Method and apparatus for communication and sensing in a wireless communication network operating in half duplex mode

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for integrated communication and sensing are provided. For example, an electronic device can transmit a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal in an active phase of a periodic sensing period and sense a reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object in a passive phase of the sensing period. The RF pulse signal is defined by a waveform for carrying communication data between electronic devices. The sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, where the portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value that the object is within a sensing range of the first electronic device. The electronic device can also receive a communication signal from another electronic device during the passive phase.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 818,555, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATION AND SENSING IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK OPERATING IN HALF-DUPLEX MODE,” filed March 13, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and in particular embodiments, to communication and sensing in half-duplex communication networks. BACKGROUND

[0003] In some wireless communication networks, electronic devices such as base stations (BSs), user equipments (UEs), and the like, communicate with each other wirelessly to transmit or receive data between each other. For example, wireless communication from a UE to a BS is referred to as uplink (UL) communication, wireless communication from a BS to a UE is referred to as downlink (DL) communication, and wireless communication from a first UE to a second UE is referred to as sidelink (SL) communication or device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0004] Existing commercial wireless communication networks are all half-duplex (HDX) networks, in which all communication nodes in the network operate in HDX mode. Nodes operating in HDX cannot transmit and receive simultaneously using the same physical resources (time, frequency, etc.); in contrast, full-duplex (FDX) enabled nodes can transmit and receive using the same physical resources. Even if FDX communication networks are implemented in the future, it is expected that at least some nodes in the network will remain HDX nodes, as HDX nodes or devices can be constructed with less complex structures and produced at lower cost. For example, FDX implementation is more challenging at higher frequencies (e.g., in the millimeter wave band), and is very challenging for small, low-cost nodes or devices, such as femto-cell base stations or UEs.

[0005] It has been recognized that it is beneficial to integrate communication and sensing in some wireless communication networks. Sensing refers to an operation of detecting a distance, a speed, and / or a shape of a target. Radar is a common example of sensing. It is therefore desirable to provide improved systems and methods for sensing and communication integration in wireless communication networks operating in a half-duplex (HDX) mode. SUMMARY

[0006] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to integration of communication and sensing, in particular, in wireless communication networks. In some embodiments, at least some network entities, nodes, or devices in the network can operate in a half-duplex (HDX) mode. Signals transmitted by a network entity, node, or device are defined by a waveform for carrying communication data and sensing at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected signals reflected from objects within a sensing range. The design and structure of the waveform can aim to balance or optimize sensing performance and efficient utilization of communication resources.

[0007] Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, a first electronic device transmits a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal during an active phase of a periodic sensing period and detects a reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object during a passive phase of the sensing period. The RF pulse signal is defined by a waveform for carrying communication data between the first electronic device and a second electronic device. The sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, wherein the sensed portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value for the object being within a sensing range of the first electronic device.

[0008] In some embodiments of this aspect, the first electronic device can further receive a communication signal from the second electronic device or other electronic devices during the passive phase. The communication signal can be defined by a waveform. A control signaling signal can be provided to support the integration of communication and sensing. The control signaling signal can indicate one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signal such that the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal when the object is within the sensing range of the first electronic device. The control signaling signal can be transmitted to and received by the first electronic device and optionally one or more other electronic devices including the second electronic device. The periodic sensing period can include a plurality of sub-periods, each sub-period can have an active phase and a passive phase. The RF pulse signal can include a signaling portion for signaling parameters associated with a subsequent RF pulse signal to be transmitted by the first electronic device. The signaling portion can include an indication of one or more of the following: a bandwidth, a frame structure, a sub-period index of each sub-period including encoded data, a waveform, a numerology, or a pulse shape.

[0009] According to another aspect of the application, an apparatus comprises a transmitter and a receiver, which can be separate components or integrated into a transceiver. The transmitter is configured to transmit an RF pulse signal during an active phase of a periodic sensing cycle. The RF pulse signal is defined by a waveform configured to carry communication data. The receiver is configured to sense reflections of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object during a passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle. The sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal that is equal to or greater than a threshold value for the object to be within a sensing range of the apparatus.

[0010] In some embodiments of this aspect, the receiver can also be configured to receive a communication signal during the passive phase, wherein the communication signal is defined by a waveform. The receiver can also be configured to receive a control signaling signal indicative of one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signal, such that the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal when the object is within the sensing range of the apparatus. The periodic sensing cycle can comprise a plurality of sub-cycles, each sub-cycle comprising an active phase and a passive phase. The RF pulse signal can comprise a signaling portion for signaling a parameter associated with a subsequent RF pulse signal to be transmitted by the apparatus, the signaling portion comprising an indication of one or more of: a bandwidth, a frame structure, a sub-cycle index of each sub-cycle comprising encoded data, a waveform, a numerology, or a pulse shape.

[0011] In another aspect, the application provides a method, wherein a second electronic device receives a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal transmitted from a first electronic device during an active phase of a periodic sensing cycle and transmits a communication signal during a passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle. The RF pulse signal and the communication signal are both defined by a waveform. The RF pulse signal is defined by a waveform configured to (i) carry communication data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device and (ii) be sensed by the first electronic device from reflections of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object during the passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle, wherein the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal that is equal to or greater than a threshold value for the object to be within a sensing range of the first electronic device.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method, the second electronic device can further sense a sensing signal defined by the waveform. Control signaling signals can be transmitted or received that indicate one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signals such that the sensed RF pulse signals are at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signals when the object is within a sensing range of the first electronic device. The periodic sensing period can include a plurality of sub-periods, each sub-period can include an active phase and a passive phase. The RF pulse signals can include a signaling portion for signaling parameters associated with a subsequent RF pulse signal to be transmitted by the first electronic device, the signaling portion including an indication of one or more of: a bandwidth, a frame structure, a sub-period index of each sub-period including encoded data, a waveform, a numerology, or a pulse shape.

[0013] In another aspect of the application, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a receiver and a transmitter, which can be separate components or integrated into a transceiver. The receiver is configured to receive, during an active phase of a periodic sensing period, radio frequency (RF) pulse signals transmitted from an electronic device. The RF pulse signals are defined by a waveform for (i) carrying communication data and (ii) being sensed, during a passive phase of the periodic sensing period, by the electronic device for a reflection of the RF pulse signals reflected from an object. The sensed RF pulse signals are at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signals, the portion being equal to or greater than a threshold value for the object being within a sensing range of the electronic device. The transmitter is configured to transmit, during the passive phase of the periodic sensing period, a communication signal defined by the waveform.

[0014] In some embodiments of the apparatus, the receiver can further be configured to sense a sensing signal defined by the waveform. The transmitter or the receiver can further be configured to transmit or receive control signaling signals indicating one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signals such that the sensed RF pulse signals are at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signals when the object is within a sensing range of the electronic device. The periodic sensing period can include a plurality of sub-periods, each sub-period including an active phase and a passive phase. The RF pulse signals can include a signaling portion for signaling parameters associated with a subsequent RF pulse signal to be transmitted by the first electronic device, the signaling portion including an indication of one or more of: a bandwidth, a frame structure, a sub-period index of each sub-period including encoded data, a waveform, a numerology, or a pulse shape.

[0015] The apparatuses described herein can have a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver that includes a radar (e.g., a monostatic radar). The radar can operate in an HDX mode for sensing or communication, or both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the application can occur;

[0018] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C are block diagrams of exemplary user equipment, base stations and sensing agents provided by aspects of the application, respectively;

[0019] Figure 3A is a block diagram of a radio manager for configuring a software-configurable air interface provided by an aspect of the application;

[0020] Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D , Figure 3E , Figure 3F and Figure 3G are schematic diagrams of exemplary transmission frames provided by aspects of the application;

[0021] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary communication system implementing sensing provided by aspects of the application;

[0022] Figure 4B is a flowchart of an exemplary operational process for an electronic device for integrated sensing and communication provided by embodiments of the application;

[0023] Figure 4C is a flowchart of an exemplary operational process for an electronic device provided by embodiments of the application;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a signal structure with a fixed period length provided by exemplary embodiments of the application;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a signal structure with a variable period length provided by exemplary embodiments of the application;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a signal structure provided by exemplary embodiments of the application in which transmissions are received in different periods;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of exemplary sensing sub-periods 1, 2,... M aligned with baseline communication symbols.

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a single carrier signal waveform with no overlap between adjacent pulses;

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a single carrier signal waveform with pulse overlap;

[0030] Figure 11 is a plot showing time and frequency response of single carrier signals with different time stretch factors;

[0031] Figure 12 is a plot showing autocorrelation in single carrier signals with different time stretch factors;

[0032] Figure 13 is a plot showing frequency localization and autocorrelation in filtered multicarrier signals with or without filtering;

[0033] Figure 14 is a plot showing frequency localization and autocorrelation in filtered multicarrier signals with different length ratios of cyclic prefix (CP);

[0034] Figure 15 is a flowchart of an exemplary operation process of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 16 is a flowchart of an exemplary operation process of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] For the purpose of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Radar sensing has been used to detect the distance (range from the radar), velocity, and shape of a target. For example, after transmitting a radar signal, a radar can receive and measure reflections of that radar signal off of objects at a distance from the radar. Such reflections can be indicative of certain properties of the objects, including the distance, position, shape, and velocity of the objects. The distance of an object can be determined based on the time of flight of the radar signal. The position of an object can be determined based on the distance of the object and the direction from which the radar signal was transmitted and received. For example, beamforming can be used to transmit radar signals in different directions. The velocity of an object can be determined based on changes in the position of the object over time, or based on Doppler shifts in the received radar signal, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0038] In recent years, there have been proposals to integrate radar sensing with wireless communication. Radar sensing and communication can use the same hardware and the same waveforms, so as to be performed in an integrated manner. Known proposed radar sensing schemes require single station radar sensing with FDX capability at the sensing node (SeN), or multi station radar sensing with HDX or FDX nodes.

[0039] Sensing nodes with single station radar can only operate in HDX mode, so when the node transmits, it cannot detect and receive reflected sensing signals. A conventional technique to perform single station radar sensing is to operate the radar in a cyclic alternating fashion between transmission and reception, and such a radar is referred to as a pulsed radar. The radar signals transmitted by a pulsed radar have a waveform that consists of repeated pulses. Since the duty cycle (i.e., the ratio of the length of the transmission period to the total length of the transmission period and the reception period) in conventional pulsed radar systems is typically very low, using the signal structure of such systems for integrated sensing and communication can result in very low spectral efficiency, which is not suitable for communication.

[0040] Due to some inherent limitations of pulsed radars, it is still challenging to design a suitable signal structure and waveform for pulsed or other single station radars for integrated communication and sensing.

[0041] Briefly summarized, embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, systems, and devices for integrated communication and sensing in a wireless communication network that operate in a half-duplex mode and use single station radars. Waveforms of radar pulse signals are designed and constructed to improve or optimize the operational performance and efficiency of the system. For example, a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal can be defined by a waveform for communication and sensing in a periodic sensing period. An electronic device can transmit the RF pulse signal in an active phase of the periodic sensing period and sense reflections of the RF pulse signal reflected from objects in a passive phase of the sensing period. The waveform can be constructed for carrying communication data between electronic devices. A sensed reflection of the RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, where the portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value for an object to be within a sensing range of the electronic device. The electronic device can also receive a communication signal from another electronic device during the passive phase.

[0042] In some embodiments, the RF pulse signal, which can be a radar signal, can be constructed to optimize the duty cycle of the radar in order to meet the communication and sensing requirements while maximizing the operational performance and efficiency. In particular embodiments, the pulse signal waveform is configured and constructed such that a ratio of a duration of the active phase to a duration of the passive phase in a sensing period or sub-period is greater than a predetermined threshold ratio, and the radar receives at least a predetermined proportion of reflections reflected from targets within a given range.

[0043] In embodiments disclosed herein, the RF pulse signal and its frame structure and waveform are designed and constructed to address certain challenges in conventional radar systems. Generally, the waveform can be characterized by a pulse width (PW) or pulse duration (τ) and a pulse repetition interval (PRI) T or pulse repetition frequency (RRF) f p The duty cycle (D c ) of a radar is the product of PW and RRF, or D c = τf p = τ / T.

[0044] For example, it has been recognized that a challenge in designing the frame structure and waveform of a pulsed radar is that the receive time window for a reflection depends on the target range, which varies and is therefore unpredictable. Thus, it is difficult to maximize the transmission time while ensuring that the reflected signal is received, particularly when the target range needs to be determined explicitly in conventional radar systems.

[0045] On the one hand, if the transmission is too short, i.e., the pulse width is too narrow, the duty cycle will be very small. For example, if the pulse width is 1 ns and the required radar range is 60 m, because it will require at least 400 ns of receive time to ensure that a target 60 m away can be sensed, the resulting duty cycle is only about 1 / 401. A small duty cycle indicates that the radar is less efficient to use, particularly when sensing and communication are integrated together, because the radar signal is also used to transmit data, and for transmission purposes, it is desirable and more efficient to have a longer transmission time so that more data can be sent. The smaller the duty cycle, the less time is available to send data. A small duty cycle also means that the average power output at a given peak radar power is lower.

[0046] On the other hand, if the transmission duration is too long, most of the reflected sensing signals will be lost, and most of the transmitted signals will be wasted for sensing purposes. For example, if a sensing node (SeN) needs to transmit a cyclic prefix (CP) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol (CP-OFDM symbol) with a length of 10 ps and the OFDM subcarrier spacing (SCS) is equal to 120 kHz, then a transmission duration of 10 ps can be required. If the transmission duration is 10 ps, then about 96% of the sensing signal reflections from targets within a range of 60 m will be lost within the transmission duration and cannot be received. The radar can not even be able to detect targets that are closer, e.g., targets that are only a few meters away from the SeN.

[0047] It has been recognized that half-duplex single station sensing requires more efficient signal design so that efficient resource allocation and efficient signal processing can be balanced or optimized. In this regard, the present invention relates to aspects of signal design, including signal frame structure design, waveform and numerology design.

[0048] In some embodiments, the signal is designed to achieve one or more of the following: improve sensing performance, e.g., target positioning accuracy; and minimize or reduce negative impact or interference of sensing on other applications or functions performed by the sensing node or electronic device. For example, it can be desirable to reduce or minimize interference of the sensing signal with neighboring communication bands by minimizing out-of-band sensing signal radiation.

[0049] In some embodiments, it can also be desirable to provide data and sensing signal multiplexing in the radar and signal design described herein.

[0050] Conveniently, the embodiments disclosed herein can address one or more of the shortcomings or problems in conventional single station sensing when integrating data communication, as will be further described below.

[0051] As noted above, embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless communication networks operating in half-duplex mode. A duplex communication system is a point-to-point system in which two devices (or nodes) located at different points, such as A and B, can communicate in both directions, e.g., from A to B and from B to A. A duplex system can be a full-duplex (FDX) system or a half-duplex (HDX) system. In FDX communication, communication can occur in both directions, e.g., from A to B and from B to A, using the same time and frequency resources, e.g., through different communication channels or using different hardware. In HDX communication, communication can still occur in each of the two directions, e.g., from A to B or from B to A, but only in one direction at a time (e.g., in time-division duplex) or in one frequency band at a time (e.g., in frequency-division duplex). In other words, when a communication point communicates in HDX mode, it cannot simultaneously transmit and receive signals using the same time and frequency resources.

[0052] Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to sensing and communication using radar.

[0053] Radar is an electronic sensing device that includes a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals and a receiver for receiving reflections of the signals reflected from distant objects, for detecting the presence and characteristics (i.e., features) of objects. The transmitter and receiver can be integrated as a transceiver, and can include one or more antennas for transmitting or receiving signals. Properties of objects that can be determined based on detected reflections can include distance (i.e., range) of objects, position, velocity, size, and shape, among others. Radio signals include electromagnetic waves in the radio domain, typically having frequencies of about 3 kHz to about 300 GHz, or wavelengths of about 1 mm to about 100 km.

[0054] Generally, radar can operate using continuous or pulsed radio waves. Embodiments described herein relate to radio signals having pulsed waves.

[0055] A radar system can be single-station, bistatic, or multistatic. In a single-station radar system, the radar signal transmitter and receiver are co-located, e.g., integrated in a transceiver. In a bistatic radar system, the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated by a separation distance comparable to or greater than the expected target distance (often referred to as range). In a multistatic radar, two or more radar components are spatially distinct but have a shared coverage area. Multistatic radar is also referred to as multi-site or mesh radar.

[0056] Sensing signals or sensing reference signals can be used to determine properties of a wireless communication network and its surrounding environment. These properties can include the location and velocity of objects such as user equipment (UE) or scattering or reflecting objects (e.g., UEs, buildings or other physical structures) that block communication signals.

[0057] Sensing agents are nodes in the network that can assist in sensing operations. These nodes can be standalone nodes that are dedicated to sensing operations only or other nodes such as transmit points (TPs) or user equipment (UEs) that can perform sensing operations and communication transmissions, including transmit and receive points (TRPs). In the case where sensing agents are implemented as standalone nodes, sensing can be implemented in the vicinity of some corresponding TP or TRP to ensure that the distance between the TRP and the target is approximately the same as the distance between the sensing agent and the target, thereby simplifying distance estimation. Another condition to consider is that the sensing agent and the TRP are synchronized in time and frequency (e.g., time synchronization by accessing the same clock).

[0058] A sensing agent operating in HDX single station mode can be considered to perform active sensing and passive sensing as the sensing agent alternates between an active sensing phase (also referred to herein as an active phase) and a passive sensing phase (also referred to herein as a passive phase). During active sensing or in the active phase, the sensing agent transmits sensing signals. During passive sensing or in the passive phase, the sensing agent detects reflections of the sensing signals. During passive sensing, the sensing agent does not transmit any signals and during active sensing, the sensing agent cannot receive any signals.

[0059] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to the integration of sensing and wireless communication. For example, a wireless communication network can configure and implement sensing signals and communication signals. Conventional sensing signals, which can also be referred to as sensing reference signals, are used to determine environmental properties and do not carry any information or data for communication. On the other hand, communication signals are signals that carry information or data between network entities. One possible benefit of implementing sensing and communication operations is that the network can configure communication signals based on information determined through sensing. This type of communication is referred to as sensing-aided communication. For example, sensing can determine the location of a target receiver and enable narrow beamforming to that receiver. Communication-aided sensing is also considered. Sensing signals and communication signals can be implemented using the same hardware and can have the same waveform in order to operate in an integrated manner. The configuration and design of sensing signals have been considered from the perspective of a radio access node (RAN).

[0060] One challenge in configuring a sensing signal in a wireless communication network is how to efficiently enable coexistence of the sensing signal and the communication signal. The sensing signal should be configured such that the sensing operation performed by one network entity does not significantly degrade the communication performance or sensing performance of other network entities. For example, interference between the sensing signal and the communication signal should be limited.

[0061] There are fundamental limits on the range resolution and velocity resolution of a sensing signal, such as a radar signal. These resolution limits depend on the transmission time (T w ), bandwidth (BW / BW), and carrier frequency (f c ) of the radar signal. These fundamental limits exist regardless of the waveform and transmission scheme of the radar signal. The range resolution (AR) and velocity resolution (Av) of radar sensing have the following lower bounds, respectively: where c0denotes the speed of light. Therefore, increasing the bandwidth can improve the range resolution, and increasing the transmission time or carrier frequency can improve the velocity resolution.

[0062] For example, if the target is 300 meters away, the delay between the received signal reflected from the target and the transmitted signal is 2μs, and therefore the duration of the active phase needs to be less than 2μs to ensure that the sensing node can receive the reflection from the target in the passive phase. In practice, the limitation on the pulse duration is even more severe because there are reflectors and targets that are closer to the sensing node than 300 meters. Limiting the pulse duration can reduce the ability to integrate sensing with communication signals and devices that currently mainly utilize OFDM waveforms. For example, the symbol duration of OFDM transmissions can need to be much larger than 2μs in order to accommodate the cyclic prefix (CP). Narrow time sensing pulses can limit the accuracy of target velocity estimation.

[0063] While it is possible to multiplex the sensing signal and the communication signal by using time domain multiplexing (TDM), such multiplexing can have a large amount of signal overhead. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce such signal overhead.

[0064] Some embodiments disclosed herein are more specifically directed to signal frame and waveform design for sensing and communication signals. The waveform design can include design features related to single-carrier, multi-carrier, ultra-wide band (UWB) pulses, or frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) waveforms, among others.

[0065] In one embodiment, integrated data communication and sensing is performed in a wireless communication network operating in half-duplex mode. The method includes operating a first electronic device to communicate with at least one second electronic device in a half-duplex communication mode, where the first electronic device comprises a single station sensing node for cyclically alternating between an active phase of operation and a passive phase of operation for a plurality of cycles, each cycle comprising a plurality of communication and sensing sub-periods. In the active phase of a communication and sensing sub-period, a pulse signal is transmitted from the sensing node. The pulse signal can comprise a waveform structured to carry communication data. In the passive phase of a communication and sensing sub-period, the sensing node receives communication signals from the at least one second electronic device and also senses reflections of the pulse signal reflected from objects within a given sensing range to sense the objects. The range can be defined by a distance (d) from the sensing node that is between a minimum distance (d min ) and a maximum distance (d max ), i.e., d min ≤ d ≤ d max . The pulse signal has a frame structure and waveform designed or selected to optimize and balance sensing performance and efficient resource allocation.

[0066] For example, the signal can have a frame structure and waveform selected to balance the need to provide an efficient duty cycle of the signal and the need to ensure sufficient reception of reflections of the pulse signal for sensing.

[0067] In one embodiment, the duration of the active phase (t a ) and the duration of the passive phase (t p ) in each sub-period can be selected such that the ratio of t a / t p is greater than a predetermined threshold ratio, and the pulse signal can also have a pulse structure selected to allow at least a predetermined proportion (a) of the reflected pulse signal to return to the sensing node during the passive phase when d min ≤ d ≤ d max . Typically, 0 < a ≤ 1. In some embodiments, 0 < a < 1. A smaller a can increase the duty cycle, but if a is too small, it can negatively impact sensing performance. The value of a can represent the minimum proportion of reflections received by the sensing node during the passive phase in all reflected signals. In some embodiments, the value of a can be selected such that the minimum proportion of any reflections received by the sensing node during the passive phase is still sufficient to provide effective and efficient sensing, or at least meet minimum sensing requirements in a particular application.

[0068] It has been recognized that, in order to ensure efficient resource allocation, the duty cycle of the signal should be sufficiently high. In other words, the active phase (also referred to as ON state or active sensing) and the passive phase (also referred to as OFF state or passive sensing) should be structured such that the ratio of the duration of the active phase to the duration of the passive phase in a signal period is not too small.

[0069] It has also been recognized that, in order to ensure efficient sensing, the sensing node should receive a minimum proportion of the reflected sensing signal during the passive phase. The minimum proportion of the received sensing signal should be sufficient to obtain the required sensing parameters or information from the received reflected signal.

[0070] Performance can be further improved if the active (ON) phase and the passive (OFF) phase are repeated in each sensing period to provide more robust range and Doppler estimation. That is, the signal is transmitted and sensed in multiple sensing periods, each sensing period comprising multiple sub-periods, where each sub-period comprises an active phase and a passive phase.

[0071] The signal can have different optional periodic structures.

[0072] In a first option, each of the active phase and the passive phase has a fixed duration length. That is, the duration of the active phase and the duration of the passive phase have the same or constant respective lengths in different sub-periods or periods. In some embodiments, the duration of the active phase and the duration of the passive phase have the same or constant respective lengths in different sub-periods of a period, but the lengths are different in different periods. The duration of the active phase and the duration of the passive phase can be the same or different, subject to the constraints described herein.

[0073] In a second option, one or both of the lengths of the active phase and the passive phase can vary in different sub-periods or periods.

[0074] Embodiments of the sensing signal design as described herein can be implemented in a wireless communication network or system as shown in Figure 1 、 Figures 2A-2C and Fig. 4.

[0075] In particular, Figure 1 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Figures 1 to 4 show examples of networks and devices that can implement any or all of the aspects of the application.

[0076] Figure 1An example communication system 100 is shown. Generally, the system 100 is capable of enabling multiple wireless or wireline elements to communicate data and other content. The system 100 can aim to provide content (e.g., voice, data, video, text, etc.) through broadcast, unicast, groupcast, narrowcast, user equipment to user equipment, or other communication techniques. The system 100 can work more efficiently by sharing communication bandwidth resources, etc.

[0077] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a, 110b, and 110c (also referred to individually or collectively as EDs 110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b (also referred to individually or collectively as RANs 120), a sensing agent 122, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. While Figure 1 A certain number of these components or elements are shown in the system 100, but any reasonable number of these components or elements can be included in the system 100. While the entities 110a-110c are explicitly identified as EDs in Figure 1 the other elements or entities shown in the system 100, such as the sensing agent 122 and components of the networks (120, 130, 140, and 150), such as base stations, can also be or include electronic devices. Figure 1

[0078] The EDs 110 are used for operation and / or communication in the system 100. For example, one or more of the EDs 110 can be used for transmitting and / or receiving over wireless communication channels. Each of the EDs 110a-110c represents any suitable end-user device for wireless operation and can include (or can be referred to as) a user equipment (UE), a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), a mobile station, a mobile subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a station (STA), a machine type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a notebook computer, a computer, a tablet, a wireless sensor, or a consumer electronic device. The EDs 110 can be included or carried on a vehicle.

[0079] In Figure 1 ​In particular embodiments, RANs 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Base stations 170a and 170b can also be referred to individually or collectively as base stations (BSs) 170. Each base station 170a and 170b is configured to wirelessly interface with one or more of EDs 110 to enable access to the base stations 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160. For example, base stations 170 can include (or can be) one or more of devices known as base transceiver stations (BTS), Node-Bs, evolved Node-Bs (eNode Bs), Home eNode Bs, gNode Bs, transmission and receive points (TRPs), site controllers, access points (APs), or wireless routers. Alternatively or additionally, any of EDs 110 or BSs 170 can be configured to interface with any other base station 170, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination of the above. Wireless system 100 can include a RAN, such as RAN 120b, in which corresponding base stations 170b access core network 130 through Internet 150, as shown.

[0080] Any or all of EDs 110 and BSs 170 can be sensing nodes (SeNs) in system 100. A sensing node is a network entity that performs sensing by transmitting and receiving sensing signals. Some sensing nodes are communication devices that perform both communication and sensing. However, some sensing nodes can not perform communication and are dedicated to sensing. Sensing agent 122 is an example of a sensing node that is dedicated to sensing. Unlike EDs 110 and BSs 170, sensing agent 122 does not transmit or receive communication signals. However, sensing agent 122 can transmit configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within communication system 100. Sensing agent 122 can communicate with core network 130 to communicate information with the rest of the devices of communication system 100. For example, sensing agent 122 can determine the location of ED 110a and transmit that information to base station 170a through core network 130. Although Figure 1 Only one sensing agent 122 is shown, but any number of sensing agents can be implemented in communication system 100. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents can be implemented at one or more RANs 120.

[0081] ED 110, BS 170, and sensing agent 122 are examples of network entities that can be used to implement some or all of the functionality or embodiments described herein. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, base stations 170a form part of RAN 120a, and base stations 170b form part of RAN 120b. RAN 120 can include other base stations, one or more base station controllers (BSC), one or more radio network controllers (RNC), relay nodes, elements, or other equipment. Any of base stations 170 can be a single element, as illustrated, or formed of multiple elements, distributed across the corresponding RAN, etc. Each base station 170 transmits and receives wireless signals within a particular geographic area or region (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). For example, a cell can be further divided into cell sectors, and a base station 170 can employ multiple transceivers to provide service to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, a cell can include a pico cell or a femto cell. In some embodiments, multiple non-collocated transceivers can be used for each cell according to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, etc. Figure 1 The number of RANs 120 illustrated is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs can be considered or included in communication system 100.

[0082] The BS 170 communicates with one or more of the EDs 110 over one or more air interfaces 190 using a wireless communication link (e.g., frequencies in a wideband of radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), visible light communication (VLC), etc.). The air interface 190 can use any suitable radio-access technology. For example, the communication system 100 can implement one or more orthogonal or non-orthogonal channel access methods in the air interface 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). Moreover, the communication system 100 can operate in a time division duplex (TDD) mode or a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode or both TDD and FDD modes.

[0083] The BS 170 can implement a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (UTRA) to establish the air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). The BS 170 can implement protocols such as high speed packet access (HSPA), or evolved HPSA (or HSPA+), optionally including high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), or high speed packet uplink access (HSUPA), or both. Alternatively, the BS 170 can establish the air interface 190 using long term evolution (LTE), LTE-A, new radio (NR), or LTE-B or combinations thereof with evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA). It is contemplated that the communication system 100 can use multi-channel access functionality, including schemes as described above. Other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface can include technologies compliant with one or more of the following: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, such as IEEE 802.11, 802.15, or 802.16; CDMA standards, such as CDMA2000 or CDMA2000 IX; Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) standards; Interim Standards (IS), such as IS-2000, IS-95, or IS-856; and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standards, such as GSM, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM (EDGE), or GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN). Other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0084] The RANs 120a and 120b are in communication with the core network 130 in order to provide the EDs 110a-c with access to various services, such as voice, data, and other services. The RANs 120a and 120b, or the core network 130, can be in direct or indirect communication with one or more other RANs (not shown) that can or can not be serviced by the core network 130 and that can or can not use the same radio access technology as the RANs 120a and 120b. The core network 130 can also serve as a gateway for the RANs 120a and 120b, or EDs 110a-c, or both, to access other networks (such as PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and the other networks 160) not shown.

[0085] The EDs 110a-c can communicate with one another using wireless communication links (e.g., in the RF, microwave, IR, or other suitable frequency bands) over one or more sidelink (SL) air interfaces 180. The SL air interface 180 can utilize any suitable radio access technology and can be substantially similar to the air interface 190 by which the EDs 110a-c communicate with one or more of the base stations 170a-c, or they can be significantly different. For example, the communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in the SL air interface 180, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, SDMA, OFDMA, or SC-FDMA. In some embodiments, the SL air interface 180 can be implemented at least in part over unlicensed spectrum. Further, the SL air interface 180 can operate in a TDD or FDD mode, or in both TDD and FDD modes.

[0086] Some or all of ED 110a to 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies or protocols. ED 110 may communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) and with the Internet 150 via a wired communication channel without wireless communication (or may also perform wireless communication). PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computers and subnets (intranets) or both, and incorporate protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ED 110 may be a multimode device capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and includes multiple transceivers required to support multiple wireless access technologies.

[0087] BS 170, ED 110, and sensing agent 122 can transmit and receive sensing signals ( Figure 1 Not shown in the image, see [link / reference]. Figure 4A The sensing signal can be used to perform sensing or assist sensing. The sensing signal can be used to sense targets within the sensing range or to determine properties of the communication system 100 and its surrounding environment. For example, the sensing signal can be used to determine the position and velocity of one or all ED 110s within the sensing range, or the position of other objects near the sensing point, which may be BS 170, ED 110, or sensing agent 122. The sensing signal can utilize any suitable wireless access technology. In some embodiments, the sensing signal may have a frequency in the millimeter band or terahertz (THz) band (also known as the extremely high frequency band). Potential advantages of the millimeter / THz band include a relatively large bandwidth available for sensing and stronger reflection of the sensing signal from objects, because some materials reflect millimeter / THz waves more strongly than other electrical bands. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the sensing signal is configured and constructed to facilitate the integration of communication and sensing, as described above and further below.

[0088] It should be understood that although the sensing agent 122 is in Figure 1 While explicitly identified as a sensing agent, other EDs or entities such as base stations can also be used as sensing agents. Some or all of ED 110 and BS 170 can be used to perform communication and sensing functions and can be used to improve integrated communication and sensing as described elsewhere in this document. ED 110 or BS 170 can also be configured to include a sensing agent.

[0089] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Exemplary devices that can implement the methods and teachings provided by the present disclosure are shown. Specifically, Figure 2A An exemplary ED 110 is shown, Figure 2B An exemplary base station 170 is shown, Figure 2C An exemplary sensing agent 122 is shown. These components can be used in the system 100 or any other suitable system.

[0090] As shown, Figure 2A The ED 110 includes at least one processing unit 200. The processing unit 200 implements various processing operations of the ED 110. For example, the processing unit 200 could perform signal coding, bit

[0091] The ED 110 also includes at least one transceiver 202. The transceiver 202 is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 204. The transceiver 202 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by the at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver 202 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission, and

[0092] ED 110 also includes one or more input / output devices 206 or interfaces (e.g., wired interfaces connected to the Internet 150). Input / output devices 206 support interaction with users or other devices on the network. Each input / output device 206 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0093] In addition, ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions described herein and executed by processing unit 200. Software instructions refer to computer or processor-readable instructions that can be executed by a computer or processor (e.g., processing unit 200). Each memory 208 may include any suitable one or more volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used. Possible alternative memories include one or more of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, etc.

[0094] like Figure 2B As shown, base station 170 includes at least one processing unit 250, at least one transmitter 252, at least one receiver 254, one or more antennas 256, at least one memory 258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 266. Transceivers (not shown) may be used in place of transmitter 252 and receiver 254. Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processing unit 250. Scheduler 253 may be included within base station 170 or may operate separately from base station 170. Processing unit 250 implements various processing operations of base station 170, such as signal encoding, bit scrambling, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function. Processing unit 250 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions described herein. Each processing unit 250 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 250 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit, etc.

[0095] Each transmitter 252 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each receiver 254 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wired from one or more EDs or other devices. Although at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 are shown separately, they can be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 256 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a common antenna 256 is shown here as coupled to both the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254, one or more antennas 256 can be coupled to one or more transmitters 252, and one or more separate antennas 256 can be coupled to one or more receivers 254. Each memory 258 can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices, such as those described above in connection with the ED 110. The memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the base station 170. For example, the memory 258 can store software instructions or modules used by the processing unit 250 to implement some or all of the functionality described herein.

[0096] Each input / output device 266 supports interaction with a user or other devices in a network. Each input / output device 266 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, including network interface communications.

[0097] In addition, according to some embodiments of the application, one or more of the ED 110 and the BS 170 can each include a sensing node, such as a radar, for performing sensing, or integrated communication and sensing. For example, the transceiver 202 of the ED 110 can be, or include, a monostatic sensing node for transmitting and receiving pulsed radio frequency (RF) signals in HDX mode. The BS 170 can also include a sensing node as or in the transmitter 252 or the receiver 254, or can have an integrated transceiver (not shown) that includes a sensing node for operating in monostatic HDX mode to transmit and receive pulsed RF signals. Figure 2B In addition, according to some embodiments of the application, one or more of the ED 110 and the BS 170 can each include a sensing node, such as a radar, for performing sensing, or integrated communication and sensing. For example, the transceiver 202 of the ED 110 can be, or include, a monostatic sensing node for transmitting and receiving pulsed radio frequency (RF) signals in HDX mode. The BS 170 can also include a sensing node as or in the transmitter 252 or the receiver 254, or can have an integrated transceiver (not shown) that includes a sensing node for operating in monostatic HDX mode to transmit and receive pulsed RF signals.

[0098] Other details regarding the ED 110 and the BS 170 are known to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, those details are omitted here.

[0099] As Figure 2CAs shown, the sensing agent 122 includes at least one processing unit 220, at least one transmitter 222, at least one receiver 224, one or more antennas 226, at least one memory 228, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 230. A transceiver (not shown) can be used in place of the transmitter 222 and receiver 224. The processing unit 220 implements various processing operations of the sensing agent 122, such as signal coding, bit

[0100] Each transmitter 222 includes any suitable structure for generating sensing signals for wireless transmission. Each receiver 224 includes suitable structure for processing sensing signals received wirelessly. While at least one transmitter 222 and at least one receiver 224 are shown as separate components, they can be combined into a transceiver. In some embodiments, a sensing agent can only transmit or receive sensing signals, such as for two-station sensing. In some embodiments, a sensing agent only transmits sensing signals, and reflections of those sensing signals can be received by other sensing nodes. In some embodiments, a sensing agent receives reflections of sensing signals, but does not transmit sensing signals. Thus, some sensing agents can include only one of a transmitter and a receiver. Therefore, at least one transmitter 222 or at least one receiver 224 can be optional for the sensing agent 122.

[0101] Each antenna 226 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wired or wireless signals. While the antennas 226 are shown collectively coupled to the transmitters 222 and receivers 224, one or more antennas 226 can be coupled to the transmitters 222, and one or more separate antennas 226 can be coupled to the receivers 224.

[0102] Each memory 228 can include any suitable one or more volatile or non-volatile storage devices, such as those described above in conjunction with the ED 110. The memory 228 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the sensing agent 122. For example, the memory 228 could store software

[0103] Figure 3AA schematic diagram of a air interface manager 300 for configuring a software configurable air interface 190 is shown. For example, the air interface manager 300 can be a module that includes a plurality of components or building blocks that define parameters of the air interface 190 and collectively specify the manner in which transmissions are made or received over the air interface 190. The air interface manager 300 can also or only define parameters of sensing signals in the communication system 100.

[0104] The air interface manager 300 is used to manage and adjust the signal or operational parameters of an integrated sensing and communication system. These parameters can include: signal bandwidth, signal waveform, frame structure or numerology, based on selected input parameters related to sensing and / or communication performance. These input parameters include: desired or required sensing resolution, sensing range, communication throughput, transmission PAPR, velocity resolution of objects, communication reliability, network traffic (in terms of number of users), available bandwidth for communication and / or sensing, frequency band, etc.

[0105] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the air interface manager 300 can be specifically used to configure communication and sensing signals. For example, the communication and sensing signals can be used to implement, individually or in combination, waveforms, frame structures, numerologies, or any other features described above and below. The air interface manager 300 can also manage various aspects of control signaling, multiplexing of sensing and communication signals, or provide other coding and modulation scheme functionalities described elsewhere herein. The communication and sensing signals refer to one or more signals or waveforms configured and structured for communication and sensing purposes. For single station sensing in HDX communication mode, the communication and sensing signals are impulse signals and can be structured and configured as described herein to facilitate integrated communication and sensing. The communication and sensing signals can be sensing signals configured and used for communication of data or information.

[0106] However, in some embodiments, the signal designs and signal structures and features disclosed herein can also be used in sensing signals that are used only for sensing or by sensing devices or nodes that perform sensing functions without performing communication functions. In this case, it is still beneficial to implement one or more features disclosed herein in the sensing signals or sensing devices or nodes. For example, it can enable different devices (e.g., sensing-specific and communication-specific devices) and nodes to work together more efficiently and reduce unnecessary interference.

[0107] In particular, the components of the air interface manager 300 include at least one of a waveform component 305, a frame structure component 310, a numerology component 330, a multiple access scheme component 315, a protocol component 320, and a coding and modulation scheme component 325. The air interface manager 300 can also include a scheduling component, a power allocation component, or a beamforming component (not shown) to perform scheduling, power allocation, or beamforming functions, respectively, as described elsewhere herein. One or more of these functions can also be performed by the integrated component.

[0108] The waveform component 305 can specify the shape and form of the transmitted signal. Waveform options can include orthogonal multiple access waveforms and non-orthogonal multiple access waveforms. Non-limiting examples of such waveform options include single-carrier (SC), ultra wideband (UWB), frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), linear frequency modulated (LFM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), filtered OFDM (f-OFDM), time windowed OFDM, filter bank multicarrier (FBMC), universal filtered multicarrier (UFMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), wavelet packet modulation (WPM), faster than Nyquist (FTN) waveforms, and low peak to average power ratio waveforms (low PAPR WF). In some embodiments, a combination of waveform options can be employed. LFM-OFDM waveforms are a non-limiting example of such a combination.

[0109] Example waveform configurations suitable for integrated communication and sensing provided by embodiments of the present application will be further described below.

[0110] The frame structure component 310 can specify the configuration of a frame or frame group. The frame structure component 310 can indicate one or more of the time, frequency, pilot signature, code, or other parameters of a frame or frame group.

[0111] Non-limiting examples of frame structure options include the number of symbols in a slot, the duration of each symbol, the number of slots in a frame, and the duration of each slot (sometimes referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI) or transmission time unit (TTU)). The frame structure component 310 can also specify whether the slots are configurable multi-level TTIs, fixed TTIs, or configurable single-level TTIs. The frame structure component 310 can also specify coexistence mechanisms for different frame structure configurations.

[0112] For certain waveforms, such as certain OFDM-based waveforms, the frame structure component 310 can also specify one or more associated waveform parameters, such as symbol duration, cyclic prefix (CP) length, channel bandwidth, guard time, and sampling size and frequency.

[0113] In addition, the frame structure component 310 can also specify whether the frame structure is for time-division duplex (TDD) communications or for frequency-division duplex (FDD) communications.

[0114] In addition, the frame structure component 310 can also specify a transmission state or direction, or both, for each symbol in a frame. For example, each symbol can be independently configured as a downlink (DL) symbol, an uplink (UL) symbol, a sidelink (SL) symbol, a flexible symbol, or a sensing symbol. Sensing signals can be transmitted or received in sensing symbols. The frame structure component 310 can also include a configuration of time guard between different symbol types, such as between DL symbols and UL symbols, etc.

[0115] Figure 3B An example is shown that illustrates a transmission frame 350 that includes uplink symbols (U), sensing symbols (S), and downlink symbols (D).

[0116] The sensing symbols can be configured to have a different numerology compared to the numerology of the uplink and downlink symbols. For example, the sensing symbols can be configured to have a shorter length than the uplink / downlink symbols, as Figure 3CAs shown, the transmission frame 360 includes uplink symbols (U), sensing symbols (S), and downlink symbols (D) having different symbol lengths. In particular, the sensing symbols in the transmission frame 360 are configured to have a shorter length than the sensing symbols in the transmission frame 350.

[0117] Example frame structure configurations suitable for integrated communication and sensing will be described below provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0118] The specifications of the waveform component and the frame structure component are sometimes referred to as the “numerology” of the signal.

[0119] As Figure 3A As shown, the air interface 190 can also include a numerology component 330 that defines a plurality of air interface configuration parameters, such as subcarrier spacing, CP length, symbol length, guard band / subcarrier, and so on.

[0120] These numerologies, also referred to as subcarrier spacing configurations, can be scalable in the sense that the subcarrier spacing of different numerologies are multiples of each other, and the slot length of different numerologies are also multiples of each other. This scalable design between multiple numerologies provides implementation benefits, such as scalable total OFDM symbol duration in a TDD context.

[0121] A frame can be configured using one scalable numerology or a combination of scalable numerologies. For example, a numerology with 60 kHz subcarrier spacing has a relatively short OFDM symbol duration (as OFDM symbol duration varies inversely with subcarrier spacing), which makes the 60 kHz numerology particularly suitable for ultra-low latency communication, such as vehicle-to-any (V2X) communication. Another example of a numerology with a relatively short OFDM symbol duration suitable for low latency communication is a numerology with 30 kHz subcarrier spacing. A numerology with 15 kHz subcarrier spacing can be LTE-compatible and can also serve as a default numerology for devices initially accessing the network. Such a 15 kHz numerology can also be suitable for wideband services. A numerology with 7.5 kHz spacing has a relatively long OFDM symbol duration and can be particularly useful for coverage enhancement and broadcast. Additional uses of these numerologies will be apparent or become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Among the four numerologies listed, the numerologies with 30 kHz and 60 kHz subcarrier spacing are more robust to Doppler spreading (fast moving conditions) due to the wider subcarrier spacing. It is also contemplated that different numerologies can use different values for other physical layer parameters, such as the same subcarrier spacing and different cyclic prefix length. Furthermore, the subcarrier spacing can depend on the operating band of the carrier. For example, the subcarrier spacing in millimeter wave carrier frequencies can be higher than the subcarrier spacing in low carrier frequencies.

[0122] It is also contemplated that other subcarrier spacings can be used, such as higher or lower subcarrier spacings. For example, 2 n Other subcarrier spacings that are factors of 15 kHz include 120 kHz and 3.75 kHz.

[0123] In other examples, a more limited scalability can be implemented, in which both or more numerologies have a subcarrier spacing that is an integer multiple of the minimum subcarrier spacing, without necessarily being related to a factor of 2 n Examples include 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 45 kHz, 60 kHz subcarrier spacings.

[0124] In yet other examples, non-scalable subcarrier spacings can be used, which are not all integer multiples of the minimum subcarrier spacing, such as 15 kHz, 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz.

[0125] OFDM-based signals can be used to transmit signals for which multiple numerologies coexist simultaneously. More specifically, multiple subband OFDM signals can be generated in parallel, each within a different subband, each subband having a different subcarrier spacing (more generally, a different numerology). The multiple subband signals are combined into a single signal for transmission, e.g., for downlink transmission. Alternatively, the multiple subband signals can be transmitted from different transmitters, e.g., for uplink transmission from multiple electronic devices (EDs), which can be user equipment (UEs).

[0126] The above-described parameters for OFDM frame structure and numerology can also be applied to other multicarrier waveforms, including filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) waveforms, offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) waveforms, CP-OQAM, etc.

[0127] For single-carrier waveforms, each symbol can include one or more narrow pulses. The number of pulses per symbol, pulse shape parameters, and pulse overlap factor can also be included in the frame structure parameters to be configured.

[0128] Using different numerology sets can enable the air interface 190 to support coexistence of different sets of use cases with different quality of service (QoS) requirements, e.g., different levels of latency or reliability tolerance, as well as different bandwidth or signaling overhead requirements. In one example, the base station can signal to the ED an index representing the selected numerology set or a single parameter of the selected numerology set (e.g., subcarrier spacing) by a signal. Based on the signaling, the ED can determine the parameters of the selected numerology set from other information, e.g., a lookup table of candidate numerology sets stored in memory.

[0129] Continuing the discussion of components of the air interface 190, the multiple access scheme component 315 can specify how access to a channel is granted to one or more EDs. Non-limiting examples of multiple access technology options include technologies that define ways in which EDs share a common physical channel, e.g., time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), low density signature multicarrier code division multiple access (LDS-MC-CDMA), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), pattern division multiple access (PDMA), lattice partition multiple access (LPMA), resource spread multiple access (RSMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA). In addition, the multiple access technology options can include scheduled access, unscheduled access (also referred to as grant-free access), non-orthogonal multiple access, orthogonal multiple access via dedicated channel resources (i.e., not shared among multiple EDs), contention-based shared channel resources, non-contention-based shared channel resources, and perception radio based access.

[0130] The protocol component 320 can specify the manner in which transmissions (including retransmissions) are made. Non-limiting examples of transmission mechanism options include options that specify scheduled data pipe sizes and signaling mechanisms for transmissions. This can also include high layer related signaling and content from high layers.

[0131] The protocol component 320 can be used to implement some of the data scheduling and signaling features described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0132] The encoding and modulation scheme component 325 can specify how the information being transmitted is encoded / decoded and modulated / demodulated for transmission / reception. Encoding can refer to methods of forward error correction. Non-limiting examples of encoding options include turbo codes, turbo trellis codes, turbo product codes, fountain codes, low-density parity check (LDPC) codes, and polar codes. Modulation can simply refer to quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) specified by a complex constellation system (e.g., including modulation techniques and orders, such as 16QAM, 64QAM, etc.), or more specifically, to various types of advanced modulation methods, such as layered modulation, multi-dimensional modulation, and low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) modulation, including pi / 2-binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation and pi / 4-quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), among others.

[0133] The encoding and modulation scheme component 325 can be specifically used to implement encoding or modulation schemes to adjust the modulation and encoding parameters (e.g., coding rate and modulation type and order) of the transmitted communication / sensing signals, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure, to facilitate integrated communication and sensing.

[0134] Since the air interface includes multiple components or building blocks, and each component can have multiple candidate technologies (also referred to herein as air interface capability options), the air interface manager 300 can configure and store a large number of different air interface protocol sets. Each air interface protocol set defines a corresponding set of air interface capability options.

[0135] For example, in each air interface protocol set that defines a corresponding set of air interface capability options, an air interface capability option is selected for each component building block of the air interface. Different air interface protocol sets can all be used to satisfy different sets of transmission requirements, including transmission content, transmission conditions, and reception conditions.

[0136] According to the transmission requirements of a pair of communication transmitting-receiving devices, one of the different air interface protocol sets that best meets the transmission requirements can be selected from the air interface manager 300 and used for communication between the pair of communication transmitting-receiving devices.

[0137] In other embodiments, the air interface manager 300 can modify or update its components, protocol sets, or capability options. For example, the air interface manager 300 can replace the waveform component 305 and the frame structure component 310 with a single numerology component 330. Conversely, the air interface manager 300 can split the coding and modulation scheme component 325 into a separate coding component and a separate modulation component. Furthermore, the air interface manager 300 is configurable such that a new soft air interface configuration component developed in the future should be able to be used.

[0138] The air interface manager 300 can also update certain components to modify the capability options of any given component. For example, the air interface manager 300 can update the modulation and coding component 325 to include high order modulation schemes.

[0139] By updating the stored components, protocol sets, and candidate options, the air interface manager 300 can flexibly adjust to better accommodate different wireless traffic types and services. Modifying or updating the components, protocol sets, and candidate options can enable the air interface manager 300 to provide suitable air interface protocol sets for traffic types or services other than the ones already anticipated for ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

[0140] Figure 4A FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example communications system 1300 that implements integrated communications and sensing in HDX mode using a single-sensor node. The communications system 1300 includes a plurality of transmission and receive points (TRPs) 1302, 1304, and 1306, and a plurality of UEs 1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, and 1320. In Figure 4A In the example of FIG. 13, the UEs 1310, 1312 are shown as vehicles, and the UEs 1314, 1316, 1318, 1320 are shown as cellular telephones, although these are examples only and other types of UEs can be included in the system 1300.

[0141] TRP 402 is a base station that transmits downlink (DL) signals 430 to UE 416. DL signals 430 are one example of communication signals that carry data. TRP 402 also transmits sensing signals 464 in the direction of UEs 418 and 420. Thus, TRP 402 participates in sensing and is considered a sensing node (SeN) and a communication node.

[0142] TRP 404 is a base station that receives uplink (UL) signals 440 from UE 414 and transmits sensing signals 460 in the direction of UE 410. UL signals 440 are one example of communication signals that carry data. Since TRP 404 participates in sensing, this TRP is considered a sensing node (SeN) and a communication node.

[0143] TRP 406 transmits sensing signals 466 in the direction of UE 420 and thus is considered a sensing node. TRP 406 can or can not transmit or receive communication signals in communication system 400. In some embodiments, TRP 406 can be replaced with a sensing agent (SA) that is dedicated to sensing and does not transmit or receive any communication signals in communication system 400.

[0144] UEs 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 are all capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals on at least one of UL, DL, and SL. For example, UEs 418 and 420 communicate with each other through SL signals 450. At least some of UEs 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, and 420 are also sensing nodes in communication system 400. For example, UE 412 can transmit sensing signals 462 in the direction of UE 410 during an active phase of operation. Sensing signals 462 can include or carry communication data, such as payload data, control data, and signaling data. During a passive phase of operation, reflected signals 463 of sensing signals 462 are reflected from UE 410 and return to UE 412 and are sensed by UE 412. Thus, UE 412 is considered both a sensing node and a communication node.

[0145] Sensing nodes in communication system 400 can implement single- or double- station sensing. At least some of the sensing nodes, such as UEs 410, 412, 418, and 420, can be configured to operate in an HDX single-station mode. In some embodiments, all sensing nodes in communication system 400 can be configured to operate in an HDX single-station mode.

[0146] In the case of single station sensing, the transmitter of the sensing signal is a transceiver, such as a single station sensing node transceiver, and also receives reflections of the sensing signal to determine properties of one or more objects within its sensing range. In one example, TRP 404 can receive a reflection 461 of a sensing signal 460 from UE 410 and possibly determine properties of UE 410 based on the reflection 461 of the sensing signal. In another example, UE 412 can receive a reflection 463 of a sensing signal 462 and possibly determine properties of UE 410 based on the reflection 463 of the sensing.

[0147] In some embodiments, the communication system 400 or at least some of the entities in the system can operate in HDX mode. For example, a first ED (e.g., a UE 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 or a TRP 402, 404, 406) in the system can communicate with at least another ED (a second ED) in HDX mode. The transceiver of the first ED can be a single station transceiver that alternates between an active phase of operation and a passive phase of operation for a plurality of cycles, each cycle including a plurality of communication and sensing sub-periods. During operation, in the active phase of the communication and sensing sub-periods, a pulsed signal is transmitted from the transceiver. The pulsed signal is an RF signal that functions as a sensing signal, but also has a waveform configured to facilitate carrying communication data. In the passive phase of the communication and sensing sub-periods, the transceiver of the first ED also senses reflections of the pulsed signal reflected from objects at a distance (d) from the transceiver to sense objects within a sensing range. In the passive phase, the first ED can also detect and receive communication signals from the second ED or possibly other EDs. The first ED can use the single station transceiver to detect and receive the communication signals. The first ED can also include a separate receiver for receiving the communication signals. However, to avoid possible interference, the separate receiver can also operate in HDX mode. In these embodiments, Figure 4A Any of the sensing signals 460, 462, 464, 466 and the communication signals 430, 440, 450 shown in FIG. 4 can be used for both communication and sensing. In these embodiments, the pulsed signal can be configured to optimize the duty cycle of the transceiver to meet the communication and sensing needs while maximizing operational performance and efficiency. In particular embodiments, the pulsed signal waveform is configured and structured such that the ratio of the duration of the active phase to the duration of the passive phase in a sensing cycle or sub-cycle is greater than a predetermined threshold ratio and the transceiver receives at least a predetermined proportion of the reflections from targets within a given range.

[0148] In one example, the ratio or proportion can be expressed as a time value; correspondingly, the pulse signal in this example is configured and structured such that the active phase time is a particular value or range of values, and the passive phase time is a particular value or range of values associated with the respective one or more values of the active phase time. As a result, the pulse signal is configured such that the time value of the reflection is greater than a threshold value. The ratio or proportion can also be indicated or expressed as a multiple of a known or predefined value or metric. The predefined value can be a predefined symbol time, e.g., a sensing symbol time, as will be further described below.

[0149] According to embodiments described herein, the durations of the active and passive phases, as well as the waveform and structure of the pulse signal, can also be configured in other ways to improve communication and sensing performance. For example, a ratio of the phase durations can be limited to balance the competing factors of efficient utilization of signal resources for communication and sensing performance, as described in further detail above and below.

[0150] Figure 4B An example of the operational process at the first ED is shown in FIG. 5, as process S480.

[0151] In process S480, the first ED (e.g., UE 412) is configured to communicate with at least one second ED, which can be any one or more of the BSs 402, 404, 406 or UEs 410, 414, 416, 418, 420. The first ED is configured to cycle alternately between an active phase and a passive phase.

[0152] In the active phase, in S482, the first ED transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal in the active phase. The RF signal can be a pulse signal suitable as a sensing signal. Beneficially, the pulse signal is configured to also be suitable to carry communication data in the pulse signal. For example, the pulse signal can have a waveform structured to carry communication data.

[0153] In the passive phase, in S484, the first ED senses a reflection of the RF signal reflected from an object, e.g., reflection 463 from UE 410.

[0154] The active and passive phases are alternately repeated for a plurality of cycles. Each cycle can include a plurality of sub-cycles. The active and passive phases, as well as the RF signal, are configured and structured such that, when an object is within the sensing range, at least a threshold portion or proportion of the reflected signal is received during the passive phase, as will be further described below. As noted above, in some embodiments, the threshold portion or proportion can be indicated or expressed as a known or predefined value or metric, or a multiple of a base value or reference value, or by them. An example metric or value is time, and the base value or metric can be a unit of time or a standard time period.

[0155] In the passive phase, the first ED can optionally be used to receive a communication signal from one or more other EDs, which can include a UE or a BS, in S484.

[0156] Optionally, the first ED can be used to transmit a control signaling signal indicating one or more signal parameters associated with the RF signal during the active phase in S482.

[0157] Optionally, the first ED can be used to receive a control signaling signal indicating one or more signal parameters associated with the RF signal to be transmitted by the first ED or the communication signal to be received by the first ED during the passive phase. The first ED can process the control signaling signal and construct the RF signal to be transmitted in the subsequent cycle.

[0158] In one example, the first ED can be used to transmit or receive a control signaling signal separate from the RF signal of S482 in an optional phase S481. The control signaling signal can include the information, indications, and parameters described elsewhere herein. For example, if the first ED receives a control signaling signal in S481 or S484, the first ED can configure and structure the signal to be transmitted in S482 based on the information or parameters indicated in the control signaling signal received by the first ED. The control signaling signal can be received from a UE or a BS or any TP.

[0159] If the first ED transmits a control signaling signal, the control signaling signal can include information, indications, and parameters regarding the signal to be transmitted in the active phase in S482. In this case, the control signaling signal can be transmitted to any other ED, such as a UE or a BS.

[0160] Optionally or in addition, the RF signal transmitted in S482 can include a control signaling portion. The control signaling portion can indicate one or more of: a signal frame structure; a subcycle index of each subcycle including encoded data; and a waveform, numerology, or pulse shape function of the signal to be transmitted from the first ED. The signaling portion can include an indication that a cycle or subcycle of the RF signal to be transmitted includes encoded data. The encoded data can be payload data or control data, or include both. For example, the signaling indication can include an indication of a subcycle index, a frequency resource scheduling index, or a beamforming index associated with a subcycle or encoded data.

[0161] The process S480 can start when the first ED starts sensing or communicating with another ED. The process S480 can terminate when the first ED is no longer used for sensing, or when the first ED terminates the sensing and communication operation.

[0162] For example, as Figure 4BAs shown, in process S480, the first ED can continue or start transmitting or receiving communication signals in S486 after the sensing operation ends. After a period of only communication operation, the first ED can also resume the sensing operation, e.g., restart the loop operation in S482 and S484.

[0163] It is noted that the order of operations in S481, S482, S484, and S486 can be modified and different from the order shown, the operations in S481 and S486 can be performed simultaneously, or integrated with the operations in S482 or S484. Figure 4B

[0164] The signals sensed or received during the earlier passive phase can be used to configure and construct the signals to be transmitted in the later active phase, or for scheduling and receiving communication signals in the later passive phase. The received communication signals can be sensing signals transmitted by another ED that also embeds or carries communication data, including payload data or control data.

[0165] The first and second EDs can be UEs or BSs, respectively.

[0166] The signals received or transmitted by the first ED can include control signaling that provides information about the parameters or structural details of the signals to be transmitted by the first ED, or the parameters or structural details of the signals to be received by the first ED.

[0167] The control signaling can include information about embedding communication data into sensing signals, e.g., RF signals transmitted by the first ED.

[0168] The control signaling can include information about multiplexing DL, UL, or SL communication signals and sensing signals.

[0169] In the case of bistatic sensing, the receiver of the reflected sensing signal is different from the transmitter of the sensing signal. In some embodiments, the BS, TRP, or UE is also capable of operating in bistatic or multistatic mode, e.g., at selected times or in communication with certain selected EDs that are also capable of operating in bistatic or multistatic mode. For example, any or all of the UEs 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, and 420 can participate in sensing by receiving reflections of the sensing signals 460, 462, 464, and 466. Similarly, any or all of the TRPs 402, 404, 406 can receive reflections of the sensing signals 460, 462, 464, 466. While embodiments of the present application are primarily directed to issues in monostatic sensing, these embodiments can also be beneficial for bistatic or multistatic sensing, particularly when used in a system with both monostatic and multistatic nodes, facilitating compatibility and reducing interference.

[0170] ​In one example, the sensing signal 464 can reflect off of the UE 420 and be received by the TRP 406. It is noted that the sensing signal can not physically reflect off of the UE, but can reflect off of an object associated with the UE. For example, the sensing signal 464 can reflect off of a user or vehicle carrying the UE 420. The TRP 406 can determine certain properties of the UE 420 based on the reflection of the sensing signal 464, including a distance, a location, a shape, and a velocity of the UE 420, among other examples. In some implementations, the TRP 406 can transmit information related to the reflection of the sensing signal 464 to the TRP 402 or any other network entity. The information related to the reflection of the sensing signal 464 can include a time of reception of the reflection, a time of flight of the sensing signal (e.g., if the TRP 406 knows when the sensing signal was transmitted), a carrier frequency of the reflected sensing signal, an angle of arrival of the reflected sensing signal, and / or a Doppler frequency offset of the sensing signal (e.g., if the TRP 406 knows the original carrier frequency of the sensing signal). Other types of information related to the reflection of the sensing signal are also contemplated.

[0171] The TRP 402 can determine properties of the UE 420 based on the received information related to the reflection of the sensing signal 464. If the TRP 406 has determined certain properties of the UE 420, such as a location of the UE 420, based on the reflection of the sensing signal 464, the information related to the reflection of the sensing signal 464 can also or only include these properties.

[0172] In another example, the sensing signal 462 can reflect off of the UE 410 and be received by the TRP 404. Similar to the example provided above, the TRP 404 can determine properties of the UE 410 based on the reflection 463 of the sensing signal 462, and / or transmit information related to the reflection of the sensing signal to other network entities, such as the UEs 410 and 412.

[0173] In another example, the sensing signal 466 can reflect off of the UE 420 and be received by the UE 418. The UE 418 can determine properties of the UE 420 based on the reflection of the sensing signal and transmit information related to the reflection of the sensing signal to other network entities, such as the UE 420 or the TRPs 402 and 406.

[0174] The sensing signals 460, 462, 464, 466 are transmitted in a particular direction, and in general, a sensing node can transmit multiple sensing signals in multiple different directions. In some implementations, the sensing signals are used to sense the environment within a given area, and beam sweeping is one of the possible techniques to extend the coverage sensing area. For example, beam sweeping can be performed using analog beamforming to form a beam in a desired direction using a phase shifter. Digital beamforming and hybrid beamforming can also be employed. During beam sweeping, the sensing node can transmit multiple sensing signals based on a beam sweeping pattern, where each sensing signal is beamformed in a particular direction.

[0175] The UEs 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, and 420 are examples of objects in the communication system 400, any or all of which can use sensing signal detection and measurement. However, other types of objects can also use sensing signal detection and measurement. The environment surrounding the communication system 400 can include one or more scattering objects that reflect the sensing signals and possibly block communication signals, but Figure 4A are not shown. For example, trees and buildings can at least partially block the path from the TRP 402 to the UE 420 and possibly impede communication between the TRP 402 and the UE 420. For example, the properties of these trees and buildings can be determined based on the reflection of the sensing signal 464.

[0176] In some embodiments, the communication signals are configured based on determined properties of one or more objects. The configuration of the communication signals can include configuration of a numerology, a waveform, a frame structure, a multiple access scheme, a protocol, a beamforming direction, a coding scheme, or a modulation scheme, or any combination thereof. Any or all of the communication signals 430, 440, and 450 can be configured based on properties of the UEs 414, 416, 418, and 420. In one example, the location and velocity of the UE 416 can be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the DL signal 430. Properties of any scattering objects between the UE 416 and the TRP 402 can also be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the DL signal 430. Beamforming can be used to direct the DL signal 430 to the UE 416 and avoid any scattering objects. In another example, the location and velocity of the UE 414 can be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the UL signal 440. Properties of any scattering objects between the UE 414 and the TRP 404 can also be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the UL signal 440. Beamforming can be used to direct the UL signal 440 to the TRP 404 and avoid any scattering objects. In another example, the location and velocity of the UEs 418 and 420 can be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the SL signal 450. Properties of any scattering objects between the UEs 418 and 420 can also be used to help determine a suitable configuration for the SL signal 450. Beamforming can be used to direct the SL signal 450 to one or both of the UEs 418, 420 and avoid any scattering objects.

[0177] The properties of the UEs 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, and 420 can also or only be used for purposes other than communication. For example, the location and velocity of the UEs 410 and 412 can be used for purposes of autonomous driving, or for simply locating a target object.

[0178] The transmission of the sensing signals 460, 462, 464, and 466 and the communication signals 430, 440, and 450 can cause interference to the communication system 400, which can adversely affect the communication operations and the sensing operations.

[0179] Some aspects of the disclosure relate to sensing signal configurations that enable coexistence or integration of sensing signals and communication signals in a communication network. Such coexistence can be achieved using sensing signal configurations that can at least partially avoid interference between the communication and sensing signals.

[0180] Some aspects of the disclosure also relate to integrating sensing and communication signals, where the same signal is used for both sensing and communication. In such cases, the signal configuration is designed according to some embodiments herein to effectively and efficiently provide the dual functionality of sensing and communication.

[0181] In some embodiments, the sensing node determines a sensing signal configuration or sensing signal configuration information and then transmits a sensing signal according to the sensing signal configuration. Non-limiting examples of determining a sensing signal configuration include receiving at least a portion of the sensing signal configuration from another network entity and generating at least a portion of the sensing signal configuration based on one or more predetermined attributes.

[0182] The sensing signal can be in-band or out-of-band. For in-band sensing, the sensing signal and the communication signal are transmitted using the same set of physical resources. For example, the network entity can transmit the communication signal and the sensing signal on the same frequency band at the same time or at different times. For out-of-band sensing, the sensing signal is transmitted using a different set of physical resources than the set of physical resources used for the communication signal. In some embodiments, the set of physical resources is dedicated for sensing.

[0183] The sensing signal configuration can be target-specific or sensing node-specific.

[0184] For target-specific configuration, the sensing signal is configured for a specific target. The target can include a UE and a scattering object. In some implementations, the target-specific sensing signal improves the sensing performance for the specific target. The target-specific parameters can be obtained by the sensing node through measurement, training, or based on a certain desired performance metric. Exemplary desired performance metrics can include target classification results and required sensing quality. For example, the performance metric can include an indicator of target mobility.

[0185] For sensing node-specific configuration, the sensing signal is configured for a specific sensing node. In some implementations, the sensing node-specific sensing signal can improve the sensing performance for the specific sensing node. For example, the sensing node-specific sensing signal configuration can be based on the attributes and requirements of the sensing node that will transmit and receive the sensing signal. Possible benefits of providing target-specific and sensing node-specific sensing signal configuration include flexibility in adjusting the configuration of the sensing signal based on the required sensing quality and reducing interference between sensing signals from different sensing nodes. Target-specific and sensing node-specific configuration can be applied to in-band sensing and out-of-band sensing.

[0186] Some sensing node-specific sensing signal configurations can be based on and possibly include a unique identifier specific to the transmitter of the sensing signal. The unique identifier can enable the transmitter of the sensing signal to be determined by other network entities that receive the detection signal. To this end, sensing nodes in the network can be assigned a sensing node identifier (ID). The sensing node ID can be a unique identifier specific to the transmitter of the sensing signal. The sensing node ID can be the same as or associated with other network IDs such as a cell ID or a UE ID. Alternatively, the sensing node ID can be different from other network IDs and configured independently. In some implementations, the sensing node ID can be configured or assigned by the network and transmitted to the sensing node through higher layer signaling such as radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC-CE) signaling. In some implementations, a sensing node can determine its own sensing node ID based on other network IDs assigned to the sensing node. A sensing node can also determine its sensing node ID based on network IDs assigned to other sensing nodes in the network. The sensing signal configuration of a particular sensing node can be based on or mapped to the sensing node ID associated with the sensing node.

[0187] The parameters that can be included in the sensing signal configuration are described in detail below. However, these parameters are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. In general, the sensing signal configuration can include any set of parameters.

[0188] In some embodiments, the sensing signal configuration includes a waveform configuration. Depending on the type of waveform used for the sensing signal, several possible parameters can be set to improve the performance of the sensing signal in the communication network. For example, the set of parameters of the sensing signal configuration can be set based on the configured type of waveform. Improving the performance of the sensing signal can include improving the range resolution and speed resolution of the sensing signal, as well as reducing interference to communication signals or other sensing signals.

[0189] Using a waveform that is compatible with both communication and sensing operations can improve the performance of both operations and reduce the complexity of certain sensing nodes. For example, the same receiver can be used to receive the sensing signal and to receive the communication signal. Additionally, using a waveform that is compatible with both communication and sensing operations can enable joint detection and processing of the sensing signal and the communication signal to improve detection of both signals. The sensing signal and the communication signal can also use the same frame structure or set of parameters (e.g., subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix (CP) length, etc.), which can also improve performance and reduce complexity.

[0190] Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms can be used for sensing signals and can achieve suitable sensing performance in some implementations. Radar sensing using OFDM waveforms is studied in Braun, M., Sturm, C., Jondral, F. K. "Maximum likelihood speed and distance estimation for OFDM radar." 2010 IEEE Radar Conference Proceedings, Washington, DC, May 2010, pp. 256-261; Braun, M., Sturm, C., Niethammer, A., Jondral, F. "Parameterization of joint OFDM-based radar and communication systems for vehicular applications." 20th IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications Symposium Proceedings, Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 2009, pp. 3020-3024; Donnet, B. J., Longstaff, I. D. "Combining MIMO radar with OFDM communications." 3rd European Radar Conference Proceedings, Manchester, UK, Sept. 2006, pp. 37-40; Yang Yang and R. S. Blum, "MIMO radar waveform design based on mutual information and minimum mean-square error estimation," IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 330-343, Jan. 2007; and C. Sturm and W. Wiesbeck, "Waveform Design and Signal Processing Aspects for Fusion of Wireless Communications and Radar Sensing," IEEE Transactions on, vol. 99, no. 7, pp. 1236-1259, July 2011.

[0191] OFDM can be a waveform selection for in-band sensing or out-of-band sensing. In some embodiments, OFDM waveform is used for both communication signals and sensing signals to support joint detection and processing of sensing signals and communication signals. The numerology of OFDM waveform for communication signals and sensing signals can be the same or different.

[0192] In some embodiments, the numerology of OFDM waveform can be selected to improve sensing performance and reduce interference among different sensing signals. Taking the configuration of sensing signals with cyclic prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM) waveform as an example, subcarrier spacing, CP length / overhead, and sensing slot length (e.g., the number of symbols included in each sensing period and the configuration of sensing symbols in a sensing period, e.g., consecutive symbols or distributed symbols) are parameters that can be set to possibly improve sensing performance. In the case of frequency modulated continuous wave waveform, in addition to the above-mentioned parameters, the frequency scanning range can also be set to possibly improve sensing performance.

[0193] In some embodiments, the selected waveform for transmitting communication and sensing signals is single carrier. In this case, the parameters of sensing signals can be selected to improve sensing performance and reduce interference among different sensing signals. In single carrier waveform, parameters such as the number of pulses in a symbol, sensing slot length (e.g., the number of symbols included in each sensing period and the configuration of sensing symbols in a sensing period, e.g., consecutive symbols or distributed symbols), pulse shape parameters, and pulse overlap factor are parameters that can be set to possibly improve sensing performance. Some or all of these parameters can also be applicable to ultra-wideband waveforms.

[0194] It should be noted that the present application is not limited to any particular type or configuration of waveform for sensing signals or communication signals. For example, the waveform configuration of sensing signals can be single carrier (where a spreading sequence can be used for interference mitigation), multi-carrier, ultra-wideband, or frequency modulated continuous wave. In some embodiments, the waveform configuration can be target-specific or sensing node-specific.

[0195] In some embodiments, the sensing signal configuration includes a symbol sequence. The symbol sequence is a complex-valued vector for the baseband representation of the sensing signal to optimize sensing performance, transmission efficiency (including PAPR), and reduce interference to other sensing signals or communication signals. One example of such a symbol sequence is a Zadoff Chu (ZC) sequence. Since the sensing signal does not carry any data, the symbol sequence can be used to distinguish sensing signals transmitted by different sensing nodes or mitigate interference. In some embodiments, the symbol sequence used for the sensing signal configuration is sensing node-specific and based on the sensing node ID of the sensing node. The symbol sequence used for the sensing signal configuration can also or only be target-specific.

[0196] In some embodiments, the symbol sequence can be used to optimize sensing performance. For example, a sequence with good autocorrelation properties can be used to achieve improved range resolution.

[0197] In some embodiments, the sensing signal is used to reduce cross-correlation between different symbol sequences transmitted on the same resources. As the length of the symbol sequence increases, the number of degrees of freedom of the symbol sequence and the potential number of orthogonal symbol sequences becomes larger. A set or pool of potential symbol sequences can be generated for use in sensing signals in the network. Once the pool of symbol sequences is generated, a symbol sequence for a particular sensing signal configuration can be generated or configured using a seed that is mapped to the sensing node ID of the associated sensing node. For example, if the symbol sequence is a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence, the seed value can be a root or phase shift value of the ZC sequence. In another example, if the symbol sequence is a binary pseudo noise (PN) sequence, the seed value can be associated with a generating polynomial or degree of a given sequence type.

[0198] In some embodiments, the symbol sequence of a sensing signal is based on, and possibly specific to, a predetermined beam direction of the sensing signal. Thus, different symbol sequences can be used for different beam directions. A sensing node can perform a beam sweep to cover a given area, and each sensing signal transmitted by the sensing node during the beam sweep can depend on the beam direction. In some embodiments, certain directions that are more easily predictable can require less accurate sensing (e.g., there are fixed objects in these directions, less change in the environment), and thus a shorter symbol sequence can be implemented. Other directions can be more difficult to predict, and thus a longer symbol sequence can be used for these directions.

[0199] Depending on the power capability of the sensing node and the waveform used, a relatively low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) for the sensing signal can be required. Thus, in some embodiments, the symbol sequence is configured for a relatively low PAPR. Low PAPR sequences can include ZC sequences, similar to those used in demodulation reference signal (DMRS) designs. Low PAPR sequences can also or only be found through computer search. Low PAPR sequences used in conjunction with suitable resource mapping can enable low PAPR sensing signal transmission.

[0200] The configuration of the symbol sequence for the sensing signal can depend on whether the sensing signal is in-band or out-of-band. The configuration of the symbol sequence can be more flexible with out-of-band sensing; whereas, with in-band sensing, the sensing signal is multiplexed with data, the configuration of the symbol sequence can be more limited. In some embodiments, the configuration of the sensing signal symbol sequence is based on techniques used to configure other types of reference signals, e.g., including channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), DMRS, and positioning reference signals (PRS).

[0201] While out-of-band sensing does not involve multiplexing the sensing signal with data, and thus is more flexible in configuration, out-of-band sensing can still benefit from various embodiments of the present disclosure, e.g., by reducing interference between the sensing signal and the data communication band.

[0202] In some embodiments, the sensing signal configuration includes a resource configuration, resource allocation, or resource mapping configuration. The resource configuration of the sensing signal is selected from a set of physical resources associated with the wireless communication network. As noted above, for in-band sensing, these physical resources are also used for transmission of the communication signal, and for out-of-band sensing, these physical resources are different from the resources used for the communication signal.

[0203] Physical resources used for sensing signals can be configured sparsely. For example, resource configuration can include sparse patterns in at least one of the frequency and time domains. Such sparse patterns can, for example, resemble those used for channel estimation. In some implementations, the performance penalty caused by sparse patterns is negligible compared to the full pattern. Potential benefits of sparse patterns include allowing multiplexing of sensing and communication signals, efficiently detecting multiple sensing signals simultaneously, and more efficiently jointly detecting sensing and communication signals. In some implementations, the sparse pattern configuration of the sensing signals is similar to the sparse pattern configuration in non-orthogonal multiple access (NoMA). For more detailed information on the sparse-mode performance of the sensed signal, see: C. Knill, B. Schweizer, S. Sparrer, F. Roos, Robert F. F. H. Ischer, and C. Waldschmidt, “High Range and Doppler Resolution by Application of Compressed Sensing Using Low Baseband Bandwidth OFDM Radar”, IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Transactions, Vol. 66, No. 7, July 2018, pp. 3535-3546.

[0204] In some embodiments, the cycle length, as well as the lengths of the active and passive phases, can be fixed or kept constant across all sub-cycles of the same sensing cycle. In this case, the signal is characterized using parameters that define the durations of the active (“ON”) and passive (“OFF”) phases, or these parameters can be used to define them. These parameters can be determined based on environmental characteristics, as described below.

[0205] Figure 5 An exemplary signal configuration and structure with a fixed period length is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, "T" on "T" indicates the duration of the active phase. on =t a And "T" off "T" represents the duration of the passive phase. off =t p .

[0206] Typically, for a specific region of interest, statistical information (location map) about the target location is available; therefore, the expected target range can be determined as the minimum sensing range d. min With maximum sensing range d maxthe distance between them.

[0207] For a given ratio of a and a given ratio of a a and t p the relationship is

[0208]

[0209]

[0210] where c denotes the speed of light. From this it follows that

[0211]

[0212] As mentioned above, a is the acceptable minimum fraction of the reflected signal that is still sufficient to provide the required information to meet the required or minimum sensing performance requirements.

[0213] The above relationships can be understood by reference to Figure 5 . In particular, Figure 5 The shaded portion 510 of the time window in FIG. 5 represents the time window in which a reflection of the transmitted signal reflected from a target object at a distance d min may return to the sensing node (without any deflection). It will be appreciated that the length of the reflection window portion 510 is the same as the length of the active phase (T on ). The reflection window 510 has a portion 512 that falls in the passive phase (T off ). Portion 512 represents the minimum fraction of the reflected signal that will be received from a target in the sensing range, where the leading portion of the reflection will fall within the active phase and be lost. Thus, portion 512 should be at least equal to aT on . The leading edge of portion 510 is delayed from the leading edge of the active phase (T on ) by the same time period as portion 512, i.e. at least equal to aT on . Figure 5 The shaded portion 520 of the time window in FIG. 6 represents the time window in which a reflection of the transmitted signal reflected from a target object at a distance d max may return to the sensing node (without any deflection). The length of the reflection 520 is also the same as the length of the active phase (T on ). The reflection 520 has a portion 522 that falls in the passive phase (T off ). Portion 522 represents the minimum fraction of the reflected signal that will be received from a target in the sensing range, where the trailing portion of the reflection will fall within the next active phase and be lost. Thus, portion 522 should also be at least equal to aT on . Thus, the leading edge of portion 520 is ahead of the trailing edge of the passive phase by the same time period as portion 522, or at least equal to aT onand delayed by at least T on + T off – αT on = (1 – α)T on + T off Thus, reflections 510 and 520 represent the two worst cases, in which the lost reflection portion is the largest lost portion of all the reflections from the target in the sensing range, or in other words, the received reflection portion is the smallest.

[0214] Thus, to ensure that at least a proportion a of any transmitted signal in a sub-period from a target within a given range d(d min ≤ d ≤ d max ) can be sensed, the passive phase (T off ) must be long enough to cover the trailing a proportion 512 of portion 510 and the leading a proportion 522 of portion 520.

[0215] For a given d min , the shortest time required for a sensing signal to propagate from a sensing node to a target within the range and for a reflection to propagate back to the sensing node from the target is 2d min / c. For a given d min and a < 1, in order to receive the reflection in the next immediately following passive phase, the length of T on (t a ) must be less than or equal to 2d min / (c a), i.e., t a ≤ 2d min / (c a). Thus, the upper limit of the length of the active phase t a is 2d min / (c a). Alternatively, conversely, for a given t a and a, d min ≥ t a c a / 2, there is a lower limit to the sensing range.

[0216] For a given d max , a, and t a , in order for the leading a proportion 522 of portion 520 to fall within the passive phase (during T off ) of the period / sub-period, the length of the passive phase (t p ) should be greater than or equal to (2d max / c – (1 – a)t a ). That is,

[0217] t p ≥ 2d max / c – (1 – a)t a or t p / t a≥[αr–(1–α)].

[0218] Combining the above t a and t p The conditions and the relationship between the parameters can be expressed as follows:

[0219] t a ≤2d min / (cα) and t p ≥[αr–(1–α)]t a .

[0220] Therefore, once α and d are known or obtained min and d max This allows you to determine or select parameter t. a and t p .

[0221] In different embodiments, even if the lengths of the active and passive phases in each cycle are fixed, different sensing cycles can still have different t values. a and t p value.

[0222] In embodiments involving communication and sensing using beamforming and beam scanning modes, for different beams in a given beam scanning mode, t a and t p The values ​​can be different.

[0223] Conveniently, these embodiments provide a simple design and require minimal signaling overhead for communication signal parameters.

[0224] In some embodiments, the signal can be configured to have multiple sub-cycles in each communication and sensing cycle, wherein the sub-cycles have different or variable cycle lengths. In these embodiments, the signal can be defined by specifying the durations of the active and passive phases of the different sub-cycles and cycles. Advantageously, since each sensing cycle has multiple sub-cycles, and the durations of the active (ON) and passive (OFF) phases can be different, these cycle lengths can be selected to ensure that transmission in at least one sub-cycle can be fully sensed / received. Furthermore, since the cycle lengths are variable, it is not necessary to know environmental statistics in advance.

[0225] Figure 6 An exemplary signal structure is shown, in which the active phase (T) in different sub-cycles is illustrated. on The lengths of the sub-periods are different. Sub-periods can be sequentially indexed using index number i, and determined by the expression t. a (i) indicates. Figure 6 The diagram shows two sub-cycles, sub-cycle i and sub-cycle (i+1), with corresponding stage lengths t. a (i) and ta (i+1). The time windows 610, 620 and 630 represent different reflections of the signal transmitted during the active phase (i) and received at different time frames. The sufficient condition to receive the at least one transmission completely is:

[0226] t p (i) = t p (i+1) (1)

[0227] t p (i+1) = t p (i) + t a (i) + t a (i+1) = 2t p (i) + t p (i-1). (2)

[0228] For any given t p (1), the solution of equation (2) is the duty cycle (D c ) is

[0229] In the above embodiments, the conditions are set conservatively to ensure no loss in reflection reception in at least one sub-period. In different embodiments that allow for some loss (e.g. (=1-a) fraction of the reflection signal), the lengths of the active and passive phases can be determined using the following recursive equations:

[0230] t a (i+1) = [(1-a)t a (i) + t p (i)] / a, (3)

[0231] t p (i+1) = 2t p (i) + t a (i). (4)

[0232] With variable phase (period or sub-period) lengths, the sensing performance can be improved as full sensing signal reception can be obtained in these embodiments and no information about the environment statistics, including the range of distances of the targets in the environment, is needed to be obtained.

[0233] In some applications, at the receiving node, some of the transmissions from the transmitting node will be detected (completely or partially) by the receiving node during each passive sensing phase (or OFF period) of each ON / OFF period (or sub-period). In order to accurately estimate the location of the object (based on the delay), the receiver needs to know which sub-period a particular received transmission was transmitted in. The reason is that a transmission in one sub-period can be detected in another sub-period.

[0234] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the received signal 710 received during the passive (OFF) phase of sub-cycle j may be received during the active (ON) phase t of sub-cycle j. a (j) or the active (ON) phase t of sub-cycle i a (i) or the active (ON) phase of another sub-cycle preceding sub-cycle j. Therefore, designing the sensing signal in each sub-cycle in a different way will provide a method to facilitate detection by supporting easy or convenient identification of the detection signal.

[0235] use Figure 7 The exemplary signal shown illustrates that when the signal lengths (lengths of the active phases) from different sub-periods (e.g., sub-period i and sub-period j) are different, the length of the detected signal 710 and the length of the determined signal 710 are related to the active phase t of sub-period i. a (i) Length matching can conveniently determine when signal 710 is transmitted during sub-cycle i. Therefore, a possible advantage of using a signal with a variable cycle length is that, since the duration of the active phase varies between sub-cycles, different cycle lengths can be used to uniquely identify a specific sub-cycle, and the receiver of the signal can use the length information to determine the sub-cycle index of the associated sub-cycle by matching the cycle lengths.

[0236] In some embodiments, the signal frame structure may differ due to a period or sub-period, or the sensing sequence may be periodically related. That is, the sensing signals in different periods may have different sequences. In some embodiments, the sensing sequence may also be sub-period related.

[0237] As an illustrative example, different ZC sequences or pseudo-noise (PN) sequences (e.g., with different lengths or different root / generator polynomials) can be used in different sub-cycles to distinguish and identify sub-cycles. In this approach, even if only a portion of the transmitted or reflected signal is detected, the sub-cycle associated with the signal can be identified by analyzing the symbol sequence in the signal. Furthermore, when multiple transmissions are fully (or even partially) received, sensing diversity can be achieved by combining signals detected on different sub-cycles. Reception performance can be improved and simplified if the receiver knows which portion of the received signal belongs to which sub-cycle of the transmission. It also helps improve Doppler estimation based on the received signal if the receiver can detect signals transmitted in consecutive sub-cycles and estimate the differential phase rotation between pulses within a sub-cycle and during consecutive sub-cycles. Sensing performance can be further improved by including more sub-cycles in each transmission or sensing cycle.

[0238] In some embodiments, the entire set of active phases (or "ON" periods, e.g., t a (1),..., t a (M) can be designed as a sequence, and a portion of the sequence is used in each sub-period. In this case, each sub-period can have a different sequence from different portions of the complete sequence.

[0239] In some other embodiments, different sensing sub-periods in the sensing sub-period sequence can each have a fixed total period length. In this case, if the total duration of the sensing period is denoted by T se , and the number of sub-periods is denoted by M, then

[0240] T se = M(t a + t p ). Once t a and t p are determined or obtained based on the methods described herein, a linear relationship between T se and M can be determined. Thus, in this case, if the value of one of T se and M is known, the value of the other can be easily determined.

[0241] In some embodiments, the total length of the sub-periods can vary. In this case, to obtain at least one complete reception of the signal transmitted during the transmission (active) phase or sub-period, the following relationship should be satisfied according to the above equations (1) and (2):

[0242]

[0243] where t a (1) is the duration of the active phase in the first sub-period, i.e., sub-period (1).

[0244] In equation (5), there are 3 design parameters t a (1), T se , and M. From any two of these parameters, the third parameter can be determined according to equation (5). For example, given t a (1) and T se , the number of sub-periods in each period can be calculated by:

[0245] In general, t a (1) can be specified based on the sensing bandwidth, the expected target distance, the sensing power, and one or more performance metrics, such as sensing diversity or the accuracy of Doppler-based velocity estimation.

[0246] In some embodiments, if the intention is to detect the closest target using the first sub-period in the signal period, t a (1) ≤ (2d min / c) under the constraint condition, where d a (1) is selected, d min is the minimum detectable distance, and c is the speed of light. As a specific example, if the minimum detection range is 3 meters, d min = 3m, t a (1) ≤ 20ns.

[0247] In some embodiments, T se may be determined based on certain system parameters and requirements, such as sensing transmit power, sensing bandwidth, number of beams (for beam steering to cover a given area), sensing overhead, one or more sensing performance indicators (such as positioning accuracy), etc.

[0248] In some embodiments, the frame structure of the transmitted signal can be designed or configured to facilitate or improve the performance of the integrated sensing function of communication and sensing, such as facilitating sensing and providing related signaling support. In addition, the frame structure of the transmitted signal can be designed or configured to minimize the negative impact on communication performance and maximize the adaptability to the existing frame structure and signal design for communication.

[0249] For example, a "special frame" can be constructed, and the active phase and passive phase in the period or sub-period of the transmitted sensing signal can be explicitly defined. The special frame can be defined in a predefined unit based on the duration of the active phase and the passive phase.

[0250] In some embodiments, an option is to define a "virtual" sub-carrier spacing (SCS) or "sensing" SCS, which can be very large, such as in the order of 100MHz or more. The sensing SCS can be equal to the sensing bandwidth part (BWP). The BWP is the minimum bandwidth allocated for sensing. In practice, multiple BWPs can be allocated and combined for sensing. In this case, the basic sensing symbol can be defined as the inverse of the sensing SCS. This is to obtain the time granularity required for the ON / OFF pattern. In this way, the duration of all ON and OFF periods (corresponding to the active phase and the passive phase) can be represented by a multiple of the defined basic sensing symbol.

[0251] Defining a virtual SCS or a sensing SCS does not mean or require that only multi-carrier transmission is allowed. On the contrary, single-carrier transmission can be included as a special case of multi-carrier transmission, where the SCS is equal to the entire transmission bandwidth.

[0252] In case the signal waveform is a single carrier waveform, an alternative embodiment is to directly define the basic sensing symbol length, e.g.

[0253] T sym，se = T sym，base .2 -n ,

[0254] where T sym,se is the basic sensing symbol length used for sensing, T sym,base is the symbol length used for communication, and n can be computed based on

[0255] It can be appreciated that this example follows the concept of scalable numerology by scaling with powers of 2. The same approach can also be applied to a multi-carrier waveform, where

[0256] T sym，se = T sym，base .2 -n where

[0257] A technical challenge in designing a sensing signal in the current context is how to define and include the active and passive phases required in the sensing signal. Since there can be thousands of basic sensing symbols to include, it can not be feasible or practical to define a signal pattern for so many basic sensing symbols. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a practical way of defining a signal pattern for the active and passive phases, and to provide a practical signaling mechanism for sending the defined signal pattern to potential receiving nodes such as UEs.

[0258] In some embodiments, the duration of the active and passive phases is fixed within a sub-period of the sensing period, and it is sufficient to define the number of basic sensing symbols that each of the active and passive phases will include. For example, a sensing period can be represented as a vector (10, 100, 200), where the first number in the bracket represents the number of sensing sub-periods, the second number represents the number of basic sensing symbols in each active phase, and the third number represents the number of basic sensing symbols in each passive phase.

[0259] In some embodiments where the duration of the active and passive phases is variable, one possible way to represent the active and passive phases is to represent the active phases with a first vector and the passive phases with a second vector. The length of the first or second vector represents the number of sensing sub-periods, and each item in the vector represents the number of basic sensing symbols in the corresponding active / passive phase. In scenarios where the duration of the active and passive phases can be represented by a formula, it is sufficient to capture only the parameters of the formula and the number of sub-periods. For example, in the example embodiment described above, the duration of the active phase in sub-period i can be represented as The duration of the passive phase in sub-period i can be expressed as Thus, it is sufficient to indicate the number of basic sensing symbols and the number of sensing sub-periods in the first active phase (i = 1).

[0260] These expressions can be used to signal the structure of the active and passive phases in the sensing signal to the UEs and other network entities. For example, the signaling methods can include L1 signaling or semi-static signaling, using higher layer signaling, such as RRC or MAC-CE.

[0261] It can be appreciated that the timing granularity of sensing is much larger than that of communication. Thus, it can not be possible to align all active and passive phases in sensing with regular communication symbols. However, the sensing signal can be configured such that a selected number of active and passive phases in the sensing signal are aligned with the boundaries of the communication symbols. This has the benefit of aligning the communication / sensing transmission of one TRP with other TRPs in the network. Figure 8 An example is shown in which the sensing sub-periods 1, 2, …, M are aligned with the baseline communication symbols. It should be appreciated that using this frame structure definition for the communication and sensing signals, it can not be possible to embed or multiplex DL or UL communication data into the sensing signal.

[0262] Another aspect of the frame structure and numerology design for the sensing signal is to utilize time spatial resources to replace frequency spatial resources. For example, in this aspect, the sensing BWP can be defined first, and the numerology (basic sensing symbol time) can be defined and constructed accordingly.

[0263] It has been recognized that UEs can not have the full capability to receive and process the entire sensing bandwidth. For example, the entire sensing bandwidth can be 1 GHz, but some UEs can only process signals with a bandwidth up to 250 MHz. In this case, if the sensing signal is transmitted with a single carrier 1 GHz bandwidth, the UE will not have the frequency granularity to process it. However, if the sensing signal is transmitted as 4 separate sensing BWPs, with or without hopping, the UE can receive and process the entire signal bandwidth. In this case, the frequency hopping pattern can also be considered as a frame structure parameter, which should be specified in addition to other sensing signal parameters.

[0264] By defining such frame structures and numerologies, system parameters / requirements can be mapped to the sensing signal parameters.

[0265] The sensing signal can be configured for one or more purposes, and different sensing signal parameters can be signaled to the electronic devices based on different purposes or uses of the sensing signal, as shown in Figure 4C

[0266] ​In S490, for example, the purpose or use of the sensed signal is determined by a network entity, which may be a network device in the network, or a UE or BS.

[0267] In some embodiments, the sensing signal is used solely for sensing purposes, such as Figure 4C As shown in S492A. In this case, the frame structure should be defined in a way that reserves certain time slots for sensing only. Figure 3B A non-limiting example is shown where transmission frame 350 includes consecutive time slots / symbols of UUUUSSSSSSDDDD, where U represents an uplink time slot or symbol, S represents a sensing-only time slot / symbol, and D represents a downlink time slot / symbol. It should be understood that this example is for illustrative purposes only, and other frame structures with combinations and orders of U, S, and D time slots / symbols may be used. For example, the frame structure could be SSDSUSDDSUSU, or DDSSUUSDDUUSS, etc.

[0268] In some embodiments, the configuration of S symbols / slots can differ from that of D and U symbols / slots. For example, as Figure 3C As shown in exemplary frame 360, the duration of the S symbol / slot can be selected to be shorter than the duration of the D or U symbol / slot. In some embodiments, the S slot can be configured to not include a synchronization (SYNCH) channel and / or a basic broadcast channel. It is understood that the UE may not need to perform blind control signal detection in the S slot, or may not transmit anything in the S slot.

[0269] In some embodiments, the sensed signal can be reused as a reference signal or pilot (e.g., a common pilot) for channel measurement purposes, such as... Figure 4C As shown in S492B. Figure 3D An exemplary frame 370 is shown, wherein the frame structure includes symbols / slots of DDDSDDDSUUUU, where the S symbols / slots include reference signals for UE side-channel measurements. In this case, the UE may need to know sensing signal parameters, including parameters of the frame structure, such as sensing symbol / slot index and sensing symbol / slot duration, waveform type, waveform parameters, pilot sequence, etc.

[0270] In some other embodiments, the sensed signal can be reused as a synchronization (SYNCH) channel, such as Figure 4C As shown in S492C. Figure 3EAn example frame 380 is shown, where the frame structure includes SSSS DDDDUUUU symbols / slots, where the S symbols / slots can be reused as SYNCH channels. In this case, the UE can need to know the sensing signal parameters, including the BW of the SYNCH signal, the frame structure including the sensing symbol / slot index, the SYNCH channel index in the sensing symbol / slot, the sensing symbol / slot duration, the waveform type, the waveform parameters, the SYNCH channel sequence, and so on.

[0271] In some embodiments, when the sensing signal is transmitted by the UE, the sensing signal can be reused as an initial access channel. For example, in Figure 3E frame 380, the S slots / symbols in the frame structure can provide an initial access channel. In this case, the UE can need to know the sensing signal parameters, including the BW of the initial access signal, the frame structure including the sensing symbol / slot index, and the initial access channel index in the sensing symbol / slot, the sensing symbol / slot duration, the waveform type, the waveform parameters, the initial channel sequence, and so on. In some embodiments, this information can be signaled to the UE by the network. In some other embodiments, part of the information can be obtained by the UE through a mapping function between the UE identification (id) and the parameters. For example, the initial access sequence can be obtained by the UE through a mapping function between the UE id and the initial access sequence.

[0272] In some embodiments, when the sensing signal is transmitted by the UE, the sensing signal can also carry information or communication data, such as signaling data, control data, or payload data, as shown in S492D of Figure 4C The communication data can be embedded in the sensing signal through any suitable multiplexing technique, as shown in S492E of Figure 4C . Figure 3F An example frame 390 is shown, where M denotes the slots / symbols of the sensing signal that are multiplexed with communication data. As shown in Figure 3F , some of the sensing symbols / slots can be used for sensing only (denoted as S), while others are multiplexed with communication data.

[0273] In some embodiments, when the sensing signal is transmitted by the UE, the sensing signal can also carry embedded communication data. Figure 3G An example frame 392 is shown, where E denotes the slots / symbols of the sensing signal that are embedded with communication data. As shown in Figure 3G , it is possible that some of the sensing symbols / slots can be used for sensing only (denoted as S), while others are used for embedding communication data.

[0274] It can be appreciated that Figures 3B-3GThe illustrated frame structure can be modified and easily adjusted for use by a BS or for use in sidelink transmissions between UEs.

[0275] While target sensing is not necessary, the sensing signal can still be used to carry information and data. For example, a TP operating in HDX single station mode can embed data in the sensing signal transmission so that a UE can receive and decode the signal to obtain the transmitted data and information. Such embodiments can save sensing overhead by performing the functions of communication and sensing simultaneously. When the same node transmits the sensing signal and the communication signal and processes the reflection of the sensing signal, the node will already know the transmitted communication / sensing signal, and embedding communication data in the signal will not affect the sensing performance.

[0276] For example, the sensing signal can include broadcast information for all UEs in the coverage area. The sensing signal can also include multicast or groupcast information or data. In some embodiments, if beamforming is applied, the sensing signal can include unicast data and information.

[0277] In some cases, the TP can use the sensing signal to transmit location related information to UEs in a given area, which will be of interest to all UEs in that area. In this case, the UEs need to know the configuration details of the sensing signal in order to decode the signal and avoid transmitting during the transmission duration(s) of the TP. This requirement needs to be addressed through signal design or configuration.

[0278] For example, the structure of the signal should support easy and reliable detection of sufficient parts of the transmitted signal so that the transmitted data or information can be transmitted from the TP to the UE.

[0279] In some embodiments, when the sensing signal carries only very limited information, the SeN can use different sensing sequences to transmit the information. For example, the TP can select a sensing sequence from a set of sensing sequences S = {S1, S2,..., S2 M} to carry M bits of information. In this case, the receiver of the information can need to know the set of sensing sequences S, or an indication of the set. In some embodiments, multiple sensing sequences can be transmitted to carry more information. For example, if N sequences are transmitted, each including M bits of information, a total of N*M bits can be carried in the sensing signal.

[0280] It should be appreciated that the timing granularity for sensing is much larger than that for communication, thus the duration of a basic sensing symbol is much shorter than the regular communication symbol duration defined in new radio (NR), for example. If communication data is to be embedded in the sensing signal, the communication symbol should not be longer than the duration of the active phase when the node transmits the communication / sensing signal, and the duration of the communication symbol should not be longer than the duration of the passive phase when the node receives the communication / sensing signal.

[0281] In some embodiments, a sensing-specific or special communication frame structure can be defined for the transmission frame in which sensing is performed. For example, a sensing-specific or special communication frame structure and numerology can be defined to follow the sensing frame structure such that each DL symbol follows a corresponding active phase and each UL symbol follows a corresponding passive phase. In this way, when the TRP is actively sensing, the TRP can embed DL data in the sensing signal, and during the passive sensing phase, the TRP can simultaneously detect the sensing signal and the reflection of UL data. In this way, the communication signal follows the same frame structure and numerology as the sensing signal, which simplifies the signaling, transmission, and reception of the signals.

[0282] Another aspect to consider when embedding data in the sensing signal is that different parameter settings can be needed for sensing and communication performance optimization. For example, when a single carrier waveform is used for communication / sensing, partial overlap between basic pulse shaping functions can improve sensing performance but can negatively impact communication performance due to intersymbol interference (ISI). Thus, to embed communication data and information in a sensing signal with a single carrier waveform with partial overlap of base functions, an upper threshold of the partial overlap ratio can be set to limit or minimize ISI. Furthermore, the pulse shaping functions can be selected or constructed to limit or minimize interference to adjacent pulses in the time domain.

[0283] In some embodiments, when a multi-carrier waveform such as CP-OFDM is used for communication / sensing, the parameters of the signal design including the CP length can be designed or selected according to the requirements of communication / sensing performance.

[0284] In some embodiments, according to the duration of the active phase and the passive phase in a periodic sequence with sub-periods, a first subset of the sub-periods can be used to carry information for the UE and a second subset of the sub-periods can be used to not carry information or data.

[0285] By carrying data or information through such configuration of the sensing signal, the signal resources are more efficiently utilized.

[0286] In some embodiments, data can be included in the sensing signal by multiplexing, e.g., for transmitting data to a UE. In this context, multiplexing refers to including communication data in the transmission frame of the sensing signal originally intended for sensing operation. Such communication can be needed, for example, in case of an emergency data transmission to a selected UE. For example, in an emergency situation, the sensing signal can be temporarily reconfigured to embed data to be transmitted to a UE. In this case, the SeN or TP transmitting the signal does not need to decode the reflected signal, and embedding data in the sensing signal does not compromise sensing performance.

[0287] For example, in some embodiments, communication of data and sensing signal with multiplexing can be conducted through downlink (DL) data transmission, e.g., from a TP (e.g., a base station) to one or more UEs. The TP can construct the sensing signal based on any suitable method or technique described herein. Depending on the resource allocation of the UEs scheduled to receive the DL transmission data, the sensing signal can be filtered before transmission over the DL channel to reduce or avoid interference with the DL signal received by one or more UEs. Such filtering is also referred to as “puncturing” of the data to the sensing signal. The puncturing can be conducted in the frequency domain or in the time domain. The data transmitted to the scheduled UEs along with the sensing signal can include control data and / or payload data. In some embodiments, the TP can transmit a notification to one or more UEs indicating an upcoming scheduled transmission on the current or upcoming sensing period or sub-period, which can indicate one or more of, for example, a sensing sub-period index, a time resource scheduling index, a frequency resource scheduling index, a beamforming index, etc. This notification can be provided through dynamic signaling (L1 signaling). In different embodiments, the notification can be transmitted on the same or different carrier / link as used for data / sensing transmission. In some embodiments, the allocated frequency and time resources for data transmission can be pre-selected / determined, and one or more UEs can monitor the specific allocated resources to determine whether there is any upcoming transmission of sensing signal with data.

[0288] In some embodiments, the communication of data and sensing signals by multiplexing can be through uplink (UL) data transmission. The UE can perform UL data transmission during the OFF period of the TP’s passive phase, and the TP can perform UL and sensing detection simultaneously during the passive phase. The TP or the network can select or define some sub-periods for UL data transmission in each cycle, and then can schedule or configure the UE to perform UL transmission in these selected sub-periods. This approach can be used for UL grant-free or configured grant transmission, which is delay sensitive and should be sent as soon as possible. In order to perform UL transmission only in the specified sub-periods, the UE needs to know which sub-periods are specified and configured for UL transmission, and the configuration / frame structure of these specified sub-periods. This information can be signaled to one or more UEs through higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC or MAC-CE). In some embodiments, more detailed information including the time / frequency transmission resources of the UL transmission, beamforming information, power control, and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) can also be determined and sent to the UE. The detailed information can be sent to the UE through dynamic signaling (e.g., L1 signaling), or through higher layer signaling.

[0289] In some embodiments, the communication of data and sensing signals by multiplexing can be through sidelink (SL) data transmission. In the case where the SL signal is transmitted from a UE performing sensing transmission, then the multiplexing procedure and signaling follow sensing and DL data multiplexing. In the case where the SL signal is received by a UE performing sensing detection, then the multiplexing procedure and signaling follow sensing and UL data multiplexing. In the case where the sensing signal is transmitted from another node (other UE or TP), then multiplexing can not be needed in certain scenarios, including when the receiver of the sensing signal is far enough from the transmitter of the SL signal. For example, if a TP is performing sensing, and it is far away from the SL transmitter, then the SL signal will not impact the sensing performance, and thus the SL signal transmission can not be changed. However, if the SL transmission can impact the sensing reception, then the SL transmission can be scheduled for transmission during the active phase of the sensing transmission. In some embodiments, the SL transmission can be scheduled to occur during a subset of sub-periods of the sensing transmission frame. In order to perform SL transmission only in the specified or selected sub-periods of the active phase, the UE needs to know which sub-periods are specified and configured for SL transmission, and the configuration / frame structure of these specified sub-periods. This information can be signaled to the UE through higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC or MAC-CE). In some embodiments, more detailed information including the time / frequency transmission resources of the SL transmission and power control and modulation can also be determined and sent to the UE. The detailed information can be sent to the UE through dynamic signaling (e.g., L1 signaling), or through higher layer signaling.

[0290] Communicating data and sensing signals using multiplexing can improve resource efficiency and improve interference management.

[0291] The sensing signal can be further structured or configured to address various technical problems that can arise. For example, a potential problem that can arise is for a given sensing bandwidth (BW) and frame structure based on pulsed sensing, where t a The duration of the active phase in a particular sub-period can be indicated, or the total duration of all active phases in all sub-periods within a given period, i.e. How to configure the sensing signal s(t) to provide satisfactory or improved sensing performance, in particular range resolution, with minimal out-of-band leakage or equivalent spectral localization.

[0292] It can be appreciated that spectral localization can depend mainly on the waveform and pulse shaping of the sensing signal.

[0293] The range accuracy performance depends on the characteristics of the signal autocorrelation function R s (τ), which can be expressed as:

[0294]

[0295] More generally, to also take into account the Doppler effect, a suitable indicator of the autocorrelation is the ambiguity function given by the following equation:

[0296]

[0297] where f d is the Doppler frequency. When the Doppler shift is zero, i.e. when f d = 0, the ambiguity function χ(τ, f d ) simplifies to the autocorrelation function R s (τ), R s (τ) = χ(τ, 0). To improve range accuracy, it is desirable to reduce R s (τ) (τ ≠ 0) to very small values.

[0298] In embodiments where the node is used to receive communications and sensing signals in HDX mono-station mode, when the node is in its active phase (transmit phase), a portion of the signals transmitted to the node from another node can be lost (i.e. not received) at the node. In this case, a more suitable indicator can be the non-periodic autocorrelation function, which can be expressed as r s (τ), where the integration is over the passive phase during which the SeN can listen to the reflected signals.

[0299] It is desirable to provide a signal structure or configuration that can flexibly provide the required sensing parameters even if a portion of the reflected signal is lost during the passive phase and is not detected / sensed by the SeN. In other words, the signal is structured such that the required parameters are provided by the portion of the signal that the SeN will receive during the passive phase. Depending on the target distance, this portion in the signal can be at the end of the signal or at the beginning of the signal.

[0300] Regardless of the signal shape, a signal with bandwidth BW can have N degrees of freedom available for the signal design, where N = BW * t a . For example, if BW = 1 GHz and t a = 100 ns, the signal design has 100 degrees of freedom. That is, the signal can be characterized by 100 mutually orthogonal signal structures over the time period (t a ). In mathematical form, where for n≠ m, where c n denotes the weighting symbol (symbol sequence). As will be described later, in some embodiments, the orthogonality condition can be relaxed.

[0301] Thus, the design parameters of the signal used in the HDX single station system can include the basis functions and the weighting symbols may also be referred to as “sensing signal sequences”.

[0302] The weighting symbols will affect the autocorrelation and the spectral shape, but their main impact is on the autocorrelation, especially the aperiodic autocorrelation.

[0303] Once the optimized set of weighting symbols and aperiodic autocorrelation functions is determined, the optimized weighting symbols and autocorrelation functions can be saved and stored for further use in different applications.

[0304] While other or more optimal signal sequences can be determined and used depending on the specific application in various embodiments, for illustrative purposes, some exemplary sequences are described next, such as ZC sequences.

[0305] For single carrier waveforms, the orthogonal domain of the basis functions is in the time domain. In other words, each function sn(t) only spans a portion of the time period: span(s n (t)) = [t n，1 , t n，2 ], such that In the case of orthogonal basis functions, span(s n (t)) ∩ span(s m (t)) = φ.

[0306] One way to provide the above attributes is to include the active phase (T) on The time slots are divided into N equal time slots, and the sensing signal is constructed as follows: Among them, S p It has a duration Ultra-narrow pulse signals, such as Figure 9 As shown, N = 12.

[0307] For communication purposes, it is desirable to receive all the information carried by the transmitted signal, and any interference between basis functions could be destructive and should be avoided. Therefore, it might be desirable to use orthogonal (or semi-orthogonal) basis functions for communication, with little or no overlap. However, for radar-based sensing, for example, it is not necessary to receive all the symbols carried by the signal, and obtaining some information for evaluating certain properties of the signal may be sufficient. Therefore, the orthogonality condition can be used more loosely for sensing purposes.

[0308] Therefore, in some embodiments, the signal can be configured to have partially overlapping pulse shapes, such as Figure 10 As shown. In this case, the signal can be represented as: Among them, S p It has a duration T w =ηT p and The prototype function is η. The parameter η can be called the time stretching factor, indicating the degree of overlap between adjacent basis functions.

[0309] S p The shape of the spectrum determines the frequency spectrum and can be selected by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, S p It can be a Gaussian function, such as those used in ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses, a sinc function, or a raised cosine function, etc.

[0310] Allowable signal basis function S n (t) partially overlaps in time, which will provide more efficient use of time resources in the context of integrated communication and sensing signals used for HDX single-site operation.

[0311] Conveniently, partial overlap of signal basis functions can extend the duration of useful signals and make fuller or more efficient use of available time resources, and support the design of pulse shaping filters to control out-of-band leakage.

[0312] In some embodiments, the sensing signal may have a configurable multi-carrier waveform. The sensing signal may be configured with filtered CP-OFDM and a configurable CP length.

[0313] In multicarrier waveforms, the basis function can be expressed as:

[0314] for 0 < t < T on , s n (t) = c n exp(j2πnΔft) S p (t), where The prototype function S p (t) can be optimized for spectral localization.

[0315] For a multicarrier waveform, all basis functions can fully overlap in the time domain, but they are mutually orthogonal over the time span 0 < t < t a .

[0316] In the expression of the above basis functions, s n (t) is a continuous function. In practice, a sampled version of s n (t) will be constructed and transmitted, which is equivalent to an inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT) of the symbol sequence c n . Furthermore, a CP can also be inserted after the IFFT.

[0317] For HDX single station sensing, a portion of the sensing signal can be lost when SeN is in the active phase. Therefore, the signal structure of HDX single station sensing needs to be configured differently compared to normal communication transmission or full duplex sensing to account for this lost portion of the signal, where the entire signal can be received and processed at the receiver side. For example, a cyclic-prefix (CP) can not be necessary as the CP can be completely lost in any case. However, in some embodiments, the CP can be used to provide better range response or frequency localization.

[0318] Therefore, in some embodiments, the multicarrier waveform can be constructed to include a configurable filtered CP-OFDM, where the CP length is adjustable to balance the trade-off between sensing performance (aperiodic autocorrelation function) and spectral localization, and filtering is performed to further enhance spectral localization.

[0319] The sensing performance of some sample signal structures was evaluated. The sample signals were characterized by an autocorrelation function of the spectral localization with a single carrier waveform and different design parameters listed in Table I. The signal basis function S p is a raised cosine function.

[0320] Table I

[0321]

[0322] Figure 11Representative time and frequency responses of the sample signal with η = 2 or 4 are shown. It can be seen that better frequency localization can be achieved with larger stretching factor (η = 4) compared to smaller stretching factor (η = 2).

[0323] Figure 12 Representative results of the signal autocorrelation (periodic and aperiodic) of the sample signal are shown. It can be seen that the signal autocorrelation, which indicates the sensing performance, is not significantly affected by the stretching factor value. The above results show that the partial overlap of the pulses of the sensing signal helps to improve the overall performance of the integrated communication and sensing system.

[0324] Conveniently, such a system can enable flexibility in signal design and provide better sensing performance and frequency localization.

[0325] In another example, the sensing performance of the sample signal structure of a multicarrier signal is evaluated.

[0326] The sample waveforms of such signals are evaluated to assess the impact of the relevant design parameters on the sensing performance and frequency localization. The signal parameters of the evaluated waveforms are shown in Table II. Representative results are shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0327] Table II

[0328]

[0329] Figure 13 The impact of filtering without CP inclusion on the sensing performance and frequency localization is shown. It can be seen that while filtering improves the frequency localization, it also degrades the signal autocorrelation, which negatively impacts the sensing performance.

[0330] Figure 14 The performance of filtered CP-OFDM is shown with configurable CP portion of 20% and 30%. It can be seen that the inclusion of CP and the increase in CP length can achieve better range response, but with a slight compromise in frequency localization.

[0331] From the results, it can be expected that for given sensing performance and frequency localization requirements, the design parameters, particularly the filtering function and CP length, can be adjusted and selected to meet these requirements.

[0332] It can also be expected that the multicarrier waveform with configurable CP-OFDM can provide more flexibility in signal design and configuration and provide fine-tuning to balance the required sensing performance and frequency localization.

[0333] Returning to Figure 4COnce the purpose or objective of the sensing signal is determined, the corresponding sensing signal parameters can be determined accordingly, e.g., at one or more of S494A, S494B, S494C, S494D, or S494E, respectively.

[0334] The corresponding sensing signal parameters can then be signaled to one or more network entities, e.g., UE, BS, etc., as shown at S496 in Figure 4C and further described below.

[0335] In some embodiments, signaling support can be provided to transmit the parameters, configurations, and structures of the sensing signal.

[0336] In some embodiments, the signaling is used to indicate one or more of the following: (A) the sensing signal is for sensing only; (B) the sensing signal is reused as a reference signal; (C) the sensing signal is reused as a SYNCH channel; (D) the sensing signal carries information or data; (E) the sensing signal is multiplexed with a communication signal. The content of the signaling can depend on the determination at S490 in Figure 4C .

[0337] In the case where the sensing signal is for sensing only (see S492A and S494A in Figure 4C ), the signaling can include the frame structure, including the order of U, D, and S symbols / slots, the index of S symbols / slots, the duration of S symbols / slots compared to U / D symbols / slots (absolute or relative proportion); the parameters of the sensing signal, including the bandwidth, numerology, frame structure, including the sensing periodicity duration, the number of sub-periods in a period, the configuration of each sub-period, including the duration of active / passive phases, the sensing symbol / slot configuration, numerology, waveform type, waveform parameters, including pulse shape, sequence, time stretching factor, etc.

[0338] In the case where the sensing signal is reused as a reference signal / pilot (see S492B and S494B in Figure 4C ), the signaling can also include the pilot sequence, the index of the sensing symbols / slots for the pilot, etc.

[0339] In the case where the sensing signaling is reused as a synchronization (SYNCH) channel (see S492C and S494C in Figure 4C ), the signaling can also include the bandwidth of the Synch signal, the SYNCH channel index between sensing symbols / slots, the SYNCH channel sequence, etc.

[0340] To embed data into the sensing signal (see S492D and S494D in Figure 4CS492D and S494D) by signaling to the receiving device (e.g. UE) the following information: the sensing frame structure, including the duration of the active phase and the passive phase (as absolute values, or based on a multiple of a basic sensing symbol duration defining the duration, e.g. the basic sensing symbol duration described above); the number of sub-periods in each sensing period, the sub-period index of the sub-periods that will carry data; and the waveform, numerology and pulse shape function of the sensing signal.

[0341] In some embodiments, the data is embedded in the sensing signal by transmitting a sensing sequence, the signaling signal or signaling part in the signal can also include an indication of the set S = {S1, S2, …, S2 M} or set of sensing sequences.

[0342] In case the data will be carried only in a part or subset of the allocated sensing bandwidth, e.g. in a BWP or in a part of a BWP, the information indicating the allocated bandwidth / frequency resources should also be signaled to the receiving device by signal.

[0343] The format of the signaling can be broadcast signaling sent to all UEs in a given coverage area, groupcast for multiple UEs, groupcast for only a group of UEs or unicast for a single UE.

[0344] The signaling can be dynamic, e.g. L1 signaling in the form of dynamic control information (DCI), or it can be semi-static signaling, e.g. using higher layers, e.g. RRC or MAC-CE. In some embodiments, the signaling can be part of initial access signaling.

[0345] In order to multiplex the sensing signal and data in DL (see Figure 4C S492E and S494E) signaling can be provided for the following information: an indication of the index of the punctured sub-periods, e.g. by dynamic signaling (e.g. L1 signaling) or by higher layer signaling (e.g. RRC or MAC-CE); and an indication of the time / frequency resources, MCS, beamforming / precoding information, etc., e.g. by dynamic signaling (e.g. L1 signaling), or by higher layer signaling.

[0346] In order to multiplex the sensing signal and data in UL or SL (see Figure 4CS492E and S494E), can provide signaling for the following information: e.g., indication of sub-periods designated for UL / SL transmission, e.g., through dynamic signaling (e.g., L1 signaling) or higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC or MAC-CE); indication of time / frequency transmission resources, beamforming / precoding information, power control, and MCS for UL transmission, e.g., through dynamic signaling (e.g., L1 signaling), or through higher layer signaling. For SL transmission, the signaling can indicate whether SL transmission can occur during the entire sensing sub-period, or only during the active phase of the sub-period for any particular sub-period.

[0347] The signaling as described above can facilitate embedding / multiplexing data with the sensing signal, and reusing the sensing signal for other purposes.

[0348] As described above, in some embodiments, the sensing signal parameters can be determined at a network device in the network (e.g., as shown in S1502), and transmitted by the network device to one or more other network entities, e.g., UEs, in S1504 after the parameters are determined. In these embodiments, the network device can determine the parameters based on one or more of the following: Figure 15 The procedures shown in S1502 can be performed at the network device. Figure 4C The procedures shown in S1502 can be performed at the network device. Figure 15 The procedures shown in S1502 can be performed at the network device. Figure 4C The procedures shown in S1502 can be performed at the network device.

[0349] As shown in S1602, an electronic device (e.g., a UE) can receive the sensing signal parameters, and perform sensing and communication operations according to the received parameters. Optionally, in S1604, the UE can perform measurements according to the received parameters, and possibly instructions for sensing or communication. Based on the measurements, the UE can perform further operations. For example, in S1606, the UE can optionally provide feedback information to the network (e.g., to the network device from which the UE received the sensing signal parameters) based on the measurement results. The network can then re-determine or update one or more signal parameters based on the feedback information, and transmit the re-determined or updated parameters to the UE, and optionally to one or more other UEs or network entities. Figure 16

[0350] While aspects described can relate to half-duplex mode operation, it should be understood that aspects of the above-described methods can also be applied to full-duplex mode operation.

[0351] ​Some aspects of the disclosure relate to sensing in a wireless communication network that enables the network to determine information about the surrounding environment. For example, the sensing can determine the location, shape, and velocity of one or more objects in the environment. These objects can include network entities that are communicating within the network and scattering objects that can disrupt communications in the network. The benefit of the sensing is that the network can configure the communication signals between the network entities based on the measured properties of the current environment. When the properties of the wireless communication network and its surrounding environment are known, it can be possible to improve the wireless communication.

[0352] For example, when the network knows the locations of the transmitter, the intended receiver, and any potential scattering objects, the network can determine a trajectory from the transmitter to the intended receiver that avoids or is minimally affected by the scattering objects. Based on this trajectory, the network can configure a suitable communication signal to transmit to the intended receiver. Beamforming is one method that can be used to direct the signal along a particular trajectory. When the trajectory to the intended receiver is determined with the required precision, narrow beamforming can be implemented to communicate with that intended receiver. Narrow beamforming can increase the received power at the intended receiver and reduce interference to other receivers in the network. Knowing the velocity of the intended receiver can also enable the network to predict the future location of the intended receiver and configure future communication signals transmitted to that receiver accordingly.

[0353] In some implementations, the communication signal is transmitted using a resource configuration selected from the same set of resources as the resource configuration of the sensing signal (e.g., in-band sensing). In other implementations, the communication signal is transmitted using a resource configuration selected from a different set of resources than the resource configuration of the sensing signal (e.g., out-of-band sensing). In any of these implementations, the sensing signal can have the same frame structure and same numerology as the communication signal, or a different frame structure or numerology, or both.

[0354] It should be understood that one or more steps in the example methods described herein can be performed by a corresponding unit or module. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or module. The corresponding unit / module can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units / modules described above can be an integrated circuit, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It should be understood that if the modules are software, the modules can be retrieved, all or part of them individually or collectively, by a processor as needed for processing, in one or more instances, and the modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0355] Further, it should be understood that any module, component, or device described herein executing instructions can include or otherwise have access to one or more non-transitory computer-processor readable storage media storing information, such as computer-processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer-processor readable storage media includes magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, magnetic disks or other magnetic storage devices, compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, optical discs, or other optical storage, volatile and non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, and / or any method or technology that can be used to program or store information. Any such non-transitory computer-processor storage media can be part of a device or accessible or connectable thereto. Computer-processor readable / executable instructions for implementing the applications or modules described herein can be stored or otherwise held by such non-transitory computer-processor storage media. TM Further, it should be understood that any module, component, or device described herein executing instructions can include or otherwise have access to one or more non-transitory computer-processor readable storage media storing information, such as computer-processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer-processor readable storage media includes magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, magnetic disks or other magnetic storage devices, compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, optical discs, or other optical storage, volatile and non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, and / or any method or technology that can be used to program or store information. Any such non-transitory computer-processor storage media can be part of a device or accessible or connectable thereto. Computer-processor readable / executable instructions for implementing the applications or modules described herein can be stored or otherwise held by such non-transitory computer-processor storage media.

[0356] While combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all combinations of features are required in order to realize the benefits of various embodiments of the application. In other words, systems or methods designed in accordance with embodiments of the application need not include all of the features shown in any one of the figures or all of the portions thereof, and that selected features of one example embodiment can be combined with selected features of another example embodiment.

[0357] It should be appreciated that any range of values recited herein is intended to include any and all intermediate values, and sub-ranges thereof, unless the context otherwise indicates otherwise.

[0358] It should also be understood that the word "a" or "an", when used in the context of this document, is intended to mean "one or more" or "at least one", and that any singular form is intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0359] It should also be understood that the term "comprising" or "comprises", including any variations thereof, is intended to be open-ended and to mean "including but not limited to" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0360] When a list of items is given, and "or" is used in the list of items, then any one of the items in the list of items or any suitable combination of two or more of the items in the list of items can be selected and used.

[0361] The embodiments set forth herein represent information sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter addressed by the present disclosure and illustrate the best ways known to us of practicing the subject matter. Upon reading the description, those skilled in the art will understand concepts and applications of the subject matter and will be able to apply the concepts and applications to practice the subject matter addressed by the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the concepts and applications described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0362] While the present application has been described with reference to the illustrative embodiments, the description is not intended to be limiting. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the present application, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present application is intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first device transmits radio frequency (RF) pulse signals during the active phase of the periodic sensing cycle. The RF pulse signals are defined by waveforms and are used to carry communication data between the first device and the second device. The first device senses the reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from the object during the passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle, wherein the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, and the at least a portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value at which the object is within the sensing range of the first device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving a communication signal from the second device during the passive phase, the communication signal being defined by the waveform.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving a control signaling signal indicating one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signal, such that when the object is within the sensing range of the first device, the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The periodic sensing cycle includes multiple sub-cycles, the first sub-cycle of which includes a first active phase and a first passive phase, and the second sub-cycle of which includes a second active phase and a second passive phase.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The RF pulse signal includes a signaling portion for signaling parameters associated with subsequent RF pulse signals to be transmitted by the first device, the signaling portion including an indication of one or more of the following: bandwidth; Frame structure; Includes the sub-period index for each sub-period of the encoded data; Waveform; Parameter set; or Pulse shape.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the active phase of a periodic sensing cycle, the second device receives a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal transmitted from the first device, the RF pulse signal being defined by a waveform for (i) carrying communication data between the first device and the second device and (ii) during the passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle, the first device senses a reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object, the sensed RF pulse signal being at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, the at least a portion being equal to or greater than a threshold of the object within the sensing range of the first device; The second device transmits a communication signal defined by the waveform during the passive phase of the periodic sensing cycle.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes the second device sensing a sensing signal defined by the waveform.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes sending or receiving control signaling signals indicating one or more signal parameters associated with the RF pulse signal, such that when the object is within the sensing range of the first device, the sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The periodic sensing cycle includes multiple sub-cycles, the first sub-cycle of which includes a first active phase and a first passive phase, and the second sub-cycle of which includes a second active phase and a second passive phase.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The RF pulse signal includes a signaling portion for signaling parameters associated with subsequent RF pulse signals to be transmitted by the first device, the signaling portion including an indication of one or more of the following: bandwidth; Frame structure; Includes the sub-period index for each sub-period of the encoded data; Waveform; Parameter set; or Pulse shape.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store instructions, the processor executing the instructions to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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