Coverage enhancement for sensing coverage

Abstract

Various example embodiments of the subject disclosure relate to devices, methods, and computer-readable storage media for adjustment of coverage enhancements for sensing coverage. In one method, a first device receives, from a second device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device, where the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target. The first device then determines, based on the report, whether a coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage. The first device sends an indication to a second device to perform movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments of the subject disclosure relate generally to the field of communications, and in particular, some example embodiments relate to apparatus, methods, and computer-readable storage media for coverage enhancement of sensing coverage. Background Art

[0002] A communication system may be viewed as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities (such as communication devices, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between the various entities involved in the communication path.

[0003] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs) operating based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local networks. A wireless local network may, for example, be implemented as a wireless local area network (WLAN). A wireless system may typically be divided into cells and is therefore often referred to as a cellular system.

[0004] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification, which specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a set of standards is the so-called 5G standard. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some example embodiments disclosed in this topic will be described with respect to certain aspects. These aspects are not intended to indicate the key or essential features of the various example embodiments disclosed in this topic, nor are they intended to be used to limit the scope thereof. In view of this topic disclosure, other features, aspects, and elements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0006] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determine whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on the report; and send an indication to the second device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing range.

[0007] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: send a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device to a first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receive an indication from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement of the sensing coverage; and based on the indication, perform the movement for coverage enhancement.

[0008] In a third aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receive a request from a first device for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and a third device; and based on receiving the request, send a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determining, based on the report, whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage; and sending, to the second device, an indication to perform movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending, at a second device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device to a first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receiving an indication from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement for sensing coverage; and performing the movement for coverage enhancement based on the indication.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a third device, a request from a first device for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and a third device; and based on receiving the request, sending a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: a component for receiving a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a component for determining whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on the report; and a component for sending an indication to the second device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: a component for sending a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device to the first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a component for receiving an instruction from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement for sensing coverage; and a component for performing the movement for coverage enhancement based on the instruction.

[0014] In a ninth aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes: a component for receiving a request from a first device for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and a third device; and a component for sending a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device based on receiving the request.

[0015] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions is provided. The instructions, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, at a first device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determining, based on the report, whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage; and sending, to the second device, an indication to perform movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions is provided. The instructions, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: sending, at a second device and to a first device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receiving from the first device an indication to perform a movement for coverage enhancement of the sensing coverage; and performing a movement for coverage enhancement based on the indication.

[0017] In a twelfth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions is provided. The instructions, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, at a third device, a request from a first device for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and a third device; and based on receiving the request, sending a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device.

[0018] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a first device, cause the device to at least: receive a report on sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determine whether coverage enhancement will be used for sensing coverage based on the report; and based on determining that coverage enhancement will be used for sensing coverage, send an indication to the second device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement.

[0019] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: send a report of sensing coverage for the apparatus and a third device to a first device, wherein the apparatus and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receive an indication from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement for the sensing coverage; and based on the indication, perform a movement for coverage enhancement.

[0020] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request from a first device for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and the apparatus; and based on receiving the request, send a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device.

[0021] In a sixteenth aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: a receiving circuit system configured to receive a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a determining circuit system configured to determine whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on the report; and a sending circuit system configured to send an instruction to perform movement for coverage enhancement to the second device based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage.

[0022] In a seventeenth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: a sending circuit system configured to send a report of sensing coverage for a second device and a third device to a first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a receiving circuit system configured to receive an instruction to perform a movement for coverage enhancement for sensing coverage from the first device; and an executing circuit system configured to perform a movement for coverage enhancement based on the instruction.

[0023] In an eighteenth aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes: a receiving circuit system configured to receive a request for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and a third device from a first device; and a transmitting circuit system configured to transmit a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device based on receiving the request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A illustrates an example of a network environment in which some example embodiments of the subject disclosure may be implemented;

[0026] Figures 1B to 1G Some example sensing architectures are shown;

[0027] Figure 1H Schematically showing sensing boundaries with different LoS path lengths;

[0028] Fig. 1I The size of the sensing coverage area under different LoS path lengths is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating a communication process according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 An example scenario of sensing coverage enhancement according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 schematically illustrates LPP messages according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 An example signaling process according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 Another flow chart illustrating an example method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 Another flow chart illustrating an example method implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 9shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the subject disclosure; and

[0037] Fig.10 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0038] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers are intended to denote the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Various example embodiments of the subject disclosure are further described. It should be understood that these example embodiments are only for illustrative purposes and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the subject disclosure, and do not imply any specific limitation on the scope of the subject disclosure. The various example embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented in ways other than those described herein.

[0040] The terminology used herein is generally used only to describe specific example embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. In the following description and claims, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject disclosure belongs, unless otherwise defined.

[0041] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some example embodiments," "certain example embodiments," "various example embodiments," etc. indicate that the referenced embodiment(s) described may include specific feature(s), structure(s), or characteristic(s), but not every embodiment or example embodiment described herein necessarily includes the specific feature(s), structure(s), or characteristic(s). Additionally, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or the same example embodiment. Furthermore, when specific feature(s), structure(s), or characteristic(s) are described in conjunction with an embodiment or example embodiment, it is known to those skilled in the art that such feature(s), structure(s), or characteristic(s) may be combined with any other embodiment or example embodiment described herein, whether or not such a combination is explicitly described.

[0042] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0043] As used herein, "at least one of the following elements: " and "at least one of " and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all of the elements. As used herein, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0044] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprisign", "has", "having", "includes" and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0045] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps in between.

[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprisign", "has", "having", "includes" and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated (multiple) features, (multiple) elements and / or (multiple) components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following example embodiments:

[0048] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0049] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0050] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware and

[0051] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions and

[0052] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) (such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s)) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0053] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0054] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any appropriate generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, sixth generation (6G) communication protocols and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. The example embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communications, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be embodied in the present subject disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present subject disclosure to the above-mentioned communication technologies and systems.

[0055] As used herein, the term "access network equipment" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (e.g., a femto, a micro), etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In the following description, the terms "access network equipment" and "access network node" may be used interchangeably.

[0056] The term "core network (CN) equipment" refers to equipment in the core network that is configured to communicate with access network equipment and thereby provide services to terminal devices. Examples of core network equipment may include location management function (LMF), mobile switching center (MSC), mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management function (AMF), operation and management (O&M) node, operation support system (OSS) node, self-organizing network (SON) node, positioning node (such as enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC)), etc. In some example embodiments, core network equipment may refer to any other suitable application or entity in the core network.

[0057] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device that can be configured to perform wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, equipment operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. As used herein, the terms “terminal device,” “communication device,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0058] The fusion of communication and sensing is still in the early stages of development. In the 5G-Advanced (5G-A) phase, a focus is to explore the integration of communication and sensing functions based on the enhanced design of 5G network architecture and air interface. This involves exploiting wireless channel characteristics to obtain richer environmental information and support (or otherwise promote) basic sensing applications.

[0059] Wireless sensing coverage research focuses on improving the coverage and performance of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in various communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi sensing, new radio (NR)-based sensing, and the exploration of sensing capabilities in 6G systems. However, there are still some open issues related to wireless sensing that need further research.

[0060]

[0013] In general, various example embodiments of the subject disclosure may provide one or more solutions for performing coverage enhancement of sensing coverage.

[0061] Figure 1A An example of a network environment 100 is shown in which some example embodiments of the subject disclosure may be implemented. In some example embodiments, the network environment 100 may also be implemented as a network system, a communication environment, a communication network, or the like.

[0062] The network environment 100 includes a first device 110 for a communication system, wherein the communication system 100 may be an NR system, a Wi-Fi system, etc. The first device 110 may be an apparatus in a core network. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may include a sensing function (SF) or a sensing management function (SeMF). In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be configured as follows: Figure 1A For example, the first device 110 may be configured to perform Figure 1A It should be understood that the first device 110 may be implemented as or include another type of apparatus, network element or CN function.

[0063] The network environment 100 also includes a third device 120 (sensing transmitter) and a second device 13 (sensing receiver) for a sensing system. In some example embodiments, the sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver may be referred to as a probe and a sensor, respectively.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the third device 120 (sensing transmitter) may be implemented as a gNB, and the second device 130 (sensing receiver) may be implemented as a UE. In some other example embodiments, the third device 120 (sensing transmitter) may be implemented as an AP, and the second device 130 (sensing receiver) may be implemented as a STA. However, it should be understood that the second device 130 may be implemented in other forms, which will not be listed for the sake of brevity.

[0065] A sensing system including a sensing transmitter and a sensing receiver can be used to sense one or more targets (e.g., Figure 1A 140 shown in FIG. 14A ). When sensing one or more targets, a sensing coverage area is considered. For example, one or more objects located within the sensing coverage area may be considered as targets for sensing. In certain example embodiments, objects located outside the sensing coverage area may not be considered as targets for sensing. The sensing coverage area may depend on a variety of factors, such as the distance between the sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver, the transmission power of the sensing signal from the sensing transmitter, the path loss when transmitting or reflecting the sensing signal, interference or noise, etc.

[0066] In the subject disclosure, a sensing coverage area may refer to an area, region, or range where a sensing system (e.g., a sensing receiver) can sense static and dynamic targets (e.g., objects). In some example embodiments, a sensing coverage area may be implemented as a sensing coverage range, a sensing coverage boundary, sensing coverage, a sensing area, a sensing range, a coverage area for sensing, a range for sensing coverage, a coverage boundary for sensing, coverage for sensing, and the like.

[0067] It should be understood that Figure 1A The number of devices, apparatuses, objects shown in the figure and their connection relationships and types are for illustration purposes only. Network environment 100 may include any appropriate number of devices, apparatuses, objects configured to implement the example embodiments disclosed herein. For example, in addition to target 140, there may be more targets that need to be sensed.

[0068] One of the most dynamic developments in the Wi-Fi industry is the move to address whole-home Wi-Fi network coverage and performance issues. To address some of the challenges in this area, several proprietary multi-AP solutions have emerged on the market. According to market research from the National Buying Diary Group, these proprietary solutions currently account for approximately 40% of North American retail AP market revenues. These sales figures indicate the willingness by consumers to purchase devices that will enhance the home Wi-Fi experience. At the same time, several service providers around the world are supplying or planning solutions to address whole-home Wi-Fi coverage with extended sensing capabilities, while home builders are looking to provide an excellent joint communication and sensing Wi-Fi experience with new home purchases.

[0069] The first international sensing standard IEEE P802.11bf TM / D0.01, March 2022, defines sensing as the use of received WLAN signals to detect characteristics of intended targets of humans / objects / animals in a given environment. For example, characteristics like range, speed, angle, motion, presence or proximity, gestures, etc. can be used in room, house, car, and enterprise environments. Target frequency bands can be between 1 GHz and 7.125 GHz and above 45 GHz.

[0070] WLAN sensing may enable (or otherwise facilitate) STAs to obtain sensing measurements of channels (multiple) between APs and / or STAs. By performing the WLAN sensing process, STAs may obtain sensing measurements that may be used to detect and track environmental changes. For a sensing session, some sensing entity roles according to some example embodiments will be described as follows:

[0071] Sensing Receiver: A sensing receiver may be an entity that receives a sensing signal, which may be used by a sensing service in its operation. A sensing receiver may be implemented as an NR RAN node or a UE. A sensing receiver may be located in the same entity as a sensing transmitter or in a different entity from a sensing transmitter. For example, a sensing receiver may be implemented as a STA that receives a PPDU sent by a sensing transmitter and performs sensing measurements during a WLAN sensing procedure.

[0072] Sensing transmitter: A sensing transmitter may be an entity that emits sensing signals that a sensing service may use in its operation. A sensing transmitter may be implemented as an NR RAN node or a UE. A sensing transmitter may be located in the same entity as a sensing receiver or in a different entity from the sensing receiver. For example, a sensing transmitter may be implemented as an AP that transmits a PPDU that is used for sensing measurements during a WLAN sensing procedure.

[0073] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a technology for 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and 6G. The technology may involve integrating communication and sensing functions in a single system to achieve (or otherwise facilitate) efficient sharing of resources. ISAC design may allow communication and sensing functions to share the same resources, such as frequency bands and hardware, to improve spectrum efficiency and reduce costs. With the widespread deployment of communication infrastructure (such as 5G base stations), integrating sensing functions into communication systems has become a hot topic in recent years, and the technology can be widely used in typical application scenarios such as smart transportation, low-altitude airspace, smart life, and smart networks. Network transformation and upgrades may prove beneficial in implementing wireless sensing capabilities for certain 5G network implementations.

[0074] In some example embodiments, communication sensing fusion can achieve unified design of communication and perception functions through signal joint design and / or hardware sharing. The sensing part in communication and sensing fusion can be understood as an aspect of wireless sensing technology based on a communication system. Generally speaking, a wireless signal is transmitted to a target area or object, and the received echo signal is analyzed to obtain corresponding sensing measurement information.

[0075] Therefore, wireless communication networks may have inherent wireless sensing capabilities. In some example embodiments, base stations and terminals may have both communication and sensing capabilities, thereby providing sensing services for various applications. Integrating communication and sensing functions in a single system can bring multiple benefits, including improved spectral efficiency, reduced costs, and improved performance.

[0076] In 3GPP Release 19, discussions on work to support sensing functions are ongoing.

[0077] As mentioned earlier, communication and sensing fusion is still in the early stages of development. In the 5G-Advanced (5G-A) phase, a focus is to explore the integration of communication and sensing functions based on the 5G network architecture and air interface enhancement design. This involves exploiting wireless channel characteristics to obtain richer environmental information and enable (or otherwise promote) basic sensing applications. To achieve this, 3GPP is expected to define several key technical areas related to communication and sensing fusion in Release 19.

[0078] SA1 focuses on defining service and system requirements for communication and sensing fusion, including use cases, functional requirements and performance metrics. This ensures that the integrated system meets the design of different application scenarios, such as smart transportation, smart cities and industrial automation. At the latest SA1#101 meeting held in February 2023, a total of 32 ISAC use cases have been agreed upon, which have been captured in TR 22.837 for further study.

[0079] SA2 focuses on architectural improvements for 5G systems to meet the following requirements: Extensions of 5G system architecture to support sensing functions; Extensions of 5G system architecture to support sensing functions; Identification of extensions or gaps based on LCS (location services) architecture according to sensing function requirements; LMF (location management function) role investigation and / or new NF with dedicated sensing functions; and impact on network functions. Some discussions related to LMF are listed below.

[0080]

[0081] The objectives for ISAC in RAN are concept analysis (existing generic 6G material) and mapping to 5G-A constraints, 5G-A RAN1 / RAN2 / RAN3 / RAN4 concept generation and contribution preparation, and 3GPP compliant LLS.

[0082] The deliverables for the ISAC in the RAN are to analyze existing concepts and perform gap analysis to determine a) relevant specifications, b) evaluate specification change requirements, and c) identify open issues / problems to be addressed in the “IEEE P802.11-REVme TM / D1.0, December 2021” as input and focus on generating new concepts / IPRs for different RAN WGs, RAN1 / 4 aspects (e.g., signaling aspects, sensing signal design), RAN2 aspects (e.g., multiplexing / scheduling issues for joint sensing and communication), and “IEEE P802.11-REVme TM / D1.0, December 2021" and "IEEE P802.11bf TM / D0.01, Draft Standard for Information Technology - Telecommunications and Information Exchange between Systems Local and Metropolitan Area Networks - Specific Requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications - Amendment 2: Wireless LAN Sensing Enhancements, March 2022” as input to assess the maturity / usability of existing simulation tools and enhance them (if necessary) to develop 3GPP-compliant LLS.

[0083] Figures 1B to 1G Some example sensing architectures are shown. Figure 1B It can be viewed as an architecture based on a single static network 11, where a single gNB 11-1 acts as a detector and sensor. Figure 1C The architecture 12 can be viewed as being based on a dual-static (or multi-static) network, where one gNB 12-1 acts as a probe and the other gNB 12-2 (or other gNB) acts as a sensor. Figure 1D It can be viewed as a single static UE based architecture 13, where a single UE 13-1 acts as a detector and sensor. Figure 1E It can be viewed as an architecture 14 based on dual static (or multi-static) UEs, where one UE 14-1 acts as a detector and the other UE 14-2 (or other UEs) acts as a sensor. Figure 1F It can be viewed as a DL-based collaborative architecture 15, where one gNB 15-1 acts as a probe and one UE 15-2 (or multiple UEs) act as sensors. Figure 1G It can be viewed as a UL based collaborative architecture 16 where one UE 16-1 acts as a probe and one gNB 16-2 (or multiple gNBs) acts as a sensor.

[0084] Some example embodiments of the subject disclosure may focus on DL-based dual-static scenarios (e.g. Figure 1F As shown in Figure 1), one gNB acts as a detector and (multiple) UEs act as (multiple) sensors.

[0085] In general, the coverage issue for communicating users has been a topic of discussion in 5G NR wireless networks, especially in terms of coverage enhancement and related parameters, which vary depending on different deployment scenarios. In 3GPP TS38.830 "NR Coverage Enhancement Study", potential coverage enhancement solutions for specific scenarios for both FR1 and FR2 have been studied. The detailed objectives are as follows.

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] 3GPP TS 38.101-1 “NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1: Range 1 Standalone” defines the radio transmission and reception requirements for user equipment (UE) operating in standalone (SA) mode in Range 1 frequency bands, which includes frequency ranges n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n50, n66, n70, n71, n74, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79 and n89.

[0089] 3GPP TS 38.101-2 “NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 2: Range 2 Standalone” defines the radio transmission and reception requirements for UEs operating in Standalone (SA) mode in Range 2 frequency bands, which include frequency ranges n257, n258, n260, n261, n262, n263, n264 and n277.

[0090] 3GPP TS 38.104 “NR; Base station (BS) radio transmission and reception” defines the radio transmission and reception requirements for base stations (BS) in 5G networks.

[0091] 3GPP TS 38.901 “NR; Radio Frequency (RF) requirements for User Equipment (UE)” – This specification provides guidance on the RF requirements for user equipment (UE) in 5G networks, including receiver sensitivity, maximum transmit power, and other performance parameters.

[0092] There are already wireless sensing coverage studies that focus on improving the coverage and performance of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in various communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi sensing, NR-based sensing, and exploration of sensing capabilities in 6G systems. For example, Wi-Fi sensing: Wi-Fi signals are exploited to detect and monitor human presence, movement, and activity. Changes in signal characteristics are analyzed to track movement, occupancy, and even physiological information. NR sensing: NR is a 5G technology that supplies advanced waveform designs (such as OFDM) to enable accurate detection and characterization of the environment. NR-based sensing has been explored for radar sensing, indoor positioning, and occupancy detection, providing higher resolution sensing capabilities. Sensing in 6G systems: Future 6G systems are designed to support ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, terahertz frequencies, and massive MIMO. These features facilitate high-resolution sensing, precise positioning, and intelligent resource allocation, thereby enhancing coverage and sensing capabilities. To enhance wireless sensing coverage, various technologies exist: 1) Collaborative sensing, which collaborates and shares information to achieve better overall coverage, and on the other hand, data fusion from multiple sources enhances the overall sensing capabilities. 2) Signal processing and AI technologies: Advanced signal processing, ML and AI algorithms extract meaningful information from wireless signals. These technologies optimize coverage configuration, enable (or otherwise facilitate) anomaly detection and enhance overall sensing performance.

[0093] There is a study that shows that sensing coverage is closely related to the transmitter-receiver distance. It studies the effect of LoS path length on the sensing boundary. Figure 1H Sensing boundaries with different LoS path lengths are shown. Fig. 1I The size of the sensing coverage area for different LoS path lengths is shown. Interestingly, as the LoS path length increases, the sensing area first increases and then decreases, indicating that the sensing coverage can be manipulated by tuning the deployment of the transceiver. It is worth noting that as the transmitter-receiver distance increases, the shape of the sensing boundary gradually changes from an overall ellipse (or ellipse-like) to two separate circles.

[0094] In view of the above, the challenges associated with the dynamic adjustment of WIFI sensing coverage are studied. Currently, the first limiting factor is the distance of the sensing range. This is not only a challenge for WiFi sensing, but also a challenge for all RF sensing systems due to the inherent characteristics of sensing using reflected signals. Therefore, there is a gap between the communication range and the sensing range. While the communication range of WiFi can be tens of meters, for some use cases, the sensing range may be only 4-8 meters.

[0095] In addition to this challenge, there may be strong interference. This is because wireless sensing relies on target reflections for sensing. Therefore, when there are other non-target interference sources, the reflections from multiple subjects get mixed at the receiver, making target perception difficult. Due to this additional limitation, wireless sensing is usually limited to single-person scenarios, which may not be the case in reality.

[0096] In view of the above discussion and analysis, some example embodiments of the subject disclosure may provide one or more solutions for dynamically adjusting sensing coverage (eg, for performing coverage enhancement for sensing coverage).

[0097] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a communication process 200 according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the communication process 200 will refer to FIG. Figure 1A Although the communication process 200 has been described with reference to the network environment 100 of FIG. 1 , the communication process 200 can also be applied to other similar communication scenarios.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the first device 110 may send 205 a request 208 for sensing a target to the third device 120. After receiving 210 the request 208, the third device 120 may initiate a sensing session with the second device 130. Therefore, the sensing session for sensing the target will be performed between the third device 120 and the second device 130. Specifically, the third device 120 may send 215 a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform 212 to the second device 130. Accordingly, the second device 130 may receive 220 a signal having a DFRC waveform 212. Based on the received signal having the DFRC waveform 212, the second device 130 may perform 225 a coverage assessment to generate a report of sensing coverage for the second device 130 and the third device 120. Then, the second device 130 sends 230 a generated report 232 to the first device 110. Accordingly, the first device 110 receives 235 the report 232. Based on the received report 232, the first device 110 determines 240 whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage (e.g., due to movement of the sensing target). If it is determined that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage, the first device 110 sends 245 an indication 248 of a movement to perform coverage enhancement to the second device 130. Accordingly, the second device 130 receives 250 the indication 248. Based on the received indication 248, the second device 130 performs 255 the movement for coverage enhancement. In this way, sensing coverage can be dynamically adjusted, and problems such as limited sensing range and interference can be mitigated and / or resolved.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be an apparatus in a core network (CN) (e.g., a CN device). For example, the first device 110 may include a sensing function (SF) or a sensing management function (SeMF). In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be implemented as a SF device (also referred to as "SF") or a SeMF device (also referred to as "SeMF"). In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be configured as a SF or a SeMF. For example, the first device 110 may be configured to perform one or more functions of a SF or a SeMF.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the second device 130 may be implemented as a terminal device (also referred to as a "UE"). In some example embodiments, the third device 120 may be implemented as a base station (e.g., a gNB or an eNB) or an access point (AP).

[0101] In some example embodiments, the transmitted DFRC waveform may be based on MIMO-OFDM.The transmitted DFRC may resemble a joint beam pattern taking into account the communicating UE symbol error rate and potential sensing target locations.

[0102] In some example embodiments, based on receiving a request for a sensing service, such as from a third application device or a client, the first device 110 may select a device from a plurality of devices as the second device 130 to act as a sensing receiver for the sensing service, and determine a third device 120 associated with the second device 130 to act as a sensing transmitter.

[0103] Alternatively, based on receiving a request for a sensing service, for example from a third application device or client, the first device 110 may select a device from a plurality of devices as a third device 120 to act as a sensing transmitter for the sensing service, and determine a second device 130 associated with the third device 120 to act as a sensing receiver. In some example embodiments, the SeMF determines a gNB as a candidate for the sensing transmitter and sends a sensing session request to the selected gNB, the sensing session request including a sensing session ID, a sensing configuration (e.g., single static or dual static), a sensing QoS, etc. The candidate gNB and UE selection may be performed by utilizing different methods. For example, in one example embodiment, the SeMF utilizes its knowledge of the location or range of interest of the target and the distribution of base stations to select the gNB closest to the sensing area. In another embodiment, the SeMF considers the presence of communication users around the target. Specifically, it selects a UE (as a candidate sensing receiver) in response to the sensing request. In some example embodiments, once the gNB is determined, the SeMF indicates auxiliary information for coverage assessment to the selected gNB. This may also include the sensing area of ​​interest within the message.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the sensing service request received from the third application device or the client may include at least one of the following information: a sensing service type, auxiliary information for a sensing session, or a sensing service quality (QoS) requirement. The first device 110 may send a request 208 to the second device 130 based on the received sensing service request. The request 208 may also include information such as auxiliary information for a sensing session and / or sensing QoS requirements. In addition, the request 208 may also include an ID of a sensing session for sensing a target and / or a configuration of a sensing session.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the auxiliary information for the sensing session may include at least one of the following: location information of the sensing target, initial moving speed of the sensing target, initial moving direction of the sensing target, ephemeris information of the sensing target, an area of ​​interest for sensing, or a sensing scene environment.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the sensing QoS requirements may include at least one of: a first accuracy for sensing the coverage area, a first resolution for sensing the coverage area, a second accuracy for sensing the speed of the target, a second resolution for sensing the speed of the target, a false alarm rate detection probability for sensing the target, a maximum sensing delay for sensing the target, an energy efficiency for the sensing service, and a maximum number of targets sensed simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0107] In some example embodiments, second device 130 may perform 225 coverage assessment by determining hybrid channel state information (CSI) based on the communication channel, the sensing channel for the sensing target, and the interference level of the sensing target. For example, to determine the hybrid CSI, second device 130 may calculate a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR) based on a signal associated with the communication channel, a signal associated with the sensing channel, and a signal associated with the interference level.

[0108] Thus, the second device 130 performs sensing functions, generates a coverage assessment report and sensing results, and provides a report 232 to the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the report 232 may include at least one of the following: first information about sensing results for one or more sensing objects including a sensing target, wherein the sensing results include a signal-to-noise ratio specific to sensing; second information about one or more methods used to determine the sensing results for the one or more sensing objects; one or more metrics for determining the sensing coverage area; or third information about at least one evaluation process for evaluating sensing. In some example embodiments, from the report 232, at least one of the following (or similar to the following) may be determined: specific goals of the sensing measurement, sensing data acquisition and processing methods, measurement metrics and analysis, or sensing uncertainty analysis.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the first information may indicate at least one of: one or more IDs of one or more sensing objects, one or more parameters or variables measured on one or more sensing objects; one or more accuracies for one or more sensing objects, one or more precisions for one or more sensing objects, one or more reliabilities for one or more sensing objects, or at least one calibration operation for satisfying one or more accuracies. In some example embodiments, the information on one or more measurement objects may indicate at least one of: identifying a specific sensing target, identifying a parameter or variable being measured, indicating a desired level of accuracy, precision, or reliability, or explaining a calibration process and any adjustments made to ensure accurate measurements.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the one or more parameters or variables may also include one or more of the following: a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a path loss value, a processing gain, or a beamforming gain. For example, the measured parameters or variables may be based on previous sensing measurements, including SSNR, SINR, RSRP, or RSSI associated with different targets within a certain range. The measurements may be performed in a LoS / NLoS scenario. As another example, the measured parameters or variables may include statistical values, such as path loss values, SINR values, received signal power, and processing gain. These values ​​are based on parameters such as transmit power P t , Transmitting antenna gain G t , receiving antenna gain G r , noise energy E N , interference energy E I ) statistically calculated. In some example embodiments, the measured parameters or variables may include beamforming gain, which refers to the increase in signal strength or quality achieved by using beamforming technology in a wireless communication system. Beamforming gain can improve performance by focusing the signal in a specific direction. It is usually measured in decibels (dB) and represents an improvement compared to a non-beamforming scenario.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of the following: a data collection method for collecting sensing data, a data processing method for processing sensing data to determine a sensing result, or a data synchronization method for maintaining synchronization and meeting QoS requirements. In some example embodiments, the information about one or more measurement methods may explain the detailed data collection process, including sampling rate, duration, and environment, may identify the data processing technology used, such as filtering, noise reduction, or signal conditioning, or may identify the data synchronization method used to align multiple ST / SRs.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the one or more metrics used to determine the sensing coverage area include an indication of one or more algorithms used to determine the sensing coverage area, and wherein the one or more algorithms are constructed based on the sensing results indicated by the first information. In some example embodiments, the information about the one or more measurement metrics may indicate a metric or performance indicator used to evaluate the sensing coverage by providing a mathematical formula or algorithm, or may present an analysis technique used to interpret the measurement data. For example, the metric or performance indicator may include a defined standard as follows.

[0113]

[0114] Where K = P t ·G t ·G r ·λ 2 / (4π) 2 , P i =γP LoS +b. In free space, the static path is the LoS path, and the signal power can be expressed as P LoS , interference power P i Proportional to the quiescent power. The definition of SSNR is usually defined for a specific sensing receiver and is provided as follows.

[0115]

[0116] Where P d Equal to S sensing_targ , which is the power of the input signal reflected from the sensing target, which is of interest,

[0117]

[0118] I non-sensing_target is the interference power of other (interference) signals in the network, including the power of static objects and the power of dynamic objects that do not need to be sensed, and N is some noise term, which can be a constant or a random number. |H n (f)| 2is the noise power. static (f) and G object (f) are signals arriving via the static path and the object path, respectively. Note that both the static path signal and the object path signal can be utilized for communication. interferer (f) refers to other dynamic objects that do not need to be sensed but can also be used for communication. Like other ratios in electrical engineering and related fields, SSNR is usually expressed in decibels or dB.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: evaluating and quantifying uncertainty for the sensing result, identifying one or more sources of error for the sensing result, applying one or more statistical methods to the sensing result, comparing the sensing result with a reference result, or verifying the accuracy and reliability of the sensing result. In some example embodiments, at least one evaluation process may evaluate and quantify uncertainty associated with the sensing coverage measurement, identify sources of error, such as noise, bias, or environmental factors, apply statistical methods, such as error propagation or confidence intervals, to estimate measurement uncertainty, compare the obtained measurement result with an established standard, reference measurement, or theoretical model, or verify the accuracy and reliability of the sensing measurement through cross-validation or independent validation.

[0120] Regarding the determination of sensing coverage enhancement, the first device 110 can determine that sensing coverage enhancement is to be utilized from determining that the sensing target is outside the sensing coverage. In this case, the first device 110 can be configured to trigger the enhancement plan. Specifically, the first device 110 sends 245 an instruction 248 to the second device 130, indicating that the second device 130 performs a movement for coverage enhancement. The instruction 248 may include information about the movement direction and / or movement distance for the movement.

[0121] In some example embodiments, first device 110 may determine a movement state and / or interference level of a sensing target based on report 232. For example, if the sensing target is moving closer to second device 130 (e.g., implemented as a sensing receiver) or third device 120 (e.g., implemented as a sensing transmitter), and the interference level satisfies a criterion (e.g., exceeds a threshold), first device 110 determines a first range for movement to be performed by second device 130. Based on the first range, first device 110 determines a movement direction and / or a movement distance for the movement. Here, the first range may refer to an area, and if second device 130 moves into the area, the sensing ranges of second device 130 and third device 120 will be like two separate circular areas (e.g., as Figure 3 1 and 330 - 2 are shown, which will be discussed in detail below).

[0122] On the other hand, if the sensing target is moving away from the second device 130 (e.g., implemented as a sensing receiver) and the third device 120 (e.g., implemented as a sensing transmitter), the first device 110 determines a second range for the movement to be performed by the second device 130. Based on the second range, the first device 110 determines a moving direction and / or a moving distance for the movement. Here, the second range may refer to an area, and if the second device 130 moves into the area, the sensing ranges of the second device 130 and the third device 120 will be like an elliptical area, rather than two separate circular areas (e.g., like Figure 3 The sensing boundary 320 is shown and will be discussed in detail below).

[0123] As an example, Figure 3 The sensing coverage enhancement scenarios according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure are schematically shown. Figure 3 As shown, first, the sensing target 301 is located within the sensing boundary 310 representing the sensing coverage of the second device 130 and the third device 120. As the sensing target 301 is moving, it may or will move outside the sensing boundary 310. According to the subject disclosure, in order to continue sensing the moving target, the sensing coverage can be adjusted, which can be achieved by moving the sensing transmitter or the sensing receiver. For example, Figure 3 As shown, as the sensing target 301 moves to a new position outside the sensing boundary 310, the sensing coverage should be adjusted to the sensing boundary 320, which can be achieved by moving the second device 130 by a distance Δd. In this case, since the moving distance Δd is not too large, the new sensing range represented by the sensing boundary 320 is still an elliptical area / region.

[0124] Continue to refer Figure 3 , if the sensing target 301 moves to a new position outside the sensing boundary 320, the sensing range needs to be adjusted again. For example, by moving the second device 130 by a distance Δd', the sensing coverage will become two separate circular areas, represented by the sensing boundary 330-1 and the sensing boundary 330-2. For this case, since the moving distance Δd' is large, for example, exceeding a certain threshold, the new sensing coverage cannot be maintained as one area or one elliptical area. Figure 3 As shown, Δd<Δd′<Δdmax, where Δdmax may be a maximum value of movement that can be properly sensed by the second device 130 and the third device 120 .

[0125] According to some example embodiments, a case corresponding to adjustment to the sensing boundary 320 is referred to as a case A, and a case corresponding to adjustment to the sensing boundary 330 - 1 and the sensing boundary 330 - 2 is referred to as a case B.

[0126] In some example embodiments, situation A may refer to a sensing target (eg, sensing target 301) being interfered with by (a plurality of) interfering objects (eg, Figure 3 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, and 302-4) shown in the figure, but the sensing target (e.g., sensing target 301) is relatively far away from the sensing transmitter (e.g., the third device 120) and the sensing receiver (e.g., the second device 130) in space. Here, regardless of the interference level (e.g., low / high) to the sensing target, the first device 110 can send an indication to the second device 130 to move along the LoS path direction with a predetermined increment Δd, such as Figure 3 It can be noted that in case A, some challenges associated with the limited sensing range problem can be solved.

[0127] In some example embodiments, situation B may refer to a sensing target (eg, sensing target 301) being interfered with by (a plurality of) interfering objects (eg, Figure 3 In the case of interference with the spheres 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, and 302-4 shown in the figure, the sensing target (e.g., the sensing target 301) is relatively close to the sensing transmitter (e.g., the third device 120) or the sensing receiver (e.g., the second device 130) in terms of spatial distance. Here, the first device 110 can send an instruction to the second device 130 to move along the LoS path direction with a predetermined increment Δd' (Δd<Δd'<Δdmax), such as Figure 3 As shown. It can be noted that in case B, not only some challenges associated with the limited sensing range problem can be solved, but also some challenges associated with the interference problem can be solved, because in case B the sensing coverage will become two separate circular areas, represented by sensing boundary 330-1 and sensing boundary 330-2, and the moving interfering target can be blocked if the interfering target is between 330-1 and 330-2. Therefore, if the interference is high and the sensing target is close to the UE or gNb, it is advantageous to apply case B.

[0128] Despite Figure 3 The moving direction is shown along the LoS path direction, but the moving direction may also be other directions. For example, the moving direction may be a direction at a certain angle to the LoS path direction. It should be understood that the moving direction depends on the destination for the movement, which further depends on the first range or the second range determined based on the movement state and / or interference level of the sensed target as described above. In some example embodiments, the UE moving direction may be a direction other than the LoS path direction away from the transmitter. However, this depends on the moving direction of the target to be sensed and the moving ephemeris. As another example embodiment, the UE moving distance may be pre-calculated at SeMF or gNb based on the hybrid sensing channel and the first sensing coverage report.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the indication 248 may be sent via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message. As an example, the indication 248 may be sent via an LPP message, the LPP message including at least one of: a header for indicating whether the second device is to move, a first field for indicating a moving direction, or a second field for indicating a moving distance. For example, the first device 110 (e.g., SeMF) may send a message to the second device 130 (e.g., UE) via the LPP protocol, the message carrying the UE moving direction and / or the UE moving distance.

[0130] As an example, Figure 4 The LPP messages according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure are schematically shown. Figure 4 As shown, the indication message in the LPP includes fields for indicating the moving direction and distance of the UE. These fields can be binary or numerical, depending on the granularity level used. For example, as an embodiment, the UE moving direction can be away from the direction of the LoS path. As an example embodiment, the UE moving direction can be another direction away from the transmitter. However, this depends on the moving direction of the target to be sensed and the moving ephemeris. As another example embodiment, the UE moving distance can be pre-calculated at SeMF or gNb based on the hybrid sensing channel and the first sensing coverage report. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the indication message in LPP may include: message header 401: this field may be a binary value (0 or 1) indicating whether the movement of the UE is to be used; movement direction field 402: this field may be a binary value (3 bits) indicating to which angle the UE will move (e.g., LoS path, away from the transmitter); movement amount field 403: this may be a numerical value indicating the distance the UE should move from its previous position / location.

[0131] Alternatively, the indication 248 may be sent by the third device 120 (eg, gNb) via L1 / L3 RRC signaling. It should be appreciated that the indication 248 may be sent in any other suitable manner.

[0132] Return to Figure 2 In some example embodiments, after performing the movement for coverage enhancement, the second device 130 may send 260 a response 262 to the first device 110 indicating a position adjustment associated with the sensed coverage. In some example embodiments, the UE provides its position adjustment response to the SeMF.

[0133] In some example embodiments, after receiving 265 response 262, first device 110 may request to re-evaluate sensing coverage. For example, first device 110 may send a coverage re-evaluation request to second device 130. Second device 130 may perform coverage re-evaluation, may recalculate the second hybrid CSI, and may generate a second sensing coverage report, which is sent back to first device 110. First device 110 may conclude that the mobile target (sensing target) is within the new sensing coverage and may terminate the coverage enhancement session for the period.

[0134] In view of the foregoing, some example embodiments according to the present subject disclosure can be summarized as follows.

[0135] The first point is that when a mobile target is to be sensed, the sensing function (SF) or the sensing management function (SeMF) receives a sensing service request from a third application device or client. The SeMF selects the UE as a candidate for the sensing receiver and sends a sensing session request to the gNB, including the sensing session ID, configuration, quality of service (QoS), etc.

[0136] The second point is that the gNB sends a DFRC waveform based on MIMO-OFDM. The joint beam mode (or similar joint beam mode) takes into account the communication UE symbol error rate and potential sensing target positioning. The UE performs the sensing function and calculates the second hybrid CSI (G+H+I) and the newly defined sensing specific signal to noise ratio (SSNR), and provides the first coverage assessment report and sensing results to the gNB.

[0137] The third point is that SeMF receives coverage assessment reports. SeMF determines whether to use enhanced coverage operation based on the reports, and also triggers sensing coverage enhancement plans adapted to different scenarios.

[0138] The fourth point is that SeMF sends a coverage reassessment request to UE / STA (sensing receiver). UE performs coverage reassessment, recalculates the second hybrid CSI, and generates a second sensing coverage report, which is sent back to SeMF. SeMF concludes that the mobile target is within the new sensing coverage and terminates the coverage enhancement session within the period. Therefore, according to the solutions of various example embodiments disclosed in the present subject matter, sensing coverage can be dynamically adjusted, and challenges associated with problems such as limited sensing range and interference can be mitigated and / or resolved.

[0139] Figure 5An example signaling process 500 according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown. In some example embodiments, some new functions and messages proposed by some example embodiments of the subject disclosure may be embodied at 514, 518, 520, 522, 524, 528, 534, 536, 538, etc., which are identified in bold.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown, at 510, when there is no mobile target, the gNB / AP (Tx) 504 sends a normal MIMO-OFDM waveform. The DFRC waveform can be based on the use of MIMO radar for initial detection (the transmit waveform matrix X must be orthogonal, that is, the corresponding covariance matrix must be the identity matrix).

[0141] At 512, the UE / STA (Rx) 502 calculates static power based on the predefined RS configuration and measures the first raw CSIH.

[0142] At 514, when there is a mobile target to be sensed, the SF / SeMF 506 receives a sensing service request from a third application device or client. As an example embodiment, the sensing service request may include at least one of the following information: sensing service type: intrusion detection, gesture recognition, positioning, UAV tracking; sensing requirements / KPI / QoS: speed, ranging resolution and accuracy, latency, time period, refresh frequency, accuracy of positioning estimation, confidence level, loss detection probability, false alarm probability, maximum sensing service latency, refresh rate, maximum sensing service latency; the geometry or location of the sensing target: bedroom, yard, factory; the sensing range of interest; or the sensing scene environment: indoor, outdoor, LoS, NLoS, urban, rural, etc.

[0143] At 516, the SF / SeMF 506 determines a gNB as a candidate for a sensing transmitter and sends a sensing session request to the selected gNB, the session request including a sensing session ID, a sensing configuration (e.g., single static or dual static), a sensing QoS, etc. The candidate gNB and UE selection can be made using different methods. In one example embodiment, the SeMF uses its knowledge of the location of the target or the range of interest and the distribution of base stations to select the gNB closest to the sensing area. In another example embodiment, the SF / SeMF considers the presence of communication users around the target. Specifically, it selects a UE (as a candidate sensing receiver) in response to the sensing request.

[0144] Once the gNB is determined, the SF / SeMF 506 indicates the assistance information for coverage assessment to the selected gNB at 518. It may also include the sensing area of ​​interest within the message. At 520, the gNB / AP(Tx) 504 is configured to send a DFRC (Dual Function Radar-Communication) waveform based on MIMO-OFDM. The DFRC waveform may be based on the use of a MIMO radar for initial detection (the transmitted waveform matrix X must be quasi-orthogonal, i.e., the corresponding covariance matrix must be the matrix specified based on the potential sensing target positioning).

[0145] At 522, UE / STA (Rx) 502 performs sensing function execution. UE / STA (Rx) 502 calculates the second hybrid CSI (G+H+I) for sensing capability and the SNR specific to sensing, generates a coverage assessment report and the sensing result, and at 524, UE / STA (Rx) 502 provides the first coverage report to SF / SeMF 506. For information included in the report, please refer to Figure 2 For the sake of brevity, the contents described in are not repeated here.

[0146] At 526, the SF / SeMF 506 determines whether enhanced coverage maneuvers are to be used based on the current coverage assessment report. Once the target is out of coverage, the SF / SeMF 506 is configured to trigger sensing coverage enhancement plans adapted to different scenarios.

[0147] As above reference Figure 2 and 3 As described above, there may be two example situations. In case A, there is low / high interference to the sensing target: This situation refers to the target to be sensed being interfered by the interfering object, but the target is relatively far away in space from the gNB / AP (Tx) 504 (sensing transmitter) or UE / STA (Rx) 502 (sensing receiver). Here, the SF / SeMF 506 sends an instruction to the UE / STA (Rx) 502 to move away along the LoS path direction by a predetermined increment Δd, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0148] In case B, the sensing target is subject to greater interference and the sensing target is close to the UE or gNB): This case refers to the target to be sensed being interfered by the interference object, and the target is relatively close to the gNB / AP (Tx) 504 (sensing transmitter) or UE / STA (Rx) 502 (sensing receiver) in space. Here, the SF / SeMF506 sends an instruction to the UE to move away along the LoS path direction by a predetermined increment Δd' (Δd<Δd'<Δdmax), such as Figure 3 shown.

[0149] For further details on the determination of the moving direction and distance, please refer to the above Figure 2 and Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the contents described in will not be repeated here.

[0150] Return to Figure 5 At 528, SF / SeMF 506 may be configured to send a message to UE / STA (Rx) 502, for example, via the LPP protocol, which carries the UE moving direction and / or the UE moving distance. For details on this, please refer to the above Figure 4 Discussion in .

[0151] Alternatively, the message carrying the UE moving direction and / or the UE moving distance may be sent via L1 / L3 RRC signaling through gNB / AP (Tx) 504. It should be understood that the message may be sent in any other appropriate manner.

[0152] At 532 , the UE / STA (Rx) 502 provides its position adjustment response to the SF / SeMF 506 .

[0153] At 534, the SF / SeMF 506 sends a coverage reassessment request to the UE / STA (Rx) 502 (sensing receiver).

[0154] At 536 , the UE / STA (Rx) 502 is configured to perform coverage reassessment. The UE / STA (Rx) 502 is also configured to recalculate the second hybrid CSI (G+H+I) and form a second sensing coverage report, and provide the second sensing coverage report to the SF / SeMF 506 at 538 .

[0155] At 540, the SF / SeMF 506 finally determines that the mobile target is within the new sensing coverage and the desired sensing performance can be achieved, and then terminates the coverage enhancement session for the period.

[0156] In this way, sensing coverage may be dynamically adjusted and challenges associated with issues such as limited sensing range and interference may be mitigated and / or resolved.

[0157] The solutions provided in various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure may be used as network sensors in MNs and Wi-Fi in FNs. These solutions may be standardized by WFA and may also be used in some related WiFi products.

[0158] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first device (eg, first device 110 or SF / SeMF 506) according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be referred to as Figures 2 to 5It is described from the perspective of the first device 110 or the SF / SeMF 506 .

[0159] At block 610, the first device receives a report of sensing coverage for the second device and the third device from the second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target. At block 620, the first device determines whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on the report. At block 630, the first device sends an indication to the second device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage.

[0160] In some example embodiments, to determine whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage, the first device may determine that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on determining that the sensing target is outside the sensing coverage range.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the instructions include information about a movement direction and / or a movement distance for the movement.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the first device may also determine a movement state and / or an interference level of the sensing target based on the report.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the first device may also determine a first range for movement to be performed by the second device based on determining that the sensing target is moving close to the second device or the third device and the interference level satisfies the criteria. In some example embodiments, the first device may also determine a moving direction and / or moving distance for the movement based on the first range.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the first device may also determine a second range for movement to be performed by the second device based on determining that the perceived target is moving away from the second device and the third device. In some example embodiments, the first device may also determine a movement direction and / or movement distance for movement based on the second range.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, or the indication may be sent by a third device via a L1 / L3 Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the LPP message may include at least one of: a header for indicating whether the second device is to move; a first field for indicating a moving direction; or a second field for indicating a moving distance.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the first device may also send, to the third device, a request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device based on receiving the first request for the sensing service.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device may include at least one of: an ID of the sensing session for sensing the target, a configuration of the sensing session, auxiliary information for the sensing session, or a sensing Quality of Service (QoS) requirement.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first request may include at least one of: a sensing service type, auxiliary information for a sensing session, or a sensing QoS requirement.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the auxiliary information for the sensing session may include at least one of the following: location information of a sensing target, an initial moving speed of a sensing target, an initial moving direction of a sensing target, ephemeris information of a sensing target, an area of ​​interest for sensing, or a sensed scene environment.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the sensing QoS requirements may include at least one of: a first accuracy for sensing the coverage area, a first resolution for sensing the coverage area, a second accuracy for sensing the speed of the target, a second resolution for sensing the speed of the target, a false alarm rate detection probability for sensing the target, a maximum sensing latency for sensing the target, an energy efficiency for the sensing service, and a maximum number of targets sensed simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the first device may also select a device from a plurality of devices as a second device to act as a sensing receiver for the sensing service based on receiving the first request for the sensing service; and determine that a third device associated with the second device acts as a sensing transmitter.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the report may include at least one of the following: first information regarding sensing results for one or more sensing objects including a sensing target, wherein the sensing results include a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio; second information regarding one or more methods used to determine the sensing results for the one or more sensing objects; one or more metrics for determining a sensing coverage area; or third information regarding at least one evaluation process for evaluating the sensing results.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of: one or more IDs of one or more sensing objects, one or more parameters or variables measured on the one or more sensing objects; one or more accuracies for the one or more sensing objects, one or more accuracy for the one or more sensing objects, one or more reliabilities for the one or more sensing objects, or at least one calibration operation for satisfying the one or more accuracies.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the one or more parameters or variables may include at least one of: a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a path loss value, a processing gain, or a beamforming gain.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of: a data collection method for collecting sensing data, a data processing method for processing sensing data to determine a sensing result, or a data synchronization method for maintaining synchronization and satisfying QoS requirements.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the one or more metrics used to determine the sensing coverage area include an indication of one or more algorithms used to determine the sensing coverage area, and wherein the one or more algorithms are constructed based on the sensing results indicated by the first information.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: evaluating and quantifying uncertainty for the sensing result, identifying one or more sources of error in the sensing result, applying one or more statistical methods to the sensing result, comparing the sensing result with a reference result, or verifying the accuracy and reliability of the sensing result.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the first device may also receive a response from the second device indicating a position adjustment associated with the sensing coverage.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the first device may also send a coverage reassessment request to the second device; and receive a reassessed sensing coverage report from the second device.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the first device may be configured to operate as a sensing function or a sensing management function. The second device may be implemented as a terminal device. The third device may be implemented as a base station or an access point (AP).

[0182] Figure 7 Another flow chart of an example method 700 implemented at a second device (eg, second device 130 or UE / STA (Rx) 502) according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will refer to Figures 2 to 5 It is described from the perspective of the second device 130 or UE / STA (Rx) 502 .

[0183] At block 710, the second device sends a report of sensing coverage for the second device and the third device to the first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target. At block 720, the second device receives an instruction from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement of the sensing coverage. At block 730, the second device performs a movement for coverage enhancement based on the instruction.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the second device may also receive a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform from a third device, perform coverage assessment based on the signal having the DFRC waveform to generate a report, and send the report to the first device.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the indication may include information about the moving direction and / or moving distance of the second device.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, or the instruction may be received by the third device via a L1 / L3 Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the LPP message may include at least one of the following: a header for indicating whether to move; a first field for indicating a moving direction; and a second field for indicating a moving distance.

[0188] In some example embodiments, to perform coverage assessment, the second device may determine hybrid channel state information (CSI) based on the communication channel, the sensing channel for the sensing target, and the interference level of the sensing target.

[0189] In some example embodiments, to determine the hybrid CSI, the second device may calculate a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR) based on a signal associated with the communication channel, a signal associated with the sensing channel, and a signal associated with the interference level.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the report may include at least one of the following: first information regarding sensing results for one or more sensing objects including a sensing target, wherein the sensing results include a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio; second information regarding one or more methods used to determine the sensing results for the one or more sensing objects; one or more metrics for determining a sensing coverage area; or third information regarding at least one evaluation process for evaluating the sensing results.

[0191] In some example embodiments, the first information may indicate at least one of: one or more IDs of one or more sensing objects, one or more parameters or variables measured on one or more sensing objects; one or more accuracies for one or more sensing objects, one or more precisions for one or more sensing objects, one or more reliabilities for one or more sensing objects, or at least one calibration operation for satisfying one or more accuracies.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the one or more parameters or variables may include at least one of: a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a path loss value, a processing gain, or a beamforming gain.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of: a data collection method for collecting sensing data, a data processing method for processing sensing data to determine a sensing result, or a data synchronization method for maintaining synchronization and satisfying QoS requirements.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the one or more metrics used to determine the sensing coverage area include an indication of one or more algorithms used to determine the sensing coverage area, and wherein the one or more algorithms are constructed based on the sensing results indicated by the first information.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: evaluating and quantifying uncertainty for the sensing result, identifying one or more sources of error in the sensing result, applying one or more statistical methods to the sensing result, comparing the sensing result with a reference result, or verifying the accuracy and reliability of the sensing result.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the second device may also send a response to the first device indicating a position adjustment associated with the sensing coverage.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the second device may also receive a coverage reassessment request from the first device; and send a reassessed perceived coverage report to the first device.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the first device may be configured to operate as a sensing function or a sensing management function. The second device may be implemented as a terminal device. The third device may be implemented as a base station or an access point (AP).

[0199] Figure 8Another flow chart of an example method 800 implemented at a third device (e.g., third device 120 or gNB / AP(Tx) 504) according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will refer to Figures 2 to 5 Described from the perspective of a third device 120 or gNB / AP(Tx)504.

[0200] At block 810, the third device receives a request from the first device for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device. At block 820, the third device transmits a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device based on receiving the request.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device may include at least one of: an ID of the sensing session for sensing the target, a configuration of the sensing session, auxiliary information for the sensing session, or a sensing quality of service (QoS) requirement.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the auxiliary information for the sensing session may include at least one of the following: location information of the sensing target, an initial moving speed of the sensing target, an initial moving direction of the sensing target, ephemeris information of the sensing target, an area of ​​interest for sensing, or a sensing scene environment.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the sensing QoS requirements may include at least one of: a first accuracy for sensing the coverage area, a first resolution for sensing the coverage area, a second accuracy for sensing the speed of the target, a second resolution for sensing the speed of the target, a false alarm rate detection probability for sensing the target, a maximum sensing latency for sensing the target, an energy efficiency for the sensing service, and a maximum number of targets sensed simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus (e.g., the first device 110 or the SF / SeMF 506) configured to perform the method 600 may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of the method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0205] In some example embodiments, a first device includes: a component for receiving a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device from a second device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a component for determining whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on the report; and a component for sending an indication to the second device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement based on determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage.

[0206] In some example embodiments, means for determining whether coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage may include means for determining that coverage enhancement is to be used for sensing coverage based on determining that the sensing target is outside the sensing coverage.

[0207] In some example embodiments, the instructions may include information about a moving direction and / or a moving distance for the movement.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: means for determining a movement state and / or an interference level of the sensing target based on the report.

[0209] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for determining a first range for movement to be performed by the second device based on determining that the sensing target is moving close to the second device or the third device and the interference level satisfies the criterion. In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for determining a movement direction and / or a movement distance for the movement based on the first range.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for determining a second range for movement to be performed by the second device based on determining that the sensing target is moving away from the second device and the third device. In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for determining a movement direction and / or a movement distance for the movement based on the second range.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, or the indication may be sent by a third device via a L1 / L3 Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0212] In some example embodiments, the LPP message may include at least one of: a header for indicating whether the second device is to move; a first field for indicating a moving direction; or a second field for indicating a moving distance.

[0213] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include means for sending a request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device to the third device based on receiving the first request for the sensing service.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device may include at least one of: an ID of the sensing session for sensing the target, a configuration of the sensing session, auxiliary information for the sensing session, or a sensing quality of service (QoS) requirement.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the first request may include at least one of: a sensing service type, auxiliary information for a sensing session, or a sensing QoS requirement.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the auxiliary information for the sensing session may include at least one of the following: location information of the sensing target, an initial moving speed of the sensing target, an initial moving direction of the sensing target, ephemeris information of the sensing target, an area of ​​interest for sensing, or a sensing scene environment.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the sensing QoS requirements may include at least one of: a first accuracy for sensing the coverage area, a first resolution for sensing the coverage area, a second accuracy for sensing the speed of the target, a second resolution for sensing the speed of the target, a false alarm rate detection probability for sensing the target, a maximum sensing latency for sensing the target, an energy efficiency for the sensing service, and a maximum number of targets sensed simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for selecting a device from a plurality of devices as the second device to act as a sensing receiver for the sensing service based on receiving the first request for the sensing service; and determining a third device associated with the second device to act as a sensing transmitter.

[0219] In some example embodiments, the report may include at least one of the following: first information regarding sensing results for one or more sensing objects including a sensing target, wherein the sensing results include a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio; second information regarding one or more methods used to determine the sensing results for the one or more sensing objects; one or more metrics for determining a sensing coverage area; or third information regarding at least one evaluation process for evaluating the sensing results.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of: one or more IDs of one or more sensing objects, one or more parameters or variables measured on the one or more sensing objects; one or more accuracies for the one or more sensing objects, one or more precisions for the one or more sensing objects, one or more reliabilities for the one or more sensing objects, or at least one calibration operation for satisfying the one or more accuracies.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the one or more parameters or variables may include at least one of: a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a path loss value, a processing gain, or a beamforming gain.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of: a data collection method for collecting sensing data, a data processing method for processing sensing data to determine a sensing result, or a data synchronization method for maintaining synchronization and satisfying QoS requirements.

[0223] In some example embodiments, the one or more metrics used to determine the sensing coverage area may include an indication of one or more algorithms used to determine the sensing coverage area, and wherein the one or more algorithms are constructed based on the sensing results indicated by the first information.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: evaluating and quantifying uncertainty for the sensing result, identifying one or more sources of error in the sensing result, applying one or more statistical methods to the sensing result, comparing the sensing result with a reference result, or verifying the accuracy and reliability of the sensing result.

[0225] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include means for receiving a response from the second apparatus indicating a position adjustment associated with the sensing coverage.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include means for: sending a coverage reassessment request to the second device; and receiving a reassessed sensing coverage report from the second device.

[0227] In some example embodiments, the first device may be configured to operate as a sensing function or a sensing management function. The second device may be implemented as a terminal device. The third device may be implemented as a base station or an access point (AP).

[0228] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some example embodiments of method 600. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to perform corresponding steps of method 600.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus (e.g., the second device 130 or the UE / STA (Rx) 502) configured to perform the method 700 may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of the method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in the form of a circuit system or a software module.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: a component for sending a report for sensing coverage of the second device and a third device to the first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; a component for receiving an indication from the first device to perform a movement for coverage enhancement for sensing coverage; and a component for performing the movement for coverage enhancement based on the indication.

[0231] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include means for receiving a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform from a third device, performing a coverage assessment based on the signal having the DFRC waveform to generate a report, and sending the report to the first device.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the indication may include information regarding a moving direction and / or a moving distance for the second apparatus.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) message, or the indication may be received by the third device via a L1 / L3 Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0234] In some example embodiments, the LPP message may include at least one of: a header for indicating whether the second device is to move; a first field for indicating a moving direction; or a second field for indicating a moving distance.

[0235] In some example embodiments, means for performing movement for coverage enhancement may include means for determining hybrid channel state information (CSI) based on a communication channel, a sensing channel for a sensing target, and an interference level of the sensing target.

[0236] In some example embodiments, means for determining the hybrid CSI may include means for calculating a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR) based on a signal associated with the communication channel, a signal associated with the sensing channel, and a signal associated with the interference level.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the report may include at least one of the following: first information regarding sensing results for one or more sensing objects including a sensing target, wherein the sensing results include a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio; second information regarding one or more methods used to determine the sensing results for the one or more sensing objects; one or more metrics for determining a sensing coverage area; or third information regarding at least one evaluation process for evaluating the sensing results.

[0238] In some example embodiments, the first information may indicate at least one of: one or more IDs of one or more sensing objects, one or more parameters or variables measured on one or more sensing objects; one or more accuracies for one or more sensing objects, one or more precisions for one or more sensing objects, one or more reliabilities for one or more sensing objects, or at least one calibration operation for satisfying one or more accuracies.

[0239] In some example embodiments, the one or more parameters or variables may include at least one of: a sensing-specific signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a path loss value, a processing gain, or a beamforming gain.

[0240] In some example embodiments, the second information may indicate at least one of: a data collection method for collecting sensing data, a data processing method for processing sensing data to determine a sensing result, or a data synchronization method for maintaining synchronization and satisfying QoS requirements.

[0241] In some example embodiments, the one or more metrics used to determine the sensing coverage area may include an indication of one or more algorithms used to determine the sensing coverage area, and wherein the one or more algorithms are constructed based on the sensing results indicated by the first information.

[0242] In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: evaluating and quantifying uncertainty for the sensing result, identifying one or more sources of error in the sensing result, applying one or more statistical methods to the sensing result, comparing the sensing result with a reference result, or verifying the accuracy and reliability of the sensing result.

[0243] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include means for sending a response to the first apparatus indicating a position adjustment associated with the sensing coverage.

[0244] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include means for: receiving a coverage reassessment request from the first device; and sending a reassessed sensing coverage report to the first device.

[0245] In some example embodiments, the first device may be configured to operate as a sensing function or a sensing management function. The second device may be implemented as a terminal device. The third device may be implemented as a base station or an access point (AP).

[0246] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises means for performing other steps in some example embodiments of method 700. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform corresponding steps of method 700.

[0247] In some example embodiments, a third apparatus (e.g., third device 120 or gNB / AP(Tx) 504) configured to perform method 800 may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of method 800. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in the form of a circuit system or a software module.

[0248] In some example embodiments, the third device includes: a component for receiving a request from the first device for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device; and a component for sending a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform to the second device based on receiving the request.

[0249] In some example embodiments, the request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device may include at least one of: an ID of the sensing session for sensing the target, a configuration of the sensing session, auxiliary information for the sensing session, or a sensing quality of service (QoS) requirement.

[0250] In some example embodiments, the auxiliary information for the sensing session may include at least one of the following: location information of the sensing target, initial moving speed of the sensing target, initial moving direction of the sensing target, ephemeris information of the sensing target, an area of ​​interest for sensing, or a sensing scene environment.

[0251] In some example embodiments, the sensing QoS requirements may include at least one of: a first accuracy for sensing the coverage area, a first resolution for sensing the coverage area, a second accuracy for sensing the speed of the target, a second resolution for sensing the speed of the target, a false alarm rate detection probability for sensing the target, a maximum sensing latency for sensing the target, an energy efficiency for the sensing service, and a maximum number of targets sensed simultaneously and / or concurrently.

[0252] In some example embodiments, the third apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some example embodiments of method 800. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the third apparatus to perform corresponding steps of method 800.

[0253] Fig. 91 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the subject disclosure. The device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as the first device 110, the second device 130, or the third device 120. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the device 900 may include at least one processor 910 , at least one memory 920 coupled to the at least one processor 910 , and at least one communication module 940 coupled to the at least one processor 910 .

[0254] At least one communication module 940 is used for two-way communication. At least one communication module 940 has an antenna system including at least one antenna to facilitate communication. A communication interface may represent any interface utilized for communicating with other network elements.

[0255] The at least one processor 910 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, one or more of: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 900 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0256] At least one memory 920 may include at least one non-volatile memory and at least one volatile memory. Examples of at least one non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 924, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of at least one volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that will not persist during the duration of a power outage.

[0257] The computer program 930 includes computer executable instructions executed by the at least one processor 910. The program 930 may be stored in the ROM 924. The at least one processor 910 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 930 into the RAM 922.

[0258] Various exemplary embodiments disclosed in the subject matter may be implemented by a program 930, so that the device 900 may execute the Figure 2 Any process of the subject disclosure discussed. Various example embodiments of the subject disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0259] In some example embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 900 (such as in at least one memory 920) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 922 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0260] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer readable medium 900 according to some example embodiments of the subject disclosure. The computer readable medium 1000 has a program 930 stored thereon. It should be noted that although the computer readable medium 1000 is stored in Fig.10 Although depicted in the form of a CD or DVD, computer readable medium 1000 may be in any other form suitable for carrying or storing program 930.

[0261] The various embodiments disclosed in the subject matter may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments disclosed in the subject matter are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting and illustrative examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0262] The subject disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figure 6 , 7 The method 600, 700 or 800 described in 8. A program module may include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. The functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed in various embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0263] The program code for executing the method disclosed in the subject matter can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, executed as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0264] In the context of the subject disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable (or otherwise facilitate) a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0265] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (e.g., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0266] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, it should not be understood that these operations are required to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all the operations shown are required to be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that can be specific to a particular example embodiment. Certain features described in the context of the separate example embodiments may also be combined in a single example embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single example embodiment may also be implemented separately in a plurality of example embodiments or implemented in any suitable sub-combination.

[0267] Although the subject disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure are not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described herein. On the contrary, the specific features and actions described herein are disclosed as example forms of implementing the various exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receiving, from a second device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determining, based on the report, whether coverage enhancement is to be used for the sensing coverage; as well as Based on determining that the coverage enhancement is to be used, an indication is sent to the second device to perform movement for the coverage enhancement.

2. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is caused to determine whether the coverage enhancement is to be used for the sensing coverage by: Based on determining that the sensing target is outside the sensing coverage, it is determined that the coverage enhancement is to be used for the sensing coverage.

3. The first device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication comprises: Information about the direction of movement and / or the distance of movement used for said movement.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is further configured to: Based on the report, a movement state and / or interference level of the sensing target is determined.

5. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: sending a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device to the first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receiving, from the first device, an indication to perform movement for coverage enhancement of the sensing coverage; as well as Based on the indication, the moving for the coverage enhancement is performed.

6. A third device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receiving, from the first device, a request for a sensing session to be performed between the second device and the third device; as well as Based on receiving the request, a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform is sent to the second device.

7. A method comprising: receiving, at a first device, from a second device, a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; determining, based on the report, whether coverage enhancement is to be used for the sensing coverage; as well as Based on determining that the coverage enhancement is to be used for the sensing coverage, an indication is sent to the second device to perform movement for the coverage enhancement.

8. A method comprising: At the second device, sending a report of sensing coverage for the second device and a third device to the first device, wherein the second device and the third device are configured to perform a sensing session for sensing a target; receiving, from the first device, an indication to perform movement for coverage enhancement of the sensing coverage; as well as Based on the indication, the moving for the coverage enhancement is performed.

9. A method comprising: receiving, at a third device, from a first device, a request for a sensing session to be performed between a second device and the third device; as well as Based on receiving the request, a signal having a dual function radar-communication (DFRC) waveform is sent to the second device.

10. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least one method according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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