Communication apparatus, device, and communication method

Abstract

The present invention improves the efficiency of wireless communication in a wireless communication apparatus. This communication apparatus comprises: a control circuit that, on the basis of a signal from a device to be subjected to data communication, estimates whether the device is nearby; and a communication circuit that, when it is determined in the estimation that the device is nearby, performs the data communication with the device.

Description

Communication apparatus, device and communication method

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

[0002] A communication system called the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) is currently under consideration. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an international standardization organization, is studying the advancement of the 5G communication system from the perspectives of both the advancement of the LTE / LTE-Advanced system and New Radio Access Technology (also referred to as New RAT or NR), a new method that is not necessarily backward compatible with the LTE / LTE-Advanced system (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] RP-181726, “Revised WID on New Radio Access Technology”, NTT DOCOMO, September 2018RP-240826, “Revised SID: Study on solutions for Ambient IoT (Internet of Things) in NR”, CMCC, Huawei, T-Mobile USA, March 2024

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the efficiency of wireless communication in wireless communication devices.

[0005] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication apparatus, device, and communication method that can improve the efficiency of wireless communication in wireless communication equipment.

[0006] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control circuit that estimates whether a device is nearby based on a signal from the device with which data communication is to be performed, and a communication circuit that performs the data communication with the device if the estimation determines that the device is nearby.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of wireless communication in a wireless communication device.

[0009] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features.

[0010] 1. Block diagram showing an example configuration of a portion of an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) reader. 2. Block diagram showing an example configuration of a portion of an A-IoT device. 3. Block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT reader. 4. Block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT device. 5. Diagram showing an example operation of an A-IoT reader and an A-IoT device. 6. Block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT reader. 7. Block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT device. 8. Diagram showing an example operation of an A-IoT reader and an A-IoT device. 9. Diagram of an example architecture of a 3GPP NR system. 10. Diagram of an example functional division in 5G O-RAN.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In the following description, for example, a radio frame, a slot, and a symbol are units of physical resources in the time domain. For example, the length of one frame may be 10 milliseconds. For example, one frame may be composed of multiple slots (e.g., 10, 20, or other values). Furthermore, the number of slots constituting one frame may be variable depending on the slot length. Furthermore, one slot may be composed of multiple symbols (e.g., 14 or 12). For example, one symbol is the smallest physical resource unit in the time domain, and the symbol length may vary depending on the subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0013] Furthermore, a subcarrier and a resource block (RB) are units of physical resources in the frequency domain. For example, one resource block may consist of 12 subcarriers. For example, one subcarrier may be the smallest physical resource unit in the frequency domain. The subcarrier spacing is variable and may be, for example, 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz, 480 kHz, 960 kHz, or other values.

[0014] (Regarding Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT)) Release 19 NR is expected to standardize wireless communication standards for devices that support Ambient IoT (hereinafter also referred to as "Ambient IoT devices," "A-IoT devices," or "devices") (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). A-IoT devices communicate wirelessly with equipment called A-IoT readers (also referred to as "A-IoT readers" or "readers").

[0015] In data communication, communication from a reader (A-IoT reader) to a device (A-IoT device) is sometimes called "Reader-to-Device (R2D) communication," and communication from a device (A-IoT device) to a reader (A-IoT reader) is sometimes called "Device-to-Reader (D2R) communication."

[0016] Release 19 A-IoT assumes two connection topologies.

[0017] In the first connection topology, the A-IoT reader is a base station (e.g., a gNB). In the first connection topology, the A-IoT device and the base station perform R2D communication and D2R communication.

[0018] In the second connection topology, the A-IoT reader is a wireless communication device other than a base station, called an intermediate node (e.g., an Intermediate Node (IN) or an A-IoT intermediate node). Wireless communication devices other than a base station can be, for example, a Transmission and Reception Point (TRP), a terminal (User Equipment (UE)), a smartphone, or a car. In the second connection topology, the A-IoT device performs R2D communication or D2R communication with the intermediate node, and does not communicate directly with the base station. In addition, the base station performs wireless communication (e.g., communication via a Uu link) with the intermediate node.

[0019] There is room for consideration as to how A-IoT readers and A-IoT devices initiate data communication.

[0020] In a non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, a method for an A-IoT reader and an A-IoT device to properly initiate data communication is described.

[0021] [Overview of the communication system] The communication system according to this embodiment includes an A-IoT reader 100 / 300 and an A-IoT device 200 / 400. The A-IoT reader 100 / 300 may be, for example, a base station or an A-IoT intermediate node.

[0022] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion of an A-IoT reader 100 / 300 (e.g., corresponding to a communication device) according to this embodiment. In the A-IoT reader 100 / 300 shown in FIG. 1, a control unit (e.g., corresponding to a control circuit) estimates whether a device (A-IoT device 200 / 400) is in proximity based on a signal from the device. If the estimation determines that the device is in proximity, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) performs data communication with the device.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a portion of the A-IoT device 200 / 400 according to this embodiment. In the A-IoT device 200 / 400 shown in FIG. 2, a communication unit (e.g., corresponding to a communication circuit) transmits a signal (or radio waves) to a communication device (e.g., an A-IoT reader 100 / 300). A control unit (e.g., a control circuit) controls data communication with the communication device according to instructions from the communication device. Here, data communication is performed when the A-IoT device 200 / 400 is determined to be in proximity based on a signal from the communication device.

[0024] [Operation Example 1] In Operation Example 1, the A-IoT reader 100 performs proximity estimation using, for example, a signal processing unit (e.g., a signal processing circuit) that performs data communication. In the proximity estimation, for example, the A-IoT reader estimates whether an A-IoT device that is the target of data communication is in proximity to the A-IoT reader.

[0025] [Configuration of A-IoT Reader] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT reader 100 according to Operation Example 1. In Figure 3, the A-IoT reader 100 has an encoding / modulation unit 101, a trigger generation unit 102, a signal allocation unit 103, a transmission unit 104, an antenna 105, a reception unit 106, a signal separation unit 107, a demodulation / decoding unit 108, and a control unit 109.

[0026] For example, at least one of the encoding / modulation unit 101, trigger generation unit 102, signal allocation unit 103, signal separation unit 107, demodulation / decoding unit 108, and control unit 109 shown in Fig. 3 may be included in the control unit shown in Fig. 1. Also, for example, at least one of the transmitting unit 104, antenna 105, and receiving unit 106 shown in Fig. 3 may be included in the communication unit shown in Fig. 1.

[0027] In FIG. 3, coding and modulation section 101 codes and modulates transmission data, and outputs the modulated signal to signal mapping section 103 .

[0028] The trigger generation unit 102 generates a trigger in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 109, and outputs the generated trigger to the signal arrangement unit 103. The trigger may be, for example, a signal instructing the start of data communication (for example, R2D communication or D2R communication).

[0029] The signal mapping unit 103 maps the signal input from the coding / modulation unit 101 to a radio resource (e.g., an R2D resource) instructed by the control unit 109, and maps the signal input from the trigger generation unit 102 to the radio resource. The signal mapping unit 103 outputs the signal mapped to the radio resource to the transmission unit 104.

[0030] Transmitting section 104 performs radio transmission processing including frequency conversion on the signal input from signal mapping section 103 , and outputs the signal after radio transmission processing to antenna 105 .

[0031] The antenna 105 radiates the signal input from the transmitting unit 104 to the A-IoT device 200. The antenna 105 also receives, for example, a signal radiated from the A-IoT device 200 and outputs it to the receiving unit 106.

[0032] The receiving section 106 performs radio reception processing such as frequency conversion or envelope detection on the signal input from the antenna 105 to convert it into a digital signal, and outputs it to the signal separating section 107 .

[0033] The signal separation unit 107 extracts (or separates) a data signal from the radio resource (e.g., D2R resource) specified by the control unit 109 among the signals input from the receiving unit 106, and outputs the data signal to the demodulation and decoding unit 108. The signal separation unit 107 also extracts information (e.g., the power value (e.g., the reception level) of the received signal) used for proximity estimation to the A-IoT device 200 from the signal input from the receiving unit 106, and outputs the extracted information to the control unit 109.

[0034] The demodulation / decoding unit 108 demodulates and decodes the data signal input from the signal separation unit 107 and outputs the demodulated data signal (received data). The demodulation / decoding unit 108 also outputs information used for proximity estimation to the A-IoT device 200 (e.g., the identifier of the A-IoT device 200) to the control unit 109.

[0035] The control unit 109 performs proximity estimation based on information used for proximity estimation for the A-IoT device 200, which is input from at least one of the signal separation unit 107 and the demodulation / decoding unit 108. Based on the result of the proximity estimation, the control unit 109 instructs the trigger generation unit 102 to generate a trigger (for example, to start data communication with the A-IoT device 200). The control unit 109 also instructs the signal allocation unit 103 on R2D resources and the signal separation unit 107 on D2R resources.

[0036] [Configuration of A-IoT Device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the A-IoT device 200 according to the first operation example.

[0037] In Figure 4, the A-IoT device 200 has a control unit 201, an encoding / modulation unit 202, a signal placement unit 203, a transmission unit 204, an antenna 205, a reception unit 206, a signal separation unit 207, a trigger detection unit 208, and a demodulation / decoding unit 209.

[0038] For example, at least one of the control unit 201, the encoding / modulation unit 202, the signal mapping unit 203, the signal separation unit 207, the trigger detection unit 208, and the demodulation / decoding unit 209 shown in Fig. 4 may be included in the control unit shown in Fig. 2. Also, for example, at least one of the transmission unit 204, the antenna 205, and the reception unit 206 shown in Fig. 4 may be included in the communication unit shown in Fig. 2.

[0039] The control unit 201 instructs the signal mapping unit 203 on D2R resources and instructs the signal separation unit 207 on R2D resources based on trigger detection information input from the trigger detection unit 208. In addition, the control unit 201 may output, for example, information used by the A-IoT reader 100 for proximity estimation to at least one of the encoding / modulation unit 202 and the signal mapping unit 203.

[0040] The coding / modulation unit 202 codes and modulates the transmission data and information input from the control unit 201 (e.g., information used for proximity estimation), and outputs the modulated signal to the signal mapping unit 203.

[0041] Signal mapping section 203 maps the signal input from encoding / modulation section 202 to radio resources (e.g., D2R resources) instructed by control section 201. Furthermore, when information used for proximity estimation is input from control section 201, signal mapping section 203 may map the information used for proximity estimation to the radio resources. Signal mapping section 203 outputs the signal mapped to the radio resources to transmission section 204.

[0042] The transmitting unit 204 performs radio transmission processing including frequency conversion on the signal input from the signal mapping unit 203 to convert it into an analog signal, and outputs the signal after radio transmission processing to the antenna 205. For example, the carrier wave used for frequency conversion in the transmitting unit 204 may be generated inside the transmitting unit 204, or may be generated using a backscattering wave (Carrier Wave (CW)) input from the antenna 205.

[0043] The antenna 205, for example, radiates a signal input from the transmitting unit 204 to the A-IoT reader 100. The antenna 205 also receives a signal radiated from the A-IoT reader 100 and outputs the received signal to the receiving unit 206.

[0044] Receiving section 206 performs radio reception processing such as frequency conversion or envelope detection on the signal input from antenna 205 , and outputs the signal after radio reception processing to signal separating section 207 .

[0045] The signal separation unit 207 extracts (e.g., separates) signals from radio resources (e.g., resources for R2D) specified by the control unit 201 out of the signals input from the receiving unit 206, and outputs the signals to the demodulation and decoding unit 209. The signal separation unit 207 also extracts signals on trigger resources from the signals input from the receiving unit 206, and outputs the signals to the trigger detection unit 208.

[0046] The trigger detection unit 208 attempts to detect a trigger (or monitors a trigger) in the signal (the signal on the trigger resource) input from the signal separation unit 207. When the trigger detection unit 208 detects a trigger, it outputs trigger detection information to the control unit 201.

[0047] The demodulation and decoding unit 209 demodulates and decodes the signal input from the signal separation unit 207 and outputs a data signal (received data).

[0048] Below, an example of the operation of the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 described above will be explained.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation of the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 according to the first operation example.

[0050] (S101) The A-IoT device 200 obtains configuration information for resources (e.g., time and frequency resources) used for R2D communication and D2R communication (hereinafter referred to as "resources for R2D / D2R").

[0051] In addition, the configuration information for R2D / D2R resources may be set in advance in the A-IoT device 200, or may be set by a control signal from a base station or A-IoT reader 100, etc.

[0052] (S102) The A-IoT device 200 emits radio waves (e.g., signals) to the A-IoT reader within the frequency band that the A-IoT reader 100 can receive.

[0053] (S103) The A-IoT reader 100 receives radio waves from the A-IoT device 200 within the frequency band that the A-IoT reader 100 can receive (for example, attempts to receive radio waves).

[0054] (S104) The A-IoT reader 100 performs proximity estimation using the radio waves received from the A-IoT device 200 in S103.

[0055] For example, if the power value of the received radio waves (e.g., the reception level of the signal from the A-IoT device 200) is equal to or greater than a threshold, the A-IoT reader 100 determines that the A-IoT device 200 is close to the A-IoT reader 100 and proceeds to processing in S105. On the other hand, if the power value of the received radio waves is less than the threshold, the A-IoT reader 100 may determine that the A-IoT device 200 is not close to the A-IoT reader 100 and terminate the processing shown in FIG.

[0056] In this way, the A-IoT reader 100 can estimate whether the A-IoT device 200 is close to the A-IoT reader 100 based on the signal from the A-IoT device 200.

[0057] (S105) If the A-IoT reader 100 determines in S104 that the A-IoT device 200 is in proximity, it sends a trigger to the A-IoT device 200. The trigger for the A-IoT device 200 may be, for example, a trigger (e.g., a preamble, start indicator, clock acquisition part, or delimiter) that instructs the start of R2D communication or D2R communication.

[0058] (S106) The A-IoT device 200 attempts to detect a trigger. If the A-IoT device 200 detects a trigger, it proceeds to processing of S107. If the A-IoT device 200 does not detect a trigger, it may end the processing of FIG. 5.

[0059] (S107) The A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 perform R2D communication and D2R communication in the R2D / D2R resources related to the trigger (for example, the R2D / D2R resources immediately after the trigger is sent or detected).

[0060] Thus, in operation example 1, communication using R2D / D2R is performed when the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 are in close proximity, while communication using R2D / D2R is not performed when the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 are not in close proximity.

[0061] For example, because the A-IoT device 200 has extremely low reception capability, data communication may be difficult if the A-IoT device 200 and the A-IoT reader 100 are not in close proximity. In operation example 1, data communication is initiated when proximity estimation determines that the A-IoT device 200 is in close proximity to the A-IoT reader 100. This allows data communication between the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200 to be initiated appropriately depending on the situation (e.g., positional relationship) of the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 200.

[0062] In addition, data communication is not initiated if it is determined that the A-IoT device 200 is not in close proximity to the A-IoT reader 100, thereby reducing power consumption of the A-IoT reader 100 and the A-IoT device 400.

[0063] In addition, in operation example 1, the A-IoT reader 100 performs proximity estimation using a signal processing unit (including, for example, an antenna 105, a receiving unit 106, a signal separating unit 107, and a demodulating / decoding unit 108) that performs data communication. This eliminates the need for the A-IoT reader 100 to have a new circuit for proximity estimation processing, thereby suppressing an increase in the circuit size of the A-IoT reader 100.

[0064] Note that the radio waves (signals) emitted by the A-IoT device 200 in the process of (S102) may contain a message (or information). In this case, if the A-IoT reader 100 successfully decodes the message (for example, if it receives a message from the A-IoT device 200), it may estimate (determine) that the A-IoT device 200 is nearby in the process of (S104). On the other hand, if the A-IoT reader 100 does not successfully decode the message, it may estimate that the A-IoT device 200 is not nearby in the process of (S104). This allows the A-IoT reader 100 to estimate that the A-IoT device 200 is nearby enough to decode the message from the A-IoT device 200.

[0065] The message may also include, for example, an identifier of the A-IoT device 200. This allows the A-IoT reader 100 to identify which A-IoT device 200 is in proximity to the A-IoT reader 100 based on the decrypted message.

[0066] Furthermore, in the process of (S102), the A-IoT device 200 may emit radio waves without relying on instructions from the A-IoT reader or base station, thereby reducing the overhead of control signals.

[0067] Furthermore, in the process of (S102), the A-IoT device 200 may emit radio waves based on a method instructed by the A-IoT reader 100 or the base station. This reduces resource overhead. In addition, the control signal used in the instruction from the A-IoT reader 100 or the base station may be a signal that is easier to decode than the trigger, or may be a signal that is transmitted less frequently than the trigger. This reduces power consumption in the A-IoT device 200.

[0068] [Operation Example 2] [Configuration of A-IoT Reader] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT reader 300 according to Operation Example 2. The A-IoT reader 300 shown in Figure 6 differs from the A-IoT reader 100 (Figure 3) according to Operation Example 1 in that it includes a proximity estimation unit 301 and the operation of the control unit 302.

[0069] The proximity estimation unit 301 attempts to communicate with the A-IoT device 400 (for example, the proximity estimation unit 401 described later) and estimates whether the A-IoT device 400 is in proximity to the A-IoT reader 300. The proximity estimation unit 301 outputs the estimation result to the control unit 302. Note that the antenna connected to the proximity estimation unit 301 may be different from or the same as the antenna 105 used for R2D / D2R communication as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0070] The control unit 302 instructs the trigger generation unit 102 to generate a trigger based on the estimation result input from the proximity estimation unit 301. The control unit 302 also instructs the signal arrangement unit 103 about R2D resources and instructs the signal separation unit 107 about D2R resources.

[0071] Thus, in operation example 2, the A-IoT reader 300 performs proximity estimation using a signal processing unit (e.g., proximity estimation unit 301) different from the signal processing unit (e.g., including antenna 105, receiving unit 106, signal separation unit 107, and demodulation / decoding unit 108) that performs data communication.

[0072] [Configuration of A-IoT device] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an A-IoT device 400 according to Operation Example 2. The A-IoT device 400 shown in Figure 7 differs from the A-IoT device 200 according to Operation Example 1 (Figure 4) in that it includes a proximity estimation unit 401.

[0073] The proximity estimation unit 401 attempts to communicate with the A-IoT reader 300 (for example, the proximity estimation unit 301 described later). Note that the antenna connected to the proximity estimation unit 401 may be different from the antenna 205 used for R2D / D2R communication as shown in FIG. 7 .

[0074] Below, an example of the operation of the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 described above will be explained.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 according to the second operation example.

[0076] (S201) The A-IoT device 400 obtains configuration information for R2D / D2R resources (similar to S101).

[0077] (S202) The A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 attempt communication between their proximity estimation units (e.g., the proximity estimation units 301 and 401). That is, the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 communicate using signal processing units (the proximity estimation units 301 and 401) different from the signal processing unit that performs data communication.

[0078] (S203) The A-IoT reader 300 performs proximity estimation based on the result of the communication attempt in S202.

[0079] For example, if the proximity estimation units are successful in communicating with each other, the A-IoT reader 300 determines that the A-IoT device 400 is in proximity to the A-IoT reader 300 and proceeds to processing in S204. On the other hand, if the proximity estimation units are not successful in communicating with each other, the A-IoT reader 300 may determine that the A-IoT device 400 is not in proximity to the A-IoT reader 300 and terminate the processing shown in FIG.

[0080] In this way, the A-IoT reader 300 can estimate whether the A-IoT device 400 is in proximity to the A-IoT reader 300 based on whether communication with the A-IoT device 400 (e.g., the proximity estimation unit 401) by a signal processing unit (e.g., the proximity estimation unit 301) different from the signal processing unit that performs data communication is successful.

[0081] (S204) If the A-IoT reader 300 determines in S203 that the A-IoT device 400 is nearby, it sends a trigger to the A-IoT device 400 (similar to S105). The trigger for the A-IoT device 400 may be, for example, a trigger (e.g., a preamble, start indicator, clock acquisition part, or delimiter) that instructs the start of R2D communication or D2R communication.

[0082] (S205) The A-IoT device 400 attempts to detect a trigger (similar to S106). If the A-IoT device 400 detects a trigger, it proceeds to processing of S206. If the A-IoT device 400 does not detect a trigger, it may end the processing of FIG. 8.

[0083] (S206) The A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 perform R2D communication and D2R communication in the R2D / D2R resources related to the trigger (for example, the R2D / D2R resources immediately after the trigger is sent or detected) (similar to S107).

[0084] Thus, in Operation Example 2, communication using R2D / D2R is performed when the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 are close to each other, while communication using R2D / D2R is not performed when the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 are not close to each other. As a result, as in Operation Example 1, data communication between the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 can be started appropriately depending on the situation (e.g., positional relationship) of the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400.

[0085] In addition, data communication is not initiated if it is determined that the A-IoT device 400 is not in close proximity to the A-IoT reader 300, thereby reducing power consumption of the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400.

[0086] In addition, in Operation Example 2, the A-IoT reader 100 performs proximity estimation using a signal processing unit (e.g., proximity estimation unit 301) different from the signal processing unit (e.g., including the antenna 105, receiving unit 106, signal separation unit 107, and demodulation / decoding unit 108) that performs data communication. Here, for example, communication between the proximity estimation units of the A-IoT reader 300 and the A-IoT device 400 may be performed using a frequency band or communication method different from that used for data communication. For example, the proximity estimation units of each device may communicate using a method other than 5G-NR. Examples of methods other than 5G-NR include Narrowband (NB)-IoT, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Matter (registered trademark), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), Ultra Wideband (UWB), and FiRa (registered trademark). This enables proximity estimation without interfering with data communication.

[0087] Operation example 1 and operation example 2 have been described above.

[0088] Thus, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the A-IoT reader 100 / 300 estimates whether the A-IoT device 200 / 400 is in proximity based on a signal from the A-IoT device 200 / 400 that is the target of data communication, and if the proximity estimation determines that the A-IoT device 200 / 400 is in proximity, it initiates (starts) data communication with the A-IoT device 200 / 400. This allows data communication between the A-IoT reader 100 / 300 and the A-IoT device 200 / 400 to be initiated appropriately depending on the situation (e.g., locational relationship) of the A-IoT reader 100 / 300 and the A-IoT device 200 / 400, thereby improving the efficiency of wireless communication in wireless communication devices (e.g., the A-IoT reader 100 / 300 and the A-IoT device 200 / 400).

[0089] (Other embodiments) In the processing of S101 and S201 in the above embodiments, the configuration of R2D / D2R resources for the A-IoT device may be provided by a dedicated configuration device at the time of factory shipment or when the device starts operating, or may be provided by a control signal from an A-IoT reader or base station, etc.

[0090] In addition, in the processes of S101 and S201 in the above embodiment, multiple periodic R2D / D2R resources may be set for the A-IoT device. In addition, in the processes of S105 and S204, the A-IoT reader may send triggers corresponding to each of the R2D / D2R resources.

[0091] In addition, the series of proximity estimations in the processes of S102 to S104 and S202 to S203 in the above embodiment may be performed less frequently than the series of communications in the processes of S105 to S107 and S204 to S206. For example, if the processes of S104 and S203 estimate that the A-IoT reader and A-IoT device are in proximity a predetermined number of times (e.g., once), the processes of S102 to S104 and S202 to S203 may be skipped and the flow of the processes of S105 to S107 and S204 to S206 may be repeated multiple times thereafter. This reduces the number of proximity estimation attempts and reduces power consumption of the A-IoT reader and A-IoT device.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is estimated in the processes of S104 and S203 that the A-IoT reader and A-IoT device are not in close proximity, if a trigger is not detected in the processes of S106 and S205, or if R2D / D2R communication fails in the processes of S107 and S206, the process may be repeated from the proximity estimation process of S102 and S202. This reduces the number of R2D / D2R communication attempts when they are not in close proximity, and reduces power consumption of the A-IoT reader and A-IoT device.

[0093] (Characteristics of A-IoT Device) The A-IoT device in the above embodiment may be a device (e.g., corresponding to a second type of device) that offers lower complexity or power consumption than a device (e.g., corresponding to a first type of device) that supports existing 3GPP LPWA technologies such as Narrowband (NB)-IoT or LTE-Machine Type Communication (MTC). Note that the A-IoT device is not limited to a device having the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0094] The A-IoT device in each of the above embodiments may be, for example, a wireless device having at least one of the following features. - Equipped with a circuit for backscatter communication - The transmission bandwidth to the A-IoT reader is below a threshold (e.g., several subcarriers) - The reception bandwidth from the A-IoT reader is below a threshold (e.g., 12 resource blocks) - The transmittable data size (or Transport Block Size) is below a threshold (e.g., 1000 bits) - The achievable communication speed is below a threshold (e.g., several kbps) - The power capacity of the energy storage (battery or capacitor) is below a threshold, or there is no energy storage - The power consumption is below a threshold (e.g., 1 microW or several hundred microW) - Equipped with a circuit for receiving wireless power (e.g., wireless power transfer, Wireless Power Transfer (WPT)) - Modulates or demodulates using a specific modulation method (e.g., On Off Keying, Frequency Shift Keying, Phase Shift Keying) - Encodes or decodes using a specific Line Coding method (e.g., Manchester, FM0, Miller, Phase Interval Encoding), or Line Do not use coding or decoding with specific forward error correction methods (e.g., convolutional coding, repetition coding), or do not use forward error correction.

[0095] (Backscattered communication in Ambient IoT) When transmitting information to an A-IoT reader, an A-IoT device can use backscattered communication in addition to a communication method using electromagnetic waves (radio waves) generated within the A-IoT device. As an example of backscattered communication, an A-IoT device can transmit information by modulating the electromagnetic waves (e.g., incident waves) emitted from the A-IoT reader or other nodes to correspond to the transmission data, and then reflecting the modulated electromagnetic waves (e.g., reflected waves) back to the A-IoT reader. This reduces the power consumption of the A-IoT device.

[0096] The incident wave for backscatter communication is sometimes called "Carrier Wave (CW)", and a node that emits CW is sometimes called a "CW node".

[0097] (Ambient-IoT specific resources) In the data communication according to the above embodiment, the data transmitted from the A-IoT device to the A-IoT reader may be called Device-to-Reader (D2R) or Device Oriented (DO). This data (D2R signal) may be transmitted in a radio resource (or channel) called the Physical Device-to-Reader Channel (PDRCH).

[0098] In the data communication according to the above embodiment, the data transmitted from the A-IoT reader to the A-IoT device may be called Reader-to-Device (R2D) or Device Terminated (DT). This data (R2D signal) may be transmitted in a radio resource (or channel) called the Physical Reader-to-Device Channel (PRDCH).

[0099] The PRDCH and PDRCH may be scheduled by the A-IoT leader or an A-IoT intermediate node, by the base station, or by the CN (Core Network).

[0100] In addition to the PRDCH and PDRCH, the R2D signal and the D2R signal may be transmitted via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), the Physical Uplink Shared CHannel (PUSCH), the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), the Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH), and the Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0101] (Parameter Settings) The parameter values ​​used in each of the above embodiments may be defined in advance in a standard, or may be notified to the A-IoT reader or A-IoT device by a control signal or the like.

[0102] The base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or a gNB, and the terminal may be referred to as a UE.

[0103] The time resource units such as symbols and slots may be replaced with system frames, time slots, minislots, frames, subframes, and the like.

[0104] Furthermore, the notation "... section" in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0105] (Additional Information) Information indicating whether a terminal (or an A-IoT device) supports the functions, operations, or processing described in the above-described embodiments may be transmitted (or notified) from the terminal to a base station (or an A-IoT reader, a CW node, or a WPT power transmission station), for example, as capability information or capability parameters of the terminal.

[0106] The capability information may include information elements (IEs) that individually indicate whether the terminal supports at least one of the functions, operations, or processes described in the above-described embodiments, or may include information elements that indicate whether the terminal supports a combination of any two or more of the functions, operations, or processes described in the above-described embodiments.

[0107] For example, the base station may determine (or decide or assume) the functions, operations, or processes that the terminal that transmitted the capability information supports (or does not support) based on the capability information received from the terminal. The base station may perform operations, processes, or controls according to the determination result based on the capability information. For example, the base station may control WPT, CW, or communication based on the capability information received from the terminal.

[0108] Note that the fact that a terminal does not support some of the functions, operations, or processes described in the above-described embodiments may be interpreted as meaning that such some of the functions, operations, or processes are restricted in the terminal. For example, information or a request regarding such restrictions may be notified to the base station.

[0109] Information regarding the capabilities or limitations of the terminal may, for example, be defined in a standard, or may be implicitly notified to the base station in association with information known at the base station or information transmitted to the base station.

[0110] (Control Signal) In the present disclosure, a downlink control signal (or downlink control information) related to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be, for example, a signal (or information) transmitted in a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) of a physical layer, or a signal (or information) transmitted in a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) or Radio Resource Control (RRC) of a higher layer. Furthermore, the signal (or information) is not limited to being notified by a downlink control signal, but may be predefined in a specification (or standard) or preconfigured in a base station and a terminal.

[0111] In the present disclosure, an uplink control signal (or uplink control information) related to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be, for example, a signal (or information) transmitted in a PUCCH of a physical layer, or a signal (or information) transmitted in a MAC CE or RRC of a higher layer. Furthermore, the signal (or information) is not limited to being notified by an uplink control signal, but may be predefined in a specification (or standard) or preconfigured in a base station and a terminal. Furthermore, the uplink control signal may be replaced with, for example, uplink control information (UCI), 1st stage sidelink control information (SCI), or 2nd stage SCI.

[0112] (Base Station) In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station may be a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a cluster head, an access point, a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an eNodeB (eNB), a gNodeB (gNB), a Base Station (BS), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a parent device, a gateway, or the like. In sidelink communication, a terminal may play the role of a base station. Instead of a base station, a relay device that relays communication between an upper node and a terminal may be used. Alternatively, a roadside unit may be used.

[0113] (Uplink / Downlink / Sidelink) An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to, for example, any of the uplink, downlink, and sidelink. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) in the uplink, a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), a PDCCH, or a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) in the downlink, or a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), or a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH) in the sidelink.

[0114] The PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH are examples of a downlink control channel, a downlink data channel, an uplink data channel, and an uplink control channel, respectively. The PSCCH and PSSCH are examples of a sidelink control channel and a sidelink data channel. The PBCH and PSBCH are examples of a broadcast channel, and the PRACH is an example of a random access channel.

[0115] (Data Channel / Control Channel) An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to, for example, either a data channel or a control channel. For example, the channel in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be replaced with any of the data channels PDSCH, PUSCH, and PSSCH, or the control channels PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PSCCH, and PSBCH.

[0116] (Reference Signal) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reference signal is, for example, a signal known by both a base station and a mobile station, and may also be called a Reference Signal (RS) or a pilot signal. The reference signal may be any of a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), a Channel State Information - Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0117] (Time Interval) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the unit of time resource is not limited to one or a combination of slots and symbols, but may be, for example, a time resource unit such as a frame, a superframe, a subframe, a slot, a time slot, a subslot, a minislot, a symbol, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (SC-FDMA) symbol, or another time resource unit. Furthermore, the number of symbols included in one slot is not limited to the number of symbols exemplified in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be another number of symbols.

[0118] (Frequency Band) An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to either a licensed band or an unlicensed band.

[0119] (Communication) An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to communication between a base station and a terminal (Uu link communication), communication between terminals (Sidelink communication), or Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication. For example, the channel in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be replaced with any of PSCCH, PSSCH, Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH), PSBCH, PDCCH, PUCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, or PBCH.

[0120] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a terrestrial network, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) using a satellite or a high altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS), or a terrestrial network in which transmission delay is large compared to the symbol length or slot length, such as a network with a large cell size or an ultra-wideband transmission network.

[0121] (SBFD) In ​​one embodiment of the present disclosure, operations on uplink, downlink, and sidelink symbols may be applied to symbols (e.g., SBFD symbols) on which SBFD (Subband Non-Overlapping Full Duplex, Subband Full Duplex) operations or controls are performed. In SBFD symbols, a frequency domain (or frequency resource, frequency band) is divided into multiple frequency domains (e.g., subbands, RB sets, subbands, or sub-BWPs (Bandwidth Parts)). A terminal transmits and receives in different directions (e.g., downlink or uplink) in units of subbands, which are the divided domains. In SBFD symbols, a terminal may transmit and receive in one direction, either uplink or downlink, but not in the other direction. On the other hand, a base station may be capable of transmitting and receiving on both the uplink and downlink simultaneously. SBFD symbols may have a smaller frequency domain available for downlink transmission than symbols that transmit and receive only downlink transmission. Also, SBFD symbols may have a smaller frequency domain available for uplink transmission than symbols that transmit and receive only uplink transmission.

[0122] In addition, in the SBFD symbol, a terminal may transmit and receive uplink and downlink simultaneously. In this case, the frequency domain in which the terminal transmits and the frequency domain in which the terminal receives may not be adjacent, but may be separated by a frequency interval (also called a frequency gap).

[0123] In addition, different transmission and reception directions in subband units, which are divided areas, may include transmission and reception of side links.

[0124] (XDD: Cross Division Duplex) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation for uplink, downlink, and sidelink symbols may be applied to symbols (e.g., full duplex symbols) where full duplex operation or control is performed. In a full duplex symbol, both the terminal and the base station can simultaneously transmit and receive on the uplink and downlink. In a full duplex symbol, the terminal and the base station may simultaneously transmit and receive in an available frequency region (or frequency resource, frequency band), or may simultaneously transmit and receive in a partial frequency region (i.e., transmission or reception may be performed in other frequency regions). In this case, the frequency region in which the base station or terminal transmits and receives may not be adjacent, but may have a frequency interval (also called a frequency gap). Furthermore, for the purpose of, for example, reducing interference, either the terminal or the base station may simultaneously transmit and receive (i.e., the other may transmit or receive).

[0125] In addition, full duplex operation may be applied to an operation in which a terminal can simultaneously transmit and receive sidelinks, or to an operation in which a terminal can simultaneously transmit and receive sidelinks and uplinks or downlinks.

[0126] (Antenna Port) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna port refers to a logical antenna (antenna group) consisting of one or more physical antennas. For example, an antenna port does not necessarily refer to a single physical antenna, but may refer to an array antenna consisting of multiple antennas. For example, the number of physical antennas that an antenna port is composed of is not specified, and the antenna port may be specified as the smallest unit by which a terminal station can transmit a reference signal. Furthermore, an antenna port may also be specified as the smallest unit by which a weighting of a precoding vector is multiplied.

[0127] <5G NR System Architecture and Protocol Stack> The 5G NR system architecture generally assumes an NG-RAN (Next Generation - Radio Access Network) including gNBs. The gNBs provide UE-side termination of the NG radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocols. The gNBs are connected to each other via an Xn interface. The gNBs are also connected to the Next Generation Core (NGC) via a Next Generation (NG) interface, more specifically to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (e.g., a specific core entity that performs AMF) via an NG-C interface, and to the User Plane Function (UPF) (e.g., a specific core entity that performs UPF) via an NG-U interface. The NG-RAN architecture is shown in Figure 9 (see, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300 v15.6.0, section 4).

[0128] <RRC connection setup and reconfiguration procedure> This shows the NAS part of the interaction between the UE, gNB, and AMF (5GC entity) when the UE transitions from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED (see TS 38.300 v15.6.0).

[0129] RRC is a higher layer signaling protocol used to configure the UE and gNB. The AMF prepares UE context data (including, for example, PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, UE security capabilities, etc.) and sends it to the gNB along with an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST. The gNB then activates AS security together with the UE. This is done by the gNB sending a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE, and the UE responding with a SecurityModeComplete message to the gNB. The gNB then sends an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE, and upon receiving an RRCReconfigurationComplete from the UE, the gNB performs reconfiguration to set up Signaling Radio Bearer 2 (SRB2) and Data Radio Bearer (DRB). For signaling-only connections, the steps related to RRCReconfiguration are omitted because SRB2 and DRB are not set up. Finally, the gNB notifies the AMF that the setup procedure is complete with an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE.

[0130] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a 5th Generation Core (5GC) entity (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) that includes: a control circuit that, upon operation, establishes a Next Generation (NG) connection with a gNodeB; and a transmitter that, upon operation, transmits an initial context setup message to the gNodeB via the NG connection so that a signaling radio bearer between the gNodeB and a user equipment (UE) is set up. Specifically, the gNodeB transmits Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, including a resource allocation configuration information element (IE), to the UE via the signaling radio bearer. The UE then transmits in uplink or receives in downlink based on the resource allocation configuration.

[0131] <QoS Control> The 5G Quality of Service (QoS) model is based on QoS flows and supports both QoS flows that require a guaranteed flow bit rate (Guaranteed Bit Rate QoS flows (GBR)) and QoS flows that do not require a guaranteed flow bit rate (non-GBR QoS flows). Thus, at the NAS level, a QoS flow is the finest granularity of QoS classification in a PDU session. A QoS flow is identified within a PDU session by a QoS Flow ID (QFI) carried in an encapsulation header over the NG-U interface.

[0132] For each UE, 5GC establishes one or more PDU sessions. For each UE, the NG-RAN establishes, for example, at least one Data Radio Bearer (DRB) for each PDU session. Additional DRBs for the QoS flows of that PDU session can be configured later (when this is up to the NG-RAN). The NG-RAN maps packets belonging to different PDU sessions to different DRBs. NAS-level packet filters in the UE and 5GC associate UL and DL packets with QoS flows, while AS-level mapping rules in the UE and NG-RAN associate UL and DL QoS flows with DRBs.

[0133] (Open-RAN) The base station described in each embodiment (for example, a 5G NR base station called a gNB) may be configured with three functional modules: a Centralized Unit (CU), a Distributed Unit (DU), and a Radio Unit (RU).

[0134] A CU may be referred to as a centralized node, aggregation node, central station, aggregation station, or centralized unit. A DU may be referred to as an O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU), distributed node, distributed station, or distributed unit. An RU may be referred to as an O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU), radio equipment, radio node, radio station, antenna unit, or radio unit.

[0135] There are several split options for the functional split configuration (or functional split point) between CU, DU, and RU. The term "functional split point" is sometimes referred to as "split," "option," or "split option."

[0136] Examples of "division options" include the following division options 1 to 8. The functions of the base station described in each embodiment may be divided into a CU, a DU, and an RU by any of the following division options 1 to 8. For example, the CU, DU, and RU may be functionally divided, or the functions may be divided only between the CU and DU or only between the DU and RU. (1) Segmentation option 1: Between RRC (radio resource control) and PDCP (2) Segmentation option 2: Between PDCP and RLC (High-RLC) (3) Segmentation option 3: Between High-RLC and Low-RLC (4) Segmentation option 4: Between RLC (Low-RLC) and MAC (High-MAC) (5) Segmentation option 5: Between High-MAC and Low-MAC (6) Segmentation option 6: Between MAC (Low-MAC) and PHY (High-PHY) (7) Segmentation option 7: Between High-PHY and Low-PHY (8) Segmentation option 8: Between PHY (Low-PHY) and RF

[0137] The functional split point between the CU and O-DU may be split option 2. The section between the CU and O-DU is called midhaul, and the F1 interface is specified by 3GPP. The section between the O-DU and O-RU is called fronthaul, and the functional split point may be split option 7-2x, which is adopted as the O-RAN fronthaul specification.

[0138] Figure 10 shows an example of functional division of the gNB base station functions into CU, O-DU, and O-RU using Split Option 2 and Split Option 7-2x.

[0139] The CU may have, for example, a radio resource control (RRC) function, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) function, and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) function.

[0140] The O-DU may include, for example, a radio link control (RLC) function, a MAC function, and a higher physical layer (HIGH-PHY) function. The HIGH-PHY function may include an encoding function, a scrambling function, a modulation function, a layer mapping function, a precoding function, and a resource element (RE) mapping function for downlink (DL) transmission. The HIGH-PHY function may also include a decoding function, a descrambling function, a demodulation function, a layer demapping function, and a resource element (RE) demapping function for uplink (UL) reception.

[0141] The O-RU may have, for example, a LOW-PHY function and an RF function. The LOW-PHY function may also have, for downlink transmission, a beamforming function, an IFFT (Inverse First Fourier Transform) + CP (Cyclic Prefix) assignment function, and a D / A (Digital to Analog) conversion function. The LOW-PHY function may also have, for uplink reception, an A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion function, a CP removal + FFT (First Fourier Transform) function, and a beamforming function.

[0142] In addition, if the O-DU does not have a precoding function, the O-RU may have a precoding function.

[0143] The O-RU may have a function related to LBT (listen before talk). The evolving common public radio interface (eCPRI) is specified as the communication method between the O-DU and the O-RU in Split Option 7-2x. In Split Option 7-2x, eCPRI transmits and receives sampling sequences of the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of the OFDM signal in the frequency domain, as well as information used for beamforming in the antenna and time synchronization signals.

[0144] Information transmitted by the signals described in each embodiment (PDCCH, PUCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, MAC CE, RRC, etc.) may be transmitted between the O-DU and the O-RU via the eCPRI User Plane (U-Plane) or Control Plane (C-Plane).

[0145] When the functions described in each embodiment are performed in the O-RU by functional division, the O-DU may control the O-RU by transmitting information for controlling the functions via a control signal (e.g., eCPRI) between the O-DU and the O-RU.

[0146] When the functions described in each embodiment are performed in the O-DU by functional division, the O-RU may receive the results of the functions performed in the O-DU via a control signal (e.g., eCPRI) and control the O-RU based on the received results.

[0147] The CU, O-DU, and O-RU may be deployed in physically different devices with their respective functions connected by optical fiber or the like, or some or all of their functions may be deployed in the same physical device.

[0148] The CU and O-DU may be logical entities implemented as software running on a server in the cloud or the like as a virtualized RAN (virtual Radio Access Network: vRAN). Also, some or all of the functions of the CU and O-DU may be provided as a virtualized network function (Network Functions Virtualization: NFV) service.

[0149] The transceiver does not have to be a radio transceiver, but may be, for example, a network transceiver, an optical transceiver, etc. The radio resources allocated by the O-DU may be resources for wireless communication between the O-RU and the UE.

[0150] The present disclosure can be realized in software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware.

[0151] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may also be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0152] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0153] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0154] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system (collectively referred to as a communications apparatus) that has a communications function. The communications apparatus may include a radio transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both functions. The radio transceiver (transmitter and receiver) may include a radio frequency (RF) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0155] The communication devices are not limited to portable or mobile devices, but also include any kind of non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (such as home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0156] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communication satellite systems, and the like, as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0157] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0158] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0159] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control circuit that estimates whether a device is nearby based on a signal from the device with which data communication is to be performed, and a communication circuit that performs the data communication with the device if the estimation determines that the device is nearby.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit performs the estimation using a signal processing circuit that performs the data communication.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity when, in the estimation, the reception level of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity if, in the estimation, the control circuit successfully decodes a message included in the signal.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit performs the estimation using a second signal processing circuit different from a first signal processing circuit that performs the data communication.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity if, in the estimation, the second signal processing circuit has successfully communicated with the device.

[0165] A device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a device comprising a communication circuit that transmits a signal to a communication device, and a control circuit that controls data communication with the communication device in accordance with instructions from the communication device, and the data communication is performed when the communication device determines that the device is in proximity based on the signal.

[0166] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device estimates whether a device to be the target of data communication is in proximity based on a signal from the device, and if the estimation determines that the device is in proximity, performs the data communication with the device.

[0167] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device transmits a signal to a communication apparatus and controls data communication with the communication apparatus in accordance with instructions from the communication apparatus, and the data communication is performed when the communication apparatus determines that the device is in proximity to the communication apparatus based on the signal.

[0168] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-129956, filed on August 6, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0169] One aspect of the present disclosure is useful in wireless communication systems.

[0170] 100, 300 A-IoT reader 101, 202 Encoding and modulation unit 102 Trigger generation unit 103, 203 Signal allocation unit 104, 204 Transmission unit 105, 205 Antenna 106, 206 Reception unit 107, 207 Signal separation unit 108, 209 Demodulation and decoding unit 109, 201, 302 Control unit 200, 400 A-IoT device 208 Trigger detection unit 301 Proximity estimation unit 401 Proximity estimation unit

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a control circuit that estimates whether a device is in proximity based on a signal from the device with which data communication is to be performed; and a communication circuit that performs the data communication with the device when the estimation determines that the device is in proximity.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit performs the estimation using a signal processing circuit that performs the data communication.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity when, in the estimation, the reception level of the signal is equal to or greater than a threshold.

4. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity if, in the estimation, the message included in the signal is successfully decoded.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit performs the estimation using a second signal processing circuit different from a first signal processing circuit that performs the data communication.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit determines that the device is in proximity when, in the estimation, communication with the device by the second signal processing circuit is successful.

7. A device comprising: a communication circuit that transmits a signal to a communication device; and a control circuit that controls data communication with the communication device in accordance with instructions from the communication device, wherein the data communication is performed when the communication device determines that the device is in proximity based on the signal.

8. A communication method in which a communication device estimates whether a device to be the target of data communication is in proximity based on a signal from the device, and performs the data communication with the device if the estimation determines that the device is in proximity.

9. A communication method in which a device transmits a signal to a communication device, controls data communication with the communication device in accordance with instructions from the communication device, and the data communication is performed when the communication device determines that the device is in proximity to the communication device based on the signal.

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