.

[0044] 1. Traffic flow The following DT and DO-DTT are being considered as traffic flows for A-IoT.

[0045] 1a. DT (device terminated) Traffic includes transmission to the A-IoT UE (DL), but not transmission from the A-IoT UE (UL). In other words, there is information to be transmitted to the A-IoT UE, but no information to be transmitted from the A-IoT UE. DT corresponds to a command type, which includes instructions such as commands or instructions to the A-IoT UE.

[0046] 1b. DO-DTT (device originated-device terminated triggered) Traffic includes a trigger from the network (NW) and a transmission (UL) from the A-IoT UE. In other words, traffic includes information transmitted from the A-IoT UE. DO-DTT corresponds to, for example, a sensor information report type in which the A-IoT UE transmits sensor information collected by the A-IoT UE.

[0047] In this disclosure, transmitting information corresponds to transmitting a signal containing information or transmitting a signal. In this disclosure, transmitting to a certain device X corresponds to transmitting a signal (or information) to device X. In addition, transmitting from a certain device X and transmitting by a certain device X correspond to device X transmitting a signal (or information). In addition, receiving from a certain device X corresponds to receiving a signal (or information) transmitted by device X. In addition, receiving by a certain device X corresponds to device X receiving a signal (or information).

[0048] 2. Device Assumptions The following TX (transmission) and FR (frequency range) 1-FDD are assumed for A-IoT UE.

[0049] TX is an unamplified backscatter UL transmission or an amplified general UL transmission. Alternatively, an amplified backscatter UL transmission may be performed.

[0050] 2b. FR1-FDD: FR1-FDD is applied to the A-IoT UE. That is, the A-IoT UE can switch carrier frequencies between DL carriers and UL carriers. However, this disclosure is not limited to FR1-FDD and may be applied to TDD, FR2, or FR3.

[0051] The frequency bands of each FR are, for example, as follows: FR1: 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz FR2: 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz FR3: 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz

[0052] FR1 may use a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, or 60 kHz, and a bandwidth (BW) of 5 to 100 MHz. FR2 is a higher frequency than FR1, and may use an SCS of 60 kHz or 120 kHz (including 240 kHz), and a bandwidth (BW) of 50 to 400 MHz.

[0053] 3. Topology Among the topologies shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, attention is focused on Topology 1 and Topology 2.

[0054] In Topology 1, UL and / or DL ​​communication is performed between a base station and an A-IoT UE without an intermediate node. Note that the base station in Topology 1 may correspond to a microcell.

[0055] 3b. Topology 2 In Topology 2, communication is performed between the base station and the A-IoT UE via an intermediate node. The A-IoT UE performs bidirectional communication with the intermediate node located between the base station and the A-IoT UE. Note that the base station in Topology 2 may correspond to a macrocell. The case of Topology 2 may also be applied to indoor cases.

[0056] For A-IoT UEs, the signal design is common to Topology 1 and Topology 2. Hereinafter, the intermediate node may be referred to as int. UE (intermediate UE). The intermediate node may also be referred to as a base station, a communication device, a network device, or a network node.

[0057] <R2D and D2R> At the RAN1#116 meeting, it was agreed to consider the physical channels for R2D data transmission and D2R data transmission.

[0058] R2D stands for "reader to device." D2R stands for "device to reader." "Reader" corresponds to a base station or intermediate node. "Device" corresponds to A-IoT.

[0059] R2D may be considered as DL in an A-IoT wireless communication system. R2D data transmission may be performed on a physical channel such as the physical reader to device channel (PRDCH). R2D control transmission may be performed on the same physical channel as R2D data transmission or on a different physical channel from R2D data transmission.

[0060] D2R can be considered as the UL in an A-IoT wireless communication system. D2R data transmission can be performed on a physical channel such as a physical device to reader channel (PDRCH). D2R control transmission can be performed on the same physical channel as D2R data transmission or on a physical channel separate from D2R.

[0061] R2D, R2D transmission, R2D signal, DL, and DL signal may be used interchangeably. D2R, D2R transmission, R2D signal, UL, and UL signal may be used interchangeably. R2D control transmission may be referred to as R2D control information or control information. D2R control transmission may be referred to as D2R control information or control information.

[0062] Carrier Wave Transmission For carrier wave (CW), R2D, and D2R transmission, the following candidate topologies can be envisaged:

[0063] 1a. D1T1-A1 Figure 8 illustrates candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. In the D1T1-A1 topology, R2D and CW are transmitted by BS#1, and backscattered D2R is received by another BS#2.

[0064] 1b. D1T1-A2 Figure 9 illustrates a candidate topology for CW, R2D, and D2R transmissions. In the D1T1-A2 topology, R2D and CW are transmitted by BS#1, and backscattered D2R is received by the same BS#1.

[0065] 1c. D1T1-B Figure 10 illustrates candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. In the D1T1-B topology, R2D is transmitted by BS#1, backscattered D2R is received by the same BS#1, and CW is transmitted by a CW node. Here, the CW node may be a BS other than BS#1, a UE, an IAB node, a repeater node such as an NCR (Network-Controlled Repeater), a relay node, or any other type of node.

[0066] 2a. D2T2-A1 Figure 11 illustrates a candidate topology for CW, R2D, and D2R transmissions. In the D2T2-A1 topology, R2D and CW are transmitted by UE#1, and backscattered D2R is received by another UE#2.

[0067] 2b. D2T2-A2 Figure 12 illustrates a candidate topology for CW, R2D, and D2R transmissions. In the D2T2-A2 topology, R2D and CW are transmitted by UE#1, and backscattered D2R is received by the same UE#1.

[0068] 2c. D2T2-B Figure 13 illustrates candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmissions. In the D2T2-B topology, R2D is transmitted by UE#1, backscattered D2R is received by the same UE#1, and CW is transmitted by a CW node. Here, the CW node may be a UE other than UE#1, a BS, an IAB node, a repeater node such as an NCR, a relay node, or other types of nodes.

[0069] <Time interval between R2D and corresponding D2R> The following agreement was made regarding the time interval between an R2D and its corresponding D2R.

[0070] To study the processing time aspect of A-IoT, we use the following term: R2D_min " is used. ・T R2D_min : The minimum time between an R2D transmission and a subsequent corresponding D2R transmission

[0071] For the time interval between an R2D transmission and a subsequent corresponding D2R transmission, the following options 1 and 2 are investigated:

[0072] ・Option 1 A-IoT is [T R2D_min , T R2D_max ], the maximum time between an R2D transmission and a corresponding subsequent D2R transmission, T R2D_max " is defined.

[0073] For example, the double-headed arrow A14a in FIG. 14 corresponds to the above-mentioned "T R2D_min As shown by the double-headed arrow A14b in FIG. R2D_max " is defined as "A-IoT" R2D_min , T R2D_max For example, the A-IoT transmits a D2R within the range (timing window) shown in the dotted frame A14c in FIG.

[0074] Further research is needed to determine whether the maximum time is common or different for each A-IoT, and whether the maximum time differs by traffic type / command type (e.g., DT or DO-DTT) and / or by use case (e.g., inventory or command).

[0075] Option 2: R2D transmission followed by the corresponding D2R transmission timing "T R2D_D2R ” is determined based on the control information of the R2D transmission, where T R2D_D2R ?T R2D_min For example, the double-headed arrow A15a in FIG. R2D_D2R ". T R2D_D2R The maximum value of is a research item.

[0076] <Issues to be considered> In A-IoT, the timing of CW transmission has not been sufficiently considered, and further consideration is required.

[0077] For example, D2R is transmitted via backscattering using CW. Therefore, if the timing of CW transmission is not sufficiently considered, the timing of CW transmission and the timing of D2R transmission may not match, and A-IoT may not be able to transmit D2R properly.

[0078] Therefore, in this disclosure, the following proposals 1-4 are provided regarding the timing of CW transmission.

[0079] It should be noted that the timing of the CW transmission may be determined from the R2D and D2R timings, for example, rather than being explicitly / specifically indicated by the network.

[0080] Taking into account SF (Sampling Frequency) offset / time errors in A-IoT, the timing of CW transmission may start earlier than the set / instructed / determined D2R transmission start timing and end later than the set / instructed / determined D2R transmission end timing.

[0081] The following suggestions can be applied to all scenarios described above. For example, in case of D2T2-A1, the leader UE for R2D Tx / CW Tx is assumed to be aware of the D2R timing. For example, in case of D2T2-B, the CW node is assumed to be aware of the R2D / D2R timing.

[0082] The following proposal relates to the operation of intermediate nodes for CW transmissions. The intermediate nodes may be UEs or CW nodes, or may be relays, IAB nodes, or repeaters.

[0083] <Proposal 1>

[0084] The intermediate node determines the transmission timing of the CW. Regarding the determination of the transmission timing of the CW by the intermediate node, the following options 1 and 2 are provided.

[0085] <Proposal 1: Option 1> A-IoT will determine the timing of D2R transmission based on the information regarding the timing of D2R transmission below, and transmit D2R.

[0086] X: Information indicating the start of the D2R transmission timing Y: Information indicating the duration of the D2R transmission Z (=X+Y): Information indicating the end of the D2R transmission timing

[0087] The intermediate node determines the CW transmission timing based on information about the D2R transmission timing. That is, the intermediate node determines the CW transmission timing using information that the A-IoT uses to determine the D2R transmission timing. This operation can prevent the D2R transmission period from deviating from the CW transmission period.

[0088] The information (X, Y, Z) regarding the D2R transmission timing may be provided to the intermediate node via signaling, such as higher layer signaling or lower layer signaling, from the network. For example, the information regarding the D2R transmission timing may be provided to the intermediate node via RRC / MAC CE / DCI. Alternatively, the intermediate node may determine the information regarding the D2R transmission timing.

[0089] (1) Start of CW Transmission In order for an intermediate node to determine the start of CW transmission timing, the following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided.

[0090] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "X" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A16a in FIG. 16 as the start of the CW transmission timing. "Determine" may be read as "use."

[0091] In Alt.a, D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays, such as SF offset / time errors in the A-IoT, are ignored and taken into account when the network indicates the start of D2R transmission timing. For example, X is determined by the network taking into account the D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays in the A-IoT and notifying the A-IoT and intermediate nodes. Alternatively, the intermediate node determines "X" by taking into account the D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays in the A-IoT.

[0092] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "X-offset" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A17a in Fig. 17 as the start of the CW transmission timing.

[0093] In Alt.b, the timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is not taken into account in "X". The timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is taken into account in Offset.

[0094] (2) Duration of CW Transmission In order for intermediate nodes to determine the time duration of CW transmission, Alt. a and Alt. b below are provided.

[0095] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A16b in Fig. 16 as the duration of the CW transmission.

[0096] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Y+offset" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A17b in Figure 17 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0097] "Y+offset" may be expressed as "Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate the offset from X and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z.

[0098] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0099] (3) End of CW Transmission The following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the end of CW transmission timing.

[0100] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Z" (Z=X+Y) as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A16c in Figure 16 as the end of the CW transmission timing.

[0101] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Z+offset" as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A17c in Figure 17 as the end of the CW transmission.

[0102] "Z+offset" may be expressed as "Z+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X, and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z.

[0103] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0104] (4) Others The units of time X / Y / Z may be R2D / D2R chips / OOK / PSK / FSK / OFDM symbols / bits, or NR symbols / slots / subframes. OOK stands for on-off-keying. PSK stands for phase shift keying. FSK stands for frequency shift keying.

[0105] offset / offset1 / offset2 may be defined in the specification / system, reported as an A-IoT capability, or indicated by the network. offset / offset1 / offset2 may be replaced by the range of offset / offset1 / offset2.

[0106] The offset values ​​for start / duration / end may be different.

[0107] <Proposal 1: Option 2> In Option 2, the information regarding the D2R transmission timing differs from the information in Option 1. The information regarding the D2R transmission timing in Option 2 includes the following information.

[0108] [X1,X2]: Information indicating the start of D2R transmission timing Y: Information indicating the continuation of D2R transmission [Z1,Z2]: Information indicating the end of D2R transmission timing (Zi=Xi+Y, i is a natural number)

[0109] The start of the D2R transmission timing is within [X1, X2]. A-IoT will transmit the D2R within [X1, X2]. In option 2, multiple D2Rs can be transmitted.

[0110] In option 2, as in option 1, the intermediate node may be provided with information about the D2R transmission timing ([X1, X2], Y, [Z1, Z2]) via the network, or the intermediate node may determine the information about the D2R transmission timing ([X1, X2], Y, [Z1, Z2]).

[0111] (1) Start of CW Transmission In order for an intermediate node to determine the start of CW transmission timing, the following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided.

[0112] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "X1" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A18a in Fig. 18 as the start of the CW transmission timing.

[0113] In Alt.a, D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays, such as SF offset / time errors in the A-IoT, are ignored and taken into account when the network indicates the start of D2R transmission timing. For example, X1 is notified to the A-IoT and intermediate nodes after taking into account the D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays in the A-IoT in the network. Alternatively, the intermediate node determines "X1" by taking into account the D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays in the A-IoT.

[0114] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "X1-offset" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A19a in Fig. 19 as the start of the CW transmission timing.

[0115] In Alt.b, X1 does not take into account the timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT. In Offset, the timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is taken into account.

[0116] (2) Duration of CW Transmission In order for intermediate nodes to determine the time duration of CW transmission, the following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided.

[0117] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "(X2-X1)+Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A18b in Figure 18 as the duration of the CW transmission.

[0118] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "(X2-X1)+Y+offset" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A19b in Figure 19 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0119] "(X2-X1)+Y+offset" may be expressed as "(X2-X1)+Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate the offset from X1, and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z2.

[0120] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0121] (3) End of CW Transmission The following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the end of CW transmission timing.

[0122] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Z2" as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A18c in Fig. 18 as the end of the CW transmission timing.

[0123] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Z2+offset" as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A19c in Figure 19 as the end of the CW transmission.

[0124] "Z2+offset" may be expressed as "Z2+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate the offset from X1, and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z2.

[0125] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0126] (4) Others The units of time X1 / X2 / Y / Z1 / Z2 may be R2D / D2R chips / OOK / PSK / FSK / OFDM symbols / bits, or NR symbols / slots / subframes.

[0127] offset / offset1 / offset2 may be defined in the specification / system, reported as an A-IoT capability, or indicated by the network. offset / offset1 / offset2 may be replaced by the range of offset / offset1 / offset2.

[0128] The offset values ​​for start / duration / end may be different.

[0129] The time window of D2R transmission that is instructed / determined is [X1, Z2], i.e., the time window of D2R transmission is from the earliest timing of D2R transmission to the latest timing of D2R transmission.

[0130] <Proposal 1: Summary> As explained above, the intermediate node determines the transmission timing of the CW based on information about the transmission timing of the D2R. This operation allows the intermediate node to transmit the CW appropriately. It is possible to prevent the transmission period of the D2R from deviating from the transmission period of the CW. The D2R is transmitted appropriately.

[0131] <Proposal 2>

[0132] In the above <Proposal 1>, the transmission timing of the CW at the intermediate node is related to the transmission timing of D2R. In <Proposal 2>, the transmission timing of the CW at the intermediate node is related to the transmission timing of R2D.

[0133] Note that the timing of R2D is transmission timing from the perspective of the network, such as an intermediate node or base station, but is reception timing from the perspective of A-IoT.

[0134] Regarding the determination of the transmission timing of the CW of the intermediate node, the following options 1 and 2 are provided.

[0135] <Proposal 2: Option 1> Information regarding R2D transmission timing includes the following:

[0136] N: Information indicating the end of the R2D transmission timing T: Information indicating the time interval between the R2D transmission and the D2R transmission corresponding to the R2D transmission

[0137] It should be noted that "T" can be considered as information regarding the transmission timing of D2R.

[0138] The start of the D2R transmission timing is expressed using the above "N" and "T." For example, the start of the D2R transmission timing, "X," is expressed by the following formula: X = N + T

[0139] Given a time duration Y of a D2R transmission, the end of the D2R transmission timing "Z" is given by the following equation: Z=N+T+Y

[0140] The intermediate node determines the CW transmission timing based on information (N, T) regarding the R2D transmission timing and information (Y) regarding the D2R transmission timing. In other words, the intermediate node determines the CW transmission timing using information used by the A-IoT to determine the D2R transmission timing. This operation can prevent the D2R transmission period from deviating from the CW transmission period.

[0141] The information (N, T) regarding the transmission timing of the R2D and the information (Y) regarding the transmission timing of the D2R may be provided to the intermediate node via signaling, such as higher layer signaling or lower layer signaling, from the network. For example, the information (N, T, Y) may be provided to the intermediate node via RRC / MAC CE / DCI. Alternatively, the intermediate node may determine the information (N, T, Y).

[0142] (1) Start of CW Transmission The following Alt.a-Alt.d are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the start of CW transmission timing.

[0143] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "N+T" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A20a in FIG. 20 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "T".

[0144] In Alt.a, D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays such as SF offset / time errors in A-IoT are ignored and taken into account by the network in indicating "T".

[0145] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "N+T-offset" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A21a in FIG. 21 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "T-offset."

[0146] In Alt.b, the timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is not taken into account in "T". The timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is taken into account in Offset.

[0147] Alt.c The intermediate node determines "N" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A20b in FIG. 20 as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A21b in FIG. 21 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "0". The CW is transmitted during the time interval between the R2D and the corresponding D2R.

[0148] Alt.d The intermediate node determines "N+gap" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A20c in FIG. 20 as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A21c in FIG. 21 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "gap."

[0149] Alt.d may be applied, for example, when a switching gap is required between R2D and CW.

[0150] With Alt.d, CW starts after R2D ends and before D2R starts. On the other hand, unlike Alt.d, CW starts when D2R starts. Switching time may be required between R2D transmission and CW transmission, so CW may not start immediately after R2D ends. The "gap" in Alt.d has a different meaning from the "T" in Alt.a, and the above switching time can be taken into consideration.

[0151] (2) Duration of CW Transmission In order for intermediate nodes to determine the time duration of CW transmission, the following Alt.a-Alt.f are provided.

[0152] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A20d in Figure 20 as the duration of the CW transmission.

[0153] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Y+offset" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A21d in Figure 21 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0154] "Y+offset" may be expressed as "Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X (=N+T), and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z (=X+Y).

[0155] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0156] Alt.c The intermediate node determines "T+Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval shown by the double arrow A20e in Figure 20 as the duration of the CW transmission. The CW is transmitted during the time interval between R2D and the corresponding D2R.

[0157] Alt.d The intermediate node determines "T+Y+offset" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A21e in Figure 21 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0158] "T+Y+offset" may be expressed as "T+Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z.

[0159] The Alt.d time offset takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0160] Alt.e The intermediate node determines "T+Y-gap" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A20f in Fig. 20 as the duration of CW transmission. Alt.e can be applied, for example, when a switching gap is required between R2D and CW.

[0161] Alt.f The intermediate node determines "T+Y+offset-gap" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A21f in Figure 21 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0162] "T+Y+offset-gap" may be expressed as "T+Y+offset1+offset2-gap", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z.

[0163] (3) End of CW Transmission The following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the end of CW transmission timing.

[0164] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Z" (Z=N+T+Y) as the end of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A20g in Figure 20 as the end of the CW transmission timing.

[0165] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Z+offset" as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A21g in Figure 21 as the end of the CW transmission.

[0166] "Z+offset" may be expressed as "Z+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X, and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z.

[0167] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0168] (4) Others The unit of time N / T / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be R2D / D2R chip / OOK / PSK / FSK / OFDM symbol / bit, or NR symbol / slot / subframe.

[0169] N / T / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be defined in the specification / system, reported as A-IoT capabilities, or mandated by the network. N / T / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be replaced by the range of offset / offset1 / offset2.

[0170] <Proposal 2: Option 2> In Option 2, the information regarding R2D transmission timing differs from the information in Option 1. The information regarding R2D transmission timing in Option 2 includes the following information.

[0171] N: Information indicating the end of the R2D transmission timing [T1, T2]: Information indicating the time interval between the R2D transmission and the D2R transmission corresponding to the R2D transmission

[0172] [T1, T2] may be considered as information regarding the transmission timing of D2R.

[0173] The start of the D2R transmission timing is expressed using the above "N" and "[T1, T2]". For example, the start of the D2R transmission timing [X1, X2] is expressed by the following formula: "X1, X2" = [N + T1, N + T2]

[0174] The time interval is within [T1, T2], and the start of the D2R transmission timing is within [X1, X2]. For a given time duration Y of a D2R transmission, the end of the D2R transmission timing is expressed as [Z1, Z2] (Zi = N + Ti + Y, where i is a natural number). In option 2, multiple D2Rs can be transmitted.

[0175] In Option 2, as in Option 1, the intermediate node may be provided with information about the R2D transmission timing (N,[T1,T2]) and the D2R transmission timing (Y) via the network, and may determine the information (N,[T1,T2],Y) itself.

[0176] (1) Start of CW Transmission The following Alt.a-Alt.d are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the start of CW transmission timing.

[0177] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "N+T1" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A22a in Figure 22 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "T1".

[0178] In Alt.a, D2R timing errors / D2R propagation delays such as SF offset / time error in A-IoT are ignored and taken into account by the network in indicating "T1".

[0179] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "N+T1-offset" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A23a in FIG. 23 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "T1-offset".

[0180] In Alt.b, the timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is not taken into account in "T1". The timing error / propagation delay of D2R in A-IoT is taken into account in Offset.

[0181] Alt.c The intermediate node determines "N" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A22b in FIG. 22 as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A23b in FIG. 23 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "0". The CW is transmitted during the time interval between the R2D and the corresponding D2R.

[0182] Alt.d The intermediate node determines "N+gap" as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A22c in FIG. 22 as the start of the CW transmission timing. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing shown by arrow A23c in FIG. 23 as the start of the CW transmission timing. The time gap between the R2D transmission and the CW transmission is "gap."

[0183] Alt.d may be applied, for example, when a switching gap is required between R2D and CW.

[0184] With Alt.d, CW starts after R2D ends and before D2R starts. On the other hand, unlike Alt.d, CW starts when D2R starts. Switching time may be required between R2D transmission and CW transmission, so CW may not start immediately after R2D ends. The "gap" in Alt.d has a different meaning from the "T1" in Alt.a, and the above switching time can be taken into consideration.

[0185] (2) Duration of CW Transmission In order for intermediate nodes to determine the time duration of CW transmission, the following Alt.a-Alt.f are provided.

[0186] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "(T2-T1)+Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A22d in Figure 22 as the duration of the CW transmission.

[0187] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "(T2-T1)+Y+offset" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double-headed arrow A23d in Figure 23 as the duration of the CW transmission.

[0188] "Y+offset" may be expressed as "Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate an offset from X1 (=N+T1), and offset2 may indicate an offset from Z2 (=N+T2+Y).

[0189] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0190] Alt.c The intermediate node determines "T2+Y" as the duration of the CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A22e in Figure 22 as the duration of the CW transmission. The CW is transmitted during the time interval between R2D and the corresponding D2R.

[0191] Alt.d The intermediate node determines "T2+Y+offset" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A23e in Figure 23 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0192] "T2+Y+offset" may be expressed as "T2+Y+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate the offset from T1, and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z2.

[0193] The Alt.d time offset takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0194] Alt.e The intermediate node determines "T2+Y-gap" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double arrow A22f in Fig. 22 as the duration of CW transmission. Alt.e can be applied, for example, when a switching gap is required between R2D and CW.

[0195] Alt.f The intermediate node determines "T2+Y+offset-gap" as the duration of CW transmission at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the interval indicated by the double-headed arrow A23f in Figure 23 as the duration of CW transmission.

[0196] "T2+Y+offset-gap" may be expressed as "T2+Y+offset1+offset2-gap", where offset1 may indicate the offset from T1, and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z2.

[0197] (3) End of CW Transmission The following Alt. a and Alt. b are provided for intermediate nodes to determine the end of CW transmission timing.

[0198] Alt.a The intermediate node determines "Z2" (Z2=N+T2+Y) as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A22g in Figure 22 as the end of the CW transmission timing.

[0199] Alt.b The intermediate node determines "Z2+offset" as the end of the CW transmission timing at the intermediate node. For example, the intermediate node determines the timing indicated by arrow A23g in Figure 23 as the end of the CW transmission.

[0200] "Z2+offset" may be expressed as "Z2+offset1+offset2", where offset1 may indicate the offset from T1, and offset2 may indicate the offset from Z2.

[0201] The time offset of Alt.b takes into account the time error in the start of the D2R transmission and the error in the duration of the D2R transmission.

[0202] (4) Others The unit of time N / T1 / T2 / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be R2D / D2R chip / OOK / PSK / FSK / OFDM symbol / bit, or NR symbol / slot / subframe.

[0203] N / T1 / T2 / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be defined in the specification / system, reported as A-IoT capabilities, or mandated by the network. N / T1 / T2 / Y / gap / offset / offset1 / offset2 may be replaced by the range of offset / offset1 / offset2.

[0204] The time window of D2R transmission that is instructed / determined is [X1, Z2], i.e., the time window of D2R transmission is from the earliest timing of D2R transmission to the latest timing of D2R transmission.

[0205] <Proposal 2: Summary> As explained above, the intermediate node determines the transmission timing of the CW based on information about the transmission timing of R2D and D2R. This operation allows the intermediate node to transmit the CW appropriately. It is possible to prevent the transmission period of D2R from deviating from the transmission period of the CW. D2R is transmitted appropriately.

[0206] <Proposal 3> Proposal 3 relates to CW transmission in multiple D2R transmissions. When multiple D2R transmissions are provided (instructed) to an intermediate node via RRC / MAC CE / DCI from the network, or when an intermediate node decides to transmit multiple D2R transmissions, the following cases can be considered for multiple D2R transmissions:

[0207] ・Multiple D2R transmissions from multiple A-IoT devices ・Multiple D2R transmissions from a single A-IoT device

[0208] It should be noted that the multiple D2R transmissions may include repetitions of D2R transmissions.

[0209] For CW transmission at an intermediate node for multiple D2R transmissions, the following options 1-3 are provided:

[0210] <Proposal 3: Option 1> The intermediate node does not transmit a CW during the gap between D2R transmissions. For example, the intermediate node does not transmit a CW during the gap between D2R transmissions, as shown in Figure 24. The CW transmission timing described in Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 applies to the CW transmission timing.

[0211] <Proposal 3: Option 2> The intermediate node determines the start of the CW transmission timing based on the earliest D2R transmission among multiple D2R transmissions. The intermediate node determines the end of the CW transmission timing based on the latest D2R transmission among multiple D2R transmissions. The intermediate node also transmits the CW during gaps between D2R transmissions.

[0212] For example, the intermediate node determines the start of the CW transmission timing based on the earliest D2R transmission, as shown by arrow A25a in Fig. 25. The intermediate node determines the end of the CW transmission timing based on the latest D2R transmission, as shown by arrow A25b in Fig. 25. The intermediate node also transmits a CW during gaps between D2R transmissions, as shown by arrow A25c in Fig. 25. The CW transmission timing described in Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 applies to the CW transmission timing.

[0213] <Proposal 3: Option 3> The intermediate node applies the above Option 1 or Option 2 based on certain conditions. For example, the intermediate node applies the above Option 1 or Option 2 based on the following conditions (examples):

[0214] Example 1: The intermediate node does not transmit a CW during gaps between D2R transmissions if the gaps are greater than a predetermined value “M.” In other words, the intermediate node operates in option 1.

[0215] On the other hand, the intermediate node transmits CW even during gaps between D2R transmissions if the gaps are equal to or less than the predetermined value "M". In other words, the intermediate node operates in Option 2. The unit of the predetermined value "M" may be ms / chips / symbols / slots / frames.

[0216] Example 2: If multiple D2R transmissions are repetitions / transmissions from a single device, the intermediate node applies option 2.

[0217] Example 3: If multiple D2R transmissions are triggered by the same PRDCH, the intermediate node applies option 2.

[0218] Example 4: The intermediate node continues to transmit CW until there is an interruption time for R2D transmission, i.e., the intermediate node applies option 2.

[0219] <Proposal 3: Summary> As explained above, in multiple D2R transmissions from multiple A-IoTs / multiple D2R transmissions from a single A-IoT, the intermediate node determines the CW transmission timing based on information about the R2D and D2R transmission timing. This operation allows the intermediate node to transmit the CW appropriately. It is possible to prevent the D2R transmission period from deviating from the CW transmission period. The D2R is transmitted appropriately.

[0220] <Proposal 4> Proposal 4 relates to turning CW transmission on / off. An intermediate node receives an "on" indication of CW transmission from the network via RRC / MAC CE / DCI. The intermediate node continuously transmits CW until it receives an "off" indication of CW transmission from the network via RRC / MAC CE / DCI.

[0221] The following options 1-5 are provided for indicating "on" and "off" for CW transmission.

[0222] <Proposal 4: Option 1> After receiving an "on" instruction, the intermediate node transmits a CW from the next time unit. For example, as shown by the double arrow A26a in Fig. 26, after receiving an "on" instruction, the intermediate node transmits a CW from the next time unit. For example, as shown by the double arrow A27a in Fig. 27, after receiving an "on" instruction, the intermediate node transmits a CW from the next time unit.

[0223] <Proposal 4: Option 2> The intermediate node transmits a CW starting N time units after receiving an "on" instruction. For example, as shown by the double arrow A26a in Fig. 26, the intermediate node transmits a CW starting N time units after receiving an "on" instruction. For example, as shown by the double arrow A27a in Fig. 27, the intermediate node transmits a CW starting N time units after receiving an "on" instruction.

[0224] <Proposal 4: Option 3> After receiving the "off" instruction, the intermediate node stops transmitting the CW from the next time unit. For example, as shown by the double arrow A26b in Figure 26, after receiving the "off" instruction, the intermediate node stops transmitting the CW from the next time unit.

[0225] <Proposal 4: Option 4> The intermediate node stops transmitting the CW from N time units after receiving the "OFF" instruction. For example, as shown by the double arrow A26b in Figure 26, the intermediate node stops transmitting the CW from N time units after receiving the "OFF" instruction.

[0226] <Proposal 4: Option 5> When the intermediate node receives an "on" instruction, it starts a timer. The intermediate node continues to transmit a CW until the timer expires (even if it does not receive an "off" instruction). For example, as shown by arrow A27b in Figure 27, the intermediate node continues to transmit a CW until the timer expires, even if it does not receive an "off" instruction.

[0227] <Proposal 4: Other> The time unit may be R2D / D2R chip / OOK / PSK / FSK symbol / bit, or NR symbol / slot / frame. The value of "N" and the timer may be defined in the specification / system, reported as an A-IoT capability, or instructed by the network.

[0228] <Proposal 4: Summary> As explained above, the intermediate node determines the timing of CW transmission based on "on" and "off" instructions from the network. This operation allows the intermediate node to transmit CW appropriately. It is possible to prevent the D2R transmission period from deviating from the CW transmission period. D2R is transmitted appropriately.

[0229] <Modification> The above proposal has been described with respect to the transmission timing of the CW at the intermediate node, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above proposal can also be applied to the base station.

[0230] <Intermediate Node> Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an intermediate node 10a according to an embodiment. The intermediate node 10a includes, for example, a transmitting unit 101, a receiving unit 102, and a control unit 103. The intermediate node 10a communicates with the device 20 (see Fig. 29) wirelessly. The intermediate node 10a may be a CW node or a terminal (for example, a SL terminal that communicates with the device 20).

[0231] The transmitter 101 transmits a downlink (DL) signal to the device 20. For example, the transmitter 101 transmits the DL signal under the control of the controller 103.

[0232] The DL signal may include, for example, a downlink data signal and control information (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI)). The DL signal may also include information indicating scheduling related to signal transmission of the device 20 (e.g., an UL grant). The DL signal may also include control information of higher layers (e.g., control information of Radio Resource Control (RRC)). The DL signal may also include a reference signal.

[0233] The channels used for transmitting DL signals include, for example, a data channel and a control channel. For example, the data channel may include a PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), and the control channel may include a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel). For example, the intermediate node 10a transmits control information to the device 20 using the PDCCH and transmits downlink data signals using the PDSCH.

[0234] The reference signal included in the DL signal may include at least one of a demodulation reference signal (Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS)), a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), a Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), and a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) for position information. For example, reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulating downlink data signals and are transmitted using the PDSCH.

[0235] The receiving unit 102 receives an uplink (UL) signal transmitted from the device 20. For example, the receiving unit 102 receives the UL signal under the control of the control unit 103.

[0236] The control unit 103 controls the communication operations of the intermediate node 10 a, including the transmission processing of the transmission unit 101 and the reception processing of the reception unit 102 .

[0237] For example, the control unit 103 acquires information such as data and control information from the upper layer and outputs it to the transmitting unit 101. The control unit 103 also outputs the data, control information, etc. received from the receiving unit 102 to the upper layer.

[0238] For example, the control unit 103 allocates resources (or channels) used for transmitting and receiving DL signals and / or resources used for transmitting and receiving UL signals based on signals (e.g., data and control information, etc.) received from the device 20 and / or data and control information, etc. acquired from a higher layer. Information on the allocated resources may be included in control information transmitted to the device 20.

[0239] The control unit 103 configures PUCCH resources as an example of resource allocation used for transmitting and receiving UL signals. Information related to PUCCH configuration such as a PUCCH cell timing pattern (PUCCH configuration information) may be notified to the device 20 by RRC.

[0240] Here, the control unit 103 may determine the transmission timing of the CW based on information regarding the transmission timing of the uplink signal of the device 20. The uplink signal is, for example, D2R. The information regarding the transmission timing of the uplink signal is, for example, information regarding the transmission timing of D2R. The device 20 transmits the uplink signal based on a CW from an external source. In other words, the device 20 transmits the uplink signal via backscattering.

[0241] The transmitting unit 101 may transmit the CW based on the transmission timing of the CW determined by the control unit 103.

[0242] The control unit 103 may further determine the transmission timing of the CW based on information regarding the transmission timing of a downlink signal of the device 20. The downlink signal is, for example, R2D. The information regarding the transmission timing of the downlink signal is, for example, information regarding the transmission timing of the R2D.

[0243] The control unit 103 may determine the start of the transmission timing of the CW based on information about the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

[0244] The control unit 103 may determine the duration of the CW based on information relating to the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

[0245] The control unit 103 may determine the end of the transmission timing of the CW based on information regarding the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

[0246] The control unit 103 may determine not to transmit a CW during gaps between multiple uplink transmissions. The control unit 103 may determine to transmit a CW during gaps between multiple uplink transmissions. The control unit 103 may determine the transmission timing of the CW based on on and off instructions from the network.

[0247] <Device Configuration> Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device 20 according to an embodiment. The device 20 is a device with lower complexity than a Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, for example, an A-IoT UE. The device 20 may be considered as a device that receives power through energy harvesting. For example, the device 20 may be considered as a device that receives power through a CW supplied from a base station 10 or an intermediate node 10a.

[0248] The device 20 includes, for example, a receiving unit 201, a transmitting unit 202, and a control unit 203. The device 20 communicates with, for example, the base station 10 wirelessly. The device 20 may be, for example, an A-IoT device.

[0249] The receiving unit 201 receives a DL signal transmitted from the base station 10. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0250] The transmitting unit 202 transmits the UL signal to the base station 10. For example, the transmitting unit 202 transmits the UL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0251] The UL signal may include, for example, an uplink data signal and control information (e.g., UCI), information related to the processing capabilities of the device 20 (e.g., UE capability), and a reference signal.

[0252] The channels used for transmitting UL signals include, for example, a data channel and a control channel. For example, the data channel includes a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), and the control channel includes a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel). For example, the device 20 receives control information from the base station 10 using the PUCCH and transmits uplink data signals using the PUSCH.

[0253] The reference signals included in the UL signal may include, for example, at least one of DMRS, PTRS, CSI-RS, SRS, and PRS. For example, the reference signals such as DMRS and PTRS are used for demodulating the uplink data signal and are transmitted using an uplink channel (for example, PUSCH).

[0254] The control unit 203 controls the communication operations of the device 20 , including the reception processing in the receiving unit 201 and the transmission processing in the transmitting unit 202 .

[0255] For example, the control unit 203 acquires information such as data and control information from the upper layer and outputs it to the transmitting unit 202. Also, the control unit 203 outputs, for example, the data and control information received from the receiving unit 201 to the upper layer.

[0256] For example, the control unit 203 controls transmission of information to be fed back to the base station 10. The information to be fed back to the base station 10 may include, for example, HARQ-ACK, channel state information (CSI), or a scheduling request (SR). The information to be fed back to the base station 10 may be included in UCI. The UCI is transmitted in the resources of the PUCCH.

[0257] The control unit 203 sets PUCCH resources based on configuration information (for example, configuration information such as a PUCCH cell timing pattern notified by RRC and / or DCI) received from the base station 10. The control unit 203 determines the PUCCH resources to be used for transmitting information to be fed back to the base station 10. Under the control of the control unit 203, the transmission unit 202 transmits the information to be fed back to the base station 10 in the PUCCH resources determined by the control unit 203.

[0258] Note that the channel used for transmitting the DL signal and the channel used for transmitting the UL signal are not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, the channel used for transmitting the DL signal and the channel used for transmitting the UL signal may include a Random Access Channel (RACH) and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The RACH may be used to transmit Downlink Control Information (DCI) including a Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI), for example.

[0259] The receiving unit 201 may receive information on the transmission timing of an upstream signal / information on the transmission timing of a downstream signal from the network. The receiving unit 201 may also receive information on the transmission timing of an upstream signal / information on the transmission timing of a downstream signal determined by the intermediate node 10a.

[0260] The control unit 203 may determine the transmission timing of the uplink signal based on information relating to the transmission timing of the uplink signal. The control unit 203 may determine the transmission timing of the downlink signal based on information relating to the transmission timing of the downlink signal.

[0261] The present disclosure has been described above. Note that the division of items in the above description is not essential to the present disclosure, and items described in two or more items may be used in combination as needed, and items described in one item may be applied to items described in another item (unless they are inconsistent).

[0262] <Hardware Configuration, etc.> The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., using wires, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0263] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0264] For example, a base station, an intermediate node, a terminal, etc. according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the intermediate node and the terminal according to this embodiment. The intermediate node 10a and the terminal 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0265] In the following description, the term "apparatus" may be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the intermediate node 10a and the terminal 20 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0266] Each function in the intermediate node 10a and the terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0267] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned control unit 103 and control unit 203 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0268] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 203 of the terminal 20 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0269] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0271] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned transmitter 101, receiver 102, receiver 201, transmitter 202, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0272] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0273] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0274] Furthermore, the intermediate node 10a and the terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0275] <Notification of Information, Signaling> Notification of information is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0276] <Applicable Systems> The embodiments described in the present disclosure are applicable to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or a decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.34 (WiMAX (registered trademark The present invention may be applied to at least one of systems using 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other suitable systems, and next-generation systems that are extended, modified, created, or defined based on these systems. The present invention may also be applied to a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of LTE and / or LTE-A with 5G).

[0277] <Processing Procedures, etc.> The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be rearranged unless inconsistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0278] <Base Station Operation> In the following, a base station may be read as an intermediate node. A specific operation described as being performed by a base station in the present disclosure may also be performed by its upper node in some cases. It is clear that in a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, various operations performed for communication with a terminal may be performed by at least one of the base station and another network node other than the base station (for example, an MME or an S-GW, etc., but is not limited to these). While the above example illustrates a case where there is one other network node other than the base station, a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW) may also be used.

[0279] <Direction of Input / Output> Information, etc. (see <Information, Signal>) can be output from a higher layer (or a lower layer) to a lower layer (or a higher layer). It may also be input / output via multiple network nodes.

[0280] <Handling of Input / Output Information, etc.> Input / output information, etc. may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input / output information, etc. may be overwritten, updated, or added. Output information, etc. may be deleted. Input information, etc. may be sent to another device.

[0281] <Determination method> The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0282] <Variations of Aspects, etc.> Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. In addition, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0283] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0284] <Software> Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0285] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0286] Information, Signals, etc., described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc., which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0287] Note that terms described in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

[0288] <System, Network> As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0289] <Parameter and Channel Names> Furthermore, the information, parameters, and the like described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0290] The names used for the above-described parameters are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical expressions using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0291] <Base Station> In the present disclosure, terms such as "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission / reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. A base station may also be referred to by terms such as a macrocell, a small cell, a femtocell, and a picocell.

[0292] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the overall coverage area of ​​the base station can be partitioned into multiple smaller areas, and each smaller area can also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a remote radio head (RRH)). The terms "cell" or "sector" refer to part or the entire coverage area of ​​a base station and / or base station subsystem that provides communication services within that coverage area.

[0293] In the present disclosure, the base station transmitting information to a terminal may be interpreted as the base station instructing the terminal to control or operate based on the information.

[0294] Mobile Station In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0295] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0296] <Base Station / Mobile Station> At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be referred to as a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a mobile object, the mobile object itself, etc. The mobile object refers to a movable object, and may move at any speed. Naturally, this also includes cases where the mobile object is stationary. Examples of the mobile object include, but are not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcars, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and objects mounted thereon. The mobile object may also be an autonomous mobile object operating based on an operational command. It may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile object (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device that does not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0297] Furthermore, a base station in the present disclosure may be read as a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device) or V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)). In this case, the terminal 20 may be configured to have the functions of the base station 10 described above. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be read as terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, terms such as an uplink channel and a downlink channel may be read as a side channel.

[0298] Similarly, the term "terminal" in the present disclosure may be read as "base station." In this case, the base station 10 may be configured to have the functions of the terminal 20 described above.

[0299] Fig. 31 shows an example configuration of a vehicle 2001. As shown in Fig. 31, the vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on the vehicle 2001, and may be applied to the communication module 2013, for example.

[0300] The drive unit 2002 is configured, for example, by an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel operated by the user.

[0301] The electronic control unit 2010 is composed of a microprocessor 2031, a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals are input to the electronic control unit 2010 from various sensors 2021 to 2029 provided in the vehicle 2001. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0302] The signals from the various sensors 2021 to 2029 include a current signal from a current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, a rotation speed signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by a rotation speed sensor 2022, an air pressure signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by an air pressure sensor 2023, a vehicle speed signal obtained by a vehicle speed sensor 2024, an acceleration signal obtained by an acceleration sensor 2025, an accelerator pedal depression amount signal obtained by an accelerator pedal sensor 2029, a brake pedal depression amount signal obtained by a brake pedal sensor 2026, a shift lever operation signal obtained by a shift lever sensor 2027, and a detection signal for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. obtained by an object detection sensor 2028.

[0303] The information service unit 2012 is composed of various devices, such as a car navigation system, an audio system, speakers, a television, and a radio, for providing (outputting) various types of information, such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The information service unit 2012 provides various types of multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001 by using information acquired from external devices via the communication module 2013, etc.

[0304] The information service unit 2012 may include input devices (e.g., keyboards, mice, microphones, switches, buttons, sensors, touch panels, etc.) that accept input from the outside, and may also include output devices (e.g., displays, speakers, LED lamps, touch panels, etc.) that output to the outside.

[0305] The driving assistance system unit 2030 is composed of various devices that provide functions for preventing accidents and reducing the driving burden on the driver, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS, etc.), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps, etc.), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. In addition, the driving assistance system unit 2030 transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize the driving assistance function or the autonomous driving function.

[0306] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 transmits and receives data via the communication port 2033 to and from the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021 to 29, which are provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0307] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with an external device. For example, it transmits and receives various information to and from the external device via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station, a mobile station, or the like.

[0308] The communication module 2013 may transmit at least one of signals from the above-mentioned various sensors 2021 to 2029 input to the electronic control unit 2010, information obtained based on the signals, and information based on input from the outside (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012 to an external device via wireless communication. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021 to 2029, the information service unit 2012, etc. may be referred to as input units that accept input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 may include information based on the above-mentioned input.

[0309] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, traffic signal information, vehicle distance information, etc.) transmitted from an external device and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may also be called an output unit that outputs information (for example, outputs information to a device such as a display or speaker based on the PDSCH received by the communication module 2013 (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH)).

[0310] Furthermore, the communication module 2013 stores various information received from external devices in a memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, sensors 2021 to 2029, and the like provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0311] <Meaning and Interpretation of Terms> As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining something that is considered to be a "judging" or "determining," and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like that are considered to be a "judging" or "determining." Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0312] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0313] <Reference Signal> A reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may also be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0314] <Meaning of "based on"> As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0315] "First," "Second" Any reference to an element using designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure 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 or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0316] <Means> The "means" in the configuration of each device above may be replaced with "section," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0317] Open Format: When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0318] <Time Units such as TTI, Frequency Units such as RB, and Radio Frame Configuration> A radio frame may be composed of one or more frames in the time domain. Each of the one or more frames in the time domain may be called a subframe. A subframe may further be composed of one or more slots in the time domain. A subframe may have a fixed time length (e.g., 1 ms) that is independent of numerology.

[0319] Numerology may be a communication parameter that applies to the transmission and / or reception of a signal or channel, and may indicate, for example, at least one of subcarrier spacing (SCS), bandwidth, symbol length, cyclic prefix length, transmission time interval (TTI), number of symbols per TTI, radio frame structure, specific filtering operations performed by the transceiver in the frequency domain, and specific windowing operations performed by the transceiver in the time domain.

[0320] A slot may be composed of one or more symbols in the time domain (such as an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbol). A slot may be a time unit based on numerology.

[0321] A slot may include multiple minislots. Each minislot may consist of one or multiple symbols in the time domain. A minislot may also be called a subslot. A minislot may consist of fewer symbols than a slot. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted in a time unit larger than a minislot may be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type A. A PDSCH (or PUSCH) transmitted using a minislot may be called PDSCH (or PUSCH) mapping type B.

[0322] The radio frame, subframe, slot, minislot, and symbol all represent time units for transmitting signals, and may be referred to by other names corresponding to the radio frame, subframe, slot, minislot, and symbol.

[0323] For example, one subframe may be called a transmission time interval (TTI), multiple consecutive subframes may be called a TTI, or one slot or one minislot may be called a TTI. That is, at least one of the subframe and the TTI may be a subframe (1 ms) in existing LTE, a period shorter than 1 ms (for example, 1-13 symbols), or a period longer than 1 ms. Note that the unit representing the TTI may be called a slot, minislot, etc. instead of a subframe.

[0324] Here, TTI refers to, for example, the smallest time unit for scheduling in wireless communication. For example, in an LTE system, a base station performs scheduling to allocate radio resources (such as frequency bandwidth and transmission power that can be used by each user terminal) to each user terminal in TTI units. Note that the definition of TTI is not limited to this.

[0325] The TTI may be a transmission time unit for a channel-encoded data packet (transport block), a code block, a code word, etc., or may be a processing unit for scheduling, link adaptation, etc. When a TTI is given, the time interval (e.g., the number of symbols) to which a transport block, a code block, a code word, etc. is actually mapped may be shorter than the TTI.

[0326] When one slot or one minislot is called a TTI, one or more TTIs (i.e., one or more slots or one or more minislots) may be the minimum time unit for scheduling. Also, the number of slots (minislots) constituting the minimum time unit for scheduling may be controlled.

[0327] A TTI having a time length of 1 ms may be called a regular TTI (TTI in LTE Rel. 8-12), normal TTI, long TTI, regular subframe, normal subframe, long subframe, slot, etc. A TTI shorter than a regular TTI may be called a shortened TTI, short TTI, partial or fractional TTI, shortened subframe, short subframe, minislot, subslot, slot, etc.

[0328] In addition, a long TTI (e.g., a normal TTI, a subframe, etc.) may be interpreted as a TTI having a time length of more than 1 ms, and a short TTI (e.g., a shortened TTI, etc.) may be interpreted as a TTI having a TTI length shorter than the TTI length of a long TTI and greater than or equal to 1 ms.

[0329] A resource block (RB) is a resource allocation unit in the time domain and the frequency domain, and may include one or more consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. The number of subcarriers included in an RB may be the same regardless of numerology, for example, 12. The number of subcarriers included in an RB may be determined based on numerology.

[0330] The time domain of an RB may include one or more symbols and may have a length of one slot, one minislot, one subframe, or one TTI. One TTI, one subframe, etc. may each be composed of one or more resource blocks.

[0331] Note that one or more RBs may also be called a physical resource block (PRB), a sub-carrier group (SCG), a resource element group (REG), a PRB pair, an RB pair, etc.

[0332] Furthermore, a resource block may be composed of one or more resource elements (REs). For example, one RE may be a radio resource region of one subcarrier and one symbol.

[0333] A Bandwidth Part (BWP) (which may also be referred to as a fractional bandwidth) may represent a subset of contiguous common resource blocks (RBs) for a given numerology on a given carrier, where the common RBs may be identified by their index relative to a Common Reference Point of the carrier. PRBs may be defined in a BWP and numbered within the BWP.

[0334] The BWP may include a BWP for UL (UL BWP) and a BWP for DL ​​(DL BWP). One or more BWPs may be configured for a UE within one carrier.

[0335] At least one of the configured BWPs may be active, and the UE may not expect to transmit or receive a given signal / channel outside the active BWP. Note that the terms "cell," "carrier," etc. in this disclosure may be read as "BWP."

[0336] The above-described structures of radio frames, subframes, slots, minislots, symbols, etc. are merely examples, and various changes may be made to the number of subframes included in a radio frame, the number of slots per subframe or radio frame, the number of minislots included in a slot, the number of symbols and RBs included in a slot or minislot, the number of subcarriers included in an RB, the number of symbols in a TTI, the symbol length, the cyclic prefix (CP) length, etc.

[0337] <Maximum Transmit Power> The "maximum transmit power" in the present disclosure may refer to the maximum value of transmit power, the nominal UE maximum transmit power, or the rated UE maximum transmit power.

[0338] Articles In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

[0339] <"Different"> In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." Note that the term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0340] One aspect of the present disclosure is useful in wireless communication systems.

[0341] 10 Base station 20 Device 101, 202 Transmitter 102, 201 Receiver 103, 203 Controller

Claims

1. A communication device having: a control unit that determines the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information about the transmission timing of an upstream signal from a device that transmits the upstream signal based on a carrier wave from an external source; and a transmission unit that transmits the carrier wave based on the determined transmission timing.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further determines the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information regarding the transmission timing of the downlink signal of the device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the start of the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information relating to the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the duration of the carrier wave based on information relating to the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the end of the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information relating to the transmission timing of the uplink signal.

6. A communication method in which a communication device determines the transmission timing of the carrier wave based on information about the transmission timing of an uplink signal from a device that transmits the uplink signal based on a carrier wave from an external device, and transmits the carrier wave based on the determined transmission timing.

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