Communication apparatus, device, and communication method

Abstract

This communication apparatus comprises: a control unit that determines, on the basis of a first transmission time for performing a plurality of signal transmissions in a device, a second transmission time for radio waves to be used for the plurality of transmissions; and a communication unit that transmits the radio waves to the device in the second transmission time.

Description

Communication apparatus, device and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a 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, there is insufficient consideration given to the schedule for sending and receiving signals from A-IoT devices (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing), which can result in communication not being carried out properly.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a communication apparatus, device, and communication method that can appropriately determine a schedule for transmitting and receiving signals from an A-IoT device.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines, based on a first transmission time for multiple transmissions of a signal in a device, a second transmission time of radio waves to be used for the multiple transmissions, and a communication unit that transmits the radio waves to the device during the second transmission time.

[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 candidate topologies for CW, R2D, and D2R transmission. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of D2R transmission when an offset occurs. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of assumptions in an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of CW transmission in proposal 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of D2R reception in proposal 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of CW transmission in proposal 2. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of D2R reception in proposal 2. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating two example cases of CW transmission in proposal 3. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing two other example cases of CW transmission in proposal 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing two example cases of D2R reception in proposal 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing two other example cases of D2R reception in proposal 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing two example cases of CW transmission and D2R reception in proposal 4. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reader according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a reader and a device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing 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, the following deployment scenarios and characteristics can be considered for 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 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 referred to as the A-IoT or the device.

[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. These 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; Relationship with scheduling and timing. 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." A "reader" corresponds to a base station or intermediate node. A "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. Signal, data, and information may be used interchangeably.

[0062] <Device Types in RAN1> In RAN1, for the purpose of the study, the following terms are used for device types:

[0063] Device 1: Device 1 (which may be referred to as Type 1) is a type of device that consumes a peak power of 1 μW or less. Device 1 has an energy storage and an initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of up to Z ppm (parts per million) (Z is 10 to the power x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Device 1 does not have any DL / UL amplifiers. UL transmission in Device 1 is performed by backscattering with an externally provided carrier wave (CW). Note that SFO indicates the difference in sampling back frequencies between the transmitting side and the receiving side. SFO may be interpreted as representing, for example, the accuracy of time synchronization between the transmitting side and the receiving side.

[0064] Device 2a Device 2a (which may be referred to as type 2a) is a type of device that consumes a peak power of several hundred μW. Device 2a has energy storage and has an initial SFO of up to Z [ppm] (Z is 10 to the power x (x is an integer equal to or greater than 0)). DL / UL amplification is also performed in device 2a. UL transmission in device 2a is performed by backscattering with an externally provided carrier wave (carrier wave (CW)).

[0065] Device 2b Device 2b (which may be referred to as type 2b) is a type of device that consumes a peak power of several hundred μW. Device 2b has energy storage and an initial SFO of up to Z [ppm] (Z is 10 to the xth power (x is an integer equal to or greater than 0)). DL / UL amplification is also performed in device 2b. UL transmission in device 2b is performed internally within device 2b. In other words, UL transmission in device 2b does not need to be performed by backscattering with an externally provided carrier wave (carrier wave (CW)).

[0066] Carrier Wave Transmission For carrier wave (CW), R2D, and D2R transmission, the following candidate topologies can be envisaged:

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] A signal transmitted in a D2R link may be referred to as a D2R signal or D2R. A transmission of a D2R signal may be referred to as a D2R transmission or D2R. A D2R transmission in an A-IoT device may correspond to a D2R reception in a reader.

[0074] A signal transmitted in an R2D link may be referred to as an R2D signal or R2D. A transmission of an R2D signal may be referred to as an R2D transmission or R2D. An R2D transmission at a reader may correspond to an R2D reception at an A-IoT device.

[0075] The CW waveform used in D2R transmission may be referred to as CW or a CW signal. CW may be an example of a radio wave used in D2R transmission. CW transmission may be referred to as CW transmission or CW. CW transmission may correspond to CW reception in an A-IoT device. CW transmission may be performed by a BS, an intermediate UE as a leader, or a CW node. Note that the CW node may be a node that transmits CW to the A-IoT device. Furthermore, the CW node may not receive D2R from the A-IoT device.

[0076] In this embodiment, "timing" may be replaced with "time." In other words, "timing" may mean a single point in time or a certain time span. For example, transmission timing may be replaced with transmission time. Furthermore, "transmission start timing" may be replaced with "start of transmission timing" and "start of transmission time," etc. Furthermore, "transmission end timing" may be replaced with "end of transmission timing" and "end of transmission time," etc.

[0077] <Items for consideration> It was agreed that a single-tone unmodulated sinusoid waveform would be considered for the CW waveform.

[0078] On the other hand, for CW waveforms, single tone waveforms with frequency hopping are being considered.

[0079] Due to the sampling frequency offset (SFO), there is an offset in the D2R transmission at the A-IoT device.

[0080] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of D2R transmission when an offset occurs. The horizontal axis in Fig. 14 represents the time axis. Fig. 14 shows the transmission timing (or transmission time) of a CW for D2R transmission, the D2R transmission timing when there is no offset, and two examples of D2R transmission timing that may occur due to an offset.

[0081] The timing of the CW transmission is not explicitly / specifically dictated by the network, but can be determined from the R2D and D2R timing.

[0082] In general, the CW needs to be transmitted during a time period in which D2R transmission is expected. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the CW needs to be transmitted during a time period that includes two possible D2R transmission timings.

[0083] Furthermore, when taking into account the sampling frequency offset (SFO) / sampling timing error in the A-IoT device, it is desirable that the CW transmission start earlier than the start timing of the D2R transmission and end later than the end timing of the D2R transmission. Note that the start timing of the D2R transmission may be a set start timing, a commanded start timing, or a determined start timing. Also, the end timing of the D2R transmission may be a set end timing, a commanded end timing, or a determined end timing.

[0084] However, when the CW is a single tone with frequency hopping, there is room for consideration regarding how to handle a possible time offset in the D2R transmission of an A-IoT device. That is, the schedule for transmitting and receiving signals of the A-IoT device (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is not sufficiently considered, taking into account the presence or absence of an offset, and communication may not be performed appropriately.

[0085] For example, if the time offset is not taken into consideration, the duration of the CW may be insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission may not be appropriate. In this case, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission may not be performed appropriately.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, in a case where multiple D2R transmissions are performed, if a time offset occurs in the D2R transmissions, a difference occurs between the timing at which the D2R transmissions are switched and the timing at which the CW frequency is switched due to frequency hopping, which may result in inappropriate transmission timing of the CW transmissions. In this case, it may be impossible to properly perform the D2R transmissions corresponding to the CW transmissions.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, in cases where a time offset cannot be obtained, the duration of the CW may be insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission may be inappropriate. In this case, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission may not be performed appropriately. Alternatively, the duration of the CW may be excessive for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, increasing the power consumption required for the CW transmission.

[0088] In this embodiment, a method for performing CW transmission and / or D2R reception by appropriately handling a time offset that may occur in D2R transmission of an A-IoT device will be described.

[0089] <Assumptions> In this embodiment, there are two assumptions regarding D2R transmission: The proposal shown in this embodiment may be applied assuming either of the two assumptions.

[0090] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing examples of assumptions in this embodiment. Fig. 15 shows two examples (Example 1 and Example 2) corresponding to the two assumptions in this embodiment.

[0091] In a first assumption corresponding to Example 1 of FIG. 15, the D2R transmission is divided into two parts. Of the two parts, the first part corresponds to the first N chips or N symbols of the D2R. The next part corresponds to the second M chips or M symbols of the D2R. Alternatively, the next part may correspond to the last M chips or M symbols of the D2R. Note that the first part may be referred to as the first part, D2R part #1, or part #1, and the next part may be referred to as the second part, D2R part #2, or part #2. D2R part #1 in Example 1 of FIG. 15 corresponds to the first part or first part, etc., and D2R part #2 corresponds to the next part or second part, etc. Note that D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 in FIG. 15 represent an ideal case in which there is no time offset in the A-IoT device.

[0092] Under this first premise, the CW is transmitted at different frequencies for D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. For example, in Example 1 of FIG. 15 , a CW is transmitted at frequency #1 for D2R part #1, and a CW is transmitted at frequency #2 for D2R part #2. Note that, hereinafter, the CW transmission at frequency #1 corresponding to "CW on frequency #1" shown in Example 1 of FIG. 15 may be referred to as a "first frequency hop," and the CW transmission at frequency #2 corresponding to "CW on frequency #2" shown in Example 1 of FIG. 15 may be referred to as a "second frequency hop."

[0093] In a second premise corresponding to Example 2 of Fig. 15 , two D2R repetitions are performed in D2R transmission. Note that the two D2R repetitions may be described as D2R repetition #1 and D2R repetition #2. Alternatively, the two D2R repetitions may be described as repetition #1 and repetition #2. Note that, as shown in Example 2 of Fig. 15 , "D2R repetition" may be abbreviated as "D2R rep."

[0094] In this second scenario, the CW is transmitted at different frequencies between the two repetitions. In Example 2 of Figure 15, for D2R repetition #1, the CW is transmitted at frequency #1, and for D2R repetition #2, the CW is transmitted at frequency #2.

[0095] In the following proposal, the first premise is taken as an example and is described as "D2R part #1" and "D2R part #2." However, in the following description, "D2R part #1" and "D2R part #2" may be replaced with "D2R repetition #1" and "D2R repetition #2," respectively.

[0096] In the following proposal, "time offset" may be written as "offset." Different offsets may be written in the form of offset1, offset2, offset3, and offset4. However, at least two of offset1, offset2, offset3, and offset4 may be the same or different from each other.

[0097] In the following proposal, the frequency schedule (e.g., information indicating which frequencies are to be hopped in frequency hopping) may be defined by a specification or in a system, or may be instructed by a network (e.g., a BS, etc.).

[0098] Note that the D2R in this embodiment may be a signal including a D2R preamble and a PDRCH. Alternatively, the D2R in this embodiment may be a signal including a PDRCH but not including a D2R preamble. Furthermore, the D2R may include at least one of a D2R midamble and a D2R postamble.

[0099] <Proposal 0> Proposal 0 describes the operation of an intermediate UE / CW node for CW transmission. Proposal 0 exemplarily describes the operation when both of the following two conditions are satisfied, or when at least one of the two conditions is satisfied:

[0100] (Condition 1) Condition 1 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node acquires information regarding the transmission time of the D2R transmission and / or information regarding the scheduling of the D2R transmission. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided with at least one of the following by the network. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine at least one of the following. Note that at least one of the following may be provided to the intermediate UE / CW node by the network via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI. - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is X1 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is Y1 - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is X2 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is Y2

[0101] (Condition 2) Condition 2 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node recognizes that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided by the network with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Note that the network may provide the intermediate UE / CW node with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0102] If both of the two conditions are met, or if at least one of the two conditions is met, then at least one of the following is determined. This determination is made, for example, by the intermediate UE / CW node: - The start time of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as X1. - The end time of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as Y1. - The start time of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as X2. - The end time of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as Y2.

[0103] The time (or timing) units of X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 above may be chips, symbols, or other units.

[0104] Note that under the premise of Proposal 0, time offsets (e.g., SFO) may be ignored in D2R transmissions.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of Proposal 0. The horizontal axis in FIG. 16 represents the time axis. FIG. 16 shows the timings for starting and ending transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, as well as the CWs used for transmitting D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Note that the first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 16, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 16.

[0106] In Proposal 0, when the transmission start and end timings of D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 are provided or determined, and when the CW is a single tone with frequency hopping, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X1 and the end timing is determined as Y1, as shown in Figure 16. Similarly, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X2 and the end timing is determined as Y2.

[0107] According to Proposal 0, a schedule for CW transmission (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a schedule for D2R transmission (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Therefore, the transmission timing of CW transmission can be appropriately determined, and D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed. Note that the schedule for CW transmission may include the CW frequency in addition to the CW transmission time.

[0108] <Proposal 1> <Behavior of CW transmission in Proposal 1> The behavior of an intermediate UE / CW node for CW transmission will be described below in Proposal 1. In Proposal 1, the behavior will be described, for example, when both of the following two conditions are satisfied or when at least one of the two conditions is satisfied.

[0109] (Condition 1) Condition 1 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node acquires information regarding the transmission time of the D2R transmission and / or information regarding the scheduling of the D2R transmission. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided with at least one of the following by the network. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine at least one of the following. Note that at least one of the following may be provided to the intermediate UE / CW node by the network via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI. - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is X1 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is Y1 - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is X2 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is Y2

[0110] (Condition 2) Condition 2 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node recognizes that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided by the network with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Note that the network may provide the intermediate UE / CW node with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0111] If both of the two conditions are met, or if at least one of the two conditions is met, then at least one of the following is determined. This determination is made, for example, by the intermediate UE / CW node: - The start timing of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as X1 - offset1. - The end timing of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as Y1. - The start timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as X2. - The end timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as Y2 + offset2.

[0112] In Proposal 1, as described above, an offset is taken into account in the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of the CW and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission. In other words, in Proposal 1, a schedule (e.g., transmission time) of the CW transmission is determined based on the transmission time and offset of the D2R transmission. In Proposal 1, for example, the transmission timing of the first frequency hop of the CW and the transmission timing of the second frequency hop of the CW are determined as the schedule of the CW transmission.

[0113] The time (or timing) units of X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 above may be chips, symbols, or other units.

[0114] The offset takes into account a time offset (e.g., SFO) in the D2R transmission. The offset may be specification-defined or system-defined. Alternatively, the offset may be reported by the A-IoT device or instructed by the network (e.g., BS, etc.).

[0115] The offset1 and offset2 may be the same value or may be different values.

[0116] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of CW transmission in Proposal 1. The horizontal axis in FIG. 17 represents the time axis. FIG. 17 shows the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Note that the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 in FIG. 17 are ideal D2R transmission timings assuming no time offset. Furthermore, the first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 17, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 17.

[0117] In Proposal 1, when the transmission start and end timings of D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 are provided or determined, and when the CW is a single tone with frequency hopping, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X1-offset1, and the end timing is determined as Y1, as shown in Figure 17. Similarly, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X2, and the end timing is determined as Y2+offset2.

[0118] <Behavior of D2R Reception in Proposal 1> The behavior of intermediate UE / reader for D2R reception in proposal 1 will now be described.

[0119] In Proposal 1, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., reception time or reception timing) is determined corresponding to a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Then, D2R is received according to the determined schedule. Note that the D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0120] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X1-offset1 to Y1, assuming CW is provided on frequency #1. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X1-offset1 to Y1, assuming D2R is transmitted on frequency #3, which may be frequency #1 on which CW is provided plus a backscatter frequency shift.

[0121] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X2 to Y2+offset2, assuming CW is provided on frequency #2. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X2 to Y2+offset2, assuming D2R is transmitted on frequency #4, which may be frequency #2 on which CW is provided plus a backscatter frequency shift.

[0122] In Proposal 1, an intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R Part #1 and part of D2R Part #2 on frequency #3 and the remaining part of D2R Part #2 on frequency #4. Alternatively, in Proposal 1, an intermediate UE / reader may receive part of D2R Part #1 on frequency #3 and the remaining part of D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 on frequency #4.

[0123] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of D2R reception in Proposal 1. The horizontal axis in FIG. 18 indicates the time axis. Similar to FIG. 17, FIG. 18 shows the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CWs used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. FIG. 18 also shows the D2R reception times corresponding to the CWs. FIG. 18 also shows examples of two possible D2R transmission timings that may occur due to offsets.

[0124] In the example of Figure 18, as in the example of Figure 17, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1-offset1, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2+offset2.

[0125] 18, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-offset1 to Y1, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2 to Y2+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0126] Also, as shown in pattern 1 in FIG. 18, a portion of D2R part #2 (the beginning portion in FIG. 18) is transmitted on frequency #3 and received by the intermediate UE / reader.

[0127] Also, as shown in pattern 2 in Figure 18, a portion of D2R part #1 (the end portion in Figure 18) is transmitted on frequency #4 and received by the intermediate UE / reader.

[0128] According to Proposal 1, a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a D2R transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) and a time offset. Also, according to Proposal 1, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Therefore, the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately determined, and D2R transmission and D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed. Note that the CW transmission schedule may include the CW frequency in addition to the CW transmission time. The D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0129] Furthermore, according to Proposal 1, since the time offset is taken into consideration, the time width of the CW is not insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately set. Then, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed.

[0130] <Proposal 2> <Behavior of CW transmission in proposal 2> The behavior of an intermediate UE / CW node for CW transmission will be described in proposal 2. In proposal 2, the behavior will be described, for example, when both of the following two conditions are satisfied or when at least one of the two conditions is satisfied.

[0131] (Condition 1) Condition 1 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node acquires information regarding the transmission time of the D2R transmission and / or information regarding the scheduling of the D2R transmission. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided with at least one of the following by the network. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine at least one of the following. Note that at least one of the following may be provided to the intermediate UE / CW node by the network via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI. - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is X1 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is Y1 - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is X2 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is Y2

[0132] (Condition 2) Condition 2 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node recognizes that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided by the network with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Note that the network may provide the intermediate UE / CW node with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0133] If both of the two conditions are met, or if at least one of the two conditions is met, then at least one of the following decisions is made. This decision is made, for example, by the intermediate UE / CW node: - The start timing of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as X1 - offset1. - The end timing of the transmission of the first frequency hop of CW is determined as Y1 + offset2. - The start timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as X2 - offset3. - The end timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of CW is determined as Y2 + offset4.

[0134] In Proposal 2, as described above, an offset is taken into account in the start and end timings of the transmission of the first frequency hop of the CW and the start and end timings of the transmission of the second frequency hop. In other words, in Proposal 2, a schedule (e.g., transmission time) of the CW transmission is determined based on the transmission time and offset of the D2R transmission. In Proposal 2, for example, the transmission timing of the first frequency hop of the CW and the transmission timing of the second frequency hop of the CW are determined as the schedule of the CW transmission.

[0135] There is a time interval from X2-offset3 to Y1+offset2, during which CW is provided simultaneously on two frequencies.

[0136] The time (or timing) units of X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 above may be chips, symbols, or other units.

[0137] The offset takes into account a time offset (e.g., SFO) in the D2R transmission. The offset may be specification-defined, system-defined, or reported by the A-IoT device or dictated by the network.

[0138] The offset1, offset2, offset3, and offset4 may be the same value or different values. For example, at least two of offset1, offset2, offset3, and offset4 may be the same value or different values. For example, offset1 and offset3 may be the same, and offset2 and offset4 may be the same.

[0139] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of CW transmission in Proposal 2. The horizontal axis in FIG. 19 represents the time axis. FIG. 19 shows the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Note that the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 in FIG. 19 are ideal D2R transmission timings assuming no time offset. Furthermore, the first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 19, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 19.

[0140] In Proposal 2, when the transmission start and end timings of D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 are provided or determined, and when the CW is a single tone with frequency hopping, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X1-offset1, and the end timing is determined as Y1+offset2, as shown in Figure 19. Similarly, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of the CW is determined as X2-offset3, and the end timing is determined as Y2+offset4. Also, as shown in Figure 19, in Proposal 2, in the time interval from X2-offset3 to Y1+offset2, the CW is provided simultaneously on two frequencies, frequency #1 and frequency #2.

[0141] <Behavior of D2R Reception in Proposal 2> The behavior of an intermediate UE / reader for D2R reception in Proposal 2 will now be described.

[0142] In Proposal 2, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., reception time or reception timing) is determined corresponding to a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Then, D2R is received according to the determined schedule. Note that the D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0143] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X1-offset1 to Y1+offset2, assuming CW is provided on frequency #1. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X1-offset1 to Y1+offset2, assuming D2R is transmitted on frequency #3, which may be the sum of frequency #1, where CW is provided, and the backscatter frequency shift.

[0144] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X2-offset3 to Y2+offset4, assuming CW is provided on frequency #2. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X2-offset3 to Y2+offset4, assuming D2R is transmitted on frequency #4, which may be the sum of frequency #2 on which CW is provided and the backscatter frequency shift.

[0145] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X2-offset3 to Y1+offset2, assuming that CW is provided on both frequency #1 and frequency #2. The intermediate UE / reader may also receive D2R from X2-offset3 to Y1+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on both frequency #3 and frequency #4. However, during the time from X2-offset3 to Y1+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on both frequency #3 and frequency #4, the actual D2R may be transmitted on either frequency #3 or frequency #4, but not the other.

[0146] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of D2R reception in Proposal 2. The horizontal axis in Fig. 20 indicates the time axis. Similar to Fig. 19, Fig. 20 shows the timing of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Fig. 18 also shows the D2R reception time corresponding to the CW.

[0147] In the example of Figure 20, as in the example of Figure 19, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1-offset1, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1+offset2, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2-offset3, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2+offset4.

[0148] 20, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-offset1 to Y1+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2-offset3 to Y2+offset4, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0149] As described above, according to Proposal 2, a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a D2R transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) and a time offset. Also, according to Proposal 2, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Therefore, the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately determined, and D2R transmission and D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed. Note that the CW transmission schedule may include the CW frequency in addition to the CW transmission time. The D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0150] Furthermore, according to Proposal 2, since the time offset is taken into consideration, the time width of the CW is not insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately set. Then, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed.

[0151] <Proposal 3> <Behavior of CW transmission in Proposal 3> We will now explain the behavior of an intermediate UE / CW node for CW transmission in Proposal 3. In Proposal 2, we will exemplarily explain the behavior when both of the following two conditions are satisfied, or when at least one of the two conditions is satisfied.

[0152] (Condition 1) Condition 1 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node acquires information regarding the transmission time of the D2R transmission and / or information regarding the scheduling of the D2R transmission. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided with at least one of the following by the network. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine at least one of the following. Note that at least one of the following may be provided to the intermediate UE / CW node by the network via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI. - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is X1 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #1 is Y1 - The start timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is X2 - The end timing of the D2R transmission of D2R part #2 is Y2

[0153] (Condition 2) Condition 2 is a condition that the intermediate UE / CW node recognizes that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. For example, the intermediate UE / CW node may be provided by the network with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / CW node may determine that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping. Note that the network may provide the intermediate UE / CW node with information that the CW waveform is a single tone with frequency hopping via at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0154] If both of the two conditions are met, or if at least one of the two conditions is met, then at least one of the following decisions is made: This decision is made, for example, by the intermediate UE / CW node.

[0155] Based on the detection of the D2R preamble, the intermediate UE / CW node estimates / determines the actual time offset of the D2R transmission. The actual time offset may be replaced with the actual SFO. Note that "offset" in Proposals 1, 2, and 4 may be replaced with "mas offset." The "actual offset" may be a value greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to the "mas offset."

[0156] The start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined as X1 - max offset1. Alternatively, the start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined as X1 - actual offset1 or X1 + actual offset1. Note that if a D2R preamble is included in "D2R Part #1," the start of the first frequency hop is assumed to be the maximum offset because the actual offset is not estimated at this point. Note that the maximum offset may correspond to the earliest possible D2R timing. Note that if a D2R preamble is not included in "D2R" in this Proposal 3, the start of the first CW frequency hop is assumed to be the actual offset. For example, if a D2R preamble is included in a D2R earlier than the target "D2R" and the actual offset is estimated by the D2R preamble, the start of the first CW frequency hop for the target "D2R" is assumed to be the actual offset.

[0157] The end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined as Y1-actual offset2, or alternatively, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined as Y1+actual offset2.

[0158] The start timing of the CW second frequency hop transmission is determined as X2-max offset2. Alternatively, the start timing of the CW second frequency hop transmission is determined as X2-actual offset3 or X2+actual offset3. Note that if a D2R preamble is included in "D2R Part #2," the start of the second frequency hop is assumed to be the maximum offset, and the actual offset is reacquired by the D2R preamble in D2R Part #2. Alternatively, the actual offset determined from the D2R preamble in D2R Part #1 is used. Alternatively, the actual offset determined from a D2R preamble prior to D2R Part #1 is used.

[0159] The end timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of the CW is determined as Y2-actual offset4, or alternatively, the end timing of the transmission of the second frequency hop of the CW is determined as Y2+actual offset4.

[0160] Alternatively, as a variation, the actual offset may be indicated from the intermediate UE / BS / leader as the leader to the intermediate UE / CW node as the CW node.

[0161] The maximum offset may be defined by a specification or may be defined in the system, or may be reported by the A-IoT device or instructed by the network.

[0162] Note that the actual offset may be estimated from the D2R preamble detection.

[0163] Note that the above "-actual offset" means that the actual D2R timing is earlier than the ideal D2R timing, and the above "+actual offset" means that the actual D2R timing is later than the ideal D2R timing.

[0164] The above max offset1 and max offset2 may be the same as each other, or may be different from each other.

[0165] The above-mentioned actual offset1, actual offset2, actual offset3, and actual offset4 may be the same as or different from one another. For example, at least two of actual offset1, actual offset2, actual offset3, and actual offset4 may be the same as or different from one another.

[0166] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing two examples of CW transmission in Proposal 3. FIG. 21 shows Case 1 and Case 2. The horizontal axis of the two cases in FIG. 21 indicates the time axis. The two cases in FIG. 21 show the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Note that the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 at the top of each case in FIG. 21 are ideal D2R transmission timings assuming no time offset. The timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 at the bottom of each case in FIG. 21 are actual D2R transmission timings with a time offset. The first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 21, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 21. Note that, for example, the actual offsets in the cases of FIG. 21 are the same.

[0167] In case 1, the start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X1-max offset and the end timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y1-actual offset. Also, in case 1, the start timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X2-actual offset and the end timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y2-actual offset.

[0168] In case 2, the start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X1-max offset and the end timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y1+actual offset. Also, in case 2, the start timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X2+actual offset and the end timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y2+actual offset.

[0169] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing two other examples of CW transmission in Proposal 3. Cases 3 and 4 are shown in FIG. 22. The horizontal axis of the two cases in FIG. 22 represents the time axis. The two cases in FIG. 22 show the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Note that the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 at the top of each case in FIG. 22 are ideal D2R transmission timings assuming no time offset. The timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 at the bottom of each case in FIG. 22 are actual D2R transmission timings with a time offset. The first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 22, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 22. Note that, for example, the actual offsets in the cases of FIG. 21 are the same.

[0170] In case 3, the start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X1-actual offset, and the end timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y1-actual offset. Also, in case 3, the start timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X2-actual offset, and the end timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y2-actual offset.

[0171] In case 4, the start timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X1 + actual offset, and the end timing of the first CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y1 + actual offset. Also, in case 4, the start timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be X2 + actual offset, and the end timing of the second CW frequency hop transmission is determined to be Y2 + actual offset.

[0172] In Proposal 3, when the timing of the start and end of transmission of D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 is provided or determined, and when the CW is a single tone with frequency hopping, the schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) of the CW transmission is determined, as shown in each case in Figures 22 and 23.

[0173] <Behavior of D2R Reception in Proposal 3> The behavior of intermediate UE / reader for D2R reception in Proposal 3 will now be described.

[0174] In Proposal 3, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., reception time or reception timing) is determined corresponding to a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Then, D2R is received according to the determined schedule. Note that the D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0175] In the following, an example in which the actual offsets are the same will be shown, but as described above, the actual offsets may be different from each other.

[0176] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X1-max offset to Y1-actual offset, assuming CW is provided on frequency #1. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X1-max offset to Y1+actual offset, assuming CW is provided on frequency #1.

[0177] Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X1-max offset to Y1-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3, where frequency #3 may be the sum of frequency #1 where CW is provided and the backscatter frequency shift.

[0178] The intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X2-actual offset to Y2-actual offset, assuming CW is provided on frequency #2. Alternatively, the intermediate UE / reader receives D2R from X2+actual offset to Y2+actual offset, assuming CW is provided on frequency #2.

[0179] Note that the intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X2-actual offset to Y2-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4. The intermediate UE / reader may receive D2R from X2+actual offset to Y2+actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4, where frequency #4 may be frequency #2 on which CW is provided plus the backscatter frequency shift.

[0180] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing two examples of D2R reception cases in Proposal 3. FIG. 23 shows Case 1 and Case 2, which correspond to Case 1 and Case 2 in FIG. 21, respectively. The horizontal axis of the two cases in FIG. 23 indicates the time axis. As with the two cases in FIG. 21, the two cases in FIG. 23 show the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CWs used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Furthermore, each case in FIG. 23 shows the D2R reception time corresponding to the CW. Note that, for example, the actual offsets of the cases in FIG. 23 are the same.

[0181] In case 1 of Figure 23, as in case 1 of Figure 21, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1-max offset, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1-actual offset, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2-actual offset, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2-actual offset.

[0182] 23, in case 1, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-max offset to Y1-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2-actual offset to Y2-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0183] In case 2 of Figure 23, as in case 2 of Figure 21, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1-max offset, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1+actual offset, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2+actual offset, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2+actual offset.

[0184] 23, in case 2, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-max offset to Y1+actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2+actual offset to Y2+actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0185] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing two other examples of D2R reception in Proposal 3. FIG. 24 shows Case 3 and Case 4, which correspond to Case 3 and Case 4 in FIG. 22, respectively. The horizontal axis of the two cases in FIG. 24 indicates the time axis. As with the two cases in FIG. 22, the two cases in FIG. 24 show the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the CWs used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2. Furthermore, each case in FIG. 24 shows the D2R reception time corresponding to the CW. Note that, for example, the actual offsets of the cases in FIG. 24 are the same.

[0186] In Case 3 of Figure 24, as in Case 3 of Figure 22, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1-actual offset, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1-actual offset, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2-actual offset, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2-actual offset.

[0187] 24, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-actual offset to Y1-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2-actual offset to Y2-actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0188] In case 4 of Figure 24, as in case 4 of Figure 22, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is X1 + actual offset, the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is Y1 + actual offset, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is X2 + actual offset, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is Y2 + actual offset.

[0189] 24, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3," D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1 + actual offset to Y1 + actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3. Also, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2 + actual offset to Y2 + actual offset, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0190] As described above, according to Proposal 3, a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a D2R transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) and a time offset. Also, according to Proposal 3, a D2R reception schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on a CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Therefore, the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately determined, and D2R transmission and D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed. Note that the CW transmission schedule may include the CW frequency in addition to the CW transmission time. The D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0191] Furthermore, according to Proposal 3, since the time offset is taken into consideration, the time width of the CW is not insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately set. Then, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed.

[0192] Furthermore, according to Proposal 3, the estimated time offset is taken into account as the "actual offset," so that the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be determined more appropriately, and D2R transmission and D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission can be performed appropriately.

[0193] In Proposal 3, a CW node (e.g., a leader or an intermediate UE) may perform CW transmission, D2R reception, and time offset estimation, but the order is not particularly limited. For example, the CW node may perform CW transmission for a first frequency hop, then perform D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission for the first frequency hop, and then estimate the time offset. After estimating the time offset, the CW node may perform CW transmission for a second frequency hop, then perform D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission for the second frequency hop. In this order, the estimated actual offset is used in the CW transmission for the second frequency hop.

[0194] <Proposal 4> In Proposal 4, a gap between D2R Part #1 and D2R Part #2 is defined / instructed as a variation of the operation of A-IoT devices for D2R transmission.

[0195] Here, the CW transmission at the intermediate UE / CW node and the D2R reception at the intermediate UE / leader node presented in proposal 2 are reused.

[0196] The difference between Proposal 2 and Proposal 4 is that in Proposal 4, X2 is a gap after Y1. In other words, there is a gap between Y1 and X2. In Proposal 2, X2 = Y1.

[0197] In Proposal 4, it is assumed that X2-offset3 is the same as Y1+offset2. Alternatively, in Proposal 4, it is assumed that X2-offset3 is after Y1+offset2. Note that in Proposal 2, X2-offset3 is before Y1+offset2.

[0198] The length of the gap may be defined, indicated, or determined, for example, based on a time offset (e.g., SFO) of the A-IoT device.

[0199] The gap may be defined, indicated, or determined. For example, the gap may be defined, indicated, or determined as 2*offset, or offset2+offset3. Alternatively, the gap may be defined, indicated, or determined as a gap greater than 2*offset, or a gap greater than offset2+offset3.

[0200] The offset takes into account a time offset (e.g., SFO) in D2R. For example, the offset may be specification-defined or system-defined. Alternatively, the offset may be reported by the A-IoT device or dictated by the network.

[0201] FIG. 25 shows two examples of CW transmission and D2R reception in Proposal 4. FIG. 25 shows Case 1 and Case 2. The horizontal axis of the two cases in FIG. 25 represents the time axis. The two cases in FIG. 25 show the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, the CW used to transmit D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the timing of D2R reception corresponding to the CW. Note that the timings of the start and end of transmission of D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 in each case in FIG. 25 are ideal D2R transmission timings assuming no time offset. The first frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #1" in FIG. 25, and the second frequency hop of the CW corresponds to "CW on frequency #2" in FIG. 25.

[0202] In Case 1, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be X1-offset1, and the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be Y1+offset2. Furthermore, in Case 1, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be X2-offset3, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be Y2+offset4. In Case 1, as in Proposal 2 and the like, D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-offset1 to Y1+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3." Furthermore, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2-offset3 to Y2+offset4, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0203] In case 1, there is a gap between D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the gap is greater than the sum of offset2 and offset3. Therefore, a gap may occur between the first CW frequency hop and the second CW frequency hop.

[0204] In Case 2, the start timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be X1-offset1, and the end timing of the first frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be Y1+offset2. Furthermore, in Case 1, the start timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be X2-offset3, and the end timing of the second frequency hop transmission of CW is determined to be Y2+offset4. In Case 2, as in Proposal 2 and the like, D2R is received on frequency #3 during the time from X1-offset1 to Y1+offset2, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #3, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #3." Furthermore, as shown in "D2R Rx on frequency #4," D2R may be received on frequency #4 during the time from X2-offset3 to Y2+offset4, assuming that D2R is transmitted on frequency #4.

[0205] In case 2, there is a gap between D2R part #1 and D2R part #2, and the gap is equal to the sum of offset2 and offset3. Therefore, there is no gap between the first CW frequency hop and the second CW frequency hop.

[0206] As described above, according to Proposal 4, the CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on the D2R transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) and time offset. Also, according to Proposal 4, the D2R reception schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing) is determined based on the CW transmission schedule (e.g., transmission time or transmission timing). Therefore, the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately determined, and D2R transmission and D2R reception corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed. Note that the CW transmission schedule may include the CW frequency in addition to the CW transmission time. The D2R reception schedule may include the D2R frequency in addition to the D2R reception time.

[0207] Furthermore, according to Proposal 4, since the time offset is taken into consideration, the time width of the CW is not insufficient for the actual timing of the D2R transmission, and the transmission timing of the CW transmission can be appropriately set. Then, the D2R transmission corresponding to the CW transmission can be appropriately performed.

[0208] Although the above proposals have shown examples in which the D2R is divided into two parts, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present disclosure may also be applied to cases in which the D2R is divided into three or more parts. For example, if the D2R is divided into three parts, D2R part #1, D2R part #2, and D2R part #3, the proposal applied between D2R part #1 and D2R part #2 and the proposal applied between D2R part #2 and D2R part #3 may be different from each other or may be the same as each other.

[0209] Furthermore, the above proposals may be applied when the D2R has three or more D2R repetitions. For example, when the D2R is divided into three D2R repetitions, D2R repetition #1, D2R repetition #2, and D2R repetition #3, the proposal applied between D2R repetition #1 and D2R repetition #2 and the proposal applied between D2R repetition #2 and D2R repetition #3 may be different or the same.

[0210] <Modifications> The suggestions / options described above may be combined.

[0211] Each of the suggestions / options discussed above may be applied on a case-by-case basis.

[0212] The indication / configuration may be carried in physical layer control information or higher layer payload. For example, the indication / configuration may be carried in MAC layer control information, Msg0 (paging) / Msg2 (RAR: Random Access Response) / Msg4, or unicast data. R2D may have the same meaning as above.

[0213] The instructions / configuration may be carried in the PRDCH or R2D timing acquisition signal (preamble / midamble / postamble) / synchronization signal.

[0214] A slot may have a time width of 1 ms (i.e., one slot in OFDM), for example. A slot may be a slotted-ALOHA slot.

[0215] A symbol may be one OFDM symbol, M chips in OOK, or one modulation symbol in PSK (Phase Shift Keying) / FSK (Frequency Shift Keying).

[0216] Different proposals / options may apply to R2D and D2R.

[0217] Different offers / options may apply to different device types.

[0218] Different suggestions / options may apply to different connection topologies.

[0219] Different proposals / options may apply to different R2D / D2R channels (PRDCH, PHY channel for R2D control, PDRCH, PHY channel for D2R control).

[0220] Different proposals / options may apply for different R2D / D2R information / formats / commands (R2D data, R2D control, R2D system information, R2D information triggering contention-based access, D2R data, D2R control, D2R ACK / NACK response, D2R response in contention-based access (Msg1 / Msg3)).

[0221] Terminology: A reader may be a D2R receiver. A reader may be either a BS or a UE.

[0222] The R2D transmitter and D2R receiver may be the same node or different nodes.

[0223] DT traffic is device terminated traffic, which may be traffic such as commands from the reader.

[0224] DO-DTT traffic is Device Originated-Device Terminated Trigger traffic, and may be traffic such as inventory.

[0225] Switch, change, set, and transition may be read interchangeably. Immediately before and previously may be read before. Immediately after may be read after.

[0226] In the present disclosure, notifications / indications may be carried in the physical (PHY) layer / medium access control (MAC) layer / radio resource control (RRC) layer / a new layer defined for A-IoT.

[0227] In the present disclosure, A / B may mean at least one of A and B. In the present disclosure, "A / B / C" may mean "at least one of A, B, and C."

[0228] In the present disclosure, higher layer signaling may be, for example, any one of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0229] The MAC signaling may use, for example, a MAC Control Element (MAC CE), a MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU), etc. The broadcast information may be, for example, a Master Information Block (MIB), a System Information Block (SIB), Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI), Other System Information (OSI), etc.

[0230] The physical layer signaling may be, for example, downlink control information (DCI).

[0231] <Reader Configuration> Fig. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reader 10a according to an embodiment. The reader 10a includes, for example, a transmitting unit 101, a receiving unit 102, and a control unit 103. The reader 10a communicates with the device 20 (see Fig. 27) wirelessly. The reader 10a may be an intermediate terminal or a terminal (for example, a SL terminal that communicates with the device 20).

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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 reader 10a transmits control information to the device 20 using the PDCCH and transmits downlink data signals using the PDSCH.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] The control unit 103 controls the communication operations of the reader 10a, including the transmission process of the transmission unit 101 and the reception process of the reception unit 102. For example, the control unit 103 performs operations other than the transmission and reception described in the above embodiment (note that these operations may be performed by the reception unit 102 and / or the transmission unit 101).

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] The control unit 103 sets PUCCH resources as an example of allocation of resources 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.

[0241] Here, the transmitting unit 101 and the receiving unit 102 (which may be collectively referred to as a communication unit) communicate with the device 20 .

[0242] For example, the control unit 101 of the reader 10a (an example of a communication device) determines a second transmission time (e.g., CW transmission time) of radio waves (e.g., CW) to be used for multiple transmissions (e.g., D2R part #1 and D2R part #2) based on a first transmission time (e.g., D2R transmission time) for performing multiple transmissions of a signal in the device 20. The communication unit transmits the radio waves to the device 20 during the second transmission time.

[0243] The control unit 101 may determine the second transmission time by adding an offset to the first transmission time. The control unit 101 may estimate the offset. The communication unit receives a signal from the device 20 at a time corresponding to the second transmission time (e.g., a D2R reception time).

[0244] <Device Configuration> Fig. 27 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 CW supplied from the base station 10 or the reader 10a.

[0245] 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 reader 10a wirelessly. The device 20 may be, for example, an A-IoT device.

[0246] The receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal transmitted from the reader 10a. For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the DL signal under the control of the control unit 203.

[0247] The transmitter 202 transmits the UL signal to the reader 10a. For example, the transmitter 202 transmits the UL signal under the control of the controller 203.

[0248] The UL signal may include, for example, an uplink data signal and control information (e.g., UCI). For example, information related to the processing capabilities of the device 20 (e.g., UE capability) may be included. The UL signal may also include a reference signal.

[0249] 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 reader 10a using the PUCCH and transmits uplink data signals using the PUSCH.

[0250] 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).

[0251] 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 .

[0252] 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.

[0253] For example, the control unit 203 controls transmission of information to be fed back to the reader 10a. The information to be fed back to the reader 10a may include, for example, HARQ-ACK, channel state information (CSI), or a scheduling request (SR). The information to be fed back to the reader 10a may be included in UCI. The UCI is transmitted in the resources of the PUCCH.

[0254] The control unit 203 sets PUCCH resources based on the configuration information received from the leader 10a (for example, configuration information such as a PUCCH cell timing pattern notified by RRC and / or DCI). The control unit 203 determines the PUCCH resources to be used for transmitting information to be fed back to the leader 10a. Under the control of the control unit 203, the transmission unit 202 transmits the information to be fed back to the leader 10a in the PUCCH resources determined by the control unit 203.

[0255] 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.

[0256] Here, the receiving unit 201 and the transmitting unit 202 (which may be collectively referred to as a communication unit) communicate with the network of the reader 10a and the like.

[0257] For example, the communication unit of the device 20 receives radio waves during a second transmission time (e.g., CW transmission time) of the radio waves (e.g., CW) used for the multiple transmissions, which is determined based on a first transmission time (e.g., D2R transmission time) for performing multiple transmissions of signals (e.g., D2R part #1 and D2R part #2) in the device 20. The control unit 203 controls the multiple transmissions of the signals based on the radio waves during a time corresponding to the second transmission time.

[0258] 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).

[0259] <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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] For example, a reader, a device, or the like 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. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a reader and a device according to this embodiment. The above-described reader 10a and device 20 may be physically configured as a computer 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, and the like.

[0262] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the reader 10a and the device 20 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0263] Each function in the reader 10a and the device 20 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as a processor 1001 and a memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and the storage 1003.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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 programs. 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 device 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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.

[0269] 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).

[0270] 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.

[0271] The reader 10a and the device 20 may also 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.

[0272] <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.

[0273] <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).

[0274] <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.

[0275] <Operation of Base Station> In the present disclosure, specific operations described as being performed by a base station may also be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, it is clear that 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 are not limited to these). Although 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.

[0276] <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.

[0277] <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.

[0278] <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).

[0279] <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).

[0280] 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.

[0281] <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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] <System, Network> As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0286] <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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] <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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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.

[0291] Mobile Station In this disclosure, the terms "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," "terminal," and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0292] 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.

[0293] <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.

[0294] Furthermore, the 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 device 20 may be configured to have the functions of the reader 10a described above. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be read as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, terms such as an uplink channel and a downlink channel may be read as a side channel.

[0295] Similarly, the terminal in the present disclosure may be interpreted as a base station, in which case the reader 10a may be configured to have the functions of the device 20 described above.

[0296] Fig. 29 shows an example configuration of a vehicle 2001. As shown in Fig. 29, 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.

[0297] 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.

[0298] 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).

[0299] 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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.

[0305] 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.

[0306] 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)).

[0307] 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.

[0308] <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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] <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.

[0311] <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."

[0312] "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.

[0313] <Means> The "means" in the configuration of each device above may be replaced with "section," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0314] 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.

[0315] <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.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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.

[0321] 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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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.

[0331] 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.

[0332] 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."

[0333] 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.

[0334] <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.

[0335] 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 in the plural form.

[0336] <"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."

[0337] One aspect of the present disclosure is useful in wireless communication systems.

[0338] 10 Base station 20 Device 101, 202 Transmitter 102, 201 Receiver 103, 203 Controller

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a control unit that determines a second transmission time of radio waves to be used for multiple transmissions of a signal in a device based on a first transmission time of the multiple transmissions; and a communication unit that transmits the radio waves to the device during the second transmission time.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the second transmission time by adding an offset to the first transmission time.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit estimates the offset.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit receives the signal from the device at a time corresponding to the second transmission time.

5. A device comprising: a communication unit that receives radio waves at a second transmission time of the radio waves used for the multiple transmissions, the second transmission time being determined based on a first transmission time for multiple transmissions of a signal in the device; and a control unit that controls the multiple transmissions of the signal based on the radio waves at the second transmission time.

6. A communication method in which a communication device determines, based on a first transmission time for multiple transmissions of a signal in a device, a second transmission time of radio waves to be used for the multiple transmissions, and transmits the radio waves to the device at a time corresponding to the second transmission time.

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