Method and device for transmitting / receiving information about UE state in wireless communication system

Abstract

A method and a device for transmitting / receiving information about a UE state in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The method according to one embodiment of the disclosure may comprise steps in which a UE: receives, from a base station, first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink; receives, from the base station, a downlink reference signal; and transmits, to the base station, information related to a state of the UE.

Description

Method and device for transmitting and receiving information on UE status in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving information regarding the status of user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system.

[0002] The 5th generation (5G) wireless communication system is a successor technology to 4G LTE (long term evolution) and is a new clean-slate type mobile communication system with characteristics such as high performance, low latency, and high availability. In the case of 5G NR (New Radio), all available spectrum resources can be utilized, ranging from low-frequency bands below 1 GHz to intermediate frequency bands between 1 GHz and 10 GHz, and high-frequency (or millimeter wave) bands above 24 GHz. Based on the foundational technology of 5G wireless communication, 6G wireless communication systems are being developed.

[0003] 6G wireless communication systems are being developed with the goal of (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) reduced energy consumption of battery-free IoT (internet of things) devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of 6G systems can be seen in four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity. Various technologies are being researched in consideration of the requirements for 6G systems, such as a peak data rate of 1 Tbps per device, an end-to-end (E2E) latency of 1ms, a maximum spectrum efficiency of 100 bps / Hz, support for mobility of 1000 km / h, satellite integration, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, extended reality (XR), and haptic communication.

[0004] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving information about the state of a UE by considering far-field and near-field characteristics.

[0005] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0006] A method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: receiving, by a user device (UE: user equipment), first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink from a base station; receiving a downlink reference signal from the base station by the UE; and transmitting information related to the state of the UE to the base station by the UE. Based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal, a downlink state and an uplink state are determined for the state of the UE, respectively, and for receiving the downlink, a setting according to the downlink state from the first configuration information is applied, and for transmitting the uplink, a setting according to the uplink state from the second configuration information is applied.

[0007] A method according to a further aspect of the present disclosure may include: transmitting, by a base station, first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink to user equipment (UE); transmitting a downlink reference signal to the UE by the base station; and receiving information related to the state of the UE from the UE by the base station. Based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal by the UE, a downlink state and an uplink state are determined for the state of the UE, respectively, and for the downlink transmission, a setting according to the downlink state from the first configuration information is applied, and for the uplink reception, a setting according to the uplink state from the second configuration information is applied.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the state of a UE (e.g., near field or far field, etc.) can be accurately determined in a large-scale multi-antenna system in a high-frequency band.

[0009] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by accurately determining the state of the UE (e.g., near field or far field, etc.), a suitable downlink / uplink setting can be applied, and downlink / uplink transmission and reception can be performed more effectively.

[0010] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the detailed description to aid in understanding the present disclosure, provide embodiments of the present disclosure and explain the technical features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary functional framework for AI / ML operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure based on an AI / ML model between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagram comparing the near-field area according to the number of antennas in a wireless communication system to which the present disclosure can be applied.

[0022] Figure 11 illustrates a general method of distinguishing between near and far fields.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a MIMO channel between a base station and a near-field UE in a wireless communication system to which the present disclosure may be applied.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a UE for a method of transmitting and receiving information related to a UE state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a base station for a method of transmitting and receiving information related to a UE state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed below, together with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiment in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will know that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details.

[0027] In some cases, to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, known structures and devices may be omitted or illustrated in the form of a block diagram focusing on the core functions of each structure and device.

[0028] In the present disclosure, when a component is described as being “connected,” “combined,” or “joined” with another component, this may include not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection in which another component exists between them. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the terms “comprising” or “having” specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0029] In the present disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another and are not used to limit the components, nor do they limit the order or importance of the components unless specifically stated otherwise. Accordingly, within the scope of the present disclosure, a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment, and likewise, a second component in one embodiment may be referred to as a first component in another embodiment.

[0030] The terms used in this disclosure are for the description of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and the appended claims, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In the present disclosure, "A or B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Alternatively, in the present disclosure, "A or B" may be interpreted as "A and / or B." For example, in the present disclosure, "A, B or C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C."

[0032] A slash ( / ) or a comma used in the present disclosure may mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" may mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" may mean "A, B or C."

[0033] In the present disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Additionally, in the present disclosure, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may be interpreted as synonymous with "at least one of A and B."

[0034] Additionally, in the present disclosure, "at least one of A, B and C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C." Additionally, "at least one of A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B and C."

[0035] Additionally, parentheses used in this disclosure may mean "for example." Specifically, when indicated as "control information (PDCCH)," "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." In other words, the "control information" of this disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH," and "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information." Furthermore, even when indicated as "control information (i.e., PDCCH)," "PDCCH" may be described as an example of "control information."

[0036] In the following explanation, '...when, if, in case of' can be replaced with '...based on'.

[0037] Technical features described individually within one drawing in this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0038] In the present disclosure, a terminal or user equipment (UE) may be a portable device and may be a first node that receives a signal from a base station / second node / integrated access backhaul (IAB) node.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the base station (BS) may be a second node / IAB node / Transmission-Reception Point (TRP).

[0040] In the present disclosure, a higher layer parameter may be a parameter configured, pre-configured, or pre-defined for a terminal. For example, a base station or network may transmit the higher layer parameter to the terminal. For example, the higher layer parameter may be transmitted via radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) signaling.

[0041] In the present disclosure, "set or defined" may be interpreted as being set to a device through predefined signaling (e.g., System Information Block (SIB), MAC, RRC) from a base station or network. In the present disclosure, "set or defined" may be interpreted as being set to a device through separate signaling or being predefined without separate signaling.

[0042] In the present disclosure, transmitting or receiving a channel includes the meaning of transmitting or receiving information or a signal through said channel. For example, transmitting a control channel means transmitting control information or a signal through the control channel. Similarly, transmitting a data channel means transmitting data information or a signal through the data channel.

[0043] The technology described in this disclosure can be used in various wireless communication systems such as CDMA (code division multiple access), FDMA (frequency division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access), and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access). CDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as UTRA (universal terrestrial radio access) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as GSM (global system for mobile communications) / GPRS (general packet radio service) / EDGE (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution). OFDMA can be implemented with wireless technologies such as IEEE (institute of electrical and electronics engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802-20, E-UTRA (evolved UTRA), LTE (long term evolution), and 5G NR.

[0044] The technology described in this disclosure can be implemented as 6G wireless technology and applied to various 6G systems. For example, 6G systems may have key factors such as eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (ultra-reliable low latency communications), mMTC (massive machine-type communication), AI (artificial intelligence) integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0045] Network structure

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flexible network topology to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0047] To compensate for incomplete areas of network coverage, a network topology in which the split radio access network (RAN) is configured more flexibly and resiliently may be considered. To this end, various nodes such as integrated access backhaul (IAB) nodes, relays, and radio frequency (RF) repeaters, as exemplified in Fig. 1, may be applied, and a non-terrestrial network (NTN) may be integrated. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a node that provides wireless backhaul. For example, a relay may refer to any intermediate point, and in the case of a sidelink relay where a terminal functions as a relay, it may collectively refer to a terminal-to-network (U2N) relay and a terminal-to-terminal (U2U) relay. For example, an RF repeater may correspond to a node that performs simple signal amplification and forwarding functions, and in the case of a network-controlled repeater, it may adjust transmit / receive settings based on information provided by the network as well as signal amplification and forwarding. For example, NTN nodes can correspond to satellites or aircraft that provide NTN coverage that is difficult for terrestrial networks to provide. In addition to these examples, various intermediate points can be introduced to improve the network topology.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a split RAN can support the division of a base station into one centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DU). The CU and DU may correspond to logical units. The CU may be further divided into a control plane (CP) portion and one or more user plane (UP) portions. Since a failure in the CU-CP affects not only the CU-UP but also the DU, various intermediate points may be introduced to compensate for this.

[0049] An intermediate point may correspond to a terminal or a base station depending on its relative relationship with other nodes. For example, an IAB node may include a mobile-termination (MT) portion and a DU. The MT may connect the IAB node to a donor node. The DU of the IAB node may serve other terminals or connect to other IAB nodes to provide multi-hop wireless backhaul to terminals. For example, an IAB node may correspond to a base station in its relative relationship with a user-side node and to a terminal in its relative relationship with a network-side node.

[0050] In some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a terminal may apply equally to an intermediate point corresponding to a terminal in relation to a network-side endpoint as well as to a user-side endpoint. Similarly, in some examples of the present disclosure, the description of a base station may apply equally to an intermediate point corresponding to a base station in relation to a user-side endpoint as well as to a network-side endpoint. In most cases where there is no additional description of the operation of three or more subjects, the communication subjects in the present disclosure are briefly described by the term terminal and / or base station (or first node and / or second node), wherein the term terminal and / or base station (or first node and / or second node) is interpreted to include or replace any endpoint or any intermediate point in relation to other nodes.

[0051] As such, in some examples of the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity of description, the subject of the operation may be referred to as a terminal and / or base station (or a first node and / or a second node). Additionally, the term terminal and / or base station (or a first node and / or a second node) may be interpreted or substituted as in the following examples: for example, the terminal (or first node) and the base station (or second node) may correspond to a first endpoint and a second endpoint, respectively; may correspond to an endpoint and an intermediate point, respectively; may correspond to an intermediate point and an endpoint, respectively; and may correspond to a first intermediate point and a second intermediate point, respectively.

[0052] In the present disclosure, there may be no intermediate points between the base station and the terminal, or there may be one or more. If intermediate points exist, the intermediate points may correspond to IAB nodes, relays, RF repeaters, NTN nodes, or nodes supporting other functions. The intermediate points may be nodes with a fixed location or nodes with an indefinite location.

[0053] Systems applicable to the present disclosure

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication system to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0055] The communication system (100) to which the present disclosure applies includes a wireless device (110), a network device (120), and a network (130). Here, the wireless device (110) refers to a device that performs communication using wireless access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G) and may be referred to as a communication / wireless / 5G / 6G device. Although not limited thereto, the wireless device (110) may include a robot (110a), a vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), an XR (extended reality) device (110c), a hand-held device (110d), a home appliance (110e), an IoT (Internet of Thing) device (110f), and an AI (artificial intelligence) device / server (110g). For example, the vehicle may include a vehicle equipped with wireless communication capabilities, an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle capable of performing inter-vehicle communication, etc. Here, the vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2) may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone). The XR device (110c) includes an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) / mixed reality (MR) device and may be implemented in the form of a head-mounted device (HMD), a head-up display (HUD) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. The portable device (110d) may include a smartphone, a smart pad, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses), a computer (e.g., a laptop, etc.). The home appliance (110e) may include a TV, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc. The IoT device (110f) may include a sensor, a smart meter, etc. The wireless device (110) may correspond to a terminal (or first node) or an intermediate point.The network device (120) may correspond to a base station (or a second node) or another intermediate point. For example, the network device (120) may also be implemented as a wireless device (110), and a specific wireless device (120a) may operate as a network device (120) to another wireless device (110).

[0056] Wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to a network (130) through a network device (120). AI technology may be applied to the wireless devices (110a to 110f), and the wireless devices (110a to 110f) can be connected to an AI server (110g) through the network (130). The network (130) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR) network, or a 6G network. The wireless devices (110a to 110f) may communicate with each other through the network device (120) / network (130), but may also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the network device (120) / network (130). For example, vehicles (110b-1, 110b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) / V2X (vehicle to everything) communication). Also, an IoT device (110f) (e.g., a sensor) can communicate directly with another IoT device (e.g., a sensor) or other wireless devices (110a to 110f).

[0057] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (110a to 110f) / network devices (120) and between network devices (120). Here, wireless communication / connection can be established through various wireless access technologies such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or D2D communication), and communication between network devices (150c) (e.g., relay, IAB (integrated access backhaul)). Through wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), wireless devices and network devices / wireless devices, and network devices and network devices can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from each other. For example, wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, based on the various descriptions of the present disclosure, at least some of the following may be performed: a process for setting various configuration information for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, a process for various signal processing (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), a resource allocation process, etc.

[0058] Devices applicable to the present disclosure

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wireless device to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals through various wireless access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A pro, NR, 5G, 5G-A, 6G). The wireless device (200) includes at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204), and may additionally include at least one transceiver (206) and / or at least one antenna (208).

[0061] The processor (202) controls the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or sequences of operation disclosed in this document. For example, the processor (202) may process information within the memory (204) to generate a first information / signal and then transmit a wireless signal containing the first information / signal through the transceiver (206). Additionally, the processor (202) may receive a wireless signal containing a second information / signal through the transceiver (206) and then store information obtained from the signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory (204). The memory (204) may be connected to the processor (202) and may store various information related to the operation of the processor (202). For example, memory (204) may store software code containing instructions for performing some or all of the processes controlled by the processor (202) or for performing the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or sequences of operations disclosed in this document. Here, the processor (202) and memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless communication technology. A transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals through at least one antenna (208). The transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or receiver. The transceiver (206) may be interchangeable with a radio frequency (RF) unit. In this disclosure, a wireless device may mean a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0062] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless device (200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, at least one protocol layer may be implemented by at least one processor (202). For example, at least one processor (202) may implement at least one layer (e.g., functional layers such as PHY (physical), MAC (media access control), RLC (radio link control), PDCP (packet data convergence protocol), RRC (radio resource control), and SDAP (service data adaptation protocol). At least one processor (202) may generate at least one PDU (Protocol Data Unit) and / or at least one SDU (service data unit) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document. At least one processor (202) may generate a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) including a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the functions, procedures, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this document and provide it to at least one transceiver (206). At least one processor (202) may receive a signal (e.g., a baseband signal) from at least one transceiver (206) and may obtain a PDU, SDU, message, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document.

[0063] At least one processor (202) may be referred to as a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, or microcomputer. At least one processor (202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one digital signal processor (DSP), at least one digital signal processing device (DSPD), at least one programmable logic device (PLD), or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be included in at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, functions, etc. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequences disclosed in this document may be included in at least one processor (202) or stored in at least one memory (204) and driven by at least one processor (202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed in this document may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of code, instructions, and / or sets of instructions.

[0064] At least one memory (204) may be connected to at least one processor (202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions, and / or commands. At least one memory (204) may be composed of ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, hard drive, registers, cache memory, computer read storage media, and / or combinations thereof. At least one memory (204) may be located inside and / or outside of at least one processor (202). Additionally, at least one memory (204) may be connected to at least one processor (202) via various technologies, such as wired or wireless connections.

[0065] At least one transceiver (206) may transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc. of this document to at least one other device. At least one transceiver (206) may receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as mentioned in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operation flowcharts, etc. disclosed in this document from at least one other device. For example, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one processor (202) and may transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, at least one processor (202) may control at least one transceiver (206) to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to at least one other device. Additionally, at least one processor (202) may control at least one transceiver (206) to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from at least one other device. Additionally, at least one transceiver (206) may be connected to at least one antenna (208), and at least one transceiver (206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as described in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operation sequence diagrams disclosed in this document through at least one antenna (208). In this document, at least one antenna may be a plurality of physical antennas or a plurality of logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). At least one transceiver (206) may convert the received wireless signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., using at least one processor (202).At least one transceiver (206) can convert user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. processed using at least one processor (202) from a baseband signal to an RF band signal. To this end, at least one transceiver (206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or filter.

[0066] The components of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 may be referred to by other terms in terms of their function. For example, the processor (202) may be referred to as the control unit, the transceiver (206) as the communication unit, and the memory (204) as the storage unit. In some cases, the communication unit may be used to mean at least a part of the processor (202) and the transceiver (206).

[0067] The structure of the wireless device described with reference to FIG. 3 can be understood as the structure of at least part of various devices. For example, the structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be at least part of the various devices described with reference to FIG. 2 (e.g., robot (110a), vehicle (110b-1, 110b-2), XR device (110c), portable device (110d), home appliance (110e), IoT device (110f), AI device / server (110g)). Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the device may include other components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0068] For example, the device may be a portable device such as a smartphone, smartpad, wearable device (e.g., smart watch, smart glasses), or portable computer (e.g., laptop, etc.). In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an interface unit that includes at least one port for connection with another device (e.g., an audio input / output port, a video input / output port), and an input / output unit for inputting and outputting video information / signals, audio information / signals, data, and / or information input by a user.

[0069] For example, the device may be a mobile device such as a mobile robot, vehicle, train, manned / unmanned aerial vehicle (AV), or ship. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a drive unit comprising at least one of an engine, motor, power train, wheel, brake, and steering device of the device; a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, battery, etc.; a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings; an autonomous driving unit that performs functions such as path maintenance, speed control, and destination setting; and a position measurement unit that acquires position information of the moving body through a GPS (global positioning system) and various sensors.

[0070] For example, the device may be an XR device such as an HMD, a HUD (head-up display) equipped in a vehicle, a television, a smartphone, a computer, a wearable device, a home appliance, digital signage, a vehicle, a robot, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a power supply unit that supplies power and includes a wired / wireless charging circuit, a battery, etc., an input / output unit that acquires control information, data, etc. from the outside and outputs a generated XR object, and a sensor unit that senses state information, environment information, and user information of the device or the surroundings of the device.

[0071] For example, the device may be a robot that can be classified into industrial, medical, household, military, etc., depending on the purpose or field of use. In this case, the device may further include at least one of a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a drive unit that performs various physical actions, such as moving robot joints.

[0072] For example, the device may be an AI device such as a TV, projector, smartphone, PC, laptop, digital broadcasting terminal, tablet PC, wearable device, set-top box (STB), radio, washing machine, refrigerator, digital signage, robot, vehicle, etc. In this case, the device may further include at least one of an input unit that acquires various types of data from the outside, an output unit that generates output related to sight, hearing, or touch, a sensor unit that senses state information, environmental information, and user information of the device or its surroundings, and a training unit that learns a model composed of an artificial neural network using training data.

[0073] The structure of the wireless device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be understood as part of a terminal (or first node), or part of an intermediate point, or part of a base station (or second node). If the device illustrated in FIG. 3 is a base station (or second node), the device may further include a wired transceiver for front haul and / or back haul communication. If the front haul and / or back haul communication is based on wireless communication, at least one transceiver (206) illustrated in FIG. 3 is used for front haul and / or back haul communication, and a wired transceiver may not be included.

[0074] Communication procedures

[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) and a second node (120) (e.g., a base station) transmitting and / or receiving data, and the operation performed prior to this.

[0077] In step S101, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform synchronization. For example, the terminal (110) performs an initial cell search operation. Specifically, the terminal (110) can detect at least one synchronization signal transmitted from the base station (120) according to a predefined rule. Here, the synchronization signal may include a plurality of synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal) classified according to structure or use. Through this, the terminal (110) can identify the boundaries of the frame, subframe, slot, and / or symbol of the base station (120) and obtain information about the base station (120) (e.g., a cell identifier).

[0078] In step S103, the first node (110) can obtain system information transmitted from the second node (120). For example, the system information is information related to the attributes, characteristics, and / or capabilities of the base station (120) required to connect to the base station (120) and use the service, and can be classified according to content (e.g., whether it is essential for connection), transmission structure (e.g., the channel used, whether it is provided on-demand), etc., and can be classified, for example, into a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB). If necessary, the terminal (110) may transmit a signal requesting system information prior to receiving the system information. Such request and provision of system information may be performed after a random access procedure described later.

[0079] In step S105, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform a random access procedure. For example, the terminal (110) can transmit and / or receive at least one message for the random access procedure (e.g., a random access preamble, a RAR (random access response) message, etc.) based on information related to the random access channel of the base station (120) obtained through system information (e.g., channel location, channel structure, structure of a supported preamble, etc.). For example, the terminal (110) may transmit a preamble (e.g., message 1 (MSG1)) through a random access channel, receive a random access response (RAR) message (e.g., message 2 (MSG2)), transmit a message (e.g., message 3 (MSG3)) containing information related to the terminal (110) (e.g., identification information) to the base station (120) using scheduling information included in the RAR message, and receive a message (e.g., message 4 (MSG4)) for contention resolution and / or connection establishment. As another example, MSG1 and MSG3 may be transmitted and received as a single message (e.g., message A (MSG A), or MSG2 and MSG4 may be transmitted and received as a single message (e.g., message B (MSG B).

[0080] In step S107, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can perform signaling of control information. For example, the control information may be defined in various layers, such as a layer that controls the connection (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) layer), a layer that handles mapping between logical channels and transmission channels (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer), and a layer that handles physical channels (e.g., a physical (PHY) layer). For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) may perform at least one of signaling to establish a connection, signaling to determine settings related to communication, and signaling to indicate allocated resources.

[0081] In step S109, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can transmit and / or receive data. For example, the terminal (110) and the base station (120) can process data based on the signaling of control information and transmit and / or receive data. For example, when transmitting data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of channel encoding, rate matching, scrambling, constellation mapping, layer mapping, waveform modulation, antenna mapping, and resource mapping on the information bits. For example, when receiving data, the terminal (110) or the base station (120) can perform at least one of extracting a signal from a resource, antenna-specific waveform demodulation, signal placement considering layer mapping, constellation demapping, descrambling, and channel decoding.

[0082] 6G System Core Technology

[0083] As core implementation technologies for 6G systems, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), THz (Terahertz) communication, optical wireless technology, free space optics (FSO) backhaul network, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology, blockchain, 3D networking, quantum communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, cell-free communication, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET), integration of sensing and communication, integration of access backhaul networks, holographic beamforming, big data analysis, and large intelligent surface (LIS) can be adopted.

[0084] artificial intelligence

[0085] The introduction of AI into communications can streamline and enhance real-time data transmission. AI can determine how complex target tasks are performed using numerous analyses. In other words, AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing latency. Time-consuming tasks such as handover, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a significant role in M2M, machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communication. Furthermore, AI can enable rapid communication in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0086] The following describes a functional framework for AI / ML operations.

[0087] Below, to provide a more specific explanation of AI (or AI / ML), terms may be defined as follows.

[0088] - Data collection: Data collected from network nodes, management entities, or terminals, serving as a basis for AI model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0089] - AI Model: A data-driven algorithm that applies AI technology to generate a set of outputs containing predictive information and / or decision parameters based on a set of inputs.

[0090] - AI / ML Training: An online or offline process of training an AI model by learning features and patterns that best represent data and acquire an AI / ML model trained for inference.

[0091] - AI / ML Inference: A process of making predictions or deriving decisions based on collected data and AI models using trained AI models.

[0092] Life Cycle Management (LCM) procedures for AI / ML models (i.e., model training, model deployment, model inference, model monitoring, model updating, etc.) can be classified into functionality-based LCM and model-based LCM. In functionality-based LCM, AI / ML models may not be identifiable within the network, and the network can direct the activation, deactivation, fallback, or switching of AI / ML functionality. In model-ID (identifier)-based LCM, AI / ML models can be identified within the network, and the network or terminal can activate, deactivate, select, or switch AI / ML models via the model ID.

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary functional framework for AI / ML operations to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates a general functional architecture related to both Functionality-based LCM and Model-based LCM. Some functions or some data / information / command flows (i.e., arrows) illustrated in Figure 5 may be omitted.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, a general functional framework may be configured to include a data collection function (10), a model training function (20), a management function (30), an inference function (40), and a model storage function (50).

[0096] The Data Collection function (10) is a function that provides input data to the Model Training function (20), Management function (30), and Inference function (40). The Data Collection function (10) performs data preparation based on raw data and can provide input data processed through data preparation. Examples of raw data may include received data / measurement data from terminals or other network entities, inference / output of AI / ML models, etc. The Data Collection function (10) may be performed by a single entity (e.g., terminal, network node, etc.) but may also be performed by multiple entities.

[0097] Here, training data (11) refers to data required as input for the AI / ML model training function (20). monitoring data (12) refers to data required as input for the management (30) of the AI / ML model or AI / ML function. inference data (13) refers to data required as input for the AI / ML inference function (30).

[0098] The Model Training function (20) is a function that performs AI / ML model training, validation, and testing, which can generate model performance metrics that can be used as part of the AI / ML model testing procedure. If necessary, the Model Training function (20) can perform data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, forming and transformation) based on the Training Data (11) delivered from the Data Collection function (10).

[0099] Trained / Updated Model (21): If there is a Model Storage function (50), it is used to transfer trained, validated, and tested AI / ML models to the Model Storage function (50) or to transfer updated versions of the models to the Model Storage function (50).

[0100] The Management function (30) is a function that supervises the operation of an AI / ML model or an AI / ML function. Additionally, the Management function (30) may make decisions to ensure appropriate inference operations based on data received from the Data Collection function (10) (i.e., Monitoring Data (12)) and / or data received from the Inference function (40) (i.e., Inference Output (41)).

[0101] Management Instruction (32) is information required as input to manage the Inference function (40). The relevant information may include the selection / (de)activation / switching of an AI / ML model or an AI / ML-based function, and may also include a fallback to a non-AI / ML operation (i.e., not relying on the inference process).

[0102] A Model Transfer / Delivery Request (33) can be used to request model(s) from Model Storage (50).

[0103] Performance Feedback / Retraining Request (31) refers to information required as input to Model Training function (20) (e.g., for the purpose of retraining or updating the model).

[0104] The inference function (40) is a function that provides output from the process of applying an AI / ML model or AI / ML function using data (i.e., inference data (13)) provided by the data collection (10) as input. Data preparation (e.g., data preprocessing and cleaning, formatting and transformation) may also be performed based on the inference data (13) delivered by the data collection (10). If necessary, the inference function (40) may also perform data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, forming and transformation) based on the inference data (13) provided by the data collection function (10).

[0105] Inference Output (41) is data used in the Management function (30) to monitor the performance of an AI / ML model or AI / ML function. Inference Output (41) may include the inference output of an AI / ML model generated by the Inference function (30), and the details of the inference output may vary depending on the use case.

[0106] The Model Storage function (50) is a function that stores a trained / updated model that can be used to perform the Inference function (40). The Model Storage function (50) exemplified in FIG. 2 can be used as a reference point (if any) applicable to protocol termination, model transmission / delivery, and related processes. Additionally, the Model Storage function (50) is an example and is not intended to restrict the storage location of the actual AI / ML model and may be omitted.

[0107] Model Transfer / Delivery (51) is used to transfer an AI / ML model to an inference function.

[0108] Cooperation levels can be defined as follows based on the capability of AI / ML functions among multiple nodes, and variations resulting from the combination of multiple levels or the separation of any one level are also possible.

[0109] Cat 0a) No collaboration framework: AI / ML algorithms are based on pure implementation and do not require changes to the wireless interface.

[0110] Cat 0b) This level corresponds to a framework that involves a wireless interface modified to fit efficient implementation-based AI / ML algorithms but without cooperation.

[0111] Cat 1) Inter-node support is involved to improve the AI / ML algorithms of each node. For example, this applies when a specific node receives support from other nodes (for training, adaptation, etc.) and vice versa. At this level, model exchange between network nodes is not required.

[0112] Cat 2) Collaborative AI / ML tasks can be performed among multiple nodes. This level requires the exchange of AI / ML model commands or network nodes.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overall functional framework for an AI / ML model, and all functions and / or all data / information / command signals illustrated in FIG. 5 may not be performed within a specific node, and only some may be performed.

[0114] AI / ML models can be classified into one-side models and two-side models depending on whether training and / or inference are performed on a single node or jointly / sequentially on multiple nodes.

[0115] A one-side model can refer to an AI / ML model where inference is performed entirely by a single node (e.g., a terminal or a network). Here, the training of the AI / ML model can also be performed entirely by a single node. The training and inference of the AI / ML model may be performed by the same node, or they may be performed by different nodes.

[0116] A two-side model can refer to an AI / ML model in which joint inference is performed across multiple nodes (e.g., terminals and networks). Joint inference means that inference is performed collaboratively across multiple nodes; for example, the first part of the inference may be performed by the first node, and the remainder by the second node. Two-side models can be classified into various types as follows, depending on the training method of the AI / ML model.

[0117] - First type: An AI / ML model can be trained on a single node. In this case, joint training can be performed. The trained model can then be distributed to other nodes / entities.

[0118] - Second type: Joint training of AI / ML models can be performed on multiple nodes / entities (e.g., networks and terminals). Joint training can mean that model generation (e.g., CSI generation) and model reconstruction (CSI compression by sub-use cases) are trained in the same loop for forward activation and backward gradient. In this type, joint training can include both simultaneous training (i.e., model generation training and model reconstruction training are performed simultaneously) and sequential training (i.e., model reconstruction training is performed after model generation training).

[0119] - Third Type: Separate training of AI / ML models can be performed at multiple nodes (e.g., networks and terminals). Separate training may mean that training starts sequentially at one node and continues at another node. In this case, if the first node performs the AI / ML model first and shares the training data with the second node, the second node can perform the AI / ML model using the shared training data. For example, training for the CSI generation part may be performed by the terminal, while CSI reconstruction may be performed by the network.

[0120] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary communication procedure based on an AI / ML model between a first node and a second node to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0121] Step 1: In the description of the present disclosure below, signaling (e.g., information / data / channel / signal, etc.) or a set of signaling between a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) and another node may be interpreted as the signaling or a set of signaling of Step 1 used to perform an operation based on an AI / ML model, unless otherwise noted. For example, it may correspond to training data for training (i.e., generation and / or reconstruction) the AI / ML model of FIG. 2, or to inference data used for inference of the AI / ML model, or to feedback to the AI / ML model, etc. If signaling between nodes is not required prior to an operation based on an AI / ML model in the present disclosure, Step 1 may be omitted. If a one-side model is used in the present disclosure, unidirectional / bidirectional signaling (set) in the present disclosure may correspond to the signaling of Step 1. In addition, when a two-side model is used in the present disclosure, unidirectional / bidirectional signaling in the present disclosure may correspond to one stage of signaling, and repetitive signaling operations may also correspond to one stage of signaling.

[0122] For example, in AI / ML model-based beam management, when a base station predicts (i.e., infers) high-quality beam(s) based on an AI / ML model, the base station can receive quality / intensity information for multiple beams from the terminal. Additionally, when a terminal predicts (i.e., infers) high-quality beam(s) based on an AI / ML model, the terminal can receive multiple beams from the base station.

[0123] Step 2: In the description of the present disclosure below, operations (e.g., computation, selection, prediction, etc.) at a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) or common operations (e.g., computation, selection, prediction, etc.) at multiple nodes (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) may correspond to operations of Step 2 based on one or more functions in the functional framework of an AI / ML model, unless otherwise noted. For example, they may correspond to the training (i.e., creation and / or reconstruction) of the AI / ML model of FIG. 2 or to inference of the AI / ML model. When a one-side model is used, operations performed by a single node in the present disclosure may correspond to operations of Step 2, and when a two-side model is used, common operations performed by multiple nodes in the present disclosure may correspond to operations of Step 2.

[0124] For example, in an AI / ML model-based BM, a base station can predict (i.e., infer) high-quality beam(s) based on an AI / ML model by using quality / intensity information for multiple beams received from a terminal as inference data. Additionally, a terminal can measure multiple beams received from a base station and predict (i.e., infer) high-quality beam(s) based on an AI / ML model by using the measurement results as inference data.

[0125] Step 3: In the description of the present disclosure below, signaling (e.g., information / data / channel / signal, etc.) or a set of signaling between a specific node (e.g., terminal, network, etc.) and another node may be interpreted as the signaling or set of signaling of Step 3 generated as a result of an operation based on an AI / ML model, even if not otherwise mentioned. For example, it may correspond to the output resulting from the inference of the AI / ML model of FIG. 2. If signaling between nodes is not required as a result of an operation based on an AI / ML model in the present disclosure, Step 3 may be omitted. If a one-side model is used in the present disclosure, unidirectional / bidirectional signaling (set) in the present disclosure may correspond to the signaling of Step 3. Furthermore, if a two-side model is used in the present disclosure, unidirectional / bidirectional signaling in the present disclosure may correspond to the signaling of Step 3, and repetitive signaling operations may also correspond to the signaling of Step 3.

[0126] For example, in an AI / ML model-based BM, the base station may transmit beam(s) predicted based on the AI / ML model as candidates to the terminal so that the terminal can determine the optimal beam. Additionally, the terminal may report the beam(s) predicted based on the AI / ML model to the base station to request the base station to transmit candidate beams as candidates for determining the optimal beam.

[0127] THz communication

[0128] Data transmission rates can be increased by expanding bandwidth. This can be achieved by using sub-THz communication with wide bandwidth and applying advanced large-scale MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter radiation, generally refer to a frequency band between 0.1 THz and 10 THz with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz–300 GHz band range (sub-THz band) is considered the primary portion of the THz band for cellular communication. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band increases 6G cellular communication capacity. Among the defined THz bands, the 300 GHz–3 THz band is located in the far-infrared (IR) frequency band. Although the 300 GHz–3 THz band is part of the broadband, it lies at the boundary of the broadband and immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz–3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows an electromagnetic spectrum to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0130] Key characteristics of THz communication include (i) widely available bandwidth to support very high data transmission rates, and (ii) high path loss occurring at high frequencies (highly directional antennas are indispensable). The narrow beam width generated by highly directional antennas reduces interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows a much larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and BSs operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array technologies that can overcome range limitations.

[0131] When transmitting system information (e.g., MIB) of a cell in the THz frequency band, it can be inefficient because, in the case of high frequency bands, beam sweeping must be performed more frequently to cover the entire area of ​​the cell as the beam width becomes narrower. In particular, transmitting system information using this method is even more inefficient when there are not many users in the cell.

[0132] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system information transmission / reception procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0133] The example of FIG. 8 is applicable not only to THz communication environments but also to 6G communication environments where THz communication is not applied. In addition, the procedure illustrated in FIG. 8 can be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure described below. For example, the embodiments described below can be performed based on system information obtained by the procedure illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0134] In step S810, the second node (120) (e.g., a base station) can transmit system information of cell #1 through cell #2. For example, the base station provides at least two cells, cell #1 uses a THz frequency band, and cell #2 uses a frequency band other than the THz frequency band. Here, the system information may include at least one of a system frame number (SFN) generated at a higher layer, a PDCCH configuration for SIB1, cell barring, cell re-selection, and subcarrier spacing, and may include at least one of a synchronization signal / PBCH (physical broadcast channel) block index generated at a physical layer. To this end, as an example, cell #1 and cell #2 may have a secondary cell and primary cell relationship.

[0135] In step S830, the first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) can acquire synchronization for cell #1. Synchronization can be acquired by detecting a synchronization signal. Generally, synchronization is acquired prior to receiving system information, but since the system information for cell #1 is received in cell #2, the acquisition of synchronization for cell #1 can be performed after receiving the system information. For example, the terminal can acquire synchronization based on the system information. Alternatively, the acquisition of synchronization may be performed prior to step S1010.

[0136] In step S850, the first node (110) may transmit a signal to connect to cell #1. For example, the signal may include a random access preamble. The structure of such a signal and the resource for transmitting the signal (e.g., a channel) can be identified through system information. Subsequently, in step S1070, the first node (110) and the second node (120) may perform a connection procedure to cell #1 and perform communication.

[0137] The procedure described with reference to FIG. 8 may be performed when the first node (110) first connects to cell #1 of the second node (120). Alternatively, a similar procedure may be performed when the first node (110) handovers to cell #1 of the second node (120). However, in the case of a handover, the system information of cell #1 may be received from a cell of a different base station other than cell #2 of the second node (120).

[0138] Communication in the THz band is expected to experience severe path loss, and to overcome this, terminals and base stations may be required to use very sharp beams. The use of sharp beams implies that terminals and base stations must perform beam control in addition to beamforming, meaning that a very large number of beams are utilized. Consequently, aligning the transmit and receive beams between the base station and the terminal takes a very long time. Furthermore, if the beam alignment between the base station and the terminal is disrupted due to the movement of the terminal, time is frequently required to realign the beams, which may lead to link instability.

[0139] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary beam management procedure to which some examples of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0140] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a procedure for searching and / or selecting beams for THz communication, but this procedure is not limited to a THz environment and can also be applied in a 6G communication environment where THz communication is not applied.

[0141] Here, the term "beam" can be interpreted as other terms having equivalent technical meanings capable of distinguishing beams, such as "spatial domain filter," "spatial domain transmit filter," "spatial domain receive filter," reference signal (RS) resources for distinguishing beams, and SSB index.

[0142] In step S910, the second node (120) (e.g., a base station) may set resources for beam management to the first node (110) (e.g., a terminal). Here, the resources may include at least one of time-frequency resources, channels, and spatial resources (e.g., antenna ports). For example, the base station may utilize a beam search signal (BSS) that is transmitted spatially separated from the existing downlink signal / channel for beam search. Here, the BSS may be transmitted based on a dedicated port for beam search. The dedicated port may be a port different from the port used for transmitting the existing downlink signal / channel (e.g., SSB, PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), etc.). BSS is a term defined for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept according to the present embodiment is not limited to the term BSS itself. For example, a signal transmitted based on a dedicated port defined / set for beam search may be included in the technical concept according to the present embodiment.

[0143] In step S930, the second node (120) (e.g., a base station) transmits measurement signals using multiple transmission beams. For example, the measurement signals may include at least one of a reference signal and a synchronization signal. At this time, the measurement signals may be transmitted as many times as the number of beams requiring measurement, and may be transmitted using a multi-beam transmission method that forms multiple beams simultaneously to reduce sweeping time. Here, multi-beam transmission may be performed based on at least one of a multi-panel, a sub-array, or a true time delay (TTD).

[0144] In step S950, the first node (110) (e.g., a terminal) may transmit a feedback signal to the second node (120) (e.g., a base station). The feedback signal may indicate at least one beam selected by the terminal. The terminal may select at least one preferred beam based on the measurement signals received in step S1030.

[0145] In step S970, the first node (110) and the second node (120) can communicate. For example, the second node (120) can perform transmission to the first node (110) using the receiving beam of the first node (110) selected in step S1050. If channel reciprocity is established, the transmission beam of the first node (110) can also be determined through steps S1030 and S1050, so the transmission operation from the first node (110) can also be performed using a beam that has a reciprocity relationship with the beam selected in step S1050. If channel reciprocity is not established, a procedure including the transmission of measurement signal(s) by the first node (110) and the transmission of feedback signal(s) by the second node (120) may be performed first to determine the transmission beam of the first node (110).

[0146] Channel State Information (CSI) Related Operations

[0147] In NR (New Radio) systems, CSI-RS (channel state information-reference signal) is used for time and / or frequency tracking, CSI computation, L1 (layer 1)-RSRP (reference signal received power) computation, and mobility. Here, CSI computation is related to CSI acquisition, and L1-RSRP computation is related to beam management (BM).

[0148] CSI (channel state information) is a general term for information that can indicate the quality of the wireless channel (also called a link) formed between a terminal and an antenna port.

[0149] - To perform one of the uses of CSI-RS as described above, a terminal (e.g., user equipment, UE) receives configuration information related to CSI from a base station (e.g., general Node B, gNB) via RRC (radio resource control) signaling.

[0150] The configuration information related to the above CSI may include at least one of information related to CSI-IM (interference management) resources, information related to CSI measurement configurations, information related to CSI resource configurations, information related to CSI-RS resources, or information related to CSI report configurations.

[0151] i) Information related to CSI-IM resources may include CSI-IM resource information, CSI-IM resource set information, etc. A CSI-IM resource set is identified by a CSI-IM resource set ID (identifier), and one resource set includes at least one CSI-IM resource. Each CSI-IM resource is identified by a CSI-IM resource ID.

[0152] ii) Information related to CSI resource configuration may be expressed as CSI-ResourceConfig IE. Information related to CSI resource configuration defines a group including at least one of an NZP (non-zero power) CSI-RS resource set, a CSI-IM resource set, or a CSI-SSB resource set. That is, the information related to CSI resource configuration includes a CSI-RS resource set list, and the CSI-RS resource set list may include at least one of an NZP CSI-RS resource set list, a CSI-IM resource set list, or a CSI-SSB resource set list. A CSI-RS resource set is identified by a CSI-RS resource set ID, and one resource set includes at least one CSI-RS resource. Each CSI-RS resource is identified by a CSI-RS resource ID.

[0153] For each NZP CSI-RS resource set, parameters indicating the use of CSI-RS (e.g., BM-related 'repetition' parameter, tracking-related 'trs-Info' parameter) can be set.

[0154] iii) Information related to the CSI report configuration includes a reportConfigType parameter representing the time domain behavior and a reportQuantity parameter representing the quantity of CSI related to reporting. The time domain behavior may be periodic, aperiodic, or semi-persistent.

[0155] - The terminal measures the CSI based on configuration information related to the above CSI.

[0156] The above CSI measurement may include (1) a process of receiving CSI-RS from a terminal and (2) a process of computing CSI through the received CSI-RS, and a detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0157] In CSI-RS, the mapping of resource elements (RE) of CSI-RS resources in the time and frequency domains is established by the higher layer parameter CSI-RS-ResourceMapping.

[0158] - The terminal reports the above-mentioned CSI to the base station.

[0159] Here, if the quantity of CSI-ReportConfig is set to 'none (or No report)', the terminal may omit the report. However, even if the quantity is set to 'none (or No report)', the terminal may still report to the base station. The case where the quantity is set to 'none' is when aperiodic TRS is triggered or when repetition is set. Here, the terminal may omit the report only when repetition is set to 'ON'.

[0160] 1) CSI measurement

[0161] The NR system supports more flexible and dynamic CSI measurement and reporting. Here, the CSI measurement may include a procedure for receiving CSI-RS and acquiring CSI by computationing the received CSI-RS.

[0162] As time domain behaviors for CSI measurement and reporting, aperiodic / semi-persistent / periodic CM (channel measurement) and IM (interference measurement) are supported. A 4-port NZP CSI-RS RE pattern is used for CSI-IM configuration.

[0163] NR's CSI-IM-based IMR has a design similar to LTE's CSI-IM and is configured independently of ZP CSI-RS resources for PDSCH rate matching. In addition, in the NZP CSI-RS-based IMR, each port emulates an interference layer with (desired channel and) precoded NZP CSI-RS. This is for intra-cell interference measurement in the multi-user case and primarily targets MU interference.

[0164] The base station transmits precoded NZP CSI-RS to the terminal on each port of the configured NZP CSI-RS-based IMR.

[0165] The terminal measures interference by assuming a channel / interference layer for each port in the resource set.

[0166] For a channel, if there is no PMI and RI feedback, multiple resources are set, and the base station or network indicates a subset of NZP CSI-RS resources via DCI for channel / interference measurement.

[0167] We will examine resource setting and resource setting configuration in more detail.

[0168] 2) Resource setting

[0169] Each CSI resource setting 'CSI-ResourceConfig' contains a configuration for S≥1 CSI resource sets (given by the higher layer parameter csi-RS-ResourceSetList). The CSI resource setting corresponds to the CSI-RS-resourcesetlist, where S represents the number of configured CSI-RS resource sets. Here, the configuration for S≥1 CSI resource sets includes each CSI resource set containing CSI-RS resources (configured as NZP CSI-RS or CSI-IM) and the SS / PBCH block (SSB) resource used for L1-RSRP computation.

[0170] Each CSI resource setting is located in a DL BWP (bandwidth part) identified by the higher layer parameter bwp-id. Additionally, all CSI resource settings linked to a CSI reporting setting have the same DL BWP.

[0171] Within the CSI resource setting included in CSI-ResourceConfig IE, the time domain behavior of the CSI-RS resource is dictated by the higher layer parameter resourceType and can be set to aperiodic, periodic, or semi-persistent. For periodic and semi-persistent CSI resource settings, the number of configured CSI-RS resource sets (S) is limited to '1'. For periodic and semi-persistent CSI resource settings, the configured periodicity and slot offset are given from the numerology of the associated DL BWP, as given by bwp-id.

[0172] When a UE is configured with multiple CSI-ResourceConfigs containing the same NZP CSI-RS resource ID, the same time domain behavior is configured for the CSI-ResourceConfigs.

[0173] When a UE is configured with multiple CSI-ResourceConfigs containing the same CSI-IM resource ID, the same time domain behavior is configured for the CSI-ResourceConfigs.

[0174] Next, one or more CSI resource settings for channel measurement (CM) and interference measurement (IM) are established through higher layer signaling.

[0175] - CSI-IM resource for interference measurement.

[0176] - NZP CSI-RS resources for interference measurement.

[0177] - NZP CSI-RS resources for channel measurement.

[0178] That is, the CMR (channel measurement resource) may be an NZP CSI-RS for CSI acquisition, and the IMR (Interference measurement resource) may be an NZP CSI-RS for CSI-IM and IM.

[0179] Here, CSI-IM (or ZP CSI-RS for IM) is primarily used for inter-cell interference measurements.

[0180] Also, the NZP CSI-RS for IM is mainly used for intra-cell interference measurement from multi-users.

[0181] The UE can assume that the CSI-RS resource(s) for channel measurement and the CSI-IM / NZP CSI-RS resource(s) for interference measurement set for one CSI reporting are 'QCL-TypeD' on a resource-by-resource basis.

[0182] 3) Resource setting configuration

[0183] As examined, resource setting can refer to a resource set list.

[0184] For aperiodic CSI, each trigger state set using the higher layer parameter CSI-AperiodicTriggerState is associated with one or more CSI-ReportConfigs, each of which is linked to a periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic resource setting.

[0185] One reporting setting can be linked to up to three resource settings.

[0186] - When a resource setting is set, the resource setting (given by the higher layer parameter resourcesForChannelMeasurement) is for channel measurements for L1-RSRP computation.

[0187] - When two resource settings are set, the first resource setting (given by the higher layer parameter resourcesForChannelMeasurement) is for channel measurement, and the second resource setting (given by csi-IM-ResourcesForInterference or nzp-CSI-RS-ResourcesForInterference) is for interference measurement performed on CSI-IM or NZP CSI-RS.

[0188] - When three resource settings are set, the first resource setting (given by resourcesForChannelMeasurement) is for channel measurement, the second resource setting (given by csi-IM-ResourcesForInterference) is for CSI-IM based interference measurement, and the third resource setting (given by nzp-CSI-RS-ResourcesForInterference) is for NZP CSI-RS based interference measurement.

[0189] For semi-persistent or periodic CSI, each CSI-ReportConfig is linked to a periodic or semi-persistent resource setting.

[0190] - When a resource setting (given by resourcesForChannelMeasurement) is configured, said resource setting is for channel measurements for L1-RSRP computation.

[0191] - When two resource settings are configured, the first resource setting (given by resourcesForChannelMeasurement) is for channel measurement, and the second resource setting (given by higher layer parameter csi-IM-ResourcesForInterference) is used for interference measurement performed on CSI-IM.

[0192] 4) CSI Computation

[0193] When interference measurements are performed on CSI-IM, each CSI-RS resource for channel measurement is associated with a CSI-IM resource by resource in the order of CSI-RS resources and CSI-IM resources within the corresponding resource set. The number of CSI-RS resources for channel measurement is equal to the number of CSI-IM resources.

[0194] And, when interference measurement is performed in NZP CSI-RS, the UE does not expect to be set to one or more NZP CSI-RS resources in the associated resource set within the resource setting for channel measurement.

[0195] A terminal with the Higher layer parameter nzp-CSI-RS-ResourcesForInterference configured does not expect more than 18 NZP CSI-RS ports to be configured within the NZP CSI-RS resource set.

[0196] For CSI measurement, the terminal assumes the following:

[0197] - Each NZP CSI-RS port configured for interference measurement corresponds to the interference transport layer.

[0198] - All interference transmission layers of the NZP CSI-RS port for interference measurement consider the EPRE (energy per resource element) ratio.

[0199] - Other interference signals on the RE(s) of the NZP CSI-RS resource for channel measurement, the NZP CSI-RS resource for interference measurement, or the CSI-IM resource for interference measurement.

[0200] 5) CSI Report

[0201] For CSI reporting, the time and frequency resources available to the UE are controlled by the base station.

[0202] Channel state information (CSI) may include at least one of a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), an SS / PBCH block resource indicator (SSBRI), a layer indicator (LI), a rank indicator (RI), or an L1-RSRP.

[0203] For CQI, PMI, CRI, SSBRI, LI, RI, and L1-RSRP, the terminal is configured by a higher layer with N≥1 CSI-ReportConfig reporting settings, M≥1 CSI-ResourceConfig resource settings, and a list of one or two trigger states (provided by aperiodicTriggerStateList and semiPersistentOnPUSCH-TriggerStateList). In the aperiodicTriggerStateList, each trigger state includes an associated list of CSI-ReportConfigs indicating resource set IDs for the channel and optionally interference. In the semiPersistentOnPUSCH-TriggerStateList, each trigger state includes one associated CSI-ReportConfig.

[0204] In addition, the time domain behavior of CSI reporting supports periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic.

[0205] i) Periodic CSI reporting is performed on short PUCCH and long PUCCH. The periodicity and slot offset of Periodic CSI reporting can be set to RRC, and refer to CSI-ReportConfig IE.

[0206] ii) SP (semi-periodic) CSI reporting is performed on short PUCCH, long PUCCH, or PUSCH.

[0207] In the case of SP CSI on Short / long PUCCH, periodicity and slot offset are set to RRC, and CSI reporting is activated / deactivated with separate MAC CE / DCI.

[0208] In the case of SP CSI on PUSCH, the periodicity of SP CSI reporting is set to RRC, but the slot offset is not set to RRC, and SP CSI reporting is activated / deactivated by DCI(format 0_1). For SP CSI reporting on PUSCH, a separate RNTI (SP-CSI C-RNTI) is used.

[0209] The initial CSI reporting timing follows the PUSCH time domain allocation value specified by DCI, and subsequent CSI reporting timing follows the period set by RRC.

[0210] DCI format 0_1 ​​includes a CSI request field and can activate / deactivate a specific configured SP-CSI trigger state. SP CSI reporting has the same or similar activation / deactivation mechanism as the data transmission mechanism on SPS PUSCH.

[0211] iii) aperiodic CSI reporting is performed on PUSCH and triggered by DCI. In this case, information related to the trigger of aperiodic CSI reporting can be transmitted / instructed / set via MAC-CE.

[0212] In the case of an AP CSI with AP CSI-RS, the AP CSI-RS timing is set by the RRC, and the timing for AP CSI reporting is dynamically controlled by the DCI.

[0213] NR does not apply the method of splitting CSIs across multiple reporting instances (e.g., transmitting in the order of RI, WB PMI / CQI, SB PMI / CQI) that was applied to PUCCH-based CSI reporting in LTE. Instead, NR restricts the setting of specific CSI reports in short / long PUCCHs, and CSI omission rules are defined. Regarding AP CSI reporting timing, the PUSCH symbol / slot location is dynamically determined by the DCI, and candidate slot offsets are set by the RRC. For CSI reporting, the slot offset (Y) is set per reporting setting. For UL-SCH, the slot offset K2 is set separately.

[0214] Two CSI latency classes (low latency class and high latency class) are defined in terms of CSI computation complexity. Low-latency CSI refers to WB CSIs that include up to 4-port Type-I codebooks or up to 4-port non-PMI feedback CSIs. High-latency CSI refers to any CSI other than low-latency CSIs. For a normal terminal, (Z, Z') is defined in the unit of OFDM symbols. Here, Z represents the minimum CSI processing time from receiving an Aperiodic CSI-triggering DCI to performing a CSI report. Additionally, Z' represents the minimum CSI processing time from receiving a CSI-RS for channel / interference to performing a CSI report.

[0215] Additionally, the terminal reports the number of CSIs that can be calculated simultaneously.

[0216] The activation or deactivation of a semi-persistent CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set is directed by the network via a specific MAC CE. The configured semi-persistent CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set is initially deactivated at the time of configuration and after a handover. The MAC entity receiving the corresponding MAC CE directs the lower layer (e.g., PHY) to the information related to that MAC CE.

[0217] Aperiodic CSI trigger state subselection is directed from the network via a specific MAC CE, and an Aperiodic CSI trigger state can be selected from among the configured AP CSI trigger states of the serving cell. The MAC entity receiving the corresponding MAC CE instructs the lower layer (e.g., PHY) with information related to the MAC CE.

[0218] Method for determining near-field and far-field

[0219] Regarding the deployment bands for 6G communication systems, the 7-24GHz range, known as the upper-mid band, is attracting attention, and channel model studies related to this have begun at 3GPP Rel-19. Additionally, the utilization of mmWave and THz bands is being considered for broadband transmission. Meanwhile, 5G-advanced communication systems have improved performance by utilizing a significantly larger number of antennas (e.g., 64Tx, 128Tx) compared to existing systems, and this trend is expected to be maintained or further developed in 6G systems. Ultimately, it is highly likely that 6G communication systems will be deployed through the implementation of tens to hundreds of massive antennas in bands above 7GHz.

[0220] Conventionally, precoders and beamformers were designed to search for transmit and receive beams by assuming a planar wavefront propagation environment in the far-field. In other words, a planar wavefront propagation environment could be assumed because the distance between the base station and the terminal is significantly greater than the distance between the antennas. However, in ultra-large-scale multi-antenna systems in the high-frequency band as described above, the near-field region between the base station and the user expands, so existing precoder / beamformer designs based on the far-field assumption may not be suitable.

[0221] FIG. 10 is a diagram comparing the near-field area according to the number of antennas in a wireless communication system to which the present disclosure can be applied.

[0222] Figure 10 shows examples of near-field and far-field regions in a multi-antenna system with a relatively small number of antennas and a super-large multi-antenna system, respectively.

[0223] Figure 10 illustrates the near-field and far-field regions, respectively, when the carrier frequency is f_c=30 GHz and the number of antennas of a base station equipped with a uniform linear array (ULA) is N_t=16 (Figure 10(a)) and N_t=512 (Figure 10(b)). As shown in Figure 10, in the case of a very large-scale multi-antenna system, as the area occupied by the near-field within the coverage widens, the probability of a user being in the near-field region increases.

[0224] In this disclosure, ' / ' means 'and', 'or', or 'and / or' depending on the context. In this disclosure, 'beam' may mean a (source / reference) RS for a 'spatial Tx / Rx filter' or a 'spatial relation', and may be interpreted as a QCL (source / reference) RS, a (DL / UL / joint) TCI state, or (in the case of an uplink) a spatial relation RS (corresponding ID).

[0225] As mentioned above, in future communication systems based on high frequency and / or large-scale antennas such as 6G, MIMO precoders / beams need to be designed considering not only the far-field that was previously considered but also the near-field.

[0226] Accordingly, from the perspective of downlink (DL) MIMO precoding / beamforming, the UE's CSI measurement / reporting method, e.g., CSI codebook, CSI reporting information, range of CSI information such as CQI / RI, quantization level / method for CSI information, DL RS (e.g., CSI-RS) related configuration information (e.g., resource / port configuration, EPRE / power ratio / offset (per UE / port / panel / layer), power scaling information per port / layer), etc., may need to be changed depending on whether the UE is located in the near-field or the far-field. In addition, from the perspective of uplink (UL) MIMO precoding / beamforming, the UL MIMO transmission method, UL MIMO codebook, power scaling value(s) for UL layers / ports, UL power control settings / instructions, UL timing advance settings / instructions, etc., may need to be changed depending on whether the UE is located in the near field or the far field.

[0227] For convenience, the present disclosure assumes that the DL / UL settings are divided into two states: a long-range and a short-range. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the DL / UL settings may be further subdivided by dividing them into three or more states / stages (e.g., a first state, a second state, a third state, etc.). Additionally, for convenience, the present disclosure primarily assumes that the states are determined based on UEs. However, if a UE is composed of multiple antennas / panels, the location of the antenna / panel (e.g., distance from the base station, angle) may differ. Accordingly, the states may be determined for each UE antenna / panel. That is, signaling related to state determination (e.g., measurement / reporting by the UE, setting / instruction by the base station) may be performed at the UE level, but may also be performed at the UE antenna port (group) or panel (group) level. In addition, for convenience of explanation in this disclosure, the subject / unit transmitting DL and receiving UL is assumed to be a base station; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and if the base station is composed of multiple TRPs / panels, the subject / unit transmitting DL and receiving UL may be a single or multiple TRPs / panels. For example, DL precoding / UL decoding may be performed on a TRP unit or across multiple TRPs. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the proposed method of this disclosure is described based on DL and UL, but this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be extended and applied to sidelinks, links between any UE and NW (network) nodes (e.g., relays, sensors, repeaters, satellites, etc.), links between any NW node and other NW nodes, etc. For example, UL-related technologies can be utilized in links related to UE transmission, such as sidelinks, and DL-related technologies can be utilized in links related to NW node transmission.

[0228] Number of transmitting antennas (ports) N t , number of receiving antennas (ports) N r Assume that precoding with transmission rank r is performed in a MIMO communication system. Assuming linear precoding, N r The Х1 received signal vector y is rХ1 transmitted vector x, N as shown in Equation 1 below. t Хr MIMO Precoder W, N r ХN t It can be expressed as wireless channel H.

[0229]

[0230] Here, N r ×1 Vector z represents interference and noise entering the receiver, and for convenience, the above formula assumes transmission for a single symbol. In the case of multi-symbol transmission, only the dimensions of vectors x, y, and z need to be extended by the number of transmitted symbols (e.g., if the dimension of vector x is N r ×N symbols (Extended to a matrix). Furthermore, in a multi-carrier system such as OFDM, the above mathematical equation may be a transmit / receive relationship for a specific subcarrier. It is also assumed that transmission power and path loss, etc., are reflected in the channel matrix H.

[0231] The MIMO transceiver system model described above can be applied to DL, UL, etc., depending on the combination of the transmitter and receiver. In the case of DL, the terminal can select a preferred precoding matrix W from the received signal y and report it to the base station. For example, the terminal can report a preferred r value as a rank indicator (RI) and an index related to the preferred W as a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) to the base station. In this procedure, the terminal generally uses W from a predefined DL codebook C={W1,W2,...,W MIt is selected from} and reported. In the case of UL, since the terminal is the subject of precoding, the base station can select a preferred precoding matrix W from the received signal y and instruct / set it to the terminal. For example, the r value can be indicated using the transmit rank indicator (TRI), and an index related to the preferred W can be indicated using the transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI). Alternatively, the TPMI can be used to indicate the value including transmit rank information. In this procedure, W is generally a predefined UL codebook C={W1,W2,...,W M You will select and direct / set it in}.

[0232] The matrix W is N for each layer t The Х1 beamforming vector is configured by stacking as many times as the total number of layers, and it may be desirable for the precoding vector for each layer to be in a form that matches the array response vector for the wireless channel. For example, in the case of a single Rx antenna with rank=1, the Hermitian / conjugate of the array response vector may be the optimal configuration (e.g., , where ρ is a scaling value that accounts for transmission power, normalization, etc.). In other words, a vector form identical to the channel response vector, with only the sign of the phase opposite, may be optimal. In the case of rank > 1, it may be better for the beamformer for each layer to correspond to rays (clusters) with excellent SINR (signal-to-interference plus noise ratio) in the channel between the base station and the terminal (e.g., direction of reflectors or scatterers). However, in rank > 1 transmission, not only the reception quality of each layer but also inter-layer interference must be considered, and the distribution of transmission power between layers also affects performance. Therefore, for a MIMO precoder, the optimal precoder W may vary depending on which performance metric is optimized, such as capacity, throughput, SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), SIR (signal-to-interference ratio), SINR, and error rate; furthermore, the optimal precoder W may also differ depending on whether the perspective is single-user (SU) or multi-user (MU). For example, a zero-forcing precoder (e.g., ), MMSE precorder(e.g., Various precoders, such as ), and SVD (singular value decomposition) precoders, can be considered. At the receiver, N r The transmission vector x is estimated through reception processing such as MMSE (Minimum Mean Square Error) and a zero-forcing filter using the Х1 received vector y (separately via RS, etc.) and the estimated channel H or estimated precoded channel HW.

[0233] In LTE / NR systems, considering payload size, performance, and computational complexity, DL / UL codebooks are designed based on DFT matrices that reflect the characteristics of far-field channels in the precoding vectors for each layer and have orthogonality between the precoding vectors of each layer (for example, the precoding vectors for each layer have equal magnitude for each element, the phase of the element changes linearly with the antenna-related index, and different layer precoding vectors are orthogonal). When considering MIMO precoding in near-field channels in future communication systems such as 6G, DL / UL codebooks or codebook types that have different characteristics from far-field based DL / UL codebooks (for example, based on non-Discrete Fourier Transform (non-DFT), the phase of the elements of the layer precoding vector changes non-linearly with the antenna-related index, the magnitude of the elements of the layer precoding vector is not equal, etc.) may be supported. For example, a first codebook suitable for far fields and a second codebook suitable for near fields can be defined / configured and used by changing them as needed. For example, the codebook can be composed of N first precoding matrices suitable for far fields (N is an integer greater than 0) and M second precoding matrices suitable for near fields (N is an integer greater than 0), and the values ​​of M and N can be used / applied by changing them depending on whether the UE is in a near field or far field (for example, the values ​​of M and N are set, or the ratio between the values ​​of M and N is set, or the matrices to be included / excluded from the codebook among the entire first / second matrices are specified / configured). As described above, not only the DL / UL codebook but also other DL / UL transmission-related settings can be changed depending on whether the UE is in a near field or far field.

[0234] Considering the planar / 2D array structure and cross-polarization antennas of base stations in NR / LTE systems, a DL codebook was designed by extending a DFT matrix / vector-based design method that considers the ULA (uniform linear array) structure to apply it to each horizontal / vertical dimension and each polarization. For example, the precoding matrices constituting the DL codebook are structured in the following form.

[0235]

[0236] Here, the two diagonal submatrices of W1 correspond to the antenna ports for the corresponding polarization, and each submatrice is generated by the Kronecker product of the vertical beam vector(s) and the horizontal beam vector(s). Such W v W h Conceptually, L 3D beam vector(s) composed of combinations of (vertical beam, horizontal beam) are selected / generated and stacked (however, in actual standards, the expressions 'vertical' and 'horizontal' are not defined, and DFT beams are generated for the first and second dimensions and multiplied). Here, the vector(s) corresponding to the vertical / horizontal beam reflect the characteristics of the ULA far-field beam vector. These characteristics include the feature where the phase of the coefficients changes linearly in proportion to the base station antenna port index n (e.g., e j(na+b)The form can be expressed / described as values ​​where α and β do not change with n (e.g., b=0). DFT vectors / matrices are often used to easily generate vector sets with these characteristics (DFT matrices are also frequently used because they facilitate the selection / generation of orthogonal beam vectors when rank > 1). Each beam vector generated by W1 is expressed as a combination of a vertical beam and a horizontal beam (the value of L is set by the base station). W2 can perform the role of co-phasing by selecting some of the L beam vectors generated by W1 for each polarization and aligning the phases of the selected beams (e.g., NR Type-I codebook). Alternatively, to support a higher resolution codebook, W2 can generate a linear combination beam vector from the beam vectors generated by W1 (e.g., NR Type-II codebook). For Rank 2 or higher, beam vectors may be selected per layer, or a beam matrix in the form of stacked vectors equal to the number of layers may be selected (at once). In the case of a broadband system, precoding matrix information must be fed back for each frequency unit (e.g., subband, FD basis). To reduce the amount of such feedback, index(s) related to W1 (e.g., indices related to which L beams will be generated) may be fed back as single / common index(s) for the entire band, and index(s) related to W2 (e.g., indices related to selection / synthesis / co-phasing of the L beams) may be fed back to the frequency unit (e.g., subband, FD basis (e.g., FD compression codebook introduced in NR Rel-17)).For reference, Equation 8 assumes that the same beam vector / matrix is ​​generated for each polarization, but different beam vectors / matrices may be generated / selected for each polarization. In this case, the two diagonal submatrices of W1 are different W. v and / or W h It can be composed of. Also, the functions in W2 (e.g., beam selection / synthesis / co-phasing) may be the same or different depending on the polarization. For reference, the FD (frequency domain) compression codebook introduced in Rel-17 NR is a dual codebook structure with the addition of a matrix W3 related to transform / selection to the FD basis, and the shape / features of the beam vectors / matrices generated in each FD basis are identical to the features of the 2D / planar cross-polarized antenna array.

[0237] Figure 11 illustrates a general method of distinguishing between near and far fields.

[0238] As shown in Fig. 11, the near-field and far-field are generally distinguished based on the Rayleigh distance. Here, the Rayleigh distance is (2D 2 ) / λ, where D corresponds to the array aperture and λ to the wavelength. In other words, the larger the array aperture and the smaller the wavelength (e.g., in the high-frequency band), the wider the near-field region.

[0239] Here, the distinction between the near-field and far-field is based on whether the radio channel experienced when a signal from a single source is received by each antenna can be viewed as a planar wave (or a spherical wave). From the perspective of MIMO processing, particularly baseband MIMO signal processing, the near-field and far-field can be distinguished based on whether or not there is a change in the characteristics of the MIMO radio channel (at each subcarrier) or the degree thereof. When calculating the Rayleigh distance in a MIMO environment, the D value can be calculated as the sum of the apertures of the base station antenna and the UE antenna (see reference [M. Cui et al, Near-Field MIMO Communications for 6G, IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 61, issue 1, pp. 40-46, Jan. 2023]). However, in the environment of a typical communication system where the number and aperture of the base station antennas are significantly larger than the number and aperture of the UE antennas, i) the area where performance is secured by applying settings specialized for the near field rather than settings specialized for the far field from the perspective of DL MIMO (e.g., DL codebook settings, DL RS related settings, DL (antenna port) power (ratio) related settings, etc.) and ii) the area where performance is secured by applying settings specialized for the near field rather than settings specialized for the far field from the perspective of UL MIMO (e.g., UL codebook settings, UL RS related settings, UL (antenna port) power (ratio) related settings, etc.).

[0240] FIG. 12 illustrates a MIMO channel between a base station and a near-field UE in a wireless communication system to which the present disclosure may be applied.

[0241] Referring to Fig. 12, the characteristics of the radio channels experienced by the base station's first antenna (topmost in Fig. 12) and last antenna (bottommost in Fig. 12) are different, and it is difficult to assume a plane wave; therefore, from a general perspective, the UE can be classified as being located within the Rayleigh distance, i.e., in the near-field. In this case, from the perspective of MIMO processing, it is desirable for the base station's DL MIMO precoder and UL MIMO decoder to use precoders / decoders suitable for or specialized for near-field channels due to the base station's large array aperture. However, due to the relatively small array aperture and number of antennas, the UE's DL MIMO decoder and UL MIMO precoder may not use precoders / decoders suitable for or specialized for near-field channels, and there may not be a significant difference in performance even if precoders / decoders designed to target far-field radio channels are used instead. This is because, generally, changes in performance due to MIMO processing (e.g., throughput, capacity, block error rate (BLER), etc.) increase as the number of transmitting antennas increases, and changes in performance due to MIMO receivers increase as the number of receiving antennas increases. As an extreme example, if a UE is configured with a single antenna, it may not be necessary to separately consider DL Rx processing and UL Tx processing for near-fields, even if the UE is located near a base station. In other words, it may not be necessary to consider separate UL settings specialized for near-fields (e.g., UL precoding, UL TPMI codebook related settings, UL transmission scheme, UL power allocation / scaling (per antenna / port / panel), etc.).

[0242] Based on the above observations, the present disclosure proposes the following methods.

[0243] In the following description of the present disclosure, measuring a specific antenna port / resource may mean measuring / transmitting a reference signal transmitted from the said antenna port / resource.

[0244] In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, the near-field and far-field states of the UE (or per UE antenna / panel) are mainly described as examples; however, the proposed method of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the proposed method of the present disclosure may be applied to three or more different DL / UL states of the UE (or per UE antenna / panel) to which individual settings (or parameter(s), etc.) related to DL / UL precoding / beamforming may be applied. That is, in the following description of the present disclosure, the term "state" may refer to the state of the UE (related to DL / UL transmission) or the state per UE antenna / panel, and the DL state and the UL state may be determined individually from each other.

[0245] Method 1: Metrics (or parameter(s), settings(s), transmission methods, etc.) related to near-field / far-field settings from the perspective of DL transmission and metrics (or parameter(s), settings(s), transmission methods, etc.) related to near-field / far-field settings from the perspective of UL transmission may be defined separately.

[0246] The above DL-related metric may be a metric for DL ​​antenna ports or panels, or a metric for UL receiving antennas (ports) or panels. Additionally, the UL-related metric may be a metric for UL antenna ports or panels, or a metric for DL ​​receiving antennas (ports) or panels. In particular, when the UE measures / calculates / determines the DL / UL near-field / far-field metric, Methods 1-1 and 1-2 are proposed as follows.

[0247] Method 1-1: To determine the state of the UE from a DL perspective (e.g., near field / far field or first state / second state, etc.), the UE may measure / compare the quality of multiple DL antenna ports / resources (e.g., radio channels). Then, based on the measured / compare values, the UE may report one or more of the following information to the base station.

[0248] - UE status information

[0249] - DL antenna port / resource measurement values ​​and / or comparison values ​​for the measurement values

[0250] - Preferred DL-related configuration information: e.g., CSI-related settings (e.g., codebook, etc.), DL power-related settings (e.g., power scaling for PMI (per layer / port), EPRE / power ratio, etc.), DL RS-related settings, DL transmission methods (e.g., precoder cycling, closed-loop precoding, etc.) and / or related CSI information, preferred (maximum) layer information, etc.

[0251] - Occurrence of a relevant event: For example, occurrence of a change in the above state, the difference between the above measured values ​​being above / below a threshold, a change in preferred DL settings, etc.

[0252] The above 'multiple DL antenna ports / resources' may be antenna ports selected by a defined rule among the DL antenna ports / resources (e.g., first antenna port index and last antenna port index, pre-defined port(s) defined based on CSI-RS settings (e.g., number of ports, N1 / N2 / Ng values ​​of CSI-RS settings)) or resources, or may be antenna ports / resources configured / specified by a base station, and may consist of two or more ports / resources. Alternatively, it may be stipulated / configured to consist of all antenna ports for a specific DL RS.

[0253] As an example for Method 1-1, if the difference in quality values ​​such as (filtered) RSRP / SINR / channel magnitude (i.e., magnitude of the frequency response of the channel) of specific N DL ports is above (or exceeds) a certain threshold, the state (e.g., the state of the UE) may be determined to be a near field, and if it is below (or less than) the state (e.g., the state of the UE) may be determined to be a far field. This is because the closer the UE is located to the base station, the greater the difference in channel gain and / or quality between each base station antenna (port) and the UE may be.

[0254] As another example, when a base station transmits multiple (beamformed) ports or DL ​​RS resources, the near-field / far-field status may be determined by measuring / comparing the quality values ​​thereof. For example, when a base station transmits i) N beamformed ports / resources / beams specialized for the near field (e.g., beams with beamforming coefficients applied where the phase difference between antenna ports is not uniformly configured, beams with beamforming coefficients applied to the near field beam focusing phenomenon, etc.) and ii) M beamformed ports / resources / beams specialized for the far field (e.g., beams with general far field beamforming coefficients applied to a uniform linear array (ULA) or a uniform rectangular array (ULA), (1D(dimension) / 2D) DFT beams, etc.), the UE can determine whether the state (e.g., the state of the UE, etc.) is in the near field or far field through measuring / comparing / reporting the quality values ​​of these. Here, since different transmission power may be applied to each port / beam when comparing the measured values ​​of the ports / beams, in this case, the comparison may be performed after compensating for the power difference.

[0255] As another example, it can be determined whether a state (e.g., the state of a UE) is a near-field or far-field based on the distribution of channel coefficients (e.g., phase / magnitude) estimated from (specific N) DL ports. For example, if the (statistical) characteristics / distribution of the phase difference between antenna port x and antenna port x+1 and the phase difference between antenna port x+1 and antenna port x+2 are similar, it can be determined to be a far-field, otherwise it can be determined to be a near-field.

[0256] As another example, based on the measured DL RS ports, the UE can determine whether the state (e.g., the state of the UE, etc.) is near field or far field by comparing the performance (e.g., throughput, capacity, BLER, etc.) of the first precoding matrix(s) / codebook (suitable for far field) and the second precoding matrix(s) / codebook (suitable for near field). And / or the UE may be configured / regulated to report to the base station an index for the more suitable / superior / preferred matrix(s) / codebook between the first precoding matrix(s) / codebook and the second precoding matrix(s) / codebook.

[0257] Method 1-2: To determine the state of the UE (e.g., near field / far field, first state / second state) from a UL perspective, the UE may measure / compare the quality of a specific / identical DL antenna port / resource / signal at different receiving antennas (ports), beams, or panels, respectively. Then, based on the measured / compare values, the UE may report one or more of the following information to the base station.

[0258] - UE state information

[0259] - Measurements of the DL antenna port / resource with different receiving antennas (ports) / beams / panels and / or comparisons of the measurements

[0260] - Preferred UL-related configuration information: e.g., UL Codebook settings, UL Transmission Mode settings, UL Power settings (e.g., power scaling (per port / layer) for TPMI, open-loop / closed-loop power control settings, etc.), UL RS settings, etc.

[0261] - Occurrence of a relevant event: For example, occurrence of a change in the above state, the difference between the above measured values ​​being above / below a threshold, a change in the preferred UL setting, etc.

[0262] UL-related Method 1-2, unlike DL-related Method 1-1, is a method for determining whether it is necessary to change the UL MIMO settings to a far-field or near-field setting based on the channels observed by UE antennas by using different receiving antennas / beams / panels to measure / compare for the same DL port / resource / signal. The 'specific DL antenna port / resource' mentioned above may be an antenna port or resource selected by a defined rule among the configured DL antenna ports / resources, or an antenna port / resource configured / designated by the base station. Alternatively, the UE may select which DL signal to measure based on. Or, considering channel estimation errors, channel quality degradation, etc., it may be stipulated / configured to be configured with all antenna ports for a specific DL RS or to perform measurements / comparisons from multiple DL RS resources.

[0263] Additionally, since the multiple receiving antennas / beams / panels performing the above operation are for changing UL-related settings, they may be antennas / beams / panels capable of UL transmission. For example, if the UE is composed of x receiving antennas and y transmitting antennas (i.e., xTyR, where x≥y), it may mean that it is implemented with y antennas capable of both transmission and reception, and xy antenna(s) capable of only reception and not transmission. In this case, the measurement / comparison of the DL signal in Method 1-2 may be restricted to being performed only on the y antennas capable of both transmission and reception.

[0264] As an example for Method 1-1, for any DL signal, if the difference in quality values ​​such as RSRP / SINR / channel magnitude (i.e., magnitude of the frequency response of the channel) received (filtered) by different UE antennas (ports) or panels is greater than a certain threshold, the state (e.g., the state of the UE) may be determined to be a near field, and if it is less than, the state (e.g., the state of the UE) may be determined to be a far field. This is because the closer the UE is located to the base station, the greater the difference in channel gain and / or quality between each UE antenna (port) or panel and the base station antenna.

[0265] As another example, the near-field or far-field status may be determined by measuring / comparing quality values ​​of a received signal by applying a receiving spatial filter with different characteristics (e.g., receiving beamforming / receiver filtering) to a received MIMO signal. For example, the near-field or far-field status may be determined by measuring / comparing / reporting quality values ​​of a filtered received signal using i) receiving beams with beam factors specialized for the near-field (e.g., beams with beamforming factors that do not have a uniform phase difference per antenna port, beams with beamforming factors specialized for the near-field beam focusing phenomenon, etc.) and ii) receiving beams specialized for the far-field (e.g., beams with general far-field beamforming factors for ULA or URA, (1D / 2D) DFT beams, etc.). Here, since different transmission power may be applied to each port / beam when comparing the measured values ​​of the above ports / beams, in this case, the comparison may be performed after compensating for the power difference.

[0266] As another example, whether it is a near-field or far-field can be determined based on the distribution of MIMO channel coefficients (e.g., phase / magnitude) estimated from the DL signal. For example, if the (statistical) characteristics / distribution of the phase difference of channel coefficients measured at receiving antenna / port x and receiving antenna / port x+1 and the phase difference of channel coefficients measured at receiving antenna / port x+1 and receiving antenna / port x+2 are similar, it can be determined to be a far-field, otherwise it can be determined to be a near-field.

[0267] As another example, the terminal may estimate the UL MIMO channel by utilizing the channel reciprocity characteristics of the DL and UL based on the MIMO channel measured in the DL, and then determine whether it is a near-field or far-field by comparing the performance (e.g., precoding gain, capacity, degree of matching with the UL channel, etc.) of a first precoding matrix(s) / codebook (suitable for far-field) and a second precoding matrix(s) / codebook (suitable for near-field). And / or, the UE may be configured / regulated to report to the base station an index for the more suitable / superior / preferred matrix(s) / codebook between the first precoding matrix(s) / codebook and the second precoding matrix(s) / codebook.

[0268] Among the examples described above, when applying methods such as comparing / measuring by applying different receiving filters, it may be difficult to compare based on RS signals received at the same time (e.g., applying analog / hybrid beamforming). In this case, the measurement / comparison operation may be performed based on signals received at different times for the same RS port / resource. For example, operations may be performed such as utilizing periodic / semi-persistent DL RS received at different times, using repeated RSs in the case of aperiodic CSI-RS involving repetition, or using QCL RS resources / ports.

[0269] In addition, the UE's report regarding Method 1-1 and the UE's report regarding Method 1-2 may be performed separately or together. For example, if performed together, the base station may configure multiple RS resources or ports as measurement RSs for the UE. Then, the UE may determine the UL-related status or derive measurement value(s), comparison value(s), or configuration information capable of determining it based on different UE antennas / beams / panels for specific / identical DL RS ports / resources. Furthermore, the UE may determine the DL-related status or derive measurement value(s), comparison value(s), or configuration information capable of determining it based on the same UE antenna / beam / panel for the multiple RS ports / resources, and report this together with the UL-related report. Alternatively, the DL RS for UL determination and the DL RS for DL ​​determination may be configured separately.

[0270] As illustrated in the examples explained earlier, generally, the area where a near-field setting is more appropriate from a DL perspective may be larger than the area where a near-field setting is more appropriate from a UL perspective. Considering this characteristic, the UE may not always need to measure or report its state from both DL and UL perspectives. In other words, if it is a near-field from a UL perspective, it can always be assumed to be a near-field from a DL perspective, and conversely, if it is a far-field from a DL perspective, it can always be defined, specified, or set as a far-field from a UL perspective. For example, as the UE moves from close to the base station to gradually move further away, the state may change as follows.

[0271] - DL and UL near field (e.g., state x) -> DL only near field (e.g., state y) -> DL and UL far field (e.g., state z)

[0272] The following method is proposed for this.

[0273] Method 1-3: When configuring / determining the state of a terminal related to DL / UL transmission, if the DL is a far field, the UL may also be assumed / determined to be a far field, and if the UL is a near field, the DL may also be assumed / determined to be a near field. Alternatively, it may be configured into three states: i) DL and UL near field, ii) DL only near field, and iii) DL and UL far field, and the UE may determine one of the three states through Method 1-1 and / or 1-2, or the UE may report the measurement value(s), comparison value(s), and / or preferred DL / UL setting value(s) to the base station for the base station to determine the state of the UE.

[0274] As an example for Method 1-3, the UE can determine whether there is a DL and UL near field using the method(s) of Method 1-2 and determine whether there is a DL and UL far field using the method(s) of Method 1-1. Here, if it is determined that there is no DL and UL near field and no DL and UL far field, it may be determined to be a DL only near field.

[0275] The above quality values, measurement values, comparison values, etc., may be values ​​calculated or derived based on one or multiple RS measurement values ​​or based on measurement values ​​within a specific time window. In other words, they may be values ​​obtained by performing filtering on multiple measurement / comparison values. The filtering method (e.g., number of measurements, time window size, filter coefficients, etc.) may be specified in a standard, configured by a base station, or determined by the implementation of the UE.

[0276] The reporting operation of the above-described method 1 / 1-1 / 1-2 / 1-3 may be performed based on instructions from the base station or may correspond to event-based reporting, i.e., conditional reporting. Here, in the case of event-based reporting (i.e., conditional reporting), it refers to a method in which reporting is performed only when a defined / configured event occurs, such as when a change in the state of the UE occurs or when a difference in quality values ​​is above or below a threshold.

[0277] In the above-described method 1 / 1-1 / 1-2 / 1-3, when a UE reports a preferred DL / UL related setting (change) by the instruction of a base station or on an event basis, the information regarding (re)setting to the DL / UL setting to the UE of the base station may be omitted, and the setting may be applied immediately (after a set time) by an acknowledgment (ACK) or confirmation message / signaling regarding the UE's report.

[0278] In determining the UE's DL / UL state (e.g., near field / far field) in the above-described method 1 / 1-1 / 1-2 / 1-3, an AI / ML algorithm / model may be utilized. In such cases, the measurements from the above-described method 1-1 / 1-2 are included as input parameters of the AI / ML model (e.g., input to the inference function (40) in FIG. 4), and thereby the output of the AI / ML model (e.g., output of the inference function (40) in FIG. 4) may be composed of a hard value (e.g., UE state = 0 or 1) or a soft value (e.g., deriving a decimal value between 0 and 1 as the output of the AI / ML model). Here, in the case of a soft value, the UE's DL / UL state can be determined through post-processing (e.g., in the above-described example, the closer to 0, the more it corresponds to state 0; the closer to 1, the more it corresponds to state 1).

[0279] In relation to the proposed methods of the present disclosure described above, information regarding the capability of the UE, such as DL / UL related settings, DL / UL states, information regarding the UE antenna (port) / beam / panel, memory related information (e.g., how many measurements / comparisons can be performed), and processing capability related information (e.g., the number of simultaneous calculations / reports / comparisons possible), may be transmitted to the base station.

[0280] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a UE for a method of transmitting and receiving information related to a UE state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0281] FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of a UE based on the previously proposed method. The example in FIG. 13 is for convenience of explanation and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Some step(s) illustrated in FIG. 13 may be omitted depending on the situation and / or configuration. Also, the UE in FIG. 13 is merely an example and may be implemented as the device illustrated in FIG. 3 below. For example, the processor (102 / 202) of FIG. 3 may control the transmission and reception of channels / signals / data / information, etc. using a transceiver (106 / 206), and may also control the storage of channels / signals / data / information, etc. to be transmitted or received in memory (104 / 204).

[0282] Referring to FIG. 13, the UE receives first configuration information related to the downlink and second configuration information related to the uplink from the base station (S1301).

[0283] Here, the first configuration information may include information regarding a plurality of downlink antenna ports / resources for a downlink reference signal used to determine the state of the UE. Additionally, the second configuration information may include information regarding a specific downlink antenna port / resource for a downlink reference signal used to determine the state of the UE.

[0284] In addition, the first setting information may include CSI-related settings (e.g., codebook, etc.), DL power-related settings (e.g., power scaling (by layer / port) for PMI, EPRE / power ratio, etc.), DL RS-related settings, DL transmission methods (e.g., precoder cycling, closed-loop precoding, etc.) and / or related CSI information, preferred (maximum) layer information, etc.

[0285] In addition, the second setting information may include UL codebook related settings, UL transmission method related settings, UL power related settings (e.g., power scaling (per port / layer) for TPMI, open loop / closed loop power control related settings, etc.), UL RS related settings, etc.

[0286] In addition, the first setting information and / or the second setting information may further include information about events, conditions, etc. that trigger the reporting of information about the state of the UE.

[0287] The UE receives a downlink reference signal from the base station (S1302).

[0288] Here, the UE can receive a downlink reference signal through one or more antenna ports on one or more downlink reference signal resources.

[0289] The UE transmits information related to the UE's status to the base station (S1303).

[0290] Here, based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal by the UE, the downlink state and the uplink state can be determined, respectively, for the state of the UE. That is, the state of the UE may be determined directly by the UE, or it may be determined by the base station based on information related to the state of the UE.

[0291] In addition, for receiving the downlink, a setting according to the downlink status from the first setting information may be applied, and for transmitting the uplink, a setting according to the uplink status from the second setting information may be applied.

[0292] Regarding the state of the above UE, i) the downlink state may be determined as a near-field and the uplink state as a near-field, ii) the downlink state may be determined as a far-field and the uplink state as a far-field, or iii) the downlink state may be determined as a near-field and the uplink state as a far-field. That is, the downlink state may be restricted from being determined as a far-field and the uplink state as a near-field.

[0293] Additionally, based on the fact that the above downlink state is determined to be a far-field, the above uplink state may also be determined to be a far-field. Additionally, based on the fact that the above uplink state is determined to be a near-field, the above downlink state may also be determined to be a near-field.

[0294] For example, the downlink state may be determined based on at least one of the following: i) a comparison of quality regarding at least one of the RSRP (reference signal received power), SINR (signal-to-interference plus noise ratio), and the magnitude of the channel's frequency response for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; ii) a comparison of quality regarding the downlink reference signal with beamforming applied at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; iii) a distribution of the channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; and iv) a comparison of performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on measurements of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports.

[0295] Additionally, the uplink state may be determined based on at least one of, for example, i) a comparison of channel quality measured using different receiving antenna ports or panels for the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port, ii) a comparison of channel quality measured by applying different spatial filters to the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port, iii) a distribution of channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port, and iv) a comparison of the performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on an estimation of the uplink channel derived using channel reciprocity from the measurement of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port. Here, the downlink reference signal received at different points in time at the specific downlink antenna port may be used to determine the uplink state.

[0296] Information related to the status of the above UE may include information regarding the downlink and / or information regarding the uplink. That is, information regarding the downlink and information regarding the uplink may be transmitted together, or they may be transmitted separately.

[0297] Here, the information regarding the downlink may include at least one of i) information regarding the first state, ii) measured values ​​of the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports and / or comparison values ​​of said measured values, iii) downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE, and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the downlink has occurred.

[0298] Additionally, the information regarding the uplink may include at least one of i) information regarding the second state, ii) measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port using a plurality of different receiving antenna ports or spatial filters or panels and / or a comparison value of said measurement values, iii) uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE, and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the uplink has occurred.

[0299] In addition, information related to the state of the UE may be transmitted to the base station based on i) when the downlink state and / or the uplink state changes or ii) when a specific event occurs.

[0300] Additionally, based on the inclusion of downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE within the information related to the state of the UE, upon receiving an acknowledgment regarding the information related to the state of the UE, the downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE may be applied.

[0301] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a base station for a method of transmitting and receiving information related to a UE state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0302] FIG. 14 illustrates the operation of a base station based on the previously proposed method. The example in FIG. 14 is for convenience of explanation and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Some step(s) illustrated in FIG. 14 may be omitted depending on the situation and / or configuration. Also, the base station in FIG. 14 is merely an example and may be implemented as the device illustrated in FIG. 3 below. For example, the processor (102 / 202) of FIG. 3 may control the transmission and reception of channels / signals / data / information, etc. using a transceiver (106 / 206), and may also control the storage of channels / signals / data / information, etc. to be transmitted or received in a memory (104 / 204).

[0303] Referring to FIG. 14, the base station transmits first configuration information related to the downlink and second configuration information related to the uplink to the UE (S1401).

[0304] Here, the first configuration information may include information regarding a plurality of downlink antenna ports / resources for a downlink reference signal used to determine the state of the UE. Additionally, the second configuration information may include information regarding a specific downlink antenna port / resource for a downlink reference signal used to determine the state of the UE.

[0305] In addition, the first setting information may include CSI-related settings (e.g., codebook, etc.), DL power-related settings (e.g., power scaling (by layer / port) for PMI, EPRE / power ratio, etc.), DL RS-related settings, DL transmission methods (e.g., precoder cycling, closed-loop precoding, etc.) and / or related CSI information, preferred (maximum) layer information, etc.

[0306] In addition, the second setting information may include UL codebook related settings, UL transmission method related settings, UL power related settings (e.g., power scaling (per port / layer) for TPMI, open loop / closed loop power control related settings, etc.), UL RS related settings, etc.

[0307] In addition, the first setting information and / or the second setting information may further include information about events, conditions, etc. that trigger the reporting of information about the state of the UE.

[0308] The base station transmits a downlink reference signal to the UE (S1402).

[0309] Here, the base station can transmit a downlink reference signal through one or more antenna ports on one or more downlink reference signal resources.

[0310] The base station receives information related to the state of the UE from the UE (S1403).

[0311] Here, based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal by the UE, the downlink state and the uplink state can be determined, respectively, for the state of the UE. That is, the state of the UE may be determined directly by the UE, or it may be determined by the base station based on information related to the state of the UE.

[0312] In addition, for receiving the downlink, a setting according to the downlink status from the first setting information may be applied, and for transmitting the uplink, a setting according to the uplink status from the second setting information may be applied.

[0313] Regarding the state of the above UE, i) the downlink state may be determined as a near-field and the uplink state as a near-field, ii) the downlink state may be determined as a far-field and the uplink state as a far-field, or iii) the downlink state may be determined as a near-field and the uplink state as a far-field. That is, the downlink state may be restricted from being determined as a far-field and the uplink state as a near-field.

[0314] Additionally, based on the fact that the above downlink state is determined to be a far-field, the above uplink state may also be determined to be a far-field. Additionally, based on the fact that the above uplink state is determined to be a near-field, the above downlink state may also be determined to be a near-field.

[0315] For example, the downlink state may be determined based on at least one of the following: i) a comparison of quality regarding at least one of the RSRP (reference signal received power), SINR (signal-to-interference plus noise ratio), and the magnitude of the channel's frequency response for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; ii) a comparison of quality regarding the downlink reference signal with beamforming applied at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; iii) a distribution of the channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; and iv) a comparison of performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on measurements of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports.

[0316] Additionally, the uplink state may be determined based on at least one of, for example, i) a comparison of channel quality measured using different receiving antenna ports or panels for the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port, ii) a comparison of channel quality measured by applying different spatial filters to the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port, iii) a distribution of channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port, and iv) a comparison of the performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on an estimation of the uplink channel derived using channel reciprocity from the measurement of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port. Here, the downlink reference signal received at different points in time at the specific downlink antenna port may be used to determine the uplink state.

[0317] Information related to the status of the above UE may include information regarding the downlink and / or information regarding the uplink. That is, information regarding the downlink and information regarding the uplink may be transmitted together, or they may be transmitted separately.

[0318] Here, the information regarding the downlink may include at least one of i) information regarding the first state, ii) measured values ​​of the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports and / or comparison values ​​of said measured values, iii) downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE, and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the downlink has occurred.

[0319] Additionally, the information regarding the uplink may include at least one of i) information regarding the second state, ii) measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port using a plurality of different receiving antenna ports or spatial filters or panels and / or a comparison value of said measurement values, iii) uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE, and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the uplink has occurred.

[0320] In addition, information related to the state of the UE may be transmitted to the base station based on i) when the downlink state and / or the uplink state changes or ii) when a specific event occurs.

[0321] Additionally, based on the inclusion of downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE within the information related to the state of the UE, upon receiving an acknowledgment regarding the information related to the state of the UE, the downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE may be applied.

[0322] The embodiments described above are combinations of the components and features of the present disclosure in a specific form. Each component or feature should be considered optional unless otherwise explicitly stated. Each component or feature may be implemented in a form not combined with other components or features. Additionally, it is possible to construct embodiments of the present disclosure by combining some components and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be changed. Some components or features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment, or may be replaced with corresponding components or features of another embodiment. It is obvious that embodiments may be constructed by combining claims that are not explicitly related in the claims, or that they may be included as new claims by amendment after filing.

[0323] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description set forth above should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0324] The scope of the present disclosure includes software or machine-executable instructions (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) that enable operations according to the methods of various embodiments to be executed on a device or computer, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which such software or instructions, etc. are stored and executable on a device or computer. Instructions that may be used to program a processing system to perform the features described in the present disclosure may be stored on or within a storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, and the features described in the present disclosure may be implemented using a computer program product comprising such a storage medium. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, high-speed random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory may optionally include one or more storage devices located remotely from the processor(s). Memory or alternatively, non-volatile memory device(s) within memory comprises a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The features described in this disclosure may be stored in any one of the machine-readable media and integrated into software and / or firmware that can control the hardware of a processing system and allow the processing system to interact with other mechanisms utilizing results according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments / containers.

[0325] Here, the wireless communication technology implemented in the device of the present disclosure may include LTE, NR, and 6G, as well as Narrowband Internet of Things for low-power communication. In this case, for example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology and may be implemented according to standards such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, but is not limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally or generally, the wireless communication technology implemented in the device of the present disclosure may perform communication based on LTE-M technology. In this case, for example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be referred to by various names such as eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of various standards such as 1) LTE CAT 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-BL (non-Bandwidth Limited), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE Machine Type Communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and is not limited to the names mentioned above. Additionally or generally, wireless communication technology implemented in the device (100, 200) of the present disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) for low-power communication, and is not limited to the names mentioned above. As an example, ZigBee technology may create personal area networks (PANs) related to small / low-power digital communication based on various standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, and may be referred to by various names.

[0326] Although the method proposed in this disclosure has been described with an example applied to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A, 5G, and 6G systems, it is possible to apply it to various wireless communication systems in addition to 3GPP LTE / LTE-A, 5G, and 6G systems.

Claims

1. A step of receiving first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink from a base station by a user device (UE: user equipment); The step of receiving a downlink reference signal from the base station by the above UE; and The above UE includes the step of transmitting information related to the state of the UE to the base station. Based on the measurement of the above downlink reference signal, the downlink state and the uplink state are determined respectively for the state of the UE, and A method in which, for receiving the downlink, a setting according to the downlink state is applied from the first setting information, and for transmitting the uplink, a setting according to the uplink state is applied from the second setting information.

2. In Paragraph 1, A method wherein, with respect to the state of the above UE, i) the downlink state is determined to be a near-field and the uplink state is a near-field, ii) the downlink state is determined to be a far-field and the uplink state is a far-field, and iii) the downlink state is determined to be a near-field and the uplink state is a far-field.

3. In Paragraph 2, A method in which, based on the above downlink state being determined as a distant field, the above uplink state is also determined as a distant field.

4. In Paragraph 2, A method in which, based on the fact that the uplink state is determined to be a near-field, the downlink state is also determined to be a near-field.

5. In Paragraph 2, A method for determining the downlink state based on at least one of the following: i) a comparison of quality of at least one of the RSRP (reference signal received power), SINR (signal-to-interference plus noise ratio), and the magnitude of the channel's frequency response for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; ii) a comparison of quality of the downlink reference signal with beamforming applied at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; iii) a distribution of the channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports; and iv) a comparison of performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on measurements of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports.

6. In Paragraph 2, A method in which the uplink state is determined based on at least one of: i) a comparison of channel quality measured using different receiving antenna ports or panels for the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port; ii) a comparison of channel quality measured by applying different spatial filters to the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port; iii) a distribution of channel phase and / or magnitude estimated based on the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port; and iv) a comparison of the performance of a precoding matrix and / or codebook based on an estimation of an uplink channel derived using channel reciprocity from a measurement of the downlink channel for the downlink reference signal of the specific downlink antenna port.

7. In Paragraph 6, A method in which the downlink reference signal received at different points in time at the specific downlink antenna port is used to determine the uplink state.

8. In Paragraph 1, A method in which information related to the state of the above UE includes information about a downlink and / or information about an uplink.

9. In Paragraph 8, A method comprising at least one of the following: information regarding the downlink, i) information regarding the first state, ii) measured values ​​of the downlink reference signal at a plurality of downlink antenna ports and / or comparison values ​​of said measured values, iii) downlink-related setting information preferred by the UE, and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the downlink has occurred.

10. In Paragraph 9, A method comprising at least one of the following: information regarding the uplink; i) information regarding the second state; ii) measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the downlink reference signal of a specific downlink antenna port using a plurality of different receiving antenna ports or a spatial filter or panel, and / or a comparison value of said measurement values; iii) uplink-related setting information preferred by the UE; and iv) an indication of whether an event related to reporting on the uplink has occurred.

11. In Paragraph 10, A method in which information related to the state of the above UE is transmitted to the base station based on i) when the downlink state and / or the uplink state changes or ii) when a specific event occurs.

12. In Paragraph 11, A method wherein, based on the inclusion of downlink-related configuration information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related configuration information preferred by the UE within information related to the state of the UE, the downlink-related configuration information preferred by the UE and / or uplink-related configuration information preferred by the UE is applied upon receiving an acknowledgment regarding information related to the state of the UE.

13. One or more transceivers for transmitting and receiving wireless signals; and It includes one or more processors that control the above one or more transmitting and receiving units, and The above one or more processors are: Receive first configuration information related to the downlink and second configuration information related to the uplink from the base station; Receive a downlink reference signal from the above base station; and The above base station is configured to transmit information related to the state of the above UE, and Based on the measurement of the above downlink reference signal, the downlink state and the uplink state are determined respectively for the state of the UE, and A user device in which a setting according to the downlink state from the first setting information is applied for receiving the downlink, and a setting according to the uplink state from the second setting information is applied for transmitting the uplink.

14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions, The above one or more instructions are executed by one or more processors, and the user device: Receive first configuration information related to the downlink and second configuration information related to the uplink from the base station; Receive a downlink reference signal from the above base station; and Controls the base station to transmit information related to the state of the UE, and Based on the measurement of the above downlink reference signal, the downlink state and the uplink state are determined respectively for the state of the UE, and A computer-readable medium in which a setting according to the downlink state from the first setting information is applied for receiving the downlink, and a setting according to the uplink state from the second setting information is applied for transmitting the uplink.

15. In a processing device configured to control a user device, the processing device comprises: One or more processors; and It includes one or more computer memories that are operably connected to one or more processors and store instructions for performing operations based on execution by one or more processors, and The above operations are: A step of receiving first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink from a base station; The step of receiving a downlink reference signal from the base station; and It includes the step of transmitting information related to the state of the UE to the base station, Based on the measurement of the above downlink reference signal, the downlink state and the uplink state are determined respectively for the state of the UE, and A processing device in which a setting according to the downlink state from the first setting information is applied for receiving the downlink, and a setting according to the uplink state from the second setting information is applied for transmitting the uplink.

16. A step of transmitting, by a base station, first configuration information related to a downlink and second configuration information related to an uplink to a user device (UE: user equipment); The step of transmitting a downlink reference signal to the UE by the base station; and The above base station includes the step of receiving information related to the state of the UE from the UE, and Based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal by the above UE, the downlink state and the uplink state are each determined for the state of the above UE, and A method in which a setting according to the downlink state from the first setting information is applied for the downlink transmission, and a setting according to the uplink state from the second setting information is applied for the uplink reception.

17. One or more transceivers for transmitting and receiving wireless signals; and It includes one or more processors that control the above one or more transmitting and receiving units, and The above one or more processors are: Transmitting first configuration information related to the downlink and second configuration information related to the uplink to user equipment (UE); Transmit a downlink reference signal to the above UE; and It is configured to receive information related to the state of the UE from the above UE, and Based on the measurement of the downlink reference signal by the above UE, the downlink state and the uplink state are each determined for the state of the above UE, and A base station in which a setting according to the downlink state from the first setting information is applied for the downlink transmission, and a setting according to the uplink state from the second setting information is applied for the uplink reception.

Images