Method and apparatus for providing enhanced reference signal received power estimation
阅读说明：本技术 用于提供增强参考信号接收功率估算的方法和装置 (Method and apparatus for providing enhanced reference signal received power estimation ) 是由 阿卜杜勒拉曼·***·哈纳菲·马哈茂德·巴克尼纳 权赫俊 于 2020-02-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：在本文提供了用于提供参考信号接收功率(RSRP)的方法和设备。根据一个实施例,在调制解调器中接收信号。从接收到的信号提取参考信号(RS)位置处的信号元素。对信号元素进行解扰以去除RS序列。执行解扰后的信号元素的线性平均以形成虚拟参考信号(VRS)元素。由VRS元素估算RSRP。(Methods and apparatus for providing Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a signal is received in a modem. Signal elements at Reference Signal (RS) locations are extracted from the received signal. The signal element is descrambled to remove the RS sequence. A linear average of the descrambled signal elements is performed to form Virtual Reference Signal (VRS) elements. RSRP is estimated by the VRS elements.)
1. A method of estimating reference signal received power, the method comprising:
receiving a signal in a modem;
extracting signal elements at reference signal locations from the received signal;
descrambling the signal elements at the reference signal locations to remove a reference signal sequence;
performing linear averaging on the descrambled signal elements to form virtual reference signal elements; and
estimating the reference signal received power based on the virtual reference signal element.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein in performing the linear averaging, a constraint is imposed on a weighting vector to reduce noise variance and maintain power of the descrambled signal elements.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the weighting vector is dynamically adjusted based on a channel type or a system parameter when performing the linear averaging.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein in performing the linear averaging, each virtual reference signal element is determined by:
wherein v ism,kIs a given virtual reference signal element,
5. The method of claim 1, wherein two descrambled signal elements are used for a given virtual reference signal element when performing the linear averaging.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein four descrambled signal elements are used for a given virtual reference signal element when performing the linear averaging.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein estimating the reference signal received power comprises calculating at least one of a horizontal correlation and a vertical correlation from the virtual reference signal elements.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein,
the vertical correlation is determined by:
wherein, g0Is the vertical correlation and v is a given virtual reference signal element; and is
The horizontal correlation is determined by:
wherein, g1Is the horizontal correlation and v is the virtual reference signal element given.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the horizontal correlation and the vertical correlation are calculated and estimating the reference signal received power comprises estimating one of a coherent reference signal received power and a non-coherent reference signal received power based on the horizontal correlation and the vertical correlation.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein:
the coherent reference signal received power is determined by:
the non-coherent reference signal received power is determined by:
11. an electronic device, comprising:
a processor; and
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
receiving a signal;
extracting signal elements at reference signal locations from the received signal;
descrambling the signal element to remove a reference signal sequence;
performing linear averaging on the descrambled signal elements to form virtual reference signal elements; and
estimating the reference signal received power based on the virtual reference signal element.
12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein in performing the linear averaging, a constraint is imposed on a weighting vector to reduce noise variance and maintain power of descrambled signal elements.
13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the weighting vector is dynamically adjusted based on a channel type or a system parameter when performing the linear averaging.
14. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein in performing the linear averaging, each virtual reference signal element is determined by:
wherein v ism,kIs a given virtual reference signal element,
15. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein two descrambled signal elements are used for a given virtual reference signal element when performing the linear averaging.
16. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein four descrambled signal elements are used for a given virtual reference signal element when performing the linear averaging.
17. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein estimating the reference signal received power comprises calculating at least one of a horizontal correlation and a vertical correlation from the virtual reference signal elements.
18. The electronic device of claim 17,
the vertical correlation is determined by:
wherein, g0Is the vertical correlation and v is a given virtual reference signal element; and is
The horizontal correlation is determined by:
wherein, g1Is the horizontal correlation and v is the virtual reference signal element given.
19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the horizontal correlation and the vertical correlation are calculated and estimating the reference signal received power comprises estimating one of a coherent reference signal received power and a non-coherent reference signal received power based on the horizontal correlation and the vertical correlation.
20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein:
the coherent reference signal received power is determined by:
the non-coherent reference signal received power is determined by:
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing enhanced Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) estimation.
Background
Existing methods for estimating RSRP directly utilize Reference Signal (RS) elements of the received signal, under the assumption that the channel does not vary much. However, such an approach results in an overestimation of RSRP, since noise power within the RS element contributes to RSRP estimation. In addition, such methods result in an overestimation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and also result in poor mobility decisions.
Disclosure of Invention
According to one embodiment, a method of estimating RSRP is provided. A signal is received in a modem. The signal element at the RS location is extracted from the received signal. The signal elements at the RS locations are descrambled to remove the RS sequence. Performing linear averaging on the descrambled signal elements to form Virtual Reference Signal (VRS) elements. RSRP is estimated from the VRS elements.
According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receiving a signal; extracting a signal element at the RS position from the received signal; and descrambling the signal element to remove the RS sequence. The instructions when executed further cause the processor to perform a linear average of the descrambled signal elements to form VRS elements and estimate RSRP from the VRS elements.
Drawings
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for estimating RSRP, according to one embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of RS element assignments over two symbols according to one embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements grouped by block according to one embodiment;
figure 4 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined by averaging two descrambled RS elements of a received signal, according to one embodiment;
figure 5 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined by averaging four descrambled RS elements of a received signal, in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined based on a uniform weighting vector, according to one embodiment; and
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to one embodiment.
Detailed Description
Hereinafter, implementations of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, although the same elements are shown in different drawings, they are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description, only specific details such as detailed configurations and components are provided to facilitate an overall understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present disclosure, and may be different according to a user, a user's intention, or a habit. Therefore, the definition of the terms should be determined based on the contents throughout the present specification.
The present disclosure may have various modifications and various embodiments, which are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, structural elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first structural element may be termed a second structural element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second structural element may also be referred to as the first structural element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated items.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular is intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the terms "comprises" or "comprising" indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.
Unless defined differently, all terms used herein have the same meaning as the terms understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Unless clearly defined in this disclosure, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the context in the relevant art and will not be interpreted as having an ideal or excessively formal meaning.
The electronic device according to one embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.
The terms used in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the present disclosure, but are intended to include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives for the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the figures, like reference numerals may be used to indicate like or related elements. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B," "at least one of a and B," "at least one of a or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include all possible combinations of the items listed with the corresponding one of these phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1 st," "2 nd," "first," and "second" may be used to distinguish a corresponding component from another component, but are not intended to limit components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It is intended that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled to," "connected with," and "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), with or without the terms "operable" or "communicable," it indicates that the element can be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or combined with the other element via a third element.
As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "component," or "circuitry," for example. A module may be a single integral component or a minimal unit or portion thereof adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the modules may be implemented in the form of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).
The present disclosure describes improvements to power estimation methods based on received Reference Signal (RS) elements in a modem (e.g., for a generation 5 (5G) New Radio (NR)). The resulting estimated power is also referred to as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). RSRP estimation may be used in mobility decisions such as handovers. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the estimation of RSRP is improved by denoising the received signal.
The RS element of the received signal is formed by the RS and the additive noise. Here, RSRP is estimated without accompanying noise. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure describe generating and determining RSRP by a receiver from Virtual Reference Signal (VRS) elements that have less noise variance than the original RS elements of the received signal.
The RS element of the received signal is utilized to form a VRS element. The term "virtual" is used to distinguish these elements from the original RS elements of the received signal. The VRS elements are used in place of the original RS elements of the received signal when estimating RSRP.
Referring initially to fig. 1, a flow diagram illustrates a method for estimating RSRP, according to one embodiment. A modem or receiver receives a signal at 102. The receiver extracts the signal elements at the RS location from the received signal at 104. The receiver descrambles the signal elements at the RS location to remove the RS sequence at 106. The receiver performs linear averaging on the descrambled signal elements to form VRS elements at 108. The receiver estimates RSRP from the VRS elements at 110.
Referring now to fig. 2, an example of RS allocation over two symbols is illustrated, according to one embodiment. In each of the
The RS element position in the received signal is defined as set forth in equation (1) below:
ri，j＝hi，jxi，j+ni，j，i＝1，5，..，237，j＝2，4…(1)
where i denotes a subcarrier index (vertical position), j denotes a symbol index (horizontal position), and ni,jRepresents noise, hi,jRepresenting the channel coefficient, xi,jRepresents an RS sequence.
The receiver then descrambles the received signal at the RS location by mixing it with x* i,j(wherein, xi,jx* i,j1) to eliminate the RS sequence, thereby generating a descrambled signal element, as set forth in equation (2) below:
using descrambled signal elements yi,jThe receiver forms the VRS elements by performing a linear average on the descrambled signal elements.
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements grouped by block according to one embodiment. Each VRS element is formed by taking a linear average of the four nearest descrambled signal elements of the received signal. As shown in fig. 3, each group of elements is represented as a block. The VRS element of the first block 302 is { v }1，1，v1，2，..，v1，11And they are passed through the descrambled signal elements y1，2，y1，4，y5，2，y5，4Are linearly combined. For example, v may be calculated as set forth in equation (3) below1,k：
Wherein the content of the first and second substances,is a weighted vector. The weighting vector is assumed to be constant from one block to another.
To ensure that the VRS element has reduced noise variance and also to preserve the power of the RS element, a constraint is imposed on the weighting vector, as set forth in equation (4) below:
in general, the VRS element v may be calculated as set forth in equation (5) belowm,k：
The VRS element of the second block 304 is { v }2，1，v2，2，..，v2，11And by taking the descrambled signal element y9，2，y9，4，y13，2，y13，4-linear combinations of (a) and (b). Thirty Block 306 VRS elementElement is { v30，1，v30，2，..，v30，11And by taking the descrambled signal element y233，2，y233，4，y237，2，y237，4-linear combinations of (a) and (b).
When all VRS elements are computed, the horizontal correlation g may be computed1And vertical correlation g0. Vertical correlation g0Calculated as set forth in equation (6) below:
horizontal correlation g1Calculated as set forth in equation (7) below:
in the case where both horizontal and vertical correlations are calculated, a coherent RSRP and a non-coherent RSRP may be calculated. The coherent RSRP is calculated as set forth in equation (8) below:
the non-coherent RSRP is calculated as set forth in equation (9) below:
if any of the VRS elements are not computed (i.e.,) Then the non-computed elements are removed from the correlation and replaced with the next consecutive VRS element as described in more detail below.
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined by averaging two descrambled signal elements of a received signal according to one embodiment. In this wayIn the embodiment of (1), the weighting vector is stated as
by y1,2And y1,4To determine the VRS element v of the
The first sum in the RSRP estimation of equation (10) represents the vertical cross-correlation between the VRS elements of the same block. The second summation in the RSRP estimation of equation (10) represents the last VRS element v in each blockn,11And the first VRS element v in the next blockn+1,1Cross-correlation between them. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the channel invariance is better preserved over time rather than over frequency.
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined by averaging four descrambled RS elements of a received signal, according to one embodiment. In such an embodiment, the weighting vector is stated asThe RSRP is estimated as set forth in equation (11) below:
by y1,2、y1,4、y5,2And y5,4To determine the VRS element v of the
In this embodiment, the gain of denoising is maximal under practical consideration.
Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating VRS elements determined based on a uniform weighting vector, according to one embodiment. In such an embodiment, the weighting vector is stated as
The horizontal correlation g is calculated as set forth in equation (13) below1：
The weighting vectors used to generate the VRS elements may be dynamically assigned to accommodate different SNRs or different system parameter values. For example, for a fast fading channel over time, the VRS elements may be determined only by the descrambled signal elements in the same symbol and only the vertical correlation may be considered.
The VRS element of the first block 602 is { v }1，1，v1，5，v1，7，v1，11And by taking the descrambled signal element y1，2，y1，4，y5，2，y5，4Is formed by linear combination of the VRS elements of the second block 604 being { v }2，1，v2，5，v2，7，v2，11And by taking the descrambled signal element y9，2，y9，4，y13，2，Y13，4-linear combinations of (a) and (b). The VRS element of the third block 606 is { v }30，1，v30，5，v30，7，v30，11And by taking the descrambled signal element y232，2，y233，4，y237，2，y237，4-linear combinations of (a) and (b).
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to one embodiment. Referring to fig. 7, an electronic device 701 in a network environment 700 may communicate with an electronic device 702 via a first network 798 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device 704 or a server 708 via a second network 799 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). Electronic device 701 may communicate with electronic device 704 via server 708. The electronic device 701 may include a processor 720, a memory 730, an input device 750, a sound output device 755, a display device 760, an audio module 770, a sensor module 776, an interface 777, a haptic module 779, a camera module 780, a power management module 788, a battery 789, a communication module 790, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)796, or an antenna module 797. In one embodiment, at least one component (e.g., display device 760 or camera module 780) may be omitted from electronic device 701, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 701. Some components may be implemented as a single Integrated Circuit (IC). For example, sensor module 776 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be embedded in display device 760 (e.g., a display).
The processor 720 may execute, for example, software (e.g., the program 740) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 701 coupled to the processor 720, and may perform various data processing or calculations. As at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 720 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 776 or the communication module 790) into the volatile memory 732, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory 732, and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory 734. The processor 720 may include a main processor 721 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an Application Processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 723 (e.g., a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a Communication Processor (CP)), the auxiliary processor 723 operating independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 721. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary processor 723 may be adapted to consume less power than the primary processor 721 or perform certain functions. The secondary processor 723 may be implemented separately from the primary processor 721 or as part of the primary processor 721.
The secondary processor 723 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 701 (e.g., the display device 760, the sensor module 776, or the communication module 790) in place of the primary processor 721 when the primary processor 721 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or may be used with the primary processor 721 when the primary processor 721 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). The auxiliary processor 723 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 780 or a communication module 790) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 723.
The memory 730 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 701 (e.g., the processor 720 or the sensor module 776). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 740) and input data or output data for commands associated therewith. Memory 730 may include volatile memory 732 or nonvolatile memory 734.
The programs 740 may be stored as software in the memory 730 and may include, for example, an Operating System (OS)742, middleware 744, or applications 746.
Input device(s) 750 can receive commands or data from outside of electronic device 701 (e.g., a user) that are to be used by other components of electronic device 701, such as processor 720. Input device 750 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.
The sound output device 755 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 701. The acoustic output means 755 may comprise, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or recording, and the receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. The receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
Display device 760 may visually provide information to an exterior (e.g., user) of electronic device 701. Display device 760 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and control circuitry that controls a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. Display device 760 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of a force caused by the touch.
The audio module 770 may convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. The audio module 770 may obtain sound via the input device 750 or output sound via the sound output device 755 or headphones of the external electronic device 702 that are coupled directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to the electronic device 701.
The sensor module 776 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 701 or an environmental state (e.g., state of a user) outside the electronic device 701 and then generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module 776 may include, for example, a posture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
The interface 777 may support one or more particular protocols for coupling the electronic device 701 with the external electronic device 702 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly. The interface 777 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.
The connection terminal 778 may include a connector via which the electronic device 701 may be physically connected with the external electronic device 702. The connection terminal 778 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., headphone connector).
The haptic module 779 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus, which may be recognized by a user via tactile or kinesthetic senses. The haptic module 779 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.
The camera module 780 may capture still images or moving images. The camera module 780 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.
The power management module 788 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 701. The power management module 788 may be implemented as at least a portion of a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), for example.
The battery 789 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 701. The battery 789 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
The communication module 790 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 701 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 702, the electronic device 704, or the server 708) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 790 may include one or more processors that operate independently of the processor 720 (e.g., AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. The communication module 790 may include a wireless communication module 792 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 794 (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module or a Power Line Communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of the communication modules may be via the first network 798 (e.g., such as Bluetooth)TMA short-range communication network of the wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct or infrared data association (IrDA) standard) or a second network 799 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) to communicate with external electronic devices. These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single IC), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple ICs) that are separate from one another. The wireless communication module 792 may utilize the subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identity module 796 to identify and authenticate the electronic device 701 in a communication network, such as the first network 798 or the second network 799.
The antenna module 797 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from an outside of the electronic device 701 (e.g., an external electronic device). The antenna module 797 may include one or more antennas, whereby at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 798 or the second network 799, may be selected by, for example, the communication module 790 (e.g., the wireless communication module 792). Signals or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 790 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.
At least some of the above components may be coupled to each other and communicate (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, General Purpose Input and Output (GPIO), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI)).
Commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 701 and the external electronic device 704 via a server 708 coupled to a second network 799. Each of the electronic devices 702 and 704 may be a type of device that is the same as or different from the type of the electronic device 701. All or some of the operations to be performed at electronic device 701 may be performed at one or more external electronic devices 702, 704, or 708. For example, if the electronic device 701 should automatically perform a function or service, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 701 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. One or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service or an additional function or an additional service related to the request and transmit the execution result to the electronic device 701. The electronic device 701 may provide the result with or without further processing of the result as at least part of a reply to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing techniques may be used.
One embodiment may be implemented as software (e.g., program 740) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 736 or external memory 738) that is machine-readable by (e.g., electronic device 701). For example, a processor of electronic device 701 may, under control of the processor, invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without one or more other components, and execute the at least one instruction. Accordingly, the machine may be operable to perform at least one function in accordance with the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but the term does not distinguish between the case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and the case where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.
According to one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be used as a product for conducting transactions between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or through an application Store, such as a Play StoreTM) Distributed online (e.g. downloaded or uploaded), or directly in bothDistributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between user devices (e.g., smartphones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer server, a server of an application store, or a relay server).
According to one embodiment, each of the above components (e.g., modules or programs) may comprise a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding one of the plurality of components performed before the integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, the present disclosure may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined not only based on the described embodiments, but also based on the appended claims and their equivalents.