Transmission node, reception node, and communication system

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a reception unit (113) that receives first information from a reception node (2); a control unit (115) that allocates a sensing signal to a resource in accordance with the first information; and a transmission unit (112) that transmits information relating to the allocation to the reception node (2) and transmits the sensing signal in accordance with the allocation.

Description

Transmitting Node, Receiving Node, and Communication System

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmitting node, a receiving node, and a communication system.

[0002] 6G (6 th generation) communication, ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication) proposed as a technology for, introduces a sensing function into a wireless communication system and performs wireless sensing and wireless communication using "the same radio frequency band" and "the same hardware".

[0003] Wireless sensing is to obtain quantitative information on physical or chemical properties of objects (for example, solids, liquids, gases) located at a distance using wireless signals.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-017564, International Publication No. 2023-218658, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-501033

[0005] Since user data and sensing signals share the same radio resources, there is a trade-off relationship between data throughput and sensing accuracy. Transmitting a large number of sensing signals to increase sensing accuracy will reduce data throughput. On the other hand, increasing data throughput will reduce the number of sensing signals and lower sensing accuracy.

[0006] On one aspect, it aims to improve the utilization efficiency of radio resources.

[0007] On one aspect, the transmitting node includes a receiving unit that receives first information from the receiving node, a control unit that allocates sensing signals to resources according to the first information, and a transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the allocation to the receiving node and transmits the sensing signals according to the allocation.

[0008] On one aspect, the utilization efficiency of radio resources can be improved.

[0009] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system in the first embodiment. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transmitting node shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the receiving node shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the transmitting node shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the receiving node shown in Figure 1. This is a diagram illustrating the allocation of sensing signals in throughput priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing a first example of the allocation of sensing signals in sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing a second example of the allocation of sensing signals in sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a diagram explaining the adjustment of the sensing signal length in the first embodiment. This is a sequence diagram explaining the transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in throughput priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a sequence diagram explaining the transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a flowchart explaining the switching process between throughput priority mode and sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system in the second embodiment. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the transmitting node shown in Figure 13. This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the receiving node shown in Figure 13. This is a diagram illustrating the slot configuration in the transmitting node and receiving node in the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the allocation of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram explaining the transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as the second embodiment.

[0010] [A] Embodiments Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly shown in the embodiments. That is, these embodiments can be implemented in various ways without departing from their spirit. Furthermore, each figure is not intended to represent only the components shown in the figure, but may include other functions, etc.

[0011] In the following diagrams, the same symbols indicate the same parts, so their explanations are omitted.

[0012] [A-1] First Embodiment [A-1-1] Hardware Configuration Example Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 uses a transmitting node 1 and a receiving node 2 that perform wireless communication to sense the object 3.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the transmitting node 1 is a base station, and the receiving node 2 is a terminal. There may be multiple receiving nodes 2.

[0015] The sensing of object 3 is performed when the transmitting node 1, which is a base station, transmits a sensing signal to object 3, and the receiving node 2, which is a terminal, receives the sensing signal reflected by object 3.

[0016] Object 3 may be a solid, for example, but it may also be a liquid, gas, or the like. Furthermore, object 3 may be a non-terminal or a terminal that is not communicating.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transmission node 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the base station, the transmitting node 1, includes a processor 11, memory 12, storage device 13, wireless communication circuit 14, and communication interface 15.

[0019] Memory 12 is, for example, a storage device that includes Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). The RAM may be, for example, Dynamic RAM (DRAM). A program such as a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) may be written to the ROM of memory 12. The software program in memory 12 may be read by the processor 11 as appropriate and executed. The RAM of memory 12 may be used as primary storage memory or working memory.

[0020] The storage device 13 is, as an example, a device that stores data in a read-write manner, and may include, for example, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), or Storage Class Memory (SCM).

[0021] The wireless communication circuit 14 communicates wirelessly with other wireless communication devices (for example, a receiving node 2 which is a terminal) via the antenna 16 (described later using Figure 4).

[0022] The communication interface 15 communicates with other communication devices (for example, a higher-level device not shown) via optical fiber or Local Area Network (LAN) cable.

[0023] The processor 11 is, for example, a processing unit that performs various control and calculations, and realizes various functions by executing the Operating System (OS) and programs read from the memory 12. That is, the processor 11 may function as a transmission data processing unit 111, a transmission signal processing unit 112, a reception signal processing unit 113, a reception data processing unit 114, a sensing control unit 115, and a scheduler 116, as will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0024] The programs for realizing the functions of the transmission data processing unit 111, transmission signal processing unit 112, reception signal processing unit 113, reception data processing unit 114, sensing control unit 115, and scheduler 116 may be provided in the form of recordings on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk. The computer (processor 11 in this embodiment) may read the program from the recording medium via a reader (not shown), transfer it to an internal or external recording device, and store it for use. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk, and provided to the computer via a communication path from the storage device.

[0025] When implementing the functions of the transmission data processing unit 111, transmission signal processing unit 112, reception signal processing unit 113, reception data processing unit 114, sensing control unit 115, and scheduler 116, a program stored in the internal recording device (memory 12 in this embodiment) may be executed by a computer (processor 11 in this embodiment). Alternatively, a program recorded on a recording medium may be read and executed by the computer.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the receiving node 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the receiving node 2, which is a terminal, includes a processor 21, memory 22, storage device 23, and wireless communication circuit 24.

[0028] Memory 22 is, in example, a storage device including ROM and RAM. The RAM may be, for example, DRAM. A program such as a BIOS may be written to the ROM of memory 22. The software program in memory 22 may be read by the processor 21 as appropriate and executed. The RAM of memory 22 may be used as primary storage memory or working memory.

[0029] The storage device 23 is, as an example, a device that stores data in a read-write manner, and may be an HDD, SSD, or SCM.

[0030] The wireless communication circuit 24 communicates wirelessly with other wireless communication devices (for example, the transmitting node 1, which is a base station) via the antenna 26 (described later using Figure 5).

[0031] The processor 21 is, for example, a processing unit that performs various controls and calculations, and realizes various functions by executing the OS and programs read from the memory 22. That is, the processor 21 may function as a received signal processing unit 211, a received data processing unit 212, a transmitted data processing unit 213, a transmitted signal processing unit 214, a detection processing unit 215, and a determination unit 216, as will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0032] The programs for realizing the functions of the receiving signal processing unit 211, receiving data processing unit 212, transmitting data processing unit 213, transmitting signal processing unit 214, detection processing unit 215, and determination unit 216 may be provided in the form of recordings on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk. The computer (processor 21 in this embodiment) may read the program from the recording medium via a reading device (not shown), transfer it to an internal or external recording device, and store it for use. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk, and provided to the computer via a communication path from the storage device.

[0033] When implementing the functions of the receiving signal processing unit 211, receiving data processing unit 212, transmitting data processing unit 213, transmitting signal processing unit 214, detection processing unit 215, and determination unit 216, a program stored in the internal recording device (memory 22 in this embodiment) may be executed by a computer (processor 21 in this embodiment). Alternatively, a program recorded on a recording medium may be read and executed by the computer.

[0034] [A-1-2] Software Configuration Example Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a software configuration example of the transmission node 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the processor 11 may function as a transmission data processing unit 111, a transmission signal processing unit 112, a reception signal processing unit 113, a reception data processing unit 114, a sensing control unit 115, and a scheduler 116.

[0036] The transmission data processing unit 111 processes the data received from the host device via the communication interface 15 as transmission data to be sent to the receiving node 2.

[0037] The transmission signal processing unit 112 is an example of a transmission unit or a first transmission unit, and performs encoding and other processing on the transmission data processed by the transmission data processing unit 111 in order to transmit it from the antenna 16 to the receiving node 2 via the wireless communication circuit 14. The transmission signal processing unit 112 also transmits the sensing signal and sensing signal information representing the mapping of the sensing signal to a wireless resource from the antenna 16 to the receiving node 2 via the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0038] The received signal processing unit 113 is an example of a receiving unit or a first receiving unit, and receives and decodes the received data received from the receiving node 2 via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0039] The received signal processing unit 113 receives a throughput priority mode request or a sensing accuracy priority mode request (in other words, first information) from the receiving node 2 via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14. A throughput priority mode request is a request from the receiving node 2 to the transmitting node 1 to perform a wireless resource mapping that prioritizes the transmission of transmission data over sensing signals. A sensing accuracy priority mode request is a request from the receiving node 2 to the transmitting node 1 to perform a wireless resource mapping that prioritizes the transmission of sensing signals over transmission data.

[0040] The received signal processing unit 113 receives a sensing signal length change request and a sensing signal stop request from the receiving node 2 via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14. The sensing signal length change request is a request from the receiving node 2 to the transmitting node 1 to change the mapping length of the sensing signal in the wireless resource. The sensing signal stop request is a request from the receiving node 2 to the transmitting node 1 to stop transmitting the sensing signal.

[0041] The received data processing unit 114 processes the received data decoded by the received signal processing unit 113 for transmission to a higher-level device via the communication interface 15.

[0042] The sensing control unit 115 is an example of a control unit and performs mapping of sensing signals in the wireless resource based on a throughput priority mode request or a sensing accuracy priority mode request from the receiving node 2. The sensing control unit 115 also changes the mapping of sensing signals in the wireless resource based on a sensing signal length change request from the receiving node 2. Furthermore, the sensing control unit 115 stops the mapping of sensing signals in the wireless resource based on a sensing signal stop request from the receiving node 2.

[0043] The scheduler 116 schedules the transmission timing of the transmission data and the sensing signal, and notifies the transmission signal processing unit 112 of the scheduling result.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the receiving node 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 21 functions as a reception signal processing unit 211, a reception data processing unit 212, a transmission data processing unit 213, a transmission signal processing unit 214, a detection processing unit 215, and a determination unit 216. The detection processing unit 215 and the determination unit 216 may function as a sensing processing unit 210.

[0046] The reception signal processing unit 211 is an example of a reception unit or a second reception unit, and receives and decodes data received from the transmission node 1 via the antenna 26 and the wireless communication circuit 24. Further, the reception signal processing unit 211 receives a sensing signal and sensing signal information received from the transmission node 1 via the antenna 26 and the wireless communication circuit 24.

[0047] The reception data processing unit 212 performs various processes on the reception data decoded by the reception signal processing unit 211.

[0048] The transmission data processing unit 213 performs various processes on the data to be transmitted to the transmission node 1.

[0049] The transmission signal processing unit 214 is an example of a transmission unit or a second transmission unit, and performs processes such as encoding on the data processed by the transmission data processing unit 213 in order to transmit it from the antenna 26 to the transmission node 1 via the wireless communication circuit 24.

[0050] The detection processing unit 215 is an example of a detection unit, and performs detection processing of the object 3 based on the sensing signal. The detection processing unit 215 analyzes the sensing signal by referring to the sensing signal information representing the mapping of the sensing signal in the wireless resource.

[0051] The determination unit 216 determines whether it is necessary to change the signal length of the received sensing signal. The determination unit 216 may, for example, determine to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal when the sensing signal from the transmission node 1 interferes with the uplink transmission data at the receiving node 2.

[0052] The determination unit 216 determines whether the request to the transmission node 1 is for throughput priority mode or sensing accuracy priority mode. For example, when an object 3 is detected, the determination unit 216 may determine that a sensing accuracy priority mode request is necessary to detect the detailed position and movement speed of the object 3.

[0053] The determination unit 216 determines, for example, that the sensing signal should be stopped if object 3 is not detected or if the position of object 3 moves to a position further than the threshold.

[0054] The determination unit 216 sends a request to change the sensing signal length, a request for throughput priority mode, a request for sensing accuracy priority mode, and a request to stop the sensing signal to the transmission node 1 via the transmission signal processing unit 214.

[0055] [A-1-3] Slot Configuration The slot configuration described below using Figures 6 to 9 corresponds to the TDD (Time Division Duplex) method.

[0056] [A-1-3-1] Throughput Priority Mode Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the allocation of sensing signals in the throughput priority mode as a first embodiment.

[0057] In the slot (indicated A1) shown in Figure 6, D represents a Down Link (DL) symbol, U represents an Up Link (UL) symbol, and F represents a Flexible symbol.

[0058] Transmitting node 1 transmits the sensing signal using a flexible symbol (F) within the DL / UL switch gap (code A2).

[0059] The sensing signal transmission section (code A3) has a number of symbols obtained by subtracting one or more from the number of symbols in the DL / UL switch gap, and is assigned starting from the beginning of the DL / UL switch gap.

[0060] The section from the end of the sensing signal to the UL symbol is designated as the guard section (symbol A4) of the sensing signal.

[0061] [A-1-3-2] Sensing Accuracy Priority Mode In sensing accuracy priority mode, the transmitting node 1 can allocate sensing signals to areas of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) other than the DL / UL switch gap (see Figure 8), and transmits more sensing signals than in throughput priority mode. The method of allocating sensing signals may be determined on a system-by-system basis.

[0062] In a system that performs Career Aggregation (CA), the transmitting node 1 may transmit sensing signals in any frequency band. For example, the transmitting node 1 monitors the traffic load and transmits additional sensing signals in the frequency band with the lowest load. Alternatively, the transmitting node 1 may transmit sensing signals in the frequency band with the highest frequency.

[0063] Figure 7 shows a first example of the assignment of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as a first embodiment.

[0064] In Figure 7, the symbol B1 represents each slot of the radio resource transmitted from the transmitting node 1 to the receiving node 2, and the symbol B2 represents each symbol of the DL slot shown in the symbol B1.

[0065] As shown in symbol B1, the transmitting node 1 allocates the radio resources in the following order: three DL slots, one special (Sp) slot, two UL slots, and five DL slots.

[0066] As shown in symbol B2, the transmitting node 1 assigns, for example, the first three symbols in the DL slot as sensing signals (S), and user data (D) to the fourth symbol and subsequent symbols. In other words, the transmitting node 1 may assign sensing signals to symbols in the DL slot in sensing accuracy priority mode. The symbols to which sensing signals are assigned may be the first predetermined number of symbols in the DL slot.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a second example of the assignment of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment.

[0068] In Figure 8, code C1 represents each slot of the radio resource transmitted from transmitting node 1 to receiving node 2. Also in Figure 8, code C2 represents each symbol of the DL slot shown in code C1, and code C3 represents each symbol of the Sp slot shown in code C1.

[0069] As shown in symbol C1, the transmitting node 1 allocates the radio resources in the following order: 3 DL slots, 1 Sp slot, 2 UL slots, and 5 DL slots.

[0070] As shown in code C2, the transmitting node 1 assigns the first 7 symbols of the DL slot as sensing signals (S) and the symbols from the 8th onward as DL data (D).

[0071] As shown in symbol C3, the transmitting node 1 uses the first six symbols to which user data (U) was assigned in the Sp slot and the first symbol of the DL / UL switch gap (symbol C31) to which a flexible symbol (F) was assigned as sensing signals (S). In other words, in sensing accuracy priority mode, the transmitting node 1 may assign sensing signals to symbols located before the flexible symbols in the Sp slot and to some of the leading symbols of the flexible symbols.

[0072] [A-1-3-3] Adjustment of Sensing Signal Length Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of the sensing signal length in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the sensing between the base station and the terminal in the first embodiment, the sensing signal length is adjusted when in throughput priority mode. In addition, when in sensing accuracy priority mode, the sensing signal length is also adjusted when the sensing signal is assigned to the DL / UL switch gap.

[0074] The receiving node 2, which is a terminal, requests the transmitting node 1, which is a base station, to change the sensing signal length according to the timing of receiving the sensing signal.

[0075] The receiving node 2 issues a request to shorten the sensing signal length if the time from the beginning of the received sensing signal to the timing of transmission of UL data from the receiving node 2 to the transmitting node 1 (T1 in Figure 9; first time) is less than or equal to the threshold α (first threshold). α is greater than or equal to the sensing signal length.

[0076] On the other hand, if the time from the end of the received sensing signal to the timing of transmission of UL data from receiving node 2 to transmitting node 1 (T2 in Figure 9; second time) is greater than or equal to threshold β (second threshold), receiving node 2 issues a request to lengthen the sensing signal. β is greater than or equal to the guard section length of the sensing signal.

[0077] [A-1-4] Operation Example The transmission and reception process of sensing signals in throughput priority mode as the first embodiment will be explained according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 10.

[0078] The receiving node 2, which is a terminal, sends a throughput priority mode request to the transmitting node 1 (step S1). When making the throughput priority mode request, the receiving node 2 may also specify the transmission period and number of transmissions of the sensing signal to the transmitting node 1.

[0079] The transmitting node 1, which is a base station, notifies the receiving node 2 of sensing signal information that represents the mapping of the sensing signal to a radio resource (step S2).

[0080] The transmitting node 1 starts transmitting a sensing signal to the receiving node 2 (step S3).

[0081] The receiving node 2 determines the signal length of the sensing signal (step S4).

[0082] The receiving node 2 issues a request to change the sensing signal length to the transmitting node 1 as necessary, based on the determination result by the determination unit 216 (step S5).

[0083] Transmitting node 1 updates the sensing signal length as needed upon receiving a sensing signal length change request and transmits the sensing signal information to receiving node 2 (step S6).

[0084] When the receiving node 2 no longer needs the sensing signal, it sends a request to the transmitting node 1 to stop the sensing signal (step S7).

[0085] Transmitting node 1 stops transmitting the sensing signal (step S8). Then, the transmission and reception processing of the sensing signal in throughput priority mode is terminated.

[0086] Next, the transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as the first embodiment will be explained according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 11.

[0087] The receiving node 2, which is a terminal, sends a sensing accuracy priority mode request to the transmitting node 1 (step S11). When making the sensing accuracy priority mode request, the receiving node 2 may also specify the transmission period and number of transmissions of the sensing signal to the transmitting node 1.

[0088] The transmitting node 1, which is a base station, notifies the receiving node 2 of sensing signal information that represents the mapping of the sensing signal to a wireless resource (step S12).

[0089] The transmitting node 1 starts transmitting a sensing signal to the receiving node 2 (step S13).

[0090] When the receiving node 2 assigns a sensing signal to the DL / UL switch gap (when the wireless resources shown in Figure 8 are assigned), it determines the signal length of the sensing signal (step S14).

[0091] The receiving node 2 issues a request to the transmitting node 1 to change the sensing signal length, if necessary, based on the determination result by the determination unit 216 (step S15).

[0092] Transmitting node 1 updates the sensing signal length as needed upon receiving a sensing signal length change request and transmits the sensing signal information to receiving node 2 (step S16).

[0093] When the receiving node 2 no longer needs the sensing signal, it sends a request to the transmitting node 1 to stop the sensing signal (step S17).

[0094] The transmitting node 1 stops transmitting the sensing signal (step S18). Then, the transmission and reception processing of the sensing signal in sensing accuracy priority mode is terminated.

[0095] Next, the switching process between the throughput priority mode and the sensing accuracy priority mode in the first embodiment will be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 12.

[0096] The determination unit 216 of the receiving node 2 requests the transmitting node 1 to use a throughput priority mode (step S21).

[0097] The determination unit 216 determines whether an object has been detected (step S22). In this case, the determination that an object has been detected is made, for example, when it is determined that the object's position is not further than a threshold.

[0098] If object 3 is not detected (see NO route in step S22), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0099] On the other hand, if object 3 is detected (see the YES route in step S22), the determination unit 216 requests the transmission node 1 to use the sensing accuracy priority mode (step S23).

[0100] The determination unit 216 determines whether the position of object 3 is further away than the threshold (step S24).

[0101] If the position of object 3 is not further than the threshold (see NO route in step S24), the process in step S24 is repeated.

[0102] On the other hand, if the position of object 3 is further away than the threshold (see the YES route in step S24), the determination unit 216 issues a sensing signal stop request to the transmission node 1 (step S25). Then, the switching process between throughput priority mode and sensing accuracy priority mode is completed.

[0103] [A-2] Second Embodiment [A-2-1] Hardware Configuration Example Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system 100a in the second embodiment.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, the communication system 100a uses a transmitting node 1a and a receiving node 2a that perform wired communication to sense the object 3.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the transmitting node 1a and the receiving node 2a are base stations (in other words, a first base station and a second base station). In other words, each base station may be a transmitting node 1a or a receiving node 2a. There may be multiple receiving nodes 2a.

[0106] The sensing of object 3 is performed when the transmitting node 1a, which is a base station, transmits a sensing signal to object 3, and the receiving node 2a, which is a base station, receives the sensing signal reflected by object 3.

[0107] Object 3 may be a solid, for example, but it may also be a liquid, a gas, or the like. In other words, object 3 may be a non-terminal, or a terminal that is not communicating.

[0108] The hardware configuration examples for the transmitting node 1a and receiving node 2a, both of which are base stations, may be the same as the hardware configuration example for the transmitting node 1, which is a base station, in the first embodiment described above using Figure 2. However, the transmitting node 1a is equipped with a processor 11a (described later using Figure 14) instead of the processor 11 shown in Figure 2, and the receiving node 2a is equipped with a processor 21a (described later using Figure 15) instead of the processor 11 shown in Figure 2.

[0109] [A-2-2] Software Configuration Example Figure 14 is a block diagram schematically showing a software configuration example of the transmission node 1a shown in Figure 13.

[0110] As shown in Figure 14, the processor 11 may function as a transmission data processing unit 111a, a transmission signal processing unit 112a, a reception signal processing unit 113a, a reception data processing unit 114a, a sensing control unit 115a, and a scheduler 116a.

[0111] The transmission data processing unit 111a processes the data received from the host device or receiving node 2a via the communication interface 15 as transmission data to be sent to a terminal (not shown).

[0112] The transmission signal processing unit 112a performs encoding and other processing on the transmission data processed by the transmission data processing unit 111a in order to transmit it from the antenna 16 to a terminal (not shown) via the wireless communication circuit 14. The transmission signal processing unit 112a also transmits a sensing signal from the antenna 16 to the receiving node 2a via the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0113] The receiving signal processing unit 113a receives and decodes the received data received from the terminal (not shown) via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0114] The received data processing unit 114a processes the received data decoded by the received signal processing unit 113a for transmission to a higher-level device or receiving node 2a via the communication interface 15.

[0115] The sensing control unit 115a performs sensing signal mapping on wireless resources based on a throughput priority mode request or a sensing accuracy priority mode request from the receiving node 2a. A throughput priority mode request is a request from the receiving node 2a to the transmitting node 1a to perform wireless resource mapping that prioritizes the transmission of transmission data over sensing signals. A sensing accuracy priority mode request is a request from the receiving node 2a to the transmitting node 1a to perform wireless resource mapping that prioritizes the transmission of sensing signals over transmission data.

[0116] The sensing control unit 115a changes the mapping of the sensing signal in the wireless resource based on a sensing signal length change request from the receiving node 2a. Furthermore, the sensing control unit 115 stops the mapping of the sensing signal in the wireless resource based on a sensing signal stop request from the receiving node 2a. The sensing signal length change request is a request from the receiving node 2a to the transmitting node 1a to change the mapping length of the sensing signal in the wireless resource. The sensing signal stop request is a request from the receiving node 2a to the transmitting node 1a to stop transmitting the sensing signal.

[0117] The sensing control unit 115a notifies the receiving node 2a via the communication interface 15 of sensing signal information representing the mapping of the sensing signal to a wireless resource.

[0118] The scheduler 116a schedules the transmission timing of the transmission data and the sensing signal, and notifies the transmission signal processing unit 112a of the scheduling result.

[0119] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the receiving node 2a shown in Figure 13.

[0120] As shown in Figure 15, the processor 21a functions as a received signal processing unit 211a, a received data processing unit 212a, a transmitted data processing unit 213a, a transmitted signal processing unit 214a, a detection processing unit 215a, and a determination unit 216a. The detection processing unit 215a and the determination unit 216a may function as a sensing processing unit 210a.

[0121] The receiving signal processing unit 211a receives and decodes data received from a terminal (not shown) via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14. The receiving signal processing unit 211a also receives sensing signals received from the transmitting node 1a via the antenna 16 and the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0122] The received data processing unit 212a performs various processes on the received data decoded by the received signal processing unit 211a in order to transmit it to a higher-level device or the transmitting node 1a.

[0123] The data transmission processing unit 213a performs various processes on the data to be transmitted to a terminal (not shown) received from a higher-level device via the communication interface 15.

[0124] The transmission signal processing unit 214a performs encoding and other processing on the data processed by the transmission data processing unit 213a in order to transmit it from the antenna 16 to a terminal (not shown) via the wireless communication circuit 14.

[0125] The detection processing unit 215a performs object detection processing based on the sensing signal. The detection processing unit 215a analyzes the sensing signal by referring to sensing signal information that represents the mapping of the sensing signal in the wireless resource.

[0126] The determination unit 216a determines whether it is necessary to change the signal length of the received sensing signal. For example, the determination unit 216a may determine to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal if the sensing signal from the transmitting node 1a interferes with the uplink received data at the receiving node 2a.

[0127] The determination unit 216a determines whether the request to the transmission node 1a is for throughput priority mode or sensing accuracy priority mode. For example, when an object 3 is detected, the determination unit 216a may determine that a sensing accuracy priority mode request is necessary to detect the detailed position and movement speed of the object 3.

[0128] The determination unit 216a determines, for example, that the sensing signal should be stopped if object 3 is not detected or if the position of object 3 moves to a position further than the threshold.

[0129] The determination unit 216a sends a request to change the sensing signal length, a request for throughput priority mode, a request for sensing accuracy priority mode, and a request to stop the sensing signal to the transmission node 1a via the communication interface 15.

[0130] [A-2-3] Slot Configuration The slot configuration described below using Figures 16 and 17 corresponds to the TDD (Time Division Duplex) method.

[0131] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the slot configuration in the transmitting node 1a and the receiving node 2a in the second embodiment.

[0132] In Figure 16, code D1 shows the configuration of each slot (code D11) in the transmitting node 1a, and code D2 shows the configuration of each slot (code D11) in the receiving node 2a. It is assumed that the time and Single Frequency Network (SFN) are synchronized between the base stations.

[0133] In Figure 16, D represents the DL symbol, U represents the UL symbol, FG represents the flexible symbol which is the DL / UL switch gap (code D12), and FD represents the flexible symbol to which DL is assigned.

[0134] The DL / UL switch gap section will be the same between base stations (in other words, between transmitting node 1a and receiving node 2a).

[0135] At the base station that becomes receiving node 2a, symbols prior to the DL / UL switch gap are also treated as flexible symbols and assigned DL.

[0136] [A-2-3-1] Throughput Priority Mode The allocation of sensing signals in the throughput priority mode, as a second embodiment, is the same as in the first embodiment as illustrated in Figure 6.

[0137] [A-2-3-2] Sensing Accuracy Priority Mode Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the allocation of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode as a second embodiment.

[0138] In Figure 17, code E1 shows the configuration of each slot in the transmitting node 1a, and code E2 shows the configuration of each slot in the receiving node 2a.

[0139] The sensing signal is assigned from the beginning timing of the flexible symbol at the receiving node 2a (code E11), and is transmitted as a symbol up to the start of the DL / UL switch gap, assigned to the PDSCH region. The method of assigning the sensing signal may be determined for each system.

[0140] The DL / UL switch gap at the transmitting node may also serve as the guard section (code E12) for the sensing signal.

[0141] The receiving node 2a extends the section from the start of the flexible symbol to the UL symbol into the DL / UL switch gap section. Reception processing is performed within this section.

[0142] [A-2-3-3] Adjustment of sensing signal length In sensing between base stations in the second embodiment, the sensing signal length may be adjusted in both throughput priority mode and sensing accuracy priority mode.

[0143] The adjustment of the sensing signal length is the same as described above using Figure 9 in the first embodiment.

[0144] [A-2-4] Operation Example The transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in throughput priority mode as the second embodiment is the same as the transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in throughput priority mode as the first embodiment described above using Figure 10.

[0145] The transmission and reception processing of sensing signals in the sensing accuracy priority mode, as a second embodiment, will be explained according to the sequence diagram shown in Figure 18.

[0146] The receiving node 2a, which is the base station, performs DL deassignment of the flexible symbol (step S31). Alternatively, DL deassignment of the flexible symbol may be performed based on the sensing signal information transmitted in step S34, which will be described later.

[0147] The receiving node 2a sends a sensing accuracy priority mode request to the transmitting node 1a (step S32). When making the sensing accuracy priority mode request, the receiving node 2a may also specify the transmission period and number of transmissions of the sensing signal to the transmitting node 1a.

[0148] The transmitting node 1a, which is a base station, notifies the receiving node 2a of sensing signal information that represents the mapping of the sensing signal to a wireless resource (step S33).

[0149] The transmitting node 1a starts transmitting a sensing signal to the receiving node 2a (step S34).

[0150] The receiving node 2a determines the signal length of the sensing signal (step S35).

[0151] The receiving node 2a issues a request to change the sensing signal length to the transmitting node 1a as necessary, based on the determination result by the determination unit 216 (step S36).

[0152] The transmitting node 1a updates the sensing signal length as needed upon receiving a sensing signal length change request and transmits the sensing signal information to the receiving node 2a (step S37).

[0153] When the receiving node 2a no longer needs the sensing signal, it sends a request to the transmitting node 1a to stop the sensing signal (step S38).

[0154] The transmitting node 1a stops transmitting the sensing signal (step S39).

[0155] The receiving node 2a returns the flexible symbol to the state before receiving the sensing signal in sensing accuracy priority mode (in other words, the DL assignment state) (step S40). Then, the transmission and reception processing of the sensing signal in sensing accuracy priority mode is completed.

[0156] [A-3] Summary of Embodiments The operation of the communication systems 100 and 100a in the above-described embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0157] Transmitting nodes 1,1a receive first information from receiving nodes 2,2a, allocate sensing signals to resources according to the first information, transmit information regarding the allocation to receiving nodes 2,2a, and transmit sensing signals according to the allocation.

[0158] The receiving nodes 2 and 2a transmit first information to the transmitting nodes 1 and 1a, receive information regarding the assignment corresponding to the first information from the transmitting nodes, and use the assignment information to detect the sensing signal.

[0159] [B] Effects The transmitting nodes 1, 1a, receiving nodes 2, 2a and communication systems 100, 100a in the above-described embodiment can achieve, for example, the following effects.

[0160] The receiving signal processing unit 113 receives first information from the receiving node 2. The sensing control unit 115 allocates a sensing signal to a resource according to the first information. The transmitting signal processing unit 112 transmits information regarding the allocation to the receiving node and transmits the sensing signal according to the allocation. The transmitting signal processing unit 214 transmits first information to the transmitting node 1. The receiving signal processing unit 211 receives information from the transmitting node regarding the allocation of the sensing signal to a resource according to the first information. The detection processing unit 215 detects the sensing signal using the allocation information.

[0161] This improves the efficiency of wireless resource utilization. Specifically, it enables both sensing accuracy and data throughput. By transmitting sensing signals in the switch gap between DL and UL where user data is not allocated, sensing is possible without reducing data throughput. Furthermore, since sensing signals are transmitted only when requested by the receiving node to improve accuracy, the impact on data throughput can be minimized by allocating user data to wireless resources when there is no request.

[0162] When the first information indicates a priority for throughput, the sensing control unit 115 assigns a sensing signal to a flexible symbol located between the downlink symbol and the uplink symbol in the resource.

[0163] This allows for efficient allocation of sensing signals in throughput-priority mode.

[0164] The sensing control unit 115 assigns a sensing signal to a symbol in the downlink slot in the resource when the first information indicates that sensing accuracy should be prioritized.

[0165] This allows for efficient allocation of sensing signals in sensing accuracy priority mode.

[0166] When the first information indicates a priority for sensing accuracy, the sensing control unit 115 assigns sensing signals to symbols located before the flexible symbols in the special slots within the resource, and to some of the leading symbols of the flexible symbols.

[0167] This allows for more efficient allocation of sensing signals in sensing accuracy priority mode.

[0168] The transmission signal processing unit 214 transmits information instructing throughput priority as first information. The determination unit 216 determines that, when the detection processing unit 215 detects the object 3 to be detected by detecting the sensing signal, it should transmit information instructing sensing accuracy priority instead of throughput priority as first information to the transmission signal processing unit 214.

[0169] This allows for efficient switching between throughput-priority mode and sensing accuracy-priority mode.

[0170] When the first information indicates that throughput should be prioritized, the determination unit 216 issues a request to the transmission node 1 to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal if the first time from the beginning of the sensing signal detected by the detection processing unit 215 to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0171] This allows for efficient transmission of data in throughput-priority mode.

[0172] When the first information indicates a priority for throughput, the determination unit 216 issues a request to the transmission node 1 to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal if the second time from the end of the sensing signal detected by the detection processing unit 215 to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0173] This allows for more efficient switching between throughput-priority mode and sensing accuracy-priority mode.

[0174] [C] The technologies disclosed elsewhere are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of this embodiment. Each configuration and each process of this embodiment can be selected or combined as needed.

[0175] 100, 100a: Communication system 1, 1a: Transmitting node 2, 2a: Receiving node 3: Object 11, 11a: Processor 11a: Processor 12, 22: Memory 13, 23: Storage device 14, 24: Wireless communication circuit 15, 25: Communication interface 16, 26: Antenna 21, 21a: Processor 111, 111a: Transmitting data processing unit 112, 112a: Transmitting signal processing unit 113, 113a: Receiving signal processing unit 114, 114a: Receiving data processing unit 115, 115a: Sensing control unit 116, 116a: Scheduler 210, 210a: Sensing processing unit 211, 211a: Receiving signal processing unit 212, 212a: Receiving data processing unit 213, 213a: Transmitting data processing unit 214, 214a: Transmitting signal processing unit 215, 215a: Detection processing unit 216, 216a: Determination unit

Claims

1. A transmitting node comprising: a receiving unit that receives first information from a receiving node; a control unit that allocates sensing signals to resources according to the first information; and a transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the allocation to the receiving node and transmits the sensing signals according to the allocation.

2. The transmission node according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates a priority for throughput, assigns the sensing signal to a flexible symbol located between a downlink symbol and an uplink symbol in the resource.

3. The transmission node according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates a priority for sensing accuracy, assigns the sensing signal to a symbol in the downlink slot in the resource.

4. The transmission node according to claim 3, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates a priority for sensing accuracy, assigns the sensing signal to symbols located before the flexible symbols in the special slot and to some of the leading symbols of the flexible symbols in the resource.

5. A receiving node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits first information to a transmitting node; a receiving unit that receives from the transmitting node information regarding the allocation of a sensing signal to a resource according to the first information; and a detection unit that detects the sensing signal using the allocation information.

6. The receiving node according to claim 5, wherein the transmitting unit transmits information indicating priority of throughput as first information, and the receiving node further comprises a determination unit that determines, when the detection unit detects an object to be detected by detecting the sensing signal, to transmit to the transmitting unit information indicating priority of sensing accuracy instead of information indicating priority of throughput as first information.

7. The receiving node according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit, when the first information indicates priority of throughput, issues a request to the transmitting node to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal when the first time from the beginning of the sensing signal detected by the detection unit to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a first threshold.

8. The receiving node according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the determination unit, when the first information indicates priority of throughput, issues a request to the transmitting node to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal if the second time from the end of the sensing signal detected by the detection unit to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a second threshold.

9. A communication system for performing sensing between a transmitting node and a receiving node, wherein the transmitting node comprises: a first receiving unit that receives first information from a receiving node; a control unit that allocates sensing signals to resources according to the first information; and a first transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the allocation to the receiving node and transmits the sensing signals according to the allocation; and the receiving node comprises: a second transmitting unit that transmits the first information to the transmitting node; a second receiving unit that receives information regarding the allocation according to the first information from the transmitting node; and a detection unit that detects the sensing signals using the information regarding the allocation.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates a priority for throughput, assigns the sensing signal to a flexible symbol located between a downlink symbol and an uplink symbol in the resource.

11. The communication system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates a priority for sensing accuracy, assigns the sensing signal to a symbol in the downlink slot in the resource.

12. The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the control unit, when the first information indicates priority of sensing accuracy, assigns the sensing signal to symbols located before the flexible symbols in the special slot and to some of the leading symbols of the flexible symbols in the resource.

13. The communication system according to claim 9, further comprising: a second transmitting unit which transmits information indicating priority of throughput as first information; and a determination unit which, when the detection unit detects an object to be detected by detecting the sensing signal, determines that the second transmitting unit should transmit information indicating priority of sensing accuracy as first information instead of information indicating priority of throughput.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the determination unit, when the first information indicates priority of throughput, issues a request to the transmitting node to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal when the first time from the beginning of the sensing signal detected by the detection unit to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a first threshold.

15. The communication system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the determination unit, when the first information indicates priority of throughput, issues a request to the transmitting node to shorten the signal length of the sensing signal if the second time from the end of the sensing signal detected by the detection unit to the transmission timing of the uplink signal is less than or equal to a second threshold.

16. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the transmitting node is a base station, and the receiving node is a terminal that performs wireless communication with the base station.

17. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the transmitting node is a first base station, and the receiving node is a second base station that communicates with the first base station via a wired connection.

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