Beam management for radio frequency sensing based on a bistatic air interface in millimeter wave systems

Abstract

Techniques are provided for managing transmit and receive beams for bistatic radio frequency (RF) sensing in millimeter wave (mmW) communication systems. An example method of tracking targets using bistatic RF sensing includes receiving one or more sensing reference signals; generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals; transmitting the signal report; receiving tracking signal configuration information; receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Wireless communication systems have developed through several generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephones, second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephones, and third-generation (3G) high speed data, Internet-capable wireless telephones, and fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) wireless systems. Today, many different types of wireless communication systems are being used, including cellular and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), etc.

[0002] The fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, referred to as New Radio (NR), is expected to deliver higher data throughputs, more capacity, and better coverage than the fourth generation (4G) wireless standard. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, 5G is expected to deliver a 1000x improvement in network capacity, with the potential to support 1000x more connected devices than current 4G networks. To achieve these goals, NR is being developed to include a new set of physical layer channels and procedures related to initial access, mobility, and scheduling. These changes are expected to provide significant improvements in wireless communication.

[0003] 5G enables the use of mmW RF signals for wireless communication between network nodes such as base stations, user equipment (UE), vehicles, factory automation machinery, etc. However, mmW RF signals can also be used for other purposes. For example, mmW RF signals can be used for weapon systems (e.g., as close-in fire control radars in tanks and aircraft), security systems (e.g., in scanners that detect weapons and other dangerous objects carried under clothing), medicine (e.g., to treat diseases by altering cell growth), etc. SUMMARY

[0004] An example method of tracking targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing according to the present disclosure includes receiving one or more sensing reference signals, generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals, transmitting the signal report, receiving tracking signal configuration information, receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information, and tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0005] Implementations of the method can include one or more of the following features. Receiving the one or more sensing reference signals can include receiving the one or more sensing reference signals on one or more receive beams. The signal report can include an indication of a receive beam associated with at least one of the one or more sensing reference signals. The method can further include determining a measurement value for each of the one or more sensing reference signals; comparing the measurement value to a threshold value; and generating the signal report based on the one or more sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold value. The measurement value can be at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The one or more sensing reference signals can include a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a synchronization signal block (SSB). Each of the one or more tracking reference signals can be associated with one target. At least one of the one or more tracking reference signals can be associated with two or more targets. Each of the two or more targets can be identified with a target identification value in the tracking signal configuration information. The two or more targets can be identified with a target group identification value in the tracking signal configuration information. The tracking signal configuration information can be received via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message. Receiving the one or more tracking reference signals can be in response to transmitting a tracking request to the base station.

[0006] An example method for beam management in bistatic radio frequency sensing according to the present disclosure includes transmitting one or more scanning reference signals; receiving a scanning signal report based at least in part on the one or more scanning reference signals; selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scanning signal report; transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0007] Implementations of the method can include one or more of the following features. The one or more scan reference signals can include at least one selected from a group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB). Transmitting the one or more tracking reference signals can be in response to receiving a tracking request from the user equipment. The scan signal report can include a signal identification value for at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include one or more target identification values associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include a target group identification value associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include a receive beam associated with the user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam. The one or more tracking reference signals can include at least one selected from a group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB). The tracking signal configuration information can include at least one target identification value. The at least one target identification value can be associated with one tracking reference signal and one receive beam on the user equipment. The tracking signal configuration information can be transmitted via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0008] An example apparatus to track targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: receive one or more sensing reference signals; generate a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals; transmit the signal report; receive tracking signal configuration information; receive one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and track one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0009] Implementations of the apparatus can include one or more of the following features. The at least one processor can be further configured to receive one or more sensing reference signals on one or more receive beams. The signal report can include an indication of a receive beam associated with at least one of the one or more sensing reference signals. The at least one processor can be further configured to determine a measurement value for each of the one or more sensing reference signals; compare the measurement value to a threshold value; and generate the signal report based on one or more of the sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold value. The measurement value can be at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The one or more sensing reference signals can include at least one of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB). Each of the one or more tracking reference signals can be associated with one target. At least one of the one or more tracking reference signals can be associated with two or more targets. Each of the two or more targets can be identified with a target identification value in tracking signal configuration information. The two or more targets can be identified with a target group identification value in the tracking signal configuration information. The tracking signal configuration information can be received via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message. The at least one processor can be further configured to transmit a tracking request to a base station, and receive the one or more tracking reference signals in response to transmitting the tracking request to the base station.

[0010] An example apparatus for managing beams in bistatic radio frequency sensing according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to transmit one or more scanning reference signals; receive a scanning signal report based at least in part on the one or more scanning reference signals; select one or more targets for tracking based on the scanning signal report; transmit tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and transmit one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0011] Implementations of the described techniques can include one or more of the following features. The one or more scan reference signals can include one of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB). The at least one processor can be further configured to receive a tracking request from the user equipment and transmit the one or more tracking reference signals in response to receiving the tracking request from the user equipment. The scan signal report can include a signal identification value for at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include one or more target identification values associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include a target group identification value associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals. The scan signal report can include a receive beam associated with the user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam. The one or more tracking reference signals can include one of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB). The tracking signal configuration information can include at least one target identification value. The at least one target identification value can be associated with one tracking reference signal and one receive beam on the user equipment. The tracking signal configuration information can be transmitted via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0012] An example apparatus for tracking targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing, in accordance with the disclosure, includes means for receiving one or more sensing reference signals; means for generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals; means for transmitting the signal report; means for receiving tracking signal configuration information; means for receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and means for tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0013] An example apparatus for managing beams in bistatic radio frequency sensing, in accordance with the disclosure, includes means for transmitting one or more scan reference signals; means for receiving a scan signal report based at least in part on the one or more scan reference signals; means for selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scan signal report; means for transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and means for transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0014] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to track targets with bistatic radio frequency sensing in accordance with the present disclosure includes code for receiving one or more sensing reference signals; code for generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals; code for transmitting the signal report; code for receiving tracking signal configuration information; code for receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and code for tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0015] An example non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to manage beams in bistatic radio frequency sensing in accordance with the present disclosure includes code for transmitting one or more scanning reference signals; code for receiving a scanning signal report based at least in part on the one or more scanning reference signals; code for selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scanning signal report; code for transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and code for transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0016] The items and / or techniques described herein can provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned. A base station and a user equipment can be configured to perform a bistatic radio frequency sensing scanning phase. In the scanning phase, the base station is configured to transmit a plurality of sensing-scanning reference signals, and the user equipment can receive one or more of the sensing-scanning reference signals using one or more receive beams. The user equipment can perform signal measurements on the received sensing-scanning reference signals and report signal information to the base station. The base station can select targets to track based on the reported signal information. The base station can provide configuration information for sensing-tracking reference signals to the user equipment. The base station can transmit the sensing-tracking reference signals to enable the user equipment to track the selected targets. The sensing-tracking reference signals can be quasi-co-located with the sensing-scanning reference signals. Beam pairs associated with the tracking targets can be managed by the network or the user equipment. Other capabilities can be provided, and not every implementation according to the disclosure must provide any or all of the capabilities discussed, much less the entirety of the same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of examples of one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter and are provided solely for illustration of the examples and not limitation thereof.

[0018] Figure 1An example wireless communication system is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2A And 2B An example wireless network structure is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 3A-3C is a simplified block diagram of several sample aspects of components that can be used in a wireless communication node and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0021] Figure 4A An example monostatic radar system is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4B An example bistatic radar system is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 5 is an example plot showing a radio frequency (RF) channel response over time.

[0024] Figure 6 An example single-target beam management use case for bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 7 An example multi-target beam management use case for bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 8A An example scan phase using bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 8B An example track phase using bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 8C is an example message flow for beam-dependent target tracking using bistatic radio frequency sensing beam management.

[0029] Figure 9A An example use case for multi-target detection using bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 9B is an example message flow for multi-target bistatic radio frequency sensing beam management.

[0031] Figure 10A An example use case for target group detection using bistatic radio frequency sensing is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 10B is an example message flow for target group bistatic radio frequency sensing beam management.

[0033] Figure 11 is an example process flow of a method for beam management for bistatic radio frequency sensing in a communication network base station.

[0034] Figure 12 is an example process flow for a method of tracking a target with user equipment using bistatic radio frequency sensing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Techniques for managing transmit and receive beams in a millimeter wave (mmW) communication system for bistatic radio frequency (RF) sensing are provided herein. RF sensing can be considered as a consumer-level radar with advanced detection capabilities. For example, RF sensing can be used in applications such as health monitoring (e.g., heartbeat detection, respiration rate monitoring, etc.), gesture recognition (e.g., human activity recognition, keystroke detection, sign language recognition), context information acquisition (e.g., location detection / tracking, direction finding, range estimation), automotive radar (e.g., intelligent cruise control, collision avoidance), etc. In one example, mmW RF signals such as 3GPP NR FR2 / FR2x / FR4 are particularly suitable for range detection applications. Systems and methods herein provide beam management methods for a base station (BS) and / or a user equipment (UE) to utilize RF sensing and object tracking. For example, during a scanning phase, a BS can be configured to transmit a plurality of sensing-scan reference signals (SSRSs), and one or more stations (e.g., BSs, UEs) can be configured to provide a beam report based on the received SSRSs. The BS can be configured to select one or more targets for tracking based on the beam report. During a tracking phase, the BS can be configured to provide sensing-tracking information to the one or more stations and transmit sensing-tracking reference signals for the one or more stations to track the one or more targets. These techniques are merely exemplary and not exhaustive.

[0036] Aspects of the disclosure are provided in the following description and related drawings. Alternative aspects can be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of the disclosure, or elements of the disclosure that are commonly used, not be described in detail in order to concisely describe the aspects of the disclosure and not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the disclosure.

[0037] The words “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Likewise, the term “aspects of the disclosure” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the particular applications, in part on the underlying technology, in part on the particular design choices made by a designer, and / or part on any combination thereof.

[0039] Further, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereinof corresponding computer instructions that, upon execution, would cause or direct an associated processor of a device to perform the functionality described herein. The machine-readable storage medium can be non-transitory in nature, meaning that the storage medium does not change as the data is being accessed. Examples of machine-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information in a non-transitory fashion. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure can be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the aspects described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspects can be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to" perform the described action.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "user equipment" (UE) and "base station" (BS) are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE can be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE can be mobile, e.g., a mobile phone, or can be stationary (e.g., a wireless router), and can communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term "UE" can be referred to interchangeably as an "access terminal" or "AT," a "client device," a "wireless device," a "subscriber device," a "subscriber terminal," a "subscriber station," a "user terminal" or UT, a "mobile device," a "mobile terminal," a "mobile station" or variations thereof. Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected to one or more external networks such as the Internet and / or to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.) and so on.

[0041] A base station can operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs over the network in which it is deployed, and can alternatively be referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as gNB, or gNodeB), etc. Base stations can be used to provide wireless access to UEs for enabling data, voice, and / or signaling connections between the UEs and the core network. In some systems, the base stations can provide only edge node signaling functions; however, in other systems, the base stations can provide additional functions including control access functions and / or radio network control functions. UEs can transmit signals to base stations over communication links, which are referred to as uplink (UL) channels (e.g., reverse traffic channels, reverse control channels, access channels, etc.). Base stations can transmit signals to UEs over communication links, which are referred to as downlink (DL) or forward link channels (e.g., paging channels, control channels, broadcast channels, forward traffic channels, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channels.

[0042] The term“base station” can refer to a single physical transmission-reception point (TRP), or can refer to multiple physical TRPs that can or can not be co-located. For example, in cases where the term“base station” refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP can be an antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. In cases where the term“base station” refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be an array of antennas of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, or where the base station employs beamforming). In cases where the term“base station” refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transport medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, non-co-located physical TRPs can be the serving base station from which UEs receive measurements reports and a neighbor base station whose reference RF signals (or simply“reference signals”) the UEs are measuring. Because a TRP is a point from / into which the base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmissions from or receptions at a base station are to be understood as referring to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0043] In certain implementations that support positioning of UEs, a base station can not support wireless access by UEs (e.g., can not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections for UEs), but can instead transmit reference signals to UEs to be measured by the UEs, and / or can receive and measure signals transmitted by UEs. Such a base station can be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when transmitting signals to UEs) and / or as a location measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from UEs).

[0044] An “RF signal” comprises electromagnetic waves of a given frequency that convey information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter can transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, the receiver can receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal can also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal,” where it is clear from the context that the term “signal” means a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 An example wireless communication system 100 is shown. The wireless communication system 100, which can also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WW AN), can include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 can include macro cell base stations (high power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low power cellular base stations). In an aspect, the macro cell base station can include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs, in cases in which the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or gNBs, in cases in which the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations can include femto cells, pico cells, micro cells, and the like.

[0046] The base stations 102 can wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104 through one or more base station antennas 108 and over one or more communication links 120. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. Communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 can utilize one or more carriers, each of which can carry control information, data, or other signaling. Examples of wireless communication links 120 can include communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a UE 104, communication links 120 between a base station 102 and another base station 102, communication links 120 between a UE 104 and another UE 104, or communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a network entity (not shown). The base stations 102 can wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104 through one or more base station antennas 108 and over one or more communication links 120. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. Communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 can utilize one or more carriers, each of which can carry control information, data, or other signaling. Examples of wireless communication links 120 can include communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a UE 104, communication links 120 between a base station 102 and another base station 102, communication links 120 between a UE 104 and another UE 104, or communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a network entity (not shown). The base stations 102 can communicate with one another over the backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, Xn, or other interfaces) over dedicated inter-base station links (e.g., using the S1 or X2 interface). The base stations 102 can also communicate with the core network 170 over the backhaul links 122 (e.g., using the S1, N2, or N3 interface). The UEs 104 can be dispersed throughout the coverage areas 110, and each UE 104 can be stationary or mobile. A UE 104 can also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote unit, a subscriber unit, a station, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a subscriber station, or the like. A UE 104 can be a cellular phone, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a gaming and / or media console, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a health or fitness tracker, a pedometer, or other devices that a user carries or wears), a personal electronic

[0047] The base stations 102 can wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104 through one or more base station antennas 108 and over one or more communication links 120. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. Communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 can utilize one or more carriers, each of which can carry control information, data, or other signaling. Examples of wireless communication links 120 can include communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a UE 104, communication links 120 between a base station 102 and another base station 102, communication links 120 between a UE 104 and another UE 104, or communication links 120 between a base station 102 and a network entity (not shown). The base stations 102 can communicate with one another over the backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, Xn, or other interfaces) over dedicated inter-base station links (e.g., using the S1 or X2 interface). The base stations 102 can also communicate with the core network 170 over the backhaul links 122 (e.g., using the S1, N2, or N3 interface). The UEs 104 can be dispersed throughout the coverage areas 110, and each UE 104 can be stationary or mobile. A UE 104 can also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote unit, a subscriber unit, a station, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a subscriber station, or the like. A UE 104 can be a cellular phone, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a gaming and / or media console, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a health or fitness tracker, a pedometer, or other devices that a user carries or wears), a personal electronic

[0048] Although the geographic coverage area 110 for each of the small cell base stations 102' can overlap in whole or in part with the geographic coverage area 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102, the small cell base stations 102' can be deployed without sufficient isolation from one another, and / or from other macro cell base stations 102 to cause partial or full overlap of geographic coverage areas 110. In some aspects, the small cell base stations 102' can be deployed using a high carrier frequency. The use of high carrier frequencies can allow the small cell base stations 102' to be deployed using a relatively simple and / or low cost installation process. For example, the small cell base stations 102' can be deployed without installing a dedicated transport network, and / or without obtaining additional spectrum licenses.

[0049] The communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 can include uplink (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE 104 to a base station 102 and / or downlink (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station 102 to a UE 104. The communication links 120 can use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication links 120 can be through one or more carrier frequencies. Allocation of carriers can be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or less carriers can be allocated for downlink than for uplink).

[0050] The wireless communications system 100 can also include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 in communication with WLAN stations (STAs) 152 via communication links 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STAs 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 can perform clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen before talk (LBT) procedures prior to communicating to determine whether the channel is available.

[0051] The small cell base stations 102' can operate in a licensed or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell base stations 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum as used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base stations 102' employing LTE / 5G in an unlicensed frequency spectrum can increase coverage and / or capacity of the access network. NR in an unlicensed frequency spectrum can be referred to as NR-U. LTE in an unlicensed frequency spectrum can be referred to as LTE-U, License Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0052] The wireless communications system 100 can also include a millimeter wave (mmW) base station 180 that can operate in mmW frequencies and / or near mmW frequencies to communicate with a UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range from 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths

[0053] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing the RF signal in a specific direction, which can be used to 5 improve spectral efficiency when several UEs are located close to each other. With transmit beamforming, the network node (e.g., a base station) determines the direction (e.g., incoming direction) of each UE's signal, and then focuses its transmit power in that direction, which results in a stronger signal for the UE and a weaker signal for other UEs. For the network node to determine the direction of each UE's signal, the UE can be required to send a pilot signal, which the network node uses to determine the direction of the signal. The pilot signal can be transmitted in the same way as a normal data signal, but the data in the pilot signal can be known at both the UE and the network node. The network node can then determine the direction of the signal by measuring the phase of the data in the pilot signal relative to a reference point, which can be the network node itself or a point of which it has knowledge. The network node can use the direction of the signal to determine the direction of the UE from the network node. Once the network node has determined the direction of the UE, the network node can focus its transmit power in that direction, which results in a stronger signal for the UE and a weaker signal for other UEs.

[0054] The transmit beams can be quasi-collocated, meaning that they appear to have the same parameters in a receiver (e.g., a UE), regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network node themselves are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-collocation (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters about a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL Type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial receive parameters of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0055] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase a gain setting and / or adjust a phase setting of an antenna array in a particular direction to amplify an RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase a gain level of that RF signal). Thus, when a receiver is said to beamform in a certain direction, this means that the beam gain in that direction is high relative to the beam gain along other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain in that direction of all other receive beams available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.) for the RF signal received from that direction.

[0056] The receive beams can be spatially related. Spatially related means that parameters of the transmit beam of the second reference signal can be derived from information about the receive beam of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can receive one or more reference downlink reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRSs), tracking reference signals (TRSs), phase tracking reference signals (PTRSs), cell-specific reference signals (CRSs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), primary synchronization signals (PSSs), secondary synchronization signals (SSSs), synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), etc.) from a base station using a particular receive beam. The UE can then form a transmit beam for transmitting one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., uplink positioning reference signals (UL-PRSs), sounding reference signals (SRSs), demodulation reference signals (DMRSs), PTRSs, etc.) to the base station based on parameters of that receive beam.

[0057] Note that a “downlink” beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, it is a receive beam for receiving a downlink reference signal. Similarly, an “uplink” beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, it is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE is forming an uplink beam, it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0058] In 5G, the frequency spectrum in which wireless nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UEs 104 / 182) operate is split into multiple frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In a multi-carrier system (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is called the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” while the rest of the carrier frequencies are called “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCells.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) used by the UE 104 / 182 and on which the UE 104 / 182 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection reestablishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels, and can be a carrier in a licensed frequency (although this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that can be configured once the RRC connection between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier is established, and which can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier can contain only necessary signaling information and signals, e.g., since both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific, there can not be UE-specific ones of those information and signals in the secondary carrier. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same is true for uplink primary carriers. The network is able to change the primary carriers of any UEs 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load across different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to a carrier frequency / component carrier on which some base station is communicating, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” and the like, can be used interchangeably.

[0059] For example, still referring to Figure 1 , one of the frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or “PCell”), and other frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers (“SCells”). The simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rate. For example, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in a doubling of the data rate (i.e., 40 MHz) as compared to the rate achieved with a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0060] Wireless communications system 100 can also include UE 164, which can be in communication with macro cell base station 102 through communications link 120 and / or mmW base station 180 through mmW communication link 184. For example, macro cell base station 102 can support PCell and one or more SCells for UE 164, and mmW base station 180 can support one or more SCells for UE 164.

[0061] Wireless communications system 100 can also include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links, becoming a “sidelink.” For example, UE 190 can have a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations 102 (through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity), and a D2D P2P link 194 with WLAN STA 152 connected to the WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based network connectivity). Figure 1 In examples, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can be supported by any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, etc.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2A An example wireless network structure 200 is shown. For example, a 5GC 210 (also referred to as Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be viewed functionally as control plane functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP Figure 1 ​The UE 204 can communicate with any UE depicted in the diagram. Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which can communicate with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each server may correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can be connected to via the core network, the 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not shown). Furthermore, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, may be located outside the core network.

[0063] Reference Figure 2B Another example wireless network architecture 250 is shown. For example, 5GC 260 can be functionally viewed as a control plane function provided by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264 and a user plane function provided by User Plane Function (UPF) 262, which cooperate to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect ng-eNB 224 to 5GC 260, and specifically to UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively. In an additional configuration, gNB 222 can also connect to 5GC 260 via control plane interface 265 to AMF 264 and user plane interface 263 to UPF 262. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223, with or without direct connectivity to the gNB of 5GC 260. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNB 222s, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNB 224 and gNB 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 can be used with UE 204 (e.g., Figure 1 The base station of the new RAN 220 communicates with the AMF 264 via the N2 interface and with the UPF 262 via the N3 interface.

[0064] Functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful intercept, transport for session management (SM) messages between a UE 204 and a session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy services for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transport for short message service (SMS) messages between the UE 204 and an SMS function (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with an authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives an intermediate key that was established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In cases where the authentication is based on a UMTS (Universal Mobile

[0065] Functions of the UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra- / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as a external protocol data unit (PDU) session point of interconnect to data networks (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful intercept (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding of one or more “end markers” to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 can also support transfer of location services messages over the user plane between the UE 204 and a location server, such as a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (LPP) server (SLP) 272.

[0066] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic steering at the UPF 262 to route traffic to the proper destination, part of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface over which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the N11 interface.

[0067] Another optional aspect can include an LMF 270, which can be in communication with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for UEs 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across a plurality of physical servers, etc.), or alternately can each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204, which can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not shown). The SLP 272 can support similar functions to the LMF 270, but whereas the LMF 270 can communicate with the AMF 264, the new RAN 220, and UEs 204 over a control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to propagate signaling messages, rather than voice or data), the SLP 272 can communicate with UEs 204 and external clients (not shown in FIG. 2) over a user plane (e.g., using protocols intended to carry voice and / or data, such as the transmission control protocol (TCP) and / or IP). Figure 2B

[0068] In an aspect, the LMF 270 and / or SLP 272 can be integrated into a base station, such as gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224. When integrated into a gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224, the LMF 270 and / or SLP 272 can be referred to as a “location management component” or “LMC.” However, as used herein, references to the LMF 270 and SLP 272 include instances in which the LMF 270 and SLP 272 are components of a core network (e.g., 5GC 260) as well as instances in which the LMF 270 and SLP 272 are components of a base station.

[0069] Reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C ​FIG. 13 shows a diagram of a system including a UE 302, a base station 304, and a network entity 306 that can be used to support techniques described herein for file transfer operations. The UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each can be any of the UEs, base stations, and network entities described herein. As shown, the UE 302 can include a number of components implemented together on a common integrated circuit or separate from each other. Similarly, the base station 304 can include a number of components implemented together on a common integrated circuit or separate from each other. Similarly, the network entity 306 can include a number of components implemented together on a common integrated circuit or separate from each other. The components can be reconfigured as desired. In other implementations, one or more of the components can be implemented separately.

[0070] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each include wireless wide area network (WW AN) transceiver 310 and 350, respectively, configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication networks, such as an NR network, an LTE network, a GSM network, and so forth. The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc., via one or more designated RATs (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, and so on) over a wireless communication medium (e.g., a set of certain time / frequency resources in a particular frequency spectrum) of interest. The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be variously configured to transmit and

[0071] The UE 302 and the base station 304 also include wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver 320 and 360, respectively, at least in some cases. The WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 can be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc., via one or more designated RATs (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, and so on) over a wireless communication medium of interest. The WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 can be variously configured to transmit and receive signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, via the antennas 326 and 366, respectively, as well as to The WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 can be variously configured to respectively transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on) and, conversely, respectively receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on) in accordance with a designated RAT. Specifically, the transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively.

[0072] Transceiver circuitry including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver can include, in some implementations, an integrated device (e.g., embodied as a single communication device with transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry), can include, in some implementations, a standalone transmitter device and a standalone receiver device, or can be embodied in other ways, in other implementations. As described herein, in an aspect, a transmitter can include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the respective apparatus to perform transmit “beamforming.” Similarly, as described herein, in an aspect, a receiver can include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the respective apparatus to perform receive “beamforming.” In an aspect, the transmitter and receiver can share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that a respective apparatus can either receive or transmit at a given time, but not both. The wireless communication device(s) of UE 302 and / or base station 304 (e.g., one or both of transceivers 310 and 320 and / or 350 and 360) can also include a network listening module (NLM) or the like for performing various measurements.

[0073] The UEs 302 and the base stations 304 also include satellite positioning system (SPS) receivers 330 and 370, at least in some cases. The SPS receivers 330 and 370 can be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, for receiving SPS signals 338 and 378, such as global positioning system (GPS) signals, global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. The SPS receivers 330 and 370 can comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing SPS signals 338 and 378, respectively. The SPS receivers 330 and 370 request information and operations from the other systems as appropriate and perform the computations necessary for determining the locations of the UEs 302 and the base stations 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable SPS algorithm.

[0074] The base stations 304 and network entities 306 each include at least one network interface 380 and 390 for communicating with other network entities. For example, the network interfaces 380 and 390 (e.g., one or more network access ports) can be configured to communicate with one or more network entities via a wire-based backhaul connection or a wireless backhaul connection. In some aspects, the network interfaces 380 and 390 can be implemented as transceivers configured to enable wire-based or wireless signal communication. This communication can involve, for example, issuing and receiving messages, parameters, and / or other types of information.

[0075] The UEs 302, the base stations 304, and the network entities 306 also include other components that can be useful for implementing the operations as disclosed herein. The UEs 302 include a processor circuit that implements a processing system 332 for providing functions that relate to, for example, RF sensing, as well as for providing other processing functions. The base stations 304 include a processing system 384 for providing functions that relate to, for example, RF sensing as disclosed herein, as well as for providing other processing functions. The network entities 306 include a processing system 394 for providing functions that relate to, for example, RF sensing as disclosed herein, as well as for providing other processing functions. In an aspect, the processing systems 332, 384, and 394 can include, for example, one or more general purpose processors, multi-core processors, ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry.

[0076] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 each include memory circuitry implementing a memory component 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a storage device) that stores information (e.g., information indicative of reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.) for maintaining information. In some cases, the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 can each include an RF sensing component 342, 388, and 398. The RF sensing component 342, 388, and 398 can be hardware circuitry that is part of, or coupled to, the processing system 332, 384, and 394 that, when executed, cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. In other aspects, the RF sensing component 342, 388, and 398 can be external to the processing system 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, the RF sensing component 342, 388, and 398 can be a memory module stored in the memory component 340, 386, and 396, respectively, that, when executed by the processing system 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. Figure 3A The computer program product 350, 390, and 400 can include a computer readable medium 352, 392, and 402, respectively. This can be a storage medium or memory medium such as flash memory, optical media (e.g., CD or DVD), magnetic media, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, a

[0077] The UE 302 can include one or more sensors 344 coupled to the processing system 332 to provide movement and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by the WWAN transceiver 310, the WLAN transceiver 320, and / or the SPS receiver 330. As examples, the sensors 344 can include an accelerometer (e.g., a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric altimeter), and / or any other type of movement detection sensor. Moreover, the sensors 344 can include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs in order to provide motion information. For example, the sensors 344 can use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and directional sensors to provide the ability to compute position in 2D and / or 3D coordinate systems.

[0078] Additionally, the UE 302 includes a user interface 346 for providing indications (e.g., audible and / or visual indications) to a user and / or for receiving user input (e.g., upon the user actuating a sensing device such as a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, etc.). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 can also include user interfaces.

[0079] Referring to the processing system 384 in more detail, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 can be provided to the processing system 384. The processing system 384 can implement functionality of the RRC layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, and medium access control (MAC) layer. The processing system 384 can provide RRC layer functionality associated with the broadcasting of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information blocks (SIBs)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error detection at the protocol interface, error correction through automatic repeat request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC data PDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0080] The transmitter 354 and the receiver 352 can implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, can include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the

[0081] At the UE 302, a receiver 312 receives a signal through a respective antenna 316. The receiver 312 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the processing system 332. The transmitter 314 and the receiver 312 implement layer- 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 302, they can be combined by the receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The receiver 312 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates computed by the channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and de-interleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the processing system 332, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0082] On the uplink, the processing system 332 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. The processing system 332 is also responsible for error detection.

[0083] Similar to the functionality described in connection with the downlink transmission by the base station 304, the processing system 332 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0084] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to different antenna 316. The transmitter 314 can modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0085] Uplink transmissions are processed at the base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver functionality at the UE 302. The receiver 352 receives a signal through its respective antennas 356. The receiver 352 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the processing system 384.

[0086] In the uplink, the processing system 384 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 302. IP packets from the processing system 384 can be provided to the core network. The processing system 384 is also responsible for error detection.

[0087] For convenience, Figure 3A The UE 302, base station 304, and / or network entity 306 are illustrated as including various components that can be configured according to the various examples described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated blocks can have different functions in different designs.

[0088] The various components of the UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can communicate with one another through data buses 334, 382, and 392, respectively. Figure 3A The components of the UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can be implemented in various ways. In some embodiments, Figure 3A- Components of C can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as for example one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which can include one or more processors). Herein, each circuit can use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storage of information or executable code used by that circuit to provide the functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310-346 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350-388 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Also, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390-398 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, acts, and / or functions are described herein as being performed by a UE, by a base station, by a positioning entity, and / or the like. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, acts, and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE, base station, positioning entity, and / or the like, such as the processing systems 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, memory components 340, 386, and 396, RF sensing components 342, 388, and 398, and / or the like.

[0089] Wireless communication signals (e.g., RF signals configured to carry OFDM symbols) transmitted between UEs and base stations can be repurposed for environmental sensing (also referred to as “RF sensing” or “radar”). Using wireless communication signals for environmental sensing can be viewed as a consumer-grade radar with advanced detection capabilities, enabling, among other things, touchless / device-free interaction with devices / systems. The wireless communication signals can be cellular communication signals, such as LTE or NR signals, WLAN signals, and / or the like. As a particular example, the wireless communication signals can be OFDM waveforms as used in LTE and NR. High frequency communication signals, such as mmW RF signals, are particularly advantageous for use as radar signals because the higher frequencies provide, at a minimum, more precise range (distance) detection.

[0090] Generally, there are different types of radars, in particular monostatic and bistatic radars. Figure 4A and 4B Two of these different types of radars are illustrated. In particular, Figure 4A is a diagram 400 illustrating a monostatic radar scenario, and Figure 4B is a diagram 430 illustrating a bistatic radar scenario. InFigure 4A In the middle, the base station 402 can be configured for full duplex operation and thus the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) are co-located. For example, the transmitted radio signal 406 can be reflected by a target object such as the building 404 and the receiver on the base station 402 is configured to receive and measure the reflected beam 408. This is a typical use case for traditional or conventional radar. In Figure 4B In the middle, the base station 405 can be configured as a transmitter (Tx) and the UE 432 can be configured as a receiver (Rx). In this example, the transmitter and receiver are not co-located, that is, they are separate. The base station 405 can be configured to transmit a beam such as the omnidirectional downlink RF signal 406 that can be received by the UE 432. A portion of the RF signal 406 can be reflected or refracted by the building 404 and the UE 432 can receive this reflected signal 434. This is a typical use case for RF sensing based on wireless communication (e.g., WiFi based, LTE based, NR based). Note that while Figure 4B Figure illustrates the use of a downlink RF signal 406 as the RF sensing signal, but an uplink RF signal can also be used as the RF sensing signal. In a downlink scenario, as illustrated, the transmitter is the base station 405 and the receiver is the UE 432, while in an uplink scenario, the transmitter is the UE and the receiver is the base station.

[0091] Referring in more detail to Figure 4B The base station 405 transmits an RF sensing signal (e.g., PRS) to the UE 432, but some of the RF sensing signals are reflected from a target object such as the building 404. The UE 404 can measure the ToA of the RF signal 406 received directly from the base station as well as the ToA of the reflected signal 434 reflected from the target object (e.g., building 404).

[0092] The base station 405 can be configured to transmit a single RF signal 406 or multiple RF signals to the receiver (e.g., UE 432). However, due to the propagation characteristics of the RF signal through a multipath channel, the UE 432 can receive multiple RF signals corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. Each path can be associated with a cluster of one or more channel taps. Typically, the time at which the first cluster of channel taps is detected by the receiver is considered to be the ToA of the RF signal on the line-of-site (LOS) path (i.e., the shortest path between the transmitter and receiver). Subsequent clusters of channel taps are considered to have been reflected from an object between the transmitter and receiver and thus have followed a non-line-of-site (NLOS) path between the transmitter and receiver.

[0093] Thus, referring back to Figure 4BRF signal 406 follows a LOS path between base station 405 and UE 432, and reflected signal 434 represents an RF sensing signal that follows a NLOS path between base station 405 and UE 432 due to reflection from building 404 (or another target object). Base station 405 can have transmitted multiple RF sensing signals (not shown in FIG. 4), some of which follow a LOS path and some of which follow a NLOS path. Alternatively, base station 405 can transmit a single RF sensing signal in a beam that is wide enough that some portion of the RF sensing signal follows a LOS path and some portion of the RF sensing signal follows a NLOS path. Figure 4B

[0094] Based on the difference between the ToA for the LOS path, the ToA for the NLOS path, and the speed of light, UE 432 can determine a distance to building 404. Furthermore, if UE 432 is capable of receiving beamforming, UE 432 can be able to determine an approximate direction to building 404 as the direction of reflected signal 434, which is the RF sensing signal that followed the NLOS path at the time of reception. UE 432 can then optionally report this information to transmitting base station 405, an application server associated with a core network, an external client, a third-party application, or some other entity. Alternatively, UE 432 can report ToA measurements to base station 405 or other entity, and base station 405 can determine a distance to the target object and, optionally, a direction to the target object.

[0095] Note that if the RF sensing signal is an uplink RF signal transmitted by UE 432 to base station 405, base station 405 will perform object detection based on the uplink RF signal just as UE 432 does based on the downlink RF signal.

[0096] Reference is made to Figure 5 FIG. 5, which shows an example plot 500 of an RF channel response at a receiver (e.g., any of the UEs or base stations described herein) over time. In the example of FIG. 5, the receiver receives multiple (four) clusters of channel taps. Each channel tap represents a multipath that an RF signal follows between a transmitter (e.g., any of the UEs or base stations described herein) and the receiver. That is, a channel tap represents an arrival of an RF signal on a multipath. Each cluster of channel taps indicates that the corresponding multipaths follow substantially the same path. There can be different clusters due to the RF signal being transmitted on different transmit beams (and thus at different angles), or due to the propagation characteristics of the RF signal (following widely different paths possibly due to reflections), or both. Figure 5

[0097] In the example of FIG. 5, the receiver receives multiple (four) clusters of channel taps. Each channel tap represents a multipath that an RF signal follows between a transmitter (e.g., any of the UEs or base stations described herein) and the receiver. That is, a channel tap represents an arrival of an RF signal on a multipath. Each cluster of channel taps indicates that the corresponding multipaths follow substantially the same path. There can be different clusters due to the RF signal being transmitted on different transmit beams (and thus at different angles), or due to the propagation characteristics of the RF signal (following widely different paths possibly due to reflections), or both. Figure 5 ​​Under the illustrated channel, the receiver receives a first cluster of two RF signals on the channel taps at time T1, a second cluster of five RF signals on the channel taps at time T2, a third cluster of five RF signals on the channel taps at time T3, and a fourth cluster of four RF signals on the channel taps at time T4. In Figure 5 the example, because the first cluster of RF signals at time T1 arrives first, it is assumed to be the LOS data stream (i.e., the data stream that arrived through the LOS or shortest path) and can correspond to Figure 4B the illustrated LOS path (e.g., RF signal 406). The third cluster at time T3 is composed of the strongest RF signals and can correspond to Figure 4B the illustrated NLOS path (e.g., reflected signal 434). Note that although Figure 5 two to five clusters of channel taps are illustrated, it should be understood that these clusters can have more or fewer channel taps than illustrated.

[0098] Referring to Figure 6 , an example single-target beam management use case 600 for bistatic radio frequency sensing is shown. The use case 600 includes a base station 602, such as a 5G NR gNB configured to transmit multiple beamformed signals along different azimuth and / or elevation angles, and a UE 610 configured to utilize receive beamforming to improve signal gain based on angle of arrival. The base station 602 can be configured to generate N different reference beams and various azimuth, elevation, and / or beam widths. In one example, the beams transmitted by the base station 602 can be based on SS blocks, CSI-RS, TRS, or PRS resource sets. Other sensing and tracking reference signals can also be used. The UE 610 can be configured to utilize phase shifters and other software and hardware techniques to generate receive beams, such as a first receive beam 612, a second receive beam 614, and a third receive beam 616. The UE 610 can also be configured to utilize beamforming for transmitted beams. The base station 602 can transmit a first reference signal 604 in the direction of a target object, such as the building 404, which can be reflected, and the UE 610 can receive the reflected signal 606 utilizing the first receive beam 612. The reflected signal 606 represents an NLOS path of the first reference signal 604 to the UE 610. The base station 602 also transmits a second reference signal 608 on a second beam. In one example, the second reference signal 608 can be quasi-collocated (QCL) with the first reference signal 604. The UE 610 receives the second reference signal 608 using the second receive beam 614. The second reference signal 608 is a LOS path to the UE 610.

[0099] In operation, the UE 610 can be configured to report the channel response of each of the first and second reference signals 604, 608 to the base station 602 or another serving cell, and the base station 602 can be configured to manage the transmit and receive beam pairs for object sensing. For example, the base station 602 can be configured to provide transmit and receive beam identification information to the UE 610 to track an object such as the building 404. The beam identification information can be a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) signaled in a DCI message that includes a configuration such as a QCL relationship between a transmit beam and a receive beam.

[0100] Reference is made to Figure 7 , further reference is made to Figure 6 An example multi-target use case 700 for bistatic radio frequency sensing is shown. The use case 700 extends the single-target use case 600 of Figure 6 by including a second target. As an example and not a limitation, the second target can be a second building 704. The number and nature of the targets can vary depending on the environment and the radio sensing application. In the use case 700, the base station 602 transmits a third reference signal 702 that is reflected by the second building 704, and the resulting reflected signal 708 is detected by a second receive beam 614 of the UE 610. The UE 610 can report the channel response of the third reference signal 702 with an indication that the measurement was obtained with the second receive beam 614. The base station 602 is configured to manage the beam pair associated with the second target (i.e., the third reference signal 702 and the second receive beam 614). Additional targets and corresponding beam pairs can also be managed by the base station 602. The base station 602 can be configured to track one or more targets, and can therefore provide the corresponding beam pair information as QCL / TCI for the respective targets to the UE 610.

[0101] Reference is made to Figure 8A, an example scan phase 800 using bistatic radio frequency sensing is shown. The base station 802 is an example of the base station 304 and is configured to transmit multiple beamformed reference signals at varying azimuth, elevation, and / or beamwidth. The reference signals can be SS blocks, CSI-RS, TRS, PRS, or a sensing-scan reference signal (SSRS) configured for RF sensing applications. The UE 810 is an example of the UE 302 and can be configured to perform receive beam sweeping along different azimuth, elevation, and / or beamwidths relative to the azimuth of the UE 810. In operation, the base station 802 can transmit one or more reference signals in a sequence (i.e., beam sweeping) and the UE 810 is configured to beam sweep through different receive beams. The scan phase 800 can be used for initial detection of potential objects to be tracked via RF sensing. For example, the first reference signal 804 can be reflected by the first object 820a and the first reflected reference signal 804a can be detected by the UE 810. The UE 810 can cycle through different receive beams, such as the first receive beam 812, the second receive beam 814, and the third receive beam 816. As shown, the first reflected reference signal 804a can be received using the first receive beam 812. The UE 810 can also detect the second reference signal 805 via a LOS path using the second receive beam 814. The beam sweeping on the base station 802 can generate the third reference signal 806, which is reflected on the second object 820b and the third reflected reference signal 806a is received by the UE 810 on the third receive beam 816. Figure 8A

[0102] In one embodiment, the UE 810 can be configured to detect targets based on the RSRP of the received signals. For example, the UE 810 can report that the RSRP values associated with the first reference signal 804 and the third reference signal 806 are above a threshold. The threshold can be a fixed value or can be scaled based on the RSRP of a LOS signal such as the second reference signal 805. The UE 810 is configured to report one or more channel measurements (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) associated with the received reference signals to the base station 802 or other network node. The measurements obtained during the scan phase 800 can be used in a subsequent tracking phase.

[0103] Reference is made to Figure 8B , further reference is made to Figure 8A , an example tracking phase 850 using bistatic radio frequency sensing is shown. Continuing from Figure 8A ​For the example, the base station 802 (or another network node in the communication system 100) can determine to track one or more of the objects detected in the scanning phase 800. For example, the base station 802 can select to track the first object 820a and will issue beam configuration information to the UE 810 to enable the UE 810 to track the first object 820a. The beam configuration information can include reference signal information and receive beam configuration information for the UE 810. The base station 802 can track or refine measurements associated with the first object using a sensing-tracking reference signal (STRS) based on the first reference signal 804. In one example, the STRS can be QCLed with the corresponding SSRS (i.e., the first reference signal 804). SS blocks, CSI-RS, TRS, and PRS can be used as STRS. Other reference signals can also be developed and used as STRS. The beam configuration information issued to the UE 810 can be issued via RRC, medium access control control element (MAC-CE), DCI, or other signaling protocol. Upon receiving the beam configuration information, the UE 810 can detect the first object 820a, for example, using the first receive beam 812 with the STRS.

[0104] The base station 802 can be configured to track multiple targets based on the number of reference signals that the base station 802 can generate. In one embodiment, the base station 802 can be configured to track one object per reference signal. For example, the base station 802 can track the second object 820b by generating a second STRS based on the third reference signal 806. The beam configuration information issued to the UE 810 can include beam parameters for the second STRS and corresponding receive beam information (e.g., the third receive beam 816) provided by the UE 810 during the scanning phase 800. Accordingly, the UE 810 can be configured to track the first object 820a and the second object 820b. Additional objects up to the number of reference signals generated by the base station 802 can be tracked.

[0105] Reference Figure 8C Further reference Figure 8A and 8BFIG. 8 shows an example message flow 870 for beam-related target tracking with bistatic RF sensing beam management. The message flow 870 represents at least a portion of the signals exchanged between the base station 802 (e.g., gNB) and the UE 810 during the scanning phase 800 and the tracking phase 850. The base station 802 transmits one or more DL scan-sensing reference signals (SSRS) 872, such as the first reference signal 804, the second reference signal 805, and the third reference signal 806. The SSRS 872 can be SS blocks, CSI-RSs, TRSs, PRSs, or other existing or future reference signals configured for channel sounding or specifically for RF sensing measurements. The UE 810 is configured to issue a beam information report 874 based on measurements associated with the received SSRSs. The beam information report can include, for example, one or more of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR values associated with the SSRSs that exceed a threshold value. The beam information report 874 can also include receive beam information associated with the SSRSs that exceed the threshold value. The beam information report 874 can be issued via RRC messaging or within other UL signaling.

[0106] At stage 876, the base station 802 is configured to select a target for tracking based at least in part on the beam information report 874 issued by the UE 810. The selection of the target for tracking can be based on upper layer configuration parameters or other operational considerations. For example, an expected loss / degradation of the UE’s LOS path (e.g., due to extreme weather) can cause the network to need to track a static object. Further, while the example in FIG. 8 depicts a single base station and a single UE, additional base stations and UEs can be used to scan and track objects. The SSRSs can be associated with specific base stations and beams (e.g., TRP-IDs with PRS-IDs), and the network can be configured to aggregate beam information reports reaching from beams associated with other base stations and multiple UEs. Figures 8A-8C

[0107] ​In the tracking phase 850, the base station 802 can transmit tracking configuration information 878 for the targets selected at phase 876. The tracking configuration information can include a sense-tracking reference signal (STRS) associated with each selected target. The STRS can be QCLed with the corresponding SSRS 872 transmitted at the scanning phase 800. The tracking configuration information 878 can include the receive beam information based on the beam information report 874. The tracking configuration information 878 can be provided via RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, or other network signaling. The tracking configuration information 878 can be specific to the UE 810 or specific to the selected targets. The base station 802 transmits DL sense-tracking reference signals (STRS) 880 based on the targets selected at phase 876. In one example, each target can be associated with a STRS 880. The STRS can be an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, a PRS, or other existing and future reference signals developed for RF sensing applications.

[0108] At phase 882, the UE 810 is configured to track the targets associated with the STRS 880. For example, the UE 810 can use the first receive beam 812 to receive a STRS based on the first reference signal 804 to detect the first object 820a. If the second object 820b is also selected at phase 876, the UE 810 can be configured to use the third receive beam 816 to receive a second STRS (which can be QCLed with the third reference signal 806). In one example, the STRS 880 can be periodic or aperiodic (e.g., event-driven).

[0109] Reference Figure 9A FIG. 9 shows an example use case 900 of multi-target detection using bistatic RF sensing. In contrast to the example use case 800 where each target can be identified using a single reference signal, the use case 900 can involve multiple targets that are identified using multiple reference signals. Figures 8A-8CThe example in FIG. 9A, in contrast, highlights a scenario when a single reference signal is used to detect multiple targets. For example, the base station 902 is an example of the base station 304 and is configured to transmit a single beamformed reference signal at varying angles, elevation, and / or beamwidth. The first reference signal 904 can be configured as an SSRS and / or an STRS and is received by the UE 910 via multiple paths. For example, the first reference signal 904 can be reflected from the first target 920a and received by the first receive beam 912. The first reference signal 904 can be received by the second receive beam 914 via a LOS path. The first reference signal 904 can also be reflected from the second target 920b and received via the third receive beam 916. Since the first and second targets 920a-b are associated with the same reference signal, the first reference signal 904 is not sufficient to uniquely identify each target. In this use case, the UE 910 can be configured to assign an explicit target identification to distinguish the targets. The UE 910 can be configured to distinguish the targets based on different receive beams. For example, the RSRP for the first reference signal 904 can exceed a threshold when received on the first receive beam 912 and when received on the third receive beam 916. The UE 910 can assign a first identification (e.g., Target 1) to the first target 920a and a second identification (e.g., Target 2) to the second target 920b. The target identification and corresponding reference signal identification information can be reported to the base station 902.

[0110] Reference is made to Figure 9B Further reference is made to Figure 9AAn example message flow 950 for multi-target bistatic RF sensing beam management is illustrated. This message flow 950 represents at least a portion of the signals exchanged between a base station 902 (e.g., gNB) and a UE 910 during the scan phase 800 and the tracking phase 850. The base station 902 transmits one or more DL scan-sensing reference signals (SSRS) 952, such as a first reference signal 904. The SSRS 952 may be an SS block, CSI-RS, TRS, PRS, or other existing or future reference signals configured for channel sounding or specifically for RF sensing measurements. The UE 910 is configured to issue a beam and target information report 954 based on measurements associated with the received SSRS. The beam and target information report 954 may include, for example, one or more RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR values ​​exceeding a threshold associated with the SSRS, and target identification information if multiple targets are detected. For example, UE 910 can generate target information based on objects detected by different receive beams, such as a first target 920a detected by a first receive beam 912 and a second target 920b detected by a third receive beam 916. In one example, UE 910 can include receive beam identification information in a beam and target information report 954, and base station 902 can be configured to assign different target identification values ​​based on the receive beam identification information. The beam and target information report 954 can be sent via RRC messaging or within other UL signaling.

[0111] In phase 956, base station 902 is configured to select a target for tracking, at least in part, based on beam and target information report 954 issued by UE 910. The selection of the target for tracking may be based on upper-layer configuration parameters or other operational considerations. Furthermore, although... Figure 9A The example depicts a single base station and a single UE, but additional base stations and UEs can be used to scan and track objects. SSRS can be associated with a specific base station and beam (e.g., TRP-ID with PRS-ID), and received beam and / or target identification values ​​can be associated with reporting UEs (e.g., UE identification information). The network can be configured to aggregate beam and target information reports for beam arrivals associated with other base stations and multiple UEs.

[0112] In the tracking phase 850, the base station 902 can transmit tracking and target configuration information 958 for the targets selected at phase 956. The tracking and target configuration information 958 can include a sensing-tracking reference signal (STRS) associated with the selected targets. The STRS can be QCLed with the corresponding SSRS 952 transmitted at the scanning phase 800. The tracking and target configuration information 958 can include target identification information based on the beam and target information report 954. The tracking and target configuration information 958 can be provided via RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, or other network signaling. The tracking and target configuration information 958 can be specific to the UE 910 or specific to one or more of the selected targets. The base station 902 transmits a DL sensing-tracking reference signal (STRS) 960 based on the targets selected at phase 956. The STRS 960 can be an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, a PRS, or other existing and future reference signals developed for RF sensing applications.

[0113] At phase 962, the UE 910 is configured to track the targets associated with the STRS 960. For example, the UE 910 can receive the STRS based on the first reference signal 904 to detect the first target 920a and / or the second target 920b. In one example, the STRS 960 can be periodic or aperiodic (e.g., event-driven).

[0114] Reference Figure 10A FIG. 1 illustrates an example use case 1000 for target group detection using bistatic RF sensing. In contrast to the examples in Figures 8A-8C where each target can be identified with a single reference signal and Figure 9AThe use case in FIG. 10 highlights a scenario when multiple targets are detected using a single reference signal and a single receive beam. For example, base station 1002 is an example of base station 304 and is configured to transmit multiple beamformed reference signals at varying angles, elevation, and / or beamwidth. First reference signal 1004 can be configured as an SSRS and / or an STRS and is received by UE 1010 via multiple paths. For example, first reference signal 1004 can be reflected from first target 1020a and second target 1020b and received by first receive beam 1012. First reference signal 1004 can also be received by second receive beam 1014 via a LOS path. Since the first and second targets 1020a-b are associated with the same reference signal and the same receive beam, the combination of first reference signal 1004 and first receive beam 1012 is not sufficient to uniquely identify each of the targets 1020a-b. In this use case, UE 1010 can be configured to assign a target group identification to identify the first and second targets 1020a-b as a target group. The RSRP for first reference signal 1004 can exceed a threshold when received on first receive beam 1012. In one example, UE 1010 can be configured to resolve the target group into individual targets based on clustering and channel taps. UE 1010 can assign a target group identification for first target 1020a and second target 1020b (e.g., target group 1). The target group identification and corresponding reference signal identification information can be reported to base station 1002.

[0115] Reference is made to Figure 10B Further reference is made to Figure 10AExample message flow 1050 for target group bistatic radio frequency sensing beam management is shown. This message flow 1050 represents at least a portion of the signals exchanged between base station 1002 (e.g., gNB) and UE 1010 during scan phase 800 and track phase 850. Base station 1002 transmits one or more DL scan-sensing reference signals (SSRS) 1052, such as a first reference signal 1004. SSRS 1052 may be an SS block, CSI-RS, TRS, PRS, or other existing or future reference signals as previously described. UE 1010 is configured to issue a beam and target group information report 1054 based on measurements associated with the received SSRS. Beam and target group information report 1054 may include, for example, one or more of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR values ​​exceeding a threshold associated with the SSRS, and target group identification information. For example, UE 1010 can generate target group information based on objects detected by a single received beam, such as first and second targets 1020a-b detected by the first received beam 1012. In one example, UE 1010 can include received beam identification information in the beam and target group information report 1054, and base station 1002 can be configured to assign different target group identification values ​​based on the received beam identification information. The beam and target group information report 1054 can be sent via RRC messaging or within other UL signaling.

[0116] In phase 1056, base station 1002 is configured to select a target for tracking, at least in part, based on beam and target group information report 1054 issued by UE 1010. The selection of the target for tracking may be based on upper-layer configuration parameters or other operational considerations. Furthermore, although Figure 10A The example depicts a single base station and a single UE, but additional base stations and UEs can be used to scan and track target groups. SSRS can be associated with a specific base station and beam (e.g., TRP-ID with PRS-ID), and received beam and / or target group identification values ​​can be associated with reporting UEs (e.g., UE identification information). The network can be configured to aggregate beam and target group information reports for beam arrivals associated with other base stations and multiple UEs.

[0117] In a tracking phase 850, the base station 1002 can transmit tracking and target group configuration information 1058 for the target selected at phase 1056. The tracking and target group configuration information 1058 can include a sense-tracking reference signal (STRS) associated with the selected target. The STRS can be QCLed with the corresponding SSRS 1052 transmitted at the scanning phase 800. The tracking and target group configuration information 1058 can include target group identification information based on the beam and target group information report 1054. The tracking and target group configuration information 1058 can be provided via RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, or other network signaling. The tracking and target group configuration information 1058 can be specific to the UE 1010 or specific to one or more of the selected target groups. The base station 1002 transmits a DL sense-tracking reference signal (STRS) based on the target or target group selected at phase 1056. The STRS 1060 can be an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, a PRS, or other existing and future reference signals developed for RF sensing applications.

[0118] At phase 1062, the UE 1010 is configured to track the target group associated with the STRS 1060. For example, the UE 1010 can receive the STRS based on the first reference signal 1004 to detect the target group including the first target 1020a and the second target 1020b. In one example, the STRS 1060 can be periodic or aperiodic (e.g., event-driven).

[0119] Reference Figure 11 , further reference Figures 1-10B The method 1100 for beam management for bistatic RF sensing in a communication network base station includes the illustrated phases. The base station can be one of the base stations 102 in the communication system 100, or other base stations as described herein. However, this method 1100 is just an example and not limiting. The method 1100 can be altered, e.g., by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing concurrently, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0120] At stage 1102, the method includes transmitting one or more scan reference signals. The base station 304, including the processing system 384, transceiver 350, and RF sensing component 388, are means for transmitting the scan reference signals. In the scan phase 800, a base station such as the base station 802 can be configured to transmit a sense-scan reference signal (SSRS) in a coverage area. The SSRS can be a beamformed existing communication reference signal such as an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, a PRS, or other existing or future reference signal configured for channel sounding or specifically for RF sensing measurements. The scan phase can be initiated periodically or on-demand based on a signal from the communication network 100 or a UE. For example, a UE can transmit a tracking request to the base station 304 to initiate the scan phase.

[0121] At stage 1104, the method includes receiving a scan signal report based at least in part on the one or more scan reference signals. The base station 304 is a means for receiving the scan signal report. In one example, a UE can receive one or more of the scan reference signals transmitted at stage 1102 and determine a signal measurement on the received signal such as RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. The UE can receive the signal via a LOS and NLOS path. One or more thresholds can be used to determine that the reference signal is reflecting off a target object. The UE can generate a scan signal report to inform the base station of the signal identification value and its corresponding signal measurement. In one example, the UE can report identification information of a scan reference signal with RSRP above a threshold level. The UE can optionally include receive beam information, target identification information, or target group information in the scan signal report. The beam information report 874, the beam and target information report 954, and the beam and target group information report 1054 are examples of scan signal reports received by the base station 304.

[0122] At stage 1106, the method includes selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scan signal report. The base station 304 is a means for selecting the one or more targets. Other network nodes in the communication system 100, such as the LMF 270, can be means for selecting the one or more targets. In general, selecting targets to track can be based on a higher application layer, and specific selection can be based on maintaining quality of service for one or more UEs or stations in the network. RSRP information of the scan reference signals (e.g., SSRS) can be a factor in selecting targets to track. For example, a target can be tracked using a scan reference signal with a higher RSRP, and a scan reference signal with a lower RSRP can be ignored (i.e., the corresponding target is not tracked). Other information elements in the scan signal report can also be used to select targets. For example, a number of targets (e.g., target IDs) associated with a scan reference signal can be used.

[0123] At stage 1108, the method includes transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets. The base station 304 is a means for transmitting the tracking signal configuration information. The base station 304 is configured to select a sensing tracking reference signal (STRS) based on the targets selected at stage 1106. The STRS can be based on the SSRS beams identified in the scan signal report received at stage 1104. The tracking signal configuration information includes beam parameter information that enables the UE to receive the STRS. In one example, the STRS can be QCL’ed with the corresponding SSRS transmitted at stage 1102. The tracking signal configuration information can include target identification information based on the scan signal report received at stage 1104. The tracking signal configuration information can be provided to the UE via RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, or other network signaling. In one example, the tracking configuration information can be specific to the UE or can apply to one or more of the selected targets. The tracking configuration information 878, the tracking and target configuration information 958, and the tracking and target group configuration information 1058 are examples of tracking signal configuration information.

[0124] At stage 1110, the method includes transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets. The base station 304 is a means for transmitting the tracking reference signals. In one example, the STRS can be based on a communication reference signal, such as an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, and a PRS. Other reference signals developed for RF sensing applications and future reference signals can also be used.

[0125] Referring to Figure 12 , further referring to Figures 1-10B The method 1200 for tracking targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing includes the stages shown. The method 1200 is, however, an example only and not limiting. The method 1200 can be altered, e.g., by having stages added, removed, rearranged, combined, performed concurrently, and / or split into multiple stages.

[0126] At stage 1202, the method includes receiving one or more sensing reference signals. The UE 302 including the transceiver 310, processing system 332, and RF sensing component 342 is a means for receiving the sensing reference signals. In the scan stage 800, a base station, such as the base station 304, can be configured to transmit sensing-scan reference signals (SSRS) in a coverage area. The SSRS can be a beamformed existing communication reference signal, such as an SS block, a CSI-RS, a TRS, a PRS, or other existing or future reference signal configured for channel sounding or specifically for RF sensing measurements. The scan stage can be initiated periodically or on-demand based on a tracking request or other signal from the communication network 100 or the UE 302.

[0127] At stage 1204, the method includes generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals. UE 302, including processing system 332, is a means for generating the signal report. In the scanning phase 800, UE 302 can receive signals via LOS and NLOS paths and can determine signal measurements of the signals received at stage 1202, such as RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. One or more thresholds can be used to determine that a sensing reference signal is reflecting off a target object. UE 302 can generate a scanning signal report to inform base station 304 of the signal measurements in the scanning phase. In one example, the UE can report identification information of the scanning reference signals with RSRP above a threshold level. The UE can optionally include receive beam information, target identification information, or target group information in the scanning signal report. During the tracking phase 850, UE 302 can be configured to refine the signal report based on signal measurements obtained with tracking reference signals.

[0128] At stage 1206, the method includes transmitting the signal report. UE 302, including processing system 332 and transceiver 310, is a means for transmitting the signal report. In one example, UE 302 can utilize RRC or other UL channels and / or UL messaging to provide the scanning signal report to one or more base stations. Beam information report 874, beam and target information report 954, and beam and target group information report 1054 are examples of signal reports received by base station 304.

[0129] At stage 1208, the method includes receiving tracking signal configuration information. UE 302, including processing system 332 and transceiver 310, is a means for receiving the tracking signal configuration information. Base station 304 is configured to select a sensing tracking reference signal (STRS) based on the selected target. The STRS can be based on the SSRS beam identified in the signal report transmitted at stage 1206. The tracking signal configuration information includes beam parameter information that enables UE 302 to receive the STRS. In one example, the STRS can be QCLed with the corresponding SSRS received at stage 1202. The tracking signal configuration information can include target identification information based on the signal report generated at stage 1204. UE 302 can receive the tracking signal configuration information via RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, or other network signaling. In one example, the tracking configuration information can be specific to UE 302 or can apply to one or more of the selected targets. Tracking configuration information 878, tracking and target configuration information 958, and tracking and target group configuration information 1058 are examples of tracking signal configuration information.

[0130] At stage 1210, the method includes receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information. The UE 302 including the processing system 332 and the transceiver 310 is a means for receiving the tracking reference signals. In one example, the STRS can be based on communication reference signals such as SS blocks, CSI-RS, TRS, and PRS. Other reference signals developed for RF sensing applications and future reference signals can also be used.

[0131] At stage 1212, the method includes tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals. The UE 302 including the processing system 332 and the transceiver 310 is a means for tracking the one or more targets. The UE 302 is configured to determine beam measurement information such as RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR for the one or more tracking reference signals. In one example, the UE 302 can provide updated (or refined) beam measurement information to the base station via a signal report, and the method 1200 can iterate. The updated beam measurements can be provided periodically (e.g., 1 ms, 5 ms, 20 ms, 1 sec, 10 sec, etc.) or on-demand. For example, network signaling such as RRC, MAC-CE, DCI, etc. can be used to trigger the UE 302 to provide measurements associated with the tracking reference signals.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0133] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0135] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal (e.g., an UE). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0136] In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0137] Although the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps and / or actions of the methods described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of the disclosure can be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is expressly stated.

[0138] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0139] 1. A method of tracking a target using bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0140] receiving one or more sensing reference signals;

[0141] generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0142] transmitting the signal report;

[0143] receiving tracking signal configuration information;

[0144] receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and

[0145] tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0146] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein receiving the one or more sensing reference signals comprises receiving the one or more sensing reference signals on one or more receive beams.

[0147] 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the signal report comprises an indication of a receive beam associated with at least one of the one or more sensing reference signals.

[0148] 4. The method of clause 1, further comprising:

[0149] determining a measurement value for each of the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0150] comparing the measurement value to a threshold value; and

[0151] generating the signal report based on the one or more sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold value.

[0152] 5. The method of clause 4, wherein the measurement value is at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0153] 6. The method of clause 1, wherein the one or more sensing reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0154] 7. The method of clause 1, wherein each of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with one target.

[0155] 8. The method of clause 1, wherein at least one of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with two or more targets.

[0156] 9. The method of clause 8, wherein each of the two or more targets is identified with a target identification value in the tracking signal configuration information.

[0157] 10. The method of clause 8, wherein the two or more targets are identified with a target group identification value in the tracking signal configuration information.

[0158] 11. The method of clause 1, wherein the tracking signal configuration information is received via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0159] 12. The method of clause 1, wherein receiving the one or more tracking reference signals is in response to transmitting a tracking request to the base station.

[0160] 13. A method for beam management in bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0161] transmitting one or more scan reference signals;

[0162] receiving a scan signal report based at least in part on the one or more scan reference signals;

[0163] selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scan signal report;

[0164] transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and

[0165] transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0166] 14. The method of clause 13, wherein the one or more scan reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0167] 15. The method of clause 13, wherein transmitting the one or more tracking reference signals is in response to receiving a tracking request from a user equipment.

[0168] 16. The method of clause 13, wherein the scan signal report comprises a signal identification value for at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0169] 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the scan signal report comprises one or more target identification values associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0170] 18. The method of clause 16, wherein the scan signal report comprises a target group identification value associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0171] 19. The method of clause 13, wherein the scan signal report comprises a receive beam associated with the user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam.

[0172] 20. The method of clause 13, wherein the one or more tracking reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0173] 21. The method of clause 13, wherein the tracking signal configuration information comprises at least one target identification value.

[0174] 22. The method of clause 21, wherein the at least one target identification value is associated with one tracking reference signal and one receive beam on the user equipment.

[0175] 23. The method of clause 13, wherein the tracking signal configuration information is transmitted via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0176] 24. An apparatus for tracking targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0177] a memory;

[0178] at least one transceiver;

[0179] at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver and configured to:

[0180] receive one or more sensing reference signals;

[0181] generate a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0182] transmit the signal report;

[0183] receive tracking signal configuration information;

[0184] receive one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and track one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0185] 25. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive the one or more sensing reference signals on one or more receive beams.

[0186] 26. The apparatus of clause 25, wherein the signal report comprises an indication of a receive beam associated with at least one of the one or more sensing reference signals.

[0187] 27. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:

[0188] determining a measurement value for each of the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0189] comparing the measurement value to a threshold value; and

[0190] generating a signal report based on the one or more sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold value.

[0191] 28. The apparatus of clause 27, wherein the measurement value is at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0192] 29. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the one or more sensing reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0193] 30. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein each of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with one target.

[0194] 31. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein at least one of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with two or more targets.

[0195] 32. The apparatus of clause 31, wherein each of the two or more targets is identified with a target identification value in the tracking signal configuration information.

[0196] 33. The apparatus of clause 31, wherein the two or more targets are identified with a target group identification value in the tracking signal configuration information.

[0197] 34. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the tracking signal configuration information is received via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0198] 35. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit a tracking request to a base station, and receive the one or more tracking reference signals in response to transmitting the tracking request to the base station.

[0199] 36. An apparatus for managing beams in bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0200] a memory;

[0201] at least one transceiver;

[0202] at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0203] transmit one or more scan reference signals;

[0204] receive a scan signal report based at least in part on the one or more scan reference signals;

[0205] select one or more targets for tracking based on the scan signal report;

[0206] transmit tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and

[0207] transmit one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0208] 37. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the one or more scan reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0209] 38. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a tracking request from a user equipment, and transmit the one or more tracking reference signals in response to receiving the tracking request from the user equipment.

[0210] 39. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the scan signal report comprises a signal identification value for at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0211] 40. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the scan signal report comprises one or more target identification values associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0212] 41. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the scan signal report comprises a target group identification value associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

[0213] 42. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the scan signal report comprises a receive beam associated with a user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam.

[0214] 43. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the one or more tracking reference signals comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal (PRS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0215] 44. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the tracking signal configuration information comprises at least one target identification value.

[0216] 45. The apparatus of clause 44, wherein the at least one target identification value is associated with one tracking reference signal and one receive beam on the user equipment.

[0217] 46. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the tracking signal configuration information is transmitted via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control control element, or a downlink control information message.

[0218] 47. An apparatus for tracking targets using bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0219] means for receiving one or more sensing reference signals;

[0220] means for generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0221] means for transmitting the signal report;

[0222] means for receiving tracking signal configuration information;

[0223] means for receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and

[0224] means for tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0225] 48. An apparatus for managing beams in bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising:

[0226] means for transmitting one or more scanning reference signals;

[0227] means for receiving a scanning signal report based at least in part on the one or more scanning reference signals;

[0228] means for selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scanning signal report;

[0229] means for transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and

[0230] means for transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

[0231] 49. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor- readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to track targets with bistatic radio frequency sensing, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising:

[0232] code for receiving one or more sensing reference signals;

[0233] code for generating a signal report based at least in part on the one or more sensing reference signals;

[0234] code for transmitting the signal report;

[0235] code for receiving tracking signal configuration information;

[0236] code for receiving one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information; and

[0237] code for tracking one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

[0238] 50. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor- readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to manage beams in a bistatic radio frequency sensing, the non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising:

[0239] code for transmitting one or more scanning reference signals;

[0240] code for receiving a scanning signal report based at least in part on the one or more scanning reference signals;

[0241] code for selecting one or more targets for tracking based on the scanning signal report;

[0242] code for transmitting tracking signal configuration information based on the one or more selected targets; and

[0243] code for transmitting one or more tracking reference signals based on the one or more selected targets.

Claims

1. A method for tracking a target using bistatic radio frequency sensing by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Receive one or more sensing reference signals on one or more receiving beams of the UE; A signal report is generated at least in part based on the one or more sensing reference signals, wherein the signal report includes an indication of the UE's receive beam and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam; Send the signal report; Receive tracking signal configuration information identifying one or more tracking reference signals, wherein the tracking signal configuration information includes one or more target identification values, wherein each target identification value is associated with the tracking reference signal and the received beam of the UE; The one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information are received using a receiving beam associated with the one or more tracking reference signals via the one or more target identification values ​​included in the tracking signal configuration information; as well as Track one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine the measured value of each of the one or more sensing reference signals; The measured value is compared with a threshold; as well as The signal report is generated based on one or more sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The measured value is at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), and Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sensing reference signals include at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal PRS, a tracking reference signal TRS, a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS, and a synchronization signal block SSB.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with a target.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the one or more tracking reference signals is associated with two or more targets.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the two or more targets is identified by a target identification value in the tracking signal configuration information.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The two or more targets are identified by the target group identifier value in the tracking signal configuration information.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The tracking signal configuration information is received via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control element, or a downlink control information message.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Receiving the one or more tracking reference signals is in response to sending a tracking request to the base station.

11. A method for beam management in a bistatic radio frequency sensing system in a communication network base station, comprising: Send one or more scan reference signals; A scan signal report is received at least in part based on the one or more scan reference signals, wherein the scan signal report includes a receive beam associated with the user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam; Based on the scan signal report, one or more targets are selected for tracking; Based on one or more selected targets, tracking signal configuration information is transmitted, wherein the tracking signal configuration information includes at least one target identification value, wherein the at least one target identification value is associated with a tracking reference signal and a receiving beam on the user equipment; as well as One or more tracking reference signals are sent based on the one or more selected targets.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more scan reference signals include at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal PRS, a tracking reference signal TRS, a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS, and a synchronization signal block SSB.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Sending the one or more tracking reference signals is in response to receiving a tracking request from the user equipment.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The scan signal report includes: a signal identification value of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The scan signal report includes one or more target identification values ​​associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The scan signal report includes: a target group identification value associated with at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more tracking reference signals include at least one selected from the group consisting of a positioning reference signal PRS, a tracking reference signal TRS, a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS, and a synchronization signal block SSB.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The tracking signal configuration information is transmitted via at least one of a radio resource control message, a medium access control element, or a downlink control information message.

19. An apparatus for tracking a target using bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, is configured to: Receive one or more sensing reference signals, which are received on one or more receiving beams of the device; A signal report is generated at least in part based on the one or more sensing reference signals, wherein the signal report includes an indication of the receiving beam of the device and an indication of at least one of the one or more scanning reference signals received via the receiving beam; Send the signal report; Receive tracking signal configuration information that identifies one or more tracking reference signals, wherein the tracking signal configuration information includes one or more target identification values, wherein each target identification value is associated with the tracking reference signal and the receiving beam of the device; The one or more tracking reference signals identified in the tracking signal configuration information are received using a receiving beam associated with the one or more tracking reference signals via the one or more target identification values ​​included in the tracking signal configuration information; as well as Track one or more targets associated with the one or more tracking reference signals.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Determine the measured value of each of the one or more sensing reference signals; The measured value is compared with a threshold; as well as The signal report is generated based on one or more sensing reference signals having a measurement value greater than the threshold.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to send a tracking request to the base station and, in response to sending the tracking request to the base station, receive the one or more tracking reference signals.

22. An apparatus for managing a beam in bistatic radio frequency sensing, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, is configured to: Send one or more scan reference signals; The scan signal report is received at least in part based on the one or more scan reference signals, wherein the scan signal report includes a receive beam associated with the user equipment and an indication of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals received via the receive beam; Based on the scan signal report, one or more targets are selected for tracking; Based on one or more selected targets, tracking signal configuration information is transmitted, wherein the tracking signal configuration information includes at least one target identification value, wherein the at least one target identification value is associated with a tracking reference signal and a receiving beam on the user equipment; as well as One or more tracking reference signals are sent based on the one or more selected targets.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to receive a tracking request from the user equipment and, in response to receiving the tracking request from the user equipment, to send the one or more tracking reference signals.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, The scan signal report includes a signal identification value of at least one of the one or more scan reference signals and one or more target identification values ​​associated with the at least one of the one or more scan reference signals.

25. An apparatus for tracking a target using bistatic radio frequency sensing, the apparatus comprising components for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

26. An apparatus for managing a beam in bistatic radio frequency sensing, the apparatus comprising components for performing the method of any one of claims 11 to 18.

27. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein the program code is executable by one or more processors of a user equipment (UE) to cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

28. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein the program code is executable by one or more processors of a base station to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 18.

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