Dual-function wireless access network node with wireless communication and wireless sensing

Abstract

A radio access network (RAN) node or base station that includes a dual functionality with both wireless communication and wireless sensing. Sensing related signals can be integrated in the RAN node to provide sensing operations (e.g., sensing radio link S-RL) in addition to wireless communication (e.g., communication radio link RL) with user equipment (UE). The sensing signals can be used to detect objects along a wireless path between the RAN node and the UE to improve wireless communication over the communication radio link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document generally relates to wireless communication. More specifically, a Radio Access Network (RAN) node includes dual functionality, having both wireless communication and integrated wireless sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication technology is propelling the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. Wireless communication relies on efficient network resource management and allocation between user mobile stations and radio access network nodes (including but not limited to radio access network (RAN) nodes and radio base stations). Next-generation networks promise to provide high-speed, low-latency, and ultra-reliable communication capabilities, meeting the requirements of various industries and users. User mobile stations or user equipment (UEs) are becoming increasingly complex, and the amount of data being communicated is constantly increasing. The development of more advanced radar and sensing systems will enable the modernization of communication with UEs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for a radio access network (RAN) node or base station, which includes dual functionality of both wireless communication and wireless sensing. Sensing-related signals can be integrated into the RAN node to provide sensing operations (e.g., Sensing Radio Link, S-RL) in addition to wireless communication with a user equipment (UE) (e.g., Communication Radio Link, RL). The sensing signals can be used by the RAN node and / or the UE to detect objects along the wireless path between the RAN node and the UE, thereby improving wireless communication via the RL.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for wireless sensing includes: transmitting a sensing signal for providing sensing purposes, and providing a sensing radio link for operation of wireless sensing. The provision is performed by a radio access network (RAN) node, and the sensing radio link is configured with a user equipment (UE). The method includes: receiving an echo signal in response to the sensing signal. The echo signal is transmitted from the UE and processed locally by the UE prior to the response. The processing performed by the UE includes at least one of: immediately responding to the sensing signal; identifying the signal and subsequently responding to the sensing signal; or identifying, evaluating the signal, and subsequently responding to the sensing signal. The RAN node configures a UE with dual functionality of wireless communication via a communication radio link (RL) and wireless sensing via a sensing radio link (S-RL), wherein the RL and S-RL are simultaneous. The communication radio link and the sensing radio link utilize the same physical resources, such that when the UE is in a connected state, the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically integrated with the parallel communication signals. Alternatively, the communication radio link and the sensing radio link utilize different physical resources, such that the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically separated from the parallel communication signals. The transmission and provision are independent of the UE's RRC (Radio Resource Control) state for communication purposes. The sensing radio link is configured with the UE to provide the RAN node with environmental or contextual details of the UE to improve ongoing or upcoming wireless communications. Different sensing signals are used for different sensing purposes.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for wireless sensing includes: receiving a sensing signal for sensing purposes; transmitting an echo signal in response to receiving the sensing signal; and establishing a sensing radio link for wireless sensing operations. The receiving and transmitting are performed by a user equipment (UE), and the sensing radio link is established with a base station, wherein the UE is pre-configured by the base station. The UE is configured by the base station to have dual functionality of wireless communication via a communication radio link (RL) and wireless sensing via a sensing radio link (S-RL), wherein the RL and S-RL are simultaneous. The communication radio link and the sensing radio link utilize the same physical resources, such that the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically integrated with the parallel communication signal. Alternatively, the communication radio link and the sensing radio link utilize different physical resources, such that the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically separated from the parallel communication signal. The sensing radio link and the communication radio link are independent of the UE's RRC state for communication purposes. The sensing radio link is configured by the base station to provide the base station with environmental or contextual details of the target UE to improve ongoing or upcoming wireless communication between the UE and the base station. The method includes: after receiving a sensing signal, processing the sensing signal according to the base station's pre-configuration by: immediately responding to the sensing signal; or identifying the sensing signal and subsequently responding to the sensing signal; or identifying, evaluating the sensing signal and subsequently responding to the sensing signal.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for wireless sensing includes: transmitting sensing signals from a radio access network (RAN) node to a user equipment (UE), and transmitting communication signals from the RAN node to the UE for wireless communication. The RAN node is configured for dual functions of wireless communication with the UE and sensing via sensing signals.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: receiving a sensing signal from a radio access network (RAN) node by a user equipment (UE); transmitting an echo signal to the RAN node in response to the sensing signal by the UE; and communicating with the RAN node to perform wireless communication. The RAN node is configured for dual functions of wireless communication with the UE and sensing via the sensing signal.

[0008] In another embodiment, a dual-function base station includes: a sensing capability configured to provide sensing signals, and a communication capability configured to provide communication signals. The communication signals are provided to a user equipment (UE) for establishing wireless communication with the UE.

[0009] In another embodiment, a dual-function user equipment (UE) includes a sensing response capability and a communication capability, the sensing response capability being configured to provide an echo signal in response to a sensing signal, and the communication capability being used to provide a communication signal. The communication signal is provided to a base station for establishing wireless communication with the base station.

[0010] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement any of the embodiments described above.

[0011] In some embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any of the embodiments described above.

[0012] In some embodiments, there is a wireless communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement any of the methods described in any of the embodiments. In some embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any of the methods described in any of the embodiments.

[0013] The above and other aspects and their embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 An example base station is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 An example Random Access (RA) messaging environment is shown.

[0016] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This illustrates the communication between a primary node and a secondary node that are not located together.

[0017] Figure 3c This illustrates the communication between a primary node and a secondary node located in the same area.

[0018] Figure 4 A dual-function radio access network (RAN) node communicating with user equipment (UE) via a dual-function link is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 A communication diagram is shown showing how a dual-function RAN node communicates using a communication radio link (RL) and a sensing radio link (S-RL).

[0020] Figure 6 A communication diagram with a combined communication wireless link and a sensing wireless link is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 Radio Access Technology (RAT) options for Sensing Radio Link (S-RL) are shown.

[0022] Figure 8 The sensing status of the user equipment (UE) used for sensing communication is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 An example procedure for sensing signal type and user equipment (UE) configuration is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 Example options for processing user equipment (UE) signals are shown.

[0025] Figures 11a to 11d An example sensing signal pulse option is shown.

[0026] Figure 12 An example process for sensing communication processing is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the disclosure and illustrate specific examples of embodiments by way of illustration. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of different forms, and therefore, the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be construed as not being limited to any of the embodiments set forth below.

[0028] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have suggestive or implied meanings beyond their explicitly stated meanings in the context. Similarly, the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrases “in another embodiment” or “in other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to different embodiments. For example, it is intended that the claimed subject matter encompasses, in whole or in part, combinations of exemplary embodiments or embodiments.

[0029] Generally, terms can be understood at least in part from their usage in the context. For example, terms such as “and,” “or,” or “and / or” as used herein can include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which they are used. Typically, “or,” when used in an associative list (such as A, B, or C), is intended to mean A, B, and C (used herein in an inclusive sense) and A, B, or C (used herein in an exclusive sense). Furthermore, depending at least in part on the context, the terms “one or more” or “at least one” as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, depending at least in part on the context, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the” may also be understood to convey either a singular or a plural usage. Moreover, the terms “based on” or “determined by” can be understood not necessarily to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather, also depending at least in part on the context, may allow for additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described.

[0030] Radio Resource Control (RRC) is a protocol layer at the IP level (radio network layer) between the UE and the base station. Various RRC states can exist, such as RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_IDLE. RRC messages are transmitted via the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). The UE can send infrequent (periodic and / or aperiodic) data in the RRC_INACTIVE state without transitioning to the RRC_CONECTTED state. This can save UE power consumption and signaling overhead. This can be achieved through a Random Access Channel (RACH) protocol scheme or a Configured Grant (CG) scheme. The wireless communication described herein can be implemented via radio access. Furthermore, the described embodiments include sensing communications or sensing signals that are physically different from or logically different from wireless communication. Figures 1 to 2 An example radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., a base station) and user equipment and messaging environment applicable to both wireless and sensing communications are illustrated. As described herein, a single RAN node can provide wireless and wireless sensing capabilities and services more flexibly and efficiently.

[0031] In some wireless communication systems (such as 4G-LTE and 5G-NR), the RAN node can transmit downlink pilot reference signals, such as Synchronizing Signal Blocks (SSBs) and Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS), and the UE receives, measures, and processes these signals to inform the UE of the connection quality of the communication radio link (RL). This can occur between the serving RAN node and the UE to maintain mobility and service continuity. "UE-based measurement and reporting" is one example of sensing configured by the network. However, many more and different examples of measurement, sensing, and reporting can exist between the network and the UE. The network and the UE can measure, detect, and sense objects other than the pilot reference signals used for communication. Sensing can allow the measurement, detection, and sensing of the UE's local environment and resource utilization context. The sensing results can be provided to the UE's serving RAN node, so the serving RAN node can understand the UE's local environment and resource utilization context and dynamically improve the connection quality of the communication RL with the UE.

[0032] In one example, in millimeter (mm) wave (e.g., above 6 GHz) communication contexts, human user body movements and gestures can adversely affect UE wireless communication, such as obstruction and interference with the relay (RL), due to the large path loss in the high-frequency band and the fragile millimeter wave channel conditions. Previously, serving RAN nodes relied on other reactive mechanisms to improve RL quality, which were often not fast enough or timely enough because they depended on time-consuming activities on the UE side. Through the integrated wireless communication and wireless sensing systems in a dual-function RAN node, the serving RAN node can sense and detect human user body movements and gestures based on radar-type technologies that identify them more quickly in advance (utilizing the sensed signals), thus enabling the serving RAN node to take proactive actions to improve the quality of communication RL.

[0033] Figure 1 An example RAN node or base station 102 is shown. A RAN node may also be referred to as a radio network node. RAN node 102 may also be identified as a nodeB (NB, e.g., eNB or gNB) in a mobile telecommunications context. The example RAN node may include a wireless Tx / Rx circuit 113 for receiving and transmitting with a user equipment (UE) 104. The RAN node may also include a network interface circuit 116 that couples the RAN node to the core network 110, such as an optical interconnect or wired interconnect, Ethernet, and / or other data transmission media / protocols.

[0034] The RAN node may also include system circuitry 122. System circuitry 122 may include one or more processors 124 and / or memory 126. Memory 126 may include operations 128 and control parameters 130. Operations 128 may include instructions for execution on one or more of the processors 124 to support RAN node operation. For example, operations 128 may process random access transmission requests from multiple UEs. Control parameters 130 may include parameters or support for the execution of operations 128. For example, control parameters 130 may include network protocol settings, random access message format rules, bandwidth parameters, radio frequency mapping allocation, and / or other parameters.

[0035] Figure 2 An example random access messaging environment 200 is illustrated. In this environment 200, UE 104 can communicate with RAN node 102 via random access channel 252. In this example, UE 104 supports one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), such as SIM1 202. An electrical and physical interface (also known as a SIM card 1 interface) 206 connects SIM1 202 to the rest of the user equipment hardware, for example, via system bus 210.

[0036] Mobile device 200 includes a communication interface 212, system logic (also referred to as system circuitry) 214, and a user interface 218. System logic 214 may include any combination of hardware, software, firmware, or other logic. System logic 214 may be implemented, for example, using one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), discrete analog and digital circuits, and other circuits. System logic 214 is part of an implementation of any desired functionality in UE 104. In this regard, system logic 214 may include logic that facilitates operations such as: decoding and playing music and video (e.g., MP3, MP4, MPEG, AVI, FLAC, AC3, or WAV decoding and playback); running applications; accepting user input; saving and retrieving application data; establishing, maintaining, and terminating cellular phone calls or data connections (e.g., for internet connections); establishing, maintaining, and terminating wireless network connections, Bluetooth connections, or other connections; and displaying relevant information on user interface 218. User interface 218 and input / output 228 may include a graphical user interface, a touch-sensitive display, haptic feedback or other haptic output, voice or facial recognition input, buttons, switches, speakers, and other user interface elements. Additional examples of input / output 228 include microphones, video and still image cameras, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, rotation and orientation sensors, headphone and microphone input / output jacks, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, memory card slots, radiation sensors (e.g., IR sensors), and other types of input.

[0037] System logic 214 may include one or more processors 216 and memory 220. Memory 220 stores, for example, control instructions 222 executed by processor 216 to achieve the desired functions of UE 104. Control parameters 224 provide and specify operational options and configurations for the control instructions 222. Memory 220 may also store any BT, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other data 226 that UE 104 will send or has received via communication interface 212. In various embodiments, system power may be provided by a power storage device such as battery 282.

[0038] In communication interface 212, radio frequency (RF) transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) circuitry 230 handles the transmission and reception of signals through one or more antennas 232. Communication interface 212 may include one or more transceivers. The transceiver may be a wireless transceiver, which includes modulation / demodulation circuitry, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), filters, waveform shapers, pre-amplifiers, power amplifiers, and / or other logic for transmission and reception via one or more antennas or (for some devices) via a physical (e.g., wired) medium.

[0039] Transmitted and received signals can follow any of a wide variety of formats, protocols, modulations (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM), frequency channels, bit rates, and encodings. As a specific example, communication interface 212 may include transceivers supporting transmission and reception under 2G, 3G, BT, WiFi, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)+, and 4G / Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. However, the technologies described below, whether originating from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the GSM Association, 3GPP2, IEEE, or other partners or standards bodies, are applicable to other wireless communication technologies.

[0040] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The diagram illustrates communication between a primary node and a secondary node that are not positioned together. Multiple RAN nodes (e.g., eNB, GNB) using the same or different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) can be deployed on the same or different frequency carriers in certain geographical areas, and these multiple RAN nodes can cooperate via dual-connectivity operation to provide joint communication services to (or more) the same target UE. Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe diagram illustrates a Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) architecture for non-locally co-located master nodes (MN) and secondary nodes (SN). The Access Mobility Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF) are control plane entities, while the User Plane Function (UPF) is a user plane entity within the New Radio (NR) or 5GC. The signaling connection between the AMF / SMF and the MN is the Next Generation-Control Plane (NG-C) / MN interface. The signaling connection between the MN and the SN is the Xn-Control Plane (Xn-C) interface. The signaling connection between the MN and the UE is the Uu-Control Plane (Uu-C) RRC interface. All these connections manage the configuration and operation of the MR-DC. Figure 3a The user plane connection between the UPF and the MN is shown to be an NG-U(MN) interface instance, which corresponds to the MN end bearer. Figure 3b The user plane connection between the UPF and SN is shown to be the NG-U(SN) interface, which corresponds to the SN-side bearer. The user plane connection between the MN and SN is the Xn-User Plane (Xn-U) interface, which corresponds to the decoupled bearer. The user plane connection between the MN and UE is a Uu-U(MCG) interface instance (providing the primary RL), and the user plane connection between the SN and UE is a Uu-U(SCG) interface instance (providing the secondary RL). These user plane connections support user data transmission for MR-DC. From the network's perspective, the MN provides communication services via local processing within the MN and MCG resources on the Uu-U(MCG), while the SN provides communication services to the same target UE via local processing within the SN and SCG resources on the Uu-U(SCG). There are two separate and independent RLs (primary RL and secondary RL).

[0041] Figure 3c This illustrates communication with a primary node and secondary nodes located in the same area. Figure 3c The diagram illustrates the MR-DC architecture where the MN and SN coexist in one location. Logically, the MN and SN still exist, but physically, they are now implemented in the same RAN node, therefore, no further implementation is required. Figures 3a-3bThere is an external Xn interface instance between MN and SN, and MN and SN coordinate with each other in the internal interface. There are also two separate and independent RLs (primary RL and secondary RL). Figure 3c The single MR-DC functional RAN node shown logically integrates the primary / master wireless communication RL and the secondary wireless communication RL, both directed towards the same target UE. From the perspective of the MR-DC functional UE, this MR-DC functional RAN node logically integrates and maintains two separate and independent RLs in the air. These two RLs can have the same or different RATs or frequency carriers. This operation of a dual-functional RAN node is suitable for... Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the integration of wireless communication and wireless sensing. This dual-function RAN node can provide both wireless communication and wireless sensing services to one or more identical target UEs.

[0042] Figure 4 A dual-function radio access network (RAN) node communicating with a user equipment (UE) via a dual-function link is illustrated. One of the dual functions is wireless communication, and the other is sensing communication. Wireless communication includes at least one radio link (RL) for transmitting and receiving (signaling and / or user) data over the air between the RAN node and the UE. Wireless sensing or sensing communication includes a sensing radio link (S-RL). The S-RL is established and used to sense and detect objects along the radiated path in the air between the RAN node and the UE. The sensing radio link (S-RL) is a logical radio link that is not used for transmitting and receiving (signaling and / or user) data over the air, but for sensing and detecting objects along the radiated path in the air. A dual-function RAN node comprises a single RAN node capable of performing both wireless communication operations and wireless sensing operations with a target UE. Specifically, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a dual-function RAN node sending a sensing radio link (S-RL) to a UE, which then returns a signal (e.g., an echo signal / response) to the RAN node. In addition to the sensing communication via S-RL, the dual-function RAN node also has a communication radio link (RL). The RL consists of an uplink from the UE to the RAN node and a downlink from the RAN node to the UE. Figure 4 As shown, a dual-function RAN node can simultaneously establish and maintain both S-RL and RL with the target UE. The handling of the communication RL can be the same as in legacy systems (e.g., following 4G-LTE or 5G-NR specifications).

[0043] Figure 5A communication diagram is shown illustrating a dual-function RAN node communicating using a Communication Radio Link (RL) and a Sensing Radio Link (S-RL). The RAN node (also referred to as a base station) establishes a Communication Radio Link (RL) 502 with the UE. Furthermore, the RAN node's second function provides an S-RL 504 to the UE. In response to the S-RL 504, the UE provides a response 506. This response 506 can be described as an echo signal transmitted by the UE directly in response to the reception of the S-RL 504.

[0044] S-RL can be a wireless link that is logically separate from the communication RL, but physically, S-RL can share the same or use different air / radio resources (e.g., time / frequency / space / code, etc.) as the communication RL. Figure 5 An example of using different air / wireless resources is shown, where the wireless signal between the RAN node and the UE carries data information or sensing-related information, but not both at the same time.

[0045] Figure 6 A communication diagram with combined communication and sensing radio links is shown. Sharing the same air / radio resources means that the same radio signal between the RAN node and the UE carries both data (signaling and / or user data) and sensing-related signals. Figure 6 A single signal 602, comprising both wireless and sensor communication, is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 The radio access technology (RAT) options for the sensing radio link (S-RL) 702 are shown. The S-RL can be implemented via the same or different radio access technology (RAT). The S-RL 702 can have the same RAT as RL 704, or it can have a different RAT than RL 706. Examples of RATs include waveforms, (de)multiplexing, (sub)frame structures, and (de)modulation from the communication RL. For the same RAT 704, the S-RL and RL are of the same type. For different RATs, the S-RL and RL are of different types. A dual-function RAN node can support both the same type of S-RL and the different type of S-RL.

[0047] Figure 8The diagram illustrates the sensing state of a user equipment (UE) used for sensing communication. The sensing link (S-RL) can be established and maintained regardless of the UE's Radio Resource Channel (RRC) state. Furthermore, the S-RL can be maintained regardless of the presence of a communication RL. In other words, a UE can have an independent S-RL even in an RRC_IDLE state. If the UE has a valid S-RL for a specific sensing purpose, we say that the UE is likely in a Sensing_Connected state; otherwise, the UE is in a Sensing_Idle state. The UE's sensing state is independent of its RRC state. Figure 8 During this process, the RAN node provides the S-RL to the UE, which is in the Sensing_Idle state 802 before the S-RL signal arrives. After the S-RL and S-RL echo response, the UE enters the Sensing_Connected state 804.

[0048] Figure 9 An example procedure for configuring the sensing signal type and user equipment (UE) is illustrated. A dual-function RAN node transmits a sensing signal to a target UE in a specified manner via a downlink S-RL, and then expects to receive a corresponding echo signal from the target UE via an uplink S-RL. The dual-function RAN node can transmit different types of sensing signals (e.g., waveform / pattern / period, etc.) for different sensing purposes. In block 902, the type of sensing signal is determined or selected by the dual-function RAN node. In block 904, it is determined whether the UE is configured for the type of S-RL determined from block 902. When the UE is configured for the determined type of S-RL in block 904, the S-RL communicating with the UE is configured in block 906. When the UE is not configured for the determined type of S-RL in block 904, the UE is configured for the determined type of S-RL in block 908. The dual-function RAN node can configure the type of sensing signal to be transmitted for the target UE.

[0049] Figure 10 Example options for user equipment (UE) processing of sensed signals are shown. In box 1002, the UE receives and processes the sensed signal via the downlink S-RL according to the network configuration. Figure 10Examples of processing by the UE after sensing a signal are shown. In block 1004, the UE responds to the sensing signal immediately according to the network configuration. This response can be called an echo response and has minimal latency. In block 1006, the UE first identifies the sensing signal according to the network configuration and then responds to it. This has less latency, but more than the processing latency in block 1004. In block 1008, the UE first identifies and evaluates the sensing signal according to the network configuration and then sends an echo signal. This may have slightly more latency, but is still faster than normal uplink data transmission (communication RL).

[0050] Figures 11a to 11d An example sensing signal pulse option from the UE is shown. Specifically, the UE in Figures 11a to 11d The echo signal is transmitted via the uplink S-RL based on the number of pulses / shots sent.

[0051] Figure 11a A single-pulse S-RL 1106 from the RAN node to the UE and a single-pulse echo response 1104 from the UE are illustrated. This embodiment is a single-triggered echo signal responding to a single-triggered sensing signal according to the network configuration.

[0052] Figure 11b The multipulse S-RL 1106 from the RAN node to the UE and the single-pulse echo response 1108 from the UE are illustrated. A trigger echo signal is a response to multiple trigger sensing signals according to the network configuration.

[0053] Figure 11c The single-pulse S-RL 1110 from the RAN node to the UE and the multi-pulse echo response 1112 from the UE are illustrated. Multiple trigger echo signals are responses to a single trigger sensing signal according to the network configuration.

[0054] Figure 11d The multipulse S-RL 1114 from the RAN node to the UE and the multipulse echo response 1116 from the UE are illustrated. The multiple trigger echo signals are responses to multiple trigger sensing signals according to the network configuration.

[0055] Figure 12An example procedure for sensing communication processing is illustrated. In block 1202, the RAN node transmits a sensing signal. In block 1204, the UE receives the sensing signal from the RAN node. In block 1206, the UE responds to the sensing signal using one or more echo signals. Then, in block 1208, the RAN node analyzes one or more echo signals. This analysis is performed when the corresponding echo signal(s)(s) are received from the target UE via the uplink S-RL. Specifically, the dual-function RAN node further analyzes and derives sensing (intermediate) results based on those received echo signals(s). In block 1210, the sensing (intermediate) results can be used to aid in the management of parallel communication RLs or to prepare for potential upcoming communication RLs when needed. Communication RL modifications or preparations in block 1210 can include transmitting the sensing (intermediate) results to the upper layer or for third-party use in block 1212.

[0056] The communication RL modification or preparation in box 1210 may include determining the environment in box 1214 or managing advertising in box 1216. The UE's environment can be inferred based on obstacles identified through sensing signals between the RAN node and the UE. Example environments include indoor environments, stadium environments, mobile vehicle environments, or shopping mall environments. In a shopping mall environment, advertising can be targeted, including providing targeted information to specific buyers based on advertising targeting different sellers. A dual-function RAN node can use S-RL to detect the presence of the UE in a specific shopping location to improve advertising targeting different sellers. For example, this may include initiating broadcast / multicast of specific information using Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) functionality.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] The following is a first example use case for a dual-function RAN node. The dual-function RAN node supports 45 GHz wireless communication and 60 GHz wireless sensing, both in the millimeter-wave high-frequency band. The target UE is in the RRC_Connected state (indicating ongoing data transmission) and is in an indoor environment; therefore, various indoor obstacles and user gestures may interfere with the existing 45 GHz communication RL. To improve communication through better management of the serving beam (e.g., providing a more reliable and efficient beam in a timely manner), the dual-function RAN node is configured to activate the 60 GHz sensing function for the target UE.

[0059] In the first step, for the purpose of detecting the UE's environment and user context, the dual-function RAN node selects a classic OFDM waveform of 60 GHz (e.g., as specified in IEEE 802.11ad) as the desired sensing signal, and the RAN node also determines its downlink transmission mode (e.g., bandwidth / burst duration / intensity / period) via the downlink S-RL. In this example, the RAN node treats the communication RL as the primary link and the S-RL as the secondary link.

[0060] In the second step, the dual-function RAN node allocates air resources for the sensing signal and configures the target UE with sensing signal-related configuration information via parallel communication RL (e.g., RRC procedural signaling) over 45 GHz, so that the UE knows / when to receive, measure, and react to the upcoming sensing signal.

[0061] In the third step, the dual-function RAN node transmits a 60 GHz sensing signal in a planned mode, and the UE receives the sensing signal according to the RAN node's configuration and responds to the sensing signal immediately with a pulse / trigger echo signal.

[0062] In the fourth step, after a short delay, the dual-function RAN node receives the corresponding echo signal(s) from the target UE via the uplink S-RL, and the dual-function RAN node further analyzes the sensing results to identify / determine that the UE is in an indoor environment, and also identifies / determines the user context of the UE.

[0063] In the fifth step, the dual-function RAN node uses the determined UE indoor environment and user context obtained via S-RL to improve local beam management for the target UE.

[0064] In the sixth step, the dual-function RAN node can deconfigure or reconfigure the sensing operation with the target UE according to the internal policy of the dual-function RAN node.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] Below is a second example use case for a dual-function RAN node. The dual-function RAN node supports both 28 GHz wireless communication and 28 GHz wireless sensing, both operating in the millimeter-wave band. The target UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state (data transmission in progress) and is in a stadium environment, where crowds may interfere with the existing 28 GHz communication RL. To better manage the serving beam (e.g., to provide a more reliable and efficient beam in a timely manner), the dual-function RAN node decides to configure and activate the 28 GHz sensing function for the target UE.

[0067] In the first step, for the purpose of detecting the UE's environment and user context, the dual-function RAN node selects a custom 5G-NR OFDM waveform at 28 GHz (e.g., as specified in 3GPP) as the desired sensing signal, and the RAN node also determines its downlink transmission mode (e.g., bandwidth / burst duration / intensity / period) via the downlink S-RL. In this example, the RAN node treats the communication RL as the primary link and the S-RL as the secondary link.

[0068] In the second step, the sensing signal shares the same air resources as the communication RL, and the dual-function RAN node does not need to allocate additional air resources for the sensing signal, but still uses the sensing signal-related configuration information to configure the target UE via the parallel communication RL at 28 GHz (e.g., RRC procedure signaling), so that the UE knows how / when to receive, measure and react to the upcoming sensing signal.

[0069] In the third step, the dual-function RAN node physically transmits the 28GHz sensing signal along with the downlink data transmission signal via the downlink S-RL, and the UE first identifies the sensing signal according to the RAN node configuration and reflects the sensing signal as a pulse / trigger echo signal as a response to the pulse / trigger sensing signal.

[0070] In the fourth step, after a short delay, the dual-function RAN node receives the corresponding echo signal(s) from the target UE via the uplink S-RL, physically along with the uplink data transmission signal, and the dual-function RAN node further analyzes and identifies / determines the sensing results, which determine that the UE is in a stadium environment and provides the UE with user context.

[0071] In the fifth step, the dual-function RAN node uses the analyzed UE stadium environment and user context obtained via S-RL to improve local beam management for the target UE.

[0072] In the sixth step, the dual-function RAN node can deconfigure or reconfigure the sensing operation with the target UE according to the internal policy of the dual-function RAN node.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] Below is a third example use case for a dual-function RAN node supporting both 6GHz wireless communication and 6GHz wireless sensing, both operating in the millimeter-wave low-frequency band. The target UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state (where data transmission is in progress) and is in a mobile vehicle environment. The mobile vehicle environment includes buildings and trees, which may interfere with the existing 6GHz communication RL. To better manage the serving beam (e.g., to provide a more reliable and efficient beam in a timely manner), the dual-function RAN node decides to configure and activate the 6GHz sensing function for the target UE.

[0075] In the first step, for the purpose of detecting the UE's environment and user context, the dual-function RAN node selects a conventional radar chirp waveform at 6 GHz (e.g., as used in classic radar systems) as the desired sensing signal. The RAN node also determines its downlink transmission mode (e.g., bandwidth / burst duration / intensity / period) via the downlink S-RL. In this example, the dual-function RAN node treats the communication RL as the primary link and the S-RL as the secondary link.

[0076] In the second step, the sensed signal uses different air resources than the communication RL in a time-division multiplexing (TDM) manner. The dual-function RAN node needs to allocate dedicated air resources for the sensed signal and also needs to configure the target UE with sensed signal-related configuration information via parallel communication RL at 6 GHz (e.g., RRC procedural signaling), so that the UE knows / when to receive, measure, and react to the upcoming sensed signal.

[0077] In the third step, the dual-function RAN node transmits a 6 GHz sensing signal in TDM mode (e.g., via downlink S-RL in a different time slot than the downlink data transmission signal), and the UE first identifies the sensing signal according to the configuration of the dual-function RAN node and reflects the sensing signal as a pulse / trigger echo signal at an appropriate time as a response to a pulse / trigger sensing signal.

[0078] In the fourth step, after a short delay, the dual-function RAN node receives the corresponding echo signal(s) in TDM mode (e.g., from the target UE via the uplink S-RL in a different time slot than the uplink data transmission signal), and the dual-function RAN node further analyzes and identifies / determines the sensing results (e.g., the UE in a moving vehicle and the UE user context).

[0079] In the fifth step, the dual-function RAN node uses the UE in the mobile vehicle and user context obtained via S-RL to improve local beam management of the target UE.

[0080] In the sixth step, the dual-function RAN node can later deconfigure or reconfigure the sensing operation with the target UE according to the dual-function RAN node's internal policy.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] Below is a fourth example use case for a dual-function RAN node that supports 3.5 GHz wireless communication in the low-frequency band and 60 GHz wireless sensing in the millimeter-wave high-frequency band. The target UE is in RRC_Idle state (where no data transmission is in progress) and is in a shopping mall environment. To better manage advertising and marketing to different sellers (e.g., providing more targeted information to specific buyers in a timely manner), the dual-function RAN node decides to configure and activate the 60 GHz sensing function for the target UE.

[0083] In the first step, for the purpose of detecting the presence of the UE in a specific area (e.g., which shopping location), the dual-function RAN node utilizes a classic 60 GHz OFDM waveform (e.g., as specified in IEEE 802.11ad) as the desired sensing signal, and the RAN node also determines its downlink transmission mode (e.g., bandwidth / burst duration / intensity / period) via the downlink S-RL. In this example, the RAN node uses the S-RL as the primary link and the broadcast / multicast communication link as the secondary link.

[0084] In the second step, the dual-function RAN node allocates air resources for sensing signals and configures the target UE with sensing signal-related configuration information via parallel broadcast / multicast communication RL (e.g., SIB signaling) over 3.5 GHz, so that the UE knows / when to receive, measure, and react to the upcoming sensing signals.

[0085] In the third step, the dual-function RAN node transmits a 60 GHz sensing signal in a planned mode, and the UE immediately receives the sensing signal according to the RAN node's configuration and reflects the sensing signal as a pulse / trigger echo signal as a response to the pulse / trigger sensing signal.

[0086] In the fourth step, after a short delay, the dual-function RAN node receives the corresponding echo signal(s) from the target UE via the uplink S-RL, and the dual-function RAN node further analyzes and identifies / determines the sensing results to understand the presence of the UE in the specific shopping location.

[0087] In the fifth step, the dual-function RAN node uses the identified "UE presence in a specific shopping location" obtained via S-RL to improve advertising targeting different sellers (e.g., using MBS (Multicast Broadcast Service Function) to start broadcasting / multicasting specific information).

[0088] In the sixth step, the dual-function RAN node can deconfigure or reconfigure its sensing operations with the target UE according to its internal policies.

[0089] Example 5

[0090] Below is the fifth example use case for a dual-function RAN node that supports 28 GHz wireless communication and 28 GHz wireless sensing in the millimeter-wave band. The target UE is in RRC_Idle state (where no data transmission is in progress) and is in a shopping mall environment. To better manage advertising campaigns targeting different sellers (e.g., providing more targeted information to specific buyers in a timely manner), the dual-function RAN node decides to configure and activate the 28 GHz sensing function for the target UE.

[0091] In the first step, for the purpose of detecting the presence of the UE in a specific area (e.g., which shopping location), the dual-function RAN node selects a custom 5G-NR OFDM waveform at 28 GHz (e.g., as specified in 3GPP) as the desired sensing signal, and the dual-function RAN node also determines its downlink transmission mode (e.g., bandwidth / burst duration / intensity / period) via the downlink S-RL. In this example, the dual-function RAN node treats the S-RL as the primary link and the broadcast / multicast communication link as the secondary link.

[0092] In the second step, the sensing signal uses air resources different from the broadcast / multicast communication RL in TDM mode. The dual-function RAN node needs to allocate dedicated air resources for the sensing signal and also needs to configure the sensing signal-related configuration information for the target UE via parallel broadcast / multicast communication RL at 28 GHz (e.g., SIB signaling) so that the UE knows how / when to receive, measure and respond to the upcoming sensing signal.

[0093] In the third step, the dual-function RAN node transmits a 28 GHz sensing signal in a planned mode, and the UE immediately receives the sensing signal according to the configuration of the dual-function RAN node and reflects the sensing signal as a pulse / trigger echo signal as a response to the pulse / trigger sensing signal.

[0094] In the fourth step, after a short delay, the dual-function RAN node receives the corresponding echo signal(s) from the target UE via the uplink S-RL, and the dual-function RAN node further analyzes and derives the sensing results to understand the "presence of the UE in the specific shopping location".

[0095] In the fifth step, the dual-function RAN node uses the detected presence of the UE in a specific shopping location obtained via S-RL to improve advertising targeting different sellers (making advertising targeting different sellers more targeted) (e.g., using MBS (Multicast Broadcast Service Function) to start broadcasting / multicasting specific information).

[0096] In the sixth step, the dual-function RAN node can later deconfigure or reconfigure the sensing operation with the target UE according to the dual-function RAN node's internal policy.

[0097] The systems and processes described above can be encoded in a signal-carrying medium, a computer-readable medium (such as memory), programmed within a device (such as one or more integrated circuits, one or more processors), or processed by a controller or computer. The data can be analyzed in a computer system and used to generate a spectrogram. If the method is executed by software, the software can reside in memory that communicates with the transmitter via a storage device, synchronizer, communication interface, or non-volatile or volatile memory, or be connected via an interface to such a storage device, synchronizer, communication interface, or non-volatile or volatile memory. A circuit or electronic device is designed to transmit data to another location. The memory can include an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The described logical functions or any system elements can be implemented via optical circuitry, digital circuitry, source code, analog circuitry, or analog sources (such as analog electrical, audio, or video signals or combinations thereof). The software can be implemented in any computer-readable or signal-carrying medium for use by or connection to an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Such a system may include a computer-based system, a processor-integrated system, or another system that can selectively obtain instructions from an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device that can also execute instructions.

[0098] "Computer-readable medium," "machine-readable medium," "signal propagation medium," and / or "signal-carrying medium" can include any device that includes, stores, transmits, propagates, or transmits software for use by or connection to an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Machine-readable media may optionally be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or propagation media. A non-exhaustive list of examples of machine-readable media would include: an electrical connection "electronic device" having one or more wires, a portable magnetic disk or optical disk, volatile memory (such as random access memory, RAM), read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, or flash memory), or optical fiber. Because software can be electrically stored as an image or other format (e.g., by optical scanning) and then compiled, and / or interpreted or otherwise processed, machine-readable media may also include tangible media on which software is printed. The processed medium can then be stored in computer and / or machine memory.

[0099] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to be a complete description of all elements and features of apparatuses and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, allowing for structural and logical substitutions and changes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrations are representative only and may not be drawn to scale. Some scales within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Therefore, this disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0100] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term "invention," merely for convenience and not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the specification.

[0101] The phrase "coupled with" is defined as indicating a direct connection or indirect connection via one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware and software-based components. The arrangement and type of components may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims described herein. Additional, different, or fewer components may be provided.

[0102] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of the invention will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description. While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited except by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for wireless sensing, comprising: Send a sensing signal for the purpose of providing sensing; as well as Provide a sensing wireless link for the operation of the wireless sensing; The provision is performed by a radio access network (RAN) node, and the sensing radio link is configured with a user equipment (UE). The sending and providing are independent of the UE's Radio Resource Control (RRC) state for communication purposes; The sensing wireless link is used to provide the RAN node with environmental or contextual details of the UE to improve ongoing or upcoming wireless communications.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive the echo signal in response to the sensing signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The echo signal is sent from the UE and processed locally by the UE before a response is received.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The processing performed by the UE includes at least one of the following: immediately responding to the sensing signal; identifying the sensing signal and subsequently responding to the sensing signal; or identifying, evaluating the sensing signal and subsequently responding to the sensing signal.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The RAN node is configured with the UE having dual functions of wireless communication via communication radio link RL and wireless sensing via sensing radio link S-RL, wherein the RL and the S-RL are simultaneous.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The communication wireless link and the sensing wireless link utilize the same physical resources, such that when the UE is in a connected state, the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically integrated with the parallel communication signal.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The communication wireless link and the sensing wireless link utilize different physical resources, thereby physically separating the sensing signal and / or echo signal from the parallel communication signal.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Different sensing signals are used for different sensing purposes.

9. A method for wireless sensing, comprising: Receive sensing signals for sensing purposes; In response to receiving the sensing signal, an echo signal is sent; as well as Establish a sensing wireless link for the operation of the wireless sensing; The receiving and transmitting are performed by the user equipment (UE), and the sensing radio link is established with the radio access network (RAN) node. The sensing wireless link is independent of the UE's Radio Resource Control (RRC) state for communication purposes; The sensing wireless link is configured by the RAN node to provide the RAN node with environmental or contextual details of the UE, thereby improving ongoing or upcoming wireless communication between the UE and the RAN node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The UE is pre-configured by the RAN node.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The UE is configured by the RAN node, which has dual functions of wireless communication via the communication radio link RL and wireless sensing via the sensing radio link S-RL, wherein the RL and the S-RL are simultaneous.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The communication wireless link and the sensing wireless link utilize the same physical resources, so that the sensing signal and / or echo signal are physically integrated with the parallel communication signal.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The communication wireless link and the sensing wireless link utilize different physical resources, thereby physically separating the sensing signal and / or echo signal from the parallel communication signal.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Upon receiving the sensing signal, the sensing signal is processed according to the RAN node's pre-configuration by: immediately reflecting the sensing signal; Alternatively, the sensing signal may be identified and then responded to; or the sensing signal may be identified, evaluated, and then responded to.

15. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, The processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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