Methods, systems, and devices for collaborative sensing

Abstract

According to aspects of the present disclosure, in response to determining that sensing information simultaneously associated with a first device and a second device satisfies a threshold, a value of a parameter of the first device may be used for the second device. By using the value of the parameter of the first device for the second device, a sensing service may be provided for the second device while minimizing power and resource usage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to communication networks, and more particularly to sensing in communication networks. Background Art

[0002] Providing network-wide sensing services and related emerging applications, while taking into account both communication and sensing functions, has the potential to place huge bandwidth and power demands on many nodes in the network, such as network devices and electronic devices. The heterogeneity of electronic device capabilities, use cases, and applications results in only a subset of electronic devices in the network being able to send and / or process ultra-wide bandwidth signals and having large power sources (e.g., large power banks and batteries). This can limit the network's ability to achieve high-quality network-wide sensing services, thereby hindering the adoption of emerging applications that leverage sensing.

[0003] Even if all electronic devices in the network can be equipped with all sensing capabilities (such as large battery packs, high power and large dynamic range hardware, and large bandwidth), existing sensing systems may require each electronic device to send its sensing measurements to the network through dynamic signaling. Alternatively, each electronic device may be required to send an uplink reference signal to the network to be able to estimate the sensing parameters on the network side. This will result in large signaling overhead and time / frequency resource overhead, resulting in a lot of power consumption. These demands for signaling overhead and power consumption are expected to scale linearly with the number of electronic devices and applications using sensing services.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for methods to provide reliable high-resolution sensing information (eg, full-network sensing information) and services to electronic devices with limited energy and low bandwidth. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention can reduce the energy and signaling overhead involved in full-network sensing. Existing full-network sensing methods may require large battery packs, high-power and large dynamic range hardware, and large bandwidth for all sensing nodes in order to provide full-network sensing services and accommodate emerging applications and use cases. In addition, existing methods may result in a large amount of signaling overhead required to collect or provide such sensing services at all sensing nodes.

[0006] Communication networks are becoming increasingly dense, with an increase in the number of base stations as well as the number of antennas per node. As communication networks become denser, the service area of ​​a base station is expected to decrease in size, and the number of electronic devices, their utility, and applications will increase. As a result, electronic devices are expected to become more correlated in time and space. These spatial and temporal correlations can carry over to parameters associated with these electronic devices, such as sensing parameters. Therefore, parameters of electronic devices that are spatially and / or temporally correlated can be related to each other via closed-form mathematical relationships. The values ​​of these parameters may vary only slightly from one electronic device to another, such that the parameter values ​​of different electronic devices may be within certain measurable levels of accuracy of each other.

[0007] These correlations can be used to reduce the resources involved in sensing parameters of multiple electronic devices. In particular, by enabling cooperation between electronic devices, the heterogeneity of the capabilities of different electronic devices can be exploited to use the available resources of some electronic devices to help other electronic devices perform sensing. For example, available resources (e.g., available power) at a more capable electronic device can be used to help other less capable electronic devices perform sensing. In particular, spatial and / or temporal correlations between cooperating electronic devices can be used to capture correlations between their sensing parameters to reduce the signaling overhead, processing power, and power required for sensing estimation.

[0008] This can enable high resolution sensing of electronic devices with limited capabilities (e.g., low power and / or limited energy). This is particularly advantageous for next generation and future networks, where sensing is expected to be a core service. In these next generation and future networks, it is expected that an increasing number of electronic devices (e.g., most electronic devices) will have limited capabilities. This may include, for example, drones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., low-end IoT devices). Therefore, aspects of the present invention are directed to collaborating to enable high resolution, network-wide sensing, even for devices with limited capabilities.

[0009] According to various aspects of the present invention, in response to determining that sensing information associated with a first device and a second device at the same time satisfies a threshold, the value of the parameter of the first device can be used for the second device. By comparing the sensing information associated with the first device and the second device at the same time with the threshold, it can be determined whether the values ​​of the parameters of the first device and the second device are likely to be associated with each other or close enough to each other so that the value of the parameter of the first device can also be used for the second device. This makes it possible to obtain the parameter value of the second device with sufficient accuracy without directly measuring the parameter, which can save resources at the second device and the network device, and can monitor the parameter value of the second device even when the second device itself does not have the ability to perform sensing (e.g., function, availability or mode). Therefore, various aspects of the present invention can be implemented to provide efficient full-network sensing in a heterogeneous network.

[0010] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes obtaining sensed information related to a parameter, wherein the sensed information is associated with a first device and a second device at the same time. The method also includes causing a network device to use one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device for the second device in response to the sensed information satisfying a threshold.

[0011] Causing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device may include: instructing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device. The method may be performed by one of the first device and the second device. Obtaining the sensing information may include performing sensing to determine a first relative pose between the first device and the second device.

[0012] Performing sensing may include: sending one or more second signals to the other of the first device and the second device; receiving a reflected signal, the reflected signal including a reflection of at least one of the one or more second signals reflected by the other of the first device and the second device; performing one or more measurements on the reflected signal to determine the first relative pose. The one or more second signals may be radio frequency signals. The one or more second signals may include one or more of ultraviolet, visible light, or near infrared signals. Performing sensing may include using imaging (e.g., using a camera) with respect to the other of the first device and the second device to determine the first relative pose.

[0013] The method may be performed by the first device, and the method may further include performing one or more measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device to determine the sensing information. Alternatively, the threshold may be based on one or more measurements performed on one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device and the first device.

[0014] The method may be performed by the first apparatus, and the method may further include determining the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first apparatus and the network device.

[0015] The method may also include: determining posture information indicating a second relative posture between the first device and the second device; causing the network device to use the estimated value of the parameter for the second device. The estimated value of the parameter for the second device may be based on the posture information and the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device.

[0016] The method may be performed by the network device. Causing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device may include: using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined from the one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device for the second device.

[0017] The one or more measurement values ​​of the parameter may be one or more first measurement values, and obtaining the sensing information may include: determining one or more second measurement values ​​of the parameter based on one or more second signals received from the first device; determining one or more third measurement values ​​of the parameter based on one or more third signals received from the second device; and determining the sensing information based on the one or more second measurement values ​​and the one or more third measurement values.

[0018] The method may further include: obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device; and indicating to the first device that the one or first signal is to be transmitted between the first device and the network device according to the capability information. The capability information may indicate the capability of the first device and the second device to perform sensing.

[0019] The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device may include: the distance between the first device and the network device; the flight time of the one or more first signals; the arrival angle of the one or more first signals; the departure angle of the one or more first signals; the channel subspace of the first device and the network device; or the angle between the one or more first signals and one or more other signals between a third device and the network device.

[0020] The method may further include obtaining the threshold, wherein the threshold is associated with the parameter.

[0021] A device (e.g., an entity) for performing the above method is also provided. In yet another aspect, a memory (e.g., a non-transitory processor-readable medium) is provided. The memory contains instructions (e.g., processor-readable instructions) that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform the above method.

[0022] In a second aspect, a method performed by a network device is provided. The method includes receiving an indication from a first device or a second device that sensed information related to a parameter satisfies a first threshold. The sensed information is associated with both the first device and the second device. The method also includes: obtaining one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device; and using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device.

[0023] The method may further include: obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device; and indicating to the first device, based on the capability information, that one or more second signals are to be transmitted between the first device and the network device for one or more other measurements of the parameter. The capability information may indicate the capability of the first device and the second device to perform sensing.

[0024] The method may also include configuring one of the first device and the second device to perform sensing for the other of the first device and the second device based on the capability information to determine the sensing information.

[0025] Obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device may include: obtaining one or more of the following for at least one of the first device and the second device: an indication of a function of the corresponding device; availability of the corresponding device; a mode of the corresponding device.

[0026] The method may also include: obtaining a second threshold indicating the accuracy requirement of the parameter; sending the first threshold to at least one of the first device and the second device. The first threshold may be based on the second threshold and one or more measurements of one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device and the first device.

[0027] Obtaining the second threshold may include determining the second threshold based on one or more of: a target quality of service for the second device; an environment of the second device; information related to one or more other devices served by the network device.

[0028] Obtaining one or more measurement values ​​of the parameter based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device may include obtaining one or more measurement values ​​of one or more of the following: the range between the first device and the network device; the arrival angle of the one or more first signals; the departure angle of the one or more first signals; the channel subspace; or the angle between the one or more first signals and one or more third signals between the third device and the network device.

[0029] A network device for performing the above method is also provided. In another aspect, a memory (e.g., a non-transitory processor-readable medium) is provided. The memory contains instructions (e.g., processor-readable instructions) that, when executed by a processor of the network device, cause the device to perform the above method.

[0030] In a third aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to: obtain sensed information related to a parameter, wherein the sensed information is associated with a second device and a third device at the same time. The first device is also used to cause a network device to use one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined according to one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device for the third device in response to the sensed information satisfying a threshold.

[0031] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may also cause the first device to cause the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device by instructing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device.

[0032] The first device may include one of the second device and the third device. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the first device may obtain the sensing information by performing sensing to determine a first relative posture between the first device and the second device.

[0033] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the first device to perform the sensing in the following manner: sending one or more second signals to the other of the first device and the second device; receiving a reflected signal, the reflected signal including a reflection of at least one of the one or more second signals reflected by the other of the first device and the second device; and performing one or more measurements on the reflected signal to determine the first relative posture.

[0034] The first apparatus may include the second apparatus. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the first apparatus to: perform one or more measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device to determine the sensing information.

[0035] The threshold may be based on one or more measurements performed on one or more reference signals transmitted between the network equipment and the second device.

[0036] The first device may include the second device. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the first device to: determine the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device.

[0037] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may also cause the first device to: determine posture information indicating a second relative posture between the second device and the third device; and cause the network device to use the estimated value of the parameter for the third device. The estimated value of the parameter for the third device may be based on the posture information and the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device.

[0038] The first device may include the network device. When executed by the processor, the instructions may further cause the first device to: cause the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device for the third device, so that the network device uses the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device.

[0039] The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter may be one or more first measured values. When executed by the processor, the instructions may also cause the first device to obtain the sensed information in the following manner: determining one or more second measured values ​​of the parameter according to one or more second signals received from the second device; determining one or more third measured values ​​of the parameter according to one or more third signals received from the third device; and determining the sensed information according to the one or more second measured values ​​and the one or more third measured values.

[0040] When executed by the processor, the instructions may further cause the first device to: obtain capability information of the second device and the third device; and indicate to the second device, based on the capability information, that the one or first signal will be transmitted between the second device and the network device. The capability information may indicate the capability of the second device and the third device to perform sensing.

[0041] The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device may include: the distance between the second device and the network device; the flight time of the one or more first signals; the arrival angle of the one or more first signals; the departure angle of the one or more first signals; the channel subspace of the second device and the network device; or the angle between the one or more first signals and one or more other signals between the fourth device and the network device.

[0042] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the first device to: obtain the threshold value, wherein the threshold value is associated with the parameter.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the network device to: receive an indication that sensed information related to a parameter meets a first threshold from a first device or a second device. The sensed information is associated with both the first device and the second device. The network device is also used to obtain one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device; and use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device.

[0044] When executed by the processor, the instructions may further cause the network device to obtain capability information of the first device and the second device, wherein the capability information indicates capabilities of the first device and the second device to perform sensing. The network device may also be configured to indicate to the first device, based on the capability information, that one or more second signals will be transmitted between the first device and the network device for one or more other measurements of the parameter.

[0045] When executed by the processor, the instructions may further cause the network device to: configure one of the first device and the second device to perform sensing on the other of the first device and the second device according to the capability information to determine the sensing information.

[0046] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the network device to obtain capability information of the first device and the second device by obtaining one or more of the following for at least one of the first device and the second device: an indication of a function of the corresponding device; availability of the corresponding device; a mode of the corresponding device.

[0047] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may also cause the network device to: obtain a second threshold indicating an accuracy requirement for the parameter; and send the first threshold to at least one of the first device and the second device. The first threshold may be based on the second threshold and one or more measurements of one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device and the first device.

[0048] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the network device to obtain the second threshold by determining the second threshold based on one or more of: a target quality of service for the second device; an environment for the second device; information about one or more other devices served by the network device.

[0049] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the network device to obtain the one or more measurement values ​​of the parameter based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device by obtaining one or more measurement values ​​of one or more of the following: the range between the first device and the network device; the angle of arrival of the one or more first signals; the angle of departure of the one or more first signals; the channel subspace; the angle between the one or more first signals and one or more third signals between the third device and the network device.

[0050] In another aspect, a device is provided, wherein the device comprises a processor, and the processor is configured to cause the device to execute any of the aforementioned methods.

[0051] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium has machine-executable instructions stored thereon, and when the instructions are executed by a processing unit of a device, the device performs any of the aforementioned methods.

[0052] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided, wherein the computer program product comprises instructions, and when the program is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0053] In another aspect, a processor of a device is provided, wherein the processor is configured to cause the device to execute any of the aforementioned methods.

[0054] In another aspect, a system is provided, the system comprising a first device, a second device, and a network device. The first device is characterized by sensed information. The sensed information is associated with a first parameter associated with the first device. The second device is also characterized by the sensed information. The sensed information is also associated with a second parameter associated with the second device. The network device is configured to use a measured value of the first parameter for the second device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order to more fully understand the embodiments of the present invention and its advantages, the following description is made by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present invention can be performed.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present invention can be performed.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a sensing management function that can be performed by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 6 An example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0062] Figure 7-9 is a diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Fig.10 An example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 11-12 A flow chart showing a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The operation of the current exemplary embodiment and the structure of the current exemplary embodiment are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that many applicable inventive concepts provided by the present invention can be implemented in any environment in a variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed are only illustrations of the specific structure of the present invention and the method of operating the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 , a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided as an illustrative example but not limiting. The communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. The radio access network 120 may be a next generation (e.g., sixth generation (6G) or higher) radio access network or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G or 2G) radio access network. One or more communication electronic devices (electronic devices, ED) 110a to 110j (generally referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other or connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170) in the radio access network 120. The core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may be dependent on or independent of the radio access technology used in the communication system 100. In addition, the communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150 and other networks 160.

[0067] Figure 2 An exemplary communication system 100 is shown. Typically, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and other content. The communication system 100 can be used to provide content such as voice, data, video and / or text through broadcast, multicast and unicast, etc. The communication system 100 can be operated by sharing resources such as carrier spectrum bandwidth between its constituent elements. The communication system 100 may include a terrestrial communication system and / or a non-terrestrial communication system. The communication system 100 can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.). The communication system 100 can provide a high degree of availability and robustness through the joint operation of a terrestrial communication system and a non-terrestrial communication system. For example, integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or its components) into a terrestrial communication system can produce a heterogeneous network including multiple layers. Compared with traditional communication networks, heterogeneous networks can obtain better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation, more flexible function sharing, and faster physical layer link switching between terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks.

[0068] The terrestrial communication system and the non-terrestrial communication system can be considered as subsystems of the communication system. In the example shown, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d (generally referred to as ED 110), radio access networks (RAN) 120a to 120b, non-terrestrial communication networks 120c, core networks 130, public switched telephone networks (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150 and other networks 160. The RAN 120a to 120b include corresponding base stations (BS) 170a to 170b, which can be generally referred to as terrestrial transmission and reception points (T-TRP) 170a to 170b. The non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes an access node 120c, which can be generally referred to as a non-terrestrial transmission and reception point (NT-TRP) 172.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110 may be used to interface, access or communicate with any other T-TRP 170a to 170b and NT-TRP 172, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination of the foregoing. In some examples, ED 110a may communicate with T-TRP 170a for uplink and / or downlink transmissions via interface 190a. In some examples, ED 110a, 110b, and 110d may also communicate directly with each other via one or more sidelink air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d may communicate with NT-TRP 172 for uplink and / or downlink transmissions via interface 190c.

[0070] The air interfaces 190a and 190b may use similar communication technologies, such as any applicable wireless access technology. For example, the communication system 100 may implement one or more channel access methods in the air interfaces 190a and 190b, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). The air interfaces 190a and 190b may utilize other high-dimensional signal spaces, which may include a combination of orthogonal dimensions and / or non-orthogonal dimensions.

[0071] Air interface 190c may enable communication between ED 110d and one or more NT-TRPs 172 via a wireless link or a simple link. For some examples, the link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection between a group of EDs and one or more NT-TRPs for multicast transmission.

[0072] The RANs 120a and 120b communicate with the core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to the EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c. The RANs 120a and 120b and / or the core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by the core network 130 and / or may or may not use the same radio access technology as the RANs 120a and / or RANs 120b. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) the RANs 120a and 120b and / or the EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c and (ii) other networks (e.g., the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160). In addition, some or all of the EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c may include functionality to communicate with different wireless networks over different radio links using different radio technologies and / or protocols. EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c may communicate with a service provider or switch (not shown) and with the Internet 150 via a wired communication channel, instead of wireless communication (or in addition to wireless communication). PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). Internet 150 may include a network of computers and / or subnets (intranets) and include protocols such as internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), etc. EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c may be multi-mode devices capable of operating according to a variety of wireless access technologies and include a plurality of transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0073] Figure 3Another example of ED 110 and base stations 170a, 170b and / or 170c is shown. ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable devices, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0074] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user device for wireless operation, which may include such devices as (or may be referred to as) user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile user unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronic device, smart book, vehicle, car, truck, bus, train or IoT device, industrial equipment or devices in the above devices (e.g., communication module, modem or chip), etc. The next generation ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs, which will be referred to as T-TRP 170 below. Also in Figure 3 , the NT-TRP will be referred to hereinafter as NT-TRP 172. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 may be dynamically or semi-statically started (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), shut down (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of connection availability and connection necessity.

[0075] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. Alternatively, one, some or all of the antennas may be panels. Transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be integrated into a transceiver, for example. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received via at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes: any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received via wireless or wired means. Each antenna 204 includes: any suitable structure for sending and / or receiving wireless signals or wired signals.

[0076] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by one or more processing units 210. Each memory 208 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval device. Any suitable type of memory may be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, on-processor cache, etc.

[0077] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., Figure 1 The input / output devices support interaction with a user or other devices in the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing information to a user or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display or touch screen, including network interface communications.

[0078] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations including the following: operations related to preparing uplink transmissions to be sent to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing to send uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. According to an embodiment, the downlink transmission may be received by the receiver 203 using receive beamforming, and the processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding the signaling). An example of signaling may be a reference signal sent by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 276 implements transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on an indication of a beam direction, such as beam angle information (BAI), received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting a synchronization sequence, decoding, and obtaining system information. In some embodiments, for example, the processor 210 may perform channel estimation using a reference signal received from the NT-TRP 172 and / or the T-TRP 170.

[0079] Although not shown, the processor 210 may form a part of the transmitter 201 and / or the receiver 203. Although not shown, the memory 208 may form a part of the processor 210.

[0080] The processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may each be implemented by one or more processors that are the same or different and are used to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 208). Alternatively, the processor 210 and some or all of the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may be implemented using a programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphical processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0081] The T-TRP 170 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a wireless base station, a network node, a network device, a network-side device, a transmitting / receiving node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a home eNodeB, a next generation NodeB (gNB), a transmission point (TP), a site controller, an access point (AP) or a wireless router, a relay station, a remote radio head, a ground node, a ground network device, or a ground base station, a base band unit (BBU), a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio head (RRH), a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a positioning node, etc. The T-TRP 170 may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a host node, etc., or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the above-mentioned device or a means in the above-mentioned device (eg, a communication module, a modem, or a chip).

[0082] In some embodiments, various parts of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located away from the device that houses the antenna of T-TRP 170, and may be coupled to the device that houses the antenna through a communication link (not shown) sometimes referred to as a fronthaul, such as a common public radio interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to a module on the network side that performs processing operations such as ED 110 location determination, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, which are not necessarily part of the device that houses the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs that operate together to serve ED 110 through coordinated multi-point transmission or the like.

[0083] The T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be integrated into a transceiver. The T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations including operations related to preparing downlink transmissions sent to the ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from the ED 110, preparing backhaul transmissions sent to the NT-TRP 172, and processing transmissions received from the NT-TRP 172 via the backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing to send downlink transmissions or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received transmissions in the uplink or backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. The processor 260 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the content of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 260 also generates a beam direction indication, such as a BAI, that the scheduler 253 may schedule for transmission. The processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations such as ED 110 position determination and NT-TRP 172 deployment position determination described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 260 may generate signaling, such as configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by the processor 260 is sent by the transmitter 252. It should be noted that "signaling" used herein may also be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling may be sent in a control channel such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and static or semi-static high-layer signaling may be included in a packet sent in a data channel such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0084] The scheduler 253 may be coupled to the processor 260. The scheduler 253 may be included within the T-TRP 170 or operate separately from the T-TRP, and may schedule uplink transmissions, downlink transmissions, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling grants and / or configuring scheduling-free (“configuration grants”) resources. The T-TRP 170 also includes a memory 258 for storing information and data. The memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the T-TRP 170. For example, the memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functionality and / or embodiments described herein and executed by the processor 260.

[0085] Although not shown, the processor 260 may form a part of the transmitter 252 and / or the receiver 254. In addition, although not shown, the processor 260 may implement the scheduler 253. Although not shown, the memory 258 may form a part of the processor 260.

[0086] The processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the processing components of the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which are used to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of the processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be implemented using a dedicated circuit such as an FPGA, a GPU, or an ASIC.

[0087] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as a drone by way of example only, the NT-TRP 172 may be implemented in any suitable non-ground form. In addition, in some implementations, the NT-TRP 172 may be known by other names, such as a non-ground node, a non-ground network device, or a non-ground base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 272 and the receiver 274 may be integrated into a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing operations including operations related to preparing downlink transmissions sent to the ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from the ED 110, preparing backhaul transmissions sent to the T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from the T-TRP 170 via the backhaul. Processing operations associated with preparing to transmit downlink transmissions or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations associated with processing received transmissions in the uplink or backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, the processor 276 implements transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 276 may generate signaling to configure one or more parameters of the ED 110, etc. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing, but does not implement higher-level functions such as functions of the medium access control (MAC) layer or the radio link control (RLC) layer. Since this is just an example, more generally, the NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0088] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown, the processor 276 may form part of the transmitter 272 and / or the receiver 274. Although not shown, the memory 278 may form part of the processor 276.

[0089] Processor 276 and the processing components of transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, processor 276 and some or all of the processing components of transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be implemented using a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC, etc., dedicated circuit. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 may actually be multiple NT-TRPs that operate together to serve ED 110 through coordinated multi-point transmission, etc.

[0090] The T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172, and / or ED 110 may include other components, but these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0091] One or more steps of the exemplary methods provided herein may be performed according to Figure 4 The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 4 Units or modules in devices such as ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172 are shown. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. The signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) module or a machine learning (ML) module. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices that execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules can be programmed integrated circuits such as FPGAs, GPUs, or ASICs. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented, for example, using software executed by a processor, these modules can be retrieved by the processor in whole or in part as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0092] Additional details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted here.

[0093] Sensing systems can be used to help collect posture information of specific devices. The posture information may include, for example, the relative position of a specific device (e.g., relative to a reference point or other device), the position in a global coordinate system, the speed and direction of movement (relative speed and direction of movement or speed and direction of movement in a global coordinate system), orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. In this context, "location" is also referred to as "position", and the two terms can be used interchangeably in this article. Sensing systems may be particularly useful for obtaining posture information or ED posture information of electronic devices. ED posture information can be used in cellular communication networks to improve various performance indicators of the network. For example, these performance indicators may include capacity, agility, and efficiency. This improvement can be achieved when elements of the network utilize the location, behavior, mobility pattern, etc. of the ED in the context of prior information that describes the wireless environment in which the ED is operating.

[0094] Well-known examples of sensing systems include radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR). Although sensing systems are usually separate from communication systems, using an integrated system to collect information has the advantage of reducing the hardware (and cost) in the system as well as the time, frequency, or space resources required to perform both functions. However, using communication system hardware to perform sensing of ED pose and environmental information is a very challenging problem. The difficulty of this problem is related to factors such as the limited resolution of the communication system, the dynamic nature of the environment, and the large number of objects whose electromagnetic properties and positions need to be estimated.

[0095] Therefore, integrated sensing and communication (also called integrated communication and sensing) is a desirable function in existing and future communication systems.

[0096] Any or all of ED 110 and TRP 170 may be sensing nodes in system 100. A sensing node is a network entity that performs sensing by sending and receiving sensing signals. Some sensing nodes are communication devices that perform both communication and sensing. However, it is possible that some sensing nodes do not perform communication but are dedicated to sensing. For example, system 100 may also include a sensing agent 174, which is an example of a sensing node dedicated to sensing. Unlike ED 110 and TRP 170, sensing agent 174 does not send or receive communication signals. However, sensing agent 174 may transmit configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within communication system 100. In some cases, multiple sensing agents 174 may be implemented, and the multiple sensing agents may communicate with each other to jointly perform sensing tasks. Sensing agent 174 may communicate with core network 130 to transmit information with the rest of communication system 100. As an example, sensing agent 174 may determine the location of ED 110a and send the information to base station 170a via core network 130. Although in Figure 2 Only one sensing agent 174 is shown in FIG. 1 , but any number of sensing agents may be implemented in the communication system 100. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents may be implemented at one or more RANs 120.

[0097] The sensing node can combine sensing-based techniques and reference signal-based techniques to enhance UE posture determination. Reference signal-based techniques can be considered as a dual-base (or multi-base) sensing, especially when the measurement values ​​of the reference signal are used for posture estimation. This type of sensing node may also be referred to as a node that implements a sensing management function (SMF). In some networks, the SMF may also be referred to as a node that implements a location management function (LMF). The SMF may be implemented as a physically independent entity located at a core network 130 that is connected to multiple TRPs 170. In other aspects of the present application, the SMF may be implemented as a logical entity located jointly within a TRP, such as a T-TRP 170, by logic executed by a processor in the TRP (e.g., processor 260).

[0098] like Figure 5As shown, SMF 176 includes at least one processor 290, at least one transmitter 282, at least one receiver 284, one or more antennas 286 and at least one memory 288 when implemented as a physically independent entity. A transceiver (not shown) can be used instead of transmitter 282 and receiver 284. Scheduler 283 can be coupled to processor 290. Scheduler 283 can be included in SMF 176 or can be operated separately from the SMF. Processor 290 implements various processing operations of SMF 176, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing or any other function. Processor 290 can also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in more detail above. Each processor 290 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processor 290 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array or an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0099] Reference signal-based pose determination techniques belong to the "active" pose estimation paradigm. In the active pose estimation paradigm, the inquirer of pose information (e.g., UE 110) participates in the process of determining the inquirer's pose. The inquirer can send or receive and process (or both send and receive / process) signals specific to the pose determination process. Positioning techniques based on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the known global positioning system (GPS) are other examples of the active pose estimation paradigm. Various positioning techniques are also known in NR systems and LTE systems.

[0100] In contrast, sensing techniques such as radar-based ones can be considered to belong to the “passive” pose determination paradigm, in which the target is insensitive to the pose determination process.

[0101] By integrating sensing and communication in one system, the system does not need to operate according to only a single paradigm. Therefore, the combination of sensing-based techniques and reference signal-based techniques can produce enhanced pose determination.

[0102] For example, enhanced pose determination can include obtaining ED channel subspace information, which is particularly useful for ED channel reconstruction at the sensing node, especially for beam-based operations and communications. The ED channel subspace is a subset of the entire algebraic space defined in the spatial domain, in which the entire channel from TP to ED is located. Therefore, the ED channel subspace defines the TRP to ED channel with very high accuracy. The impact of signals sent through other subspaces on the ED channel is negligible. Understanding the ED channel subspace helps to reduce the workload required for ED channel measurement and network-side channel reconstruction. Therefore, compared with traditional methods, the combination of sensing-based techniques and reference signal-based techniques can achieve ED channel reconstruction with much less overhead. Subspace information can also facilitate subspace-based sensing to reduce sensing complexity and improve sensing accuracy.

[0103] In some embodiments of integrated sensing and communication, the same radio access technology (RAT) is used for sensing and communication, which avoids the need to reuse two different RATs on one carrier spectrum, and also avoids the need for two different carrier spectrums for two different RATs.

[0104] In an embodiment of integrating sensing and communication under one RAT, the first set of channels may be used to send sensing signals and the second set of channels may be used to send communication signals. In some embodiments, each channel in the first set of channels and each channel in the second set of channels is a logical channel, a transport channel or a physical channel.

[0105] At the physical layer, communication and sensing can be performed via separate physical channels. For example, a first physical downlink shared channel PDSCH-C is defined for data communication, while a second physical downlink shared channel PDSCH-S is defined for sensing. Similarly, separate physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH), PUSCH-C and PUSCH-S, can be defined for uplink communication and sensing.

[0106] In another example, the same PDSCH and PUSCH can also be used for both communication and sensing, where separate logical layer channels and / or transport layer channels are defined for communication and sensing. It should also be noted that the control channel and the data channel used for sensing can have the same or different channel structures (formats) and occupy the same or different frequency bands or bandwidth portions.

[0107] In another example, a common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and a common physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) can be used to carry control information for sensing and communication. Alternatively, separate physical layer control channels can be used to carry separate control information for communication and sensing. For example, PUCCH-S and PUCCH-C can be used for uplink control of sensing and communication, respectively, and PDCCH-S and PDCCH-C can be used for downlink control of sensing and communication, respectively.

[0108] At each of the physical, transport, and logical layers, different combinations of shared and dedicated channels may be used for sensing and communication.

[0109] The term RADAR originates from the phrase radio detection and ranging; however, expressions with different capitalizations (e.g., radar and radar) are equally valid and are now more common. Radar is commonly used to detect the presence and location of objects. A radar system radiates radio frequency energy and receives echoes of energy reflected from one or more targets. The system determines the pose of a given target based on the echoes returned from the given target. The radiated energy can be in the form of energy pulses or continuous waves, which can be represented or defined by a specific waveform. Examples of waveforms used in radar include frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and ultra-wideband (UWB) waveforms.

[0110] Radar systems can be monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic. In a monostatic radar system, the radar signal transmitter and receiver are co-located, such as integrated into the transceiver. In a bistatic radar system, the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated by a distance equal to or greater than the expected target distance (often referred to as range). In a multistatic radar system, two or more radar components are spatially distinct but have a shared coverage area. Multistatic radars are also called multistation or mesh radars.

[0111] Ground-based radar applications face challenges such as multipath propagation and shadowing. Another challenge is the issue of identifiability, as ground targets have similar physical properties. Integrating sensing into communications systems is likely to face these same challenges, if not more.

[0112] Communication nodes can be half-duplex or full-duplex. Half-duplex nodes cannot use the same physical resources (time, frequency, etc.) for both transmission and reception; in contrast, full-duplex nodes can use the same physical resources for transmission and reception. Existing commercial wireless communication networks are all half-duplex. Even if full-duplex communication networks become practical in the future, it is expected that at least some of the nodes in the network will still be half-duplex nodes because half-duplex devices have lower complexity, lower cost, and lower power consumption. Specifically, full-duplex implementations are more challenging at higher frequencies (for example, in the millimeter wave band), which is very challenging for small, low-cost devices such as femtocell base stations and UEs.

[0113] The limitations of half-duplex nodes in communication networks create further challenges for integrating sensing and communication into devices and systems in communication networks. For example, both half-duplex and full-duplex nodes can perform bistatic or multistatic sensing, but monostatic sensing generally requires the sensing node to have full-duplex capability. Half-duplex nodes can perform monostatic sensing under certain restrictions, such as in pulsed radars with specific duty cycles and ranging capabilities.

[0114] The characteristics of the sensing signal or the signal used for sensing and communication at the same time include the waveform of the signal and the frame structure of the signal. The frame structure defines the time domain boundaries of the signal. The waveform describes the shape of the signal as a function of time and frequency. Examples of waveforms that can be used for sensing signals include ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses, frequency modulated continuous waves (FMCW) or "chirps", orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), cyclic prefix (CP)-OFDM, and discrete Fourier transform spread (DFT-s)-OFDM.

[0115] In one embodiment, the sensing signal is a linear chirp signal with a bandwidth of B and a duration of T. Such a linear chirp signal is well known for use in FMCW radar systems. The linear chirp signal is composed of a frequency that changes from an initial time t to a 啁啾0 The initial frequency f 啁啾0 To the final time t 啁啾1 The final frequency f 啁啾1 The relationship between frequency (f) and time (t) can be expressed as ff 啁啾0 =α(tt 啁啾0 ), where Defined as the chirp slope. The bandwidth of a linear chirp signal can be defined as B = f 啁啾1 -f 啁啾0 , the duration of the linear chirp signal can be defined as T = t啁啾1 -t 啁啾0 In baseband representation, this linear chirp signal can be expressed as

[0116] Sensing is expected to become a core service in current and next generation communication system networks. Sensing services can prove to be a key enabler for many emerging applications and use cases such as smart cities, collaborative robots, connected vehicles, mixed reality and telemedicine.

[0117] However, providing high-quality sensing throughout a communication network can place significant power and hardware requirements on nodes in the network. In practice, different sensing devices have different capabilities (e.g., limited power and / or small bandwidth) and may be used for sensing at different times. Methods and apparatus are sought for obtaining high-resolution network-wide sensing information and services for electronic devices, particularly for electronic devices with limited power and / or bandwidth.

[0118] According to various aspects of the present invention, according to determining that the values ​​of the first parameters of the first and second electronic devices are expected to be related to each other or sufficiently close, the value of the first parameter of the first electronic device can be used for the second electronic device. Parameters expected to be related or have similar values ​​for the first and second electronic devices (or, generally two or more devices) can be referred to as co-sensed parameters (CSP), because the sensing of determining the parameter about one of the electronic devices can be used to estimate the parameter about another electronic device. Alternatively, CSP can be referred to as quasi co-sensed parameters (quasi co-sensed parameter, QCSP), because for the first and second electronic devices, the parameter does not need to take exactly the same value. On the contrary, the parameter values ​​of the first and second devices can be related to or close to each other within a specified tolerance (for example, determined by a network or a specific application). Although the parameter is either CSP or not (for example, the determination of whether the parameter is CSP is a binary determination), the degree to which the values ​​of the parameter need to be related to or close to each other may vary according to the application, use case and / or desired accuracy. Alternatively, in some examples, CSP or QCSP can be referred to as quasi co-located (quasi co-located, QCL) parameters.

[0119] By comparing the sensing information of the first and second electronic devices with a threshold value associated with the parameter, the parameter can be determined as a CSP. When the measured values ​​of the parameters of two electronic devices can be mathematically related, the parameter can be the CSP of the two electronic devices, so that estimating the parameter of one electronic device can facilitate estimating the parameter of another electronic device (e.g., within a certain accuracy). By introducing such an indicator, it can be identified whether the parameters of different electronic devices are spatially or temporally related, so that the estimation (e.g., sensing) of the parameter of one electronic device can be used to estimate the parameter with respect to another electronic device.

[0120] In one example, a network may include a base station (e.g., a TRP), and many electronic devices with different capabilities that are co-located (e.g., in a restricted area). The network may be required to provide sensing services with acceptable accuracy to meet the requirements of different applications and use cases of electronic devices. For example, one of the electronic devices may be a bus carrying passengers carrying different electronic devices. In addition to providing sensing services about each passenger's electronic device, the base station may also provide sensing services about the bus (e.g., monitoring its position and orientation). In a traditional solution, the base station may send and / or receive corresponding reference signals to each passenger's electronic device to monitor their position and orientation. According to the present invention, the base station may send and / or receive one or more reference signals to the bus, and based on the correlation or similarity between the parameters of the bus and the parameters of the passenger electronic devices, the base station may use the measured values ​​of one or more reference signals to estimate the parameters of the bus and some or all of the passenger electronic devices. This example can be extended to many practical situations and use cases, such as a group of moving vehicles (e.g., cars on a highway or flying drones), a group of people in a stadium, etc.

[0121] Figure 6 An example of a system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 600 includes a network device 602, a first electronic device 604 (ED1), and a second electronic device 606 (ED2).

[0122] The network device 602 may be a TRP or a base station, such as described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be any suitable electronic devices, such as those described above. Figure 1-4 Any of the electronic devices 110 described above. The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may be sensing nodes. For example, the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may be equipped with a transmitter, a receiver and / or a transceiver for backscatter communication. The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may implement SMF, such as the above Figure 5described in SMF 176. Although Figure 6 It is shown that the first electronic device 604 is a vehicle (eg, a car) and the second electronic device 606 is a mobile phone (eg, a smart phone or a tablet), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0123] The network device 602 is separated from the first electronic device 604 by a vector r1 having a length of r1. The network device 602 is separated from the second electronic device 606 by a vector r2 having a length of r2. The vectors r1 and r2 are represented in three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates) in three-dimensional space, but any suitable coordinate system may be used. Therefore, the intervals between the network device 602 and the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 are r1 and r2, respectively. For example, the intervals may be quantified in terms of distance (e.g., length units) or signal propagation time (e.g., flight time). The intervals r1 and r2 may be referred to as the ranges of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, respectively. The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 are separated by a vector d having a length of d (represented in three-dimensional space in terms of x, y, and z coordinates). Therefore, the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 have an interval d, which may be expressed, for example, as a distance or a signal propagation time.

[0124] However, in some cases, the relative pose (eg, relative position vector) between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may mean that the range of the first electronic device 604 is a sufficient approximation of the range of the second electronic device (eg, r2≈r1).

[0125] In the system 600, the range of the second electronic device 606 can be expressed as

[0126]

[0127] where β is the angle between vectors r1 and d. It can be considered that ranges r1 and r2 are similar or highly correlated when the following relationship holds

[0128]

[0129] This means that the measured value of the range r1 of the first electronic device 602 is available to the second device 604 depending on the values ​​of d, r1 and β.

[0130] In some examples, if |r1-r2|≤δ, where δ is a range threshold (e.g., desired accuracy or accuracy requirement) of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606, the measurement of the range of the first electronic device 602 can be used for the second electronic device. This criterion can be reformulated based on d, r1, and β, so that it can be determined whether r1 and r2 are similar enough (e.g., correlated) without directly measuring r2.

[0131] Using the first-order Taylor expansion, the expression for r2 in equation (1) can be written as

[0132]

[0133] Therefore, the criterion |r1-r2|≤δ is satisfied when the following relationship holds

[0134]

[0135] Therefore, the criterion |r1-r2|≤δ may be rewritten for the local sensing parameter d, β according to the measurement value of the range r1 of the first electronic device 602. Herein, the local sensing parameter may be a parameter measured by one electronic device by performing sensing on another electronic device.

[0136] The value of δ may vary depending on, for example, the application (e.g., the purpose of the range measurement) and its required accuracy. In some examples, δ=1m. In some examples, the value of δ may be based on the accuracy defined in the 3GPP standard. For example, according to Table 7.3.2.2-1 in 3GPP Technical Specification 22.261 Version 16.14.0 Release 16, the horizontal positioning accuracy of the outdoor navigation system is 10 meters. Therefore, in some examples, for outdoor navigation, δ=5m.

[0137] Therefore, when the criteria in equation (2) are met, the range of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be determined as a CSP. That is, when the relationship in equation (2) is met, the range of the first electronic device 604 can be used for the second electronic device 606.

[0138] In some examples, if Where ∈ is a range threshold (e.g., desired accuracy or accuracy requirement) of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606, the measurement of the range of the first electronic device 602 can be used for the second electronic device. This criterion can be reformulated based on d, r1, and β, so that it can be determined whether r1 and r2 are sufficiently similar (e.g., correlated) without directly measuring r2.

[0139] As mentioned above, the expression for r2 in equation (1) can be written as

[0140]

[0141] Therefore, the criterion is satisfied when the following relationship holds

[0142]

[0143] in,

[0144] Therefore, when the criteria in equation (3) are met, the range of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be determined as a CSP. That is, when the relationship in equation (3) is met, the range of the first electronic device 604 can be used for the second electronic device 606.

[0145] The quantities d, r1, and β may be obtained from one or more sensing measurements performed by the network device 602, the first electronic device 604, and / or the second electronic device 606. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with methods for determining d, r1, and β, and therefore these are not discussed in detail herein. Instead, an exemplary method for determining d, r1, and β is provided as an illustration of the type of method that may be used.

[0146] In one example, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more first reference signals to the network device 602, and may receive one or more second reference signals from the network device 602 in response. The first electronic device 604 may determine a round trip propagation time based on a time difference between sending the one or more first reference signals and receiving the one or more second reference signals, and determine a range r1 based on the round trip propagation time. In another example, the network device 602 and the first electronic device 604 may be synchronized, and the first electronic device 604 may be scheduled to receive the one or more reference signals at time t1. The first electronic device 604 may determine the flight time of the one or more reference signals by determining the difference between time t1 and the time when the first electronic device 604 receives the one or more reference signals. In another example, the first electronic device 604 may determine its own position p ED (For example, using a GNSS sensor at the first electronic device 604), the location p of the network device 602 may be obtained. ND An estimate of (e.g., which may be received from network device 602) and which may be obtained according to r1=||p ND -p ED ||Determine range. In some examples, one or more angle measurements (eg, AoA and / or AoD) may be additionally performed to improve the measurement accuracy of range r1.

[0147] The first electronic device 604 may send one or more signals to the second electronic device 606 and measure d based on a reflection of one of the signals reflected by the second electronic device 606 .

[0148] The first electronic device 604 may measure β by measuring the difference between the AoA or AoD of a reference signal sent to or received from the network device 602 relative to the heading vector of the first electronic device 604 and the direction of the heading vector of the second electronic device 606 relative to the first electronic device 604. The latter angle may be measured during local sensing performed by the first electronic device 604.

[0149] These are just some example ways that the quantities d, r1, and β can be measured. In general, one or more sensed measurements about the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be used to determine sensed information for comparison with a threshold. Thus, for the expression given in equation (2), the sensed information can be compared with the threshold δ by the equation:

[0150]

[0151] To determine whether the measurement value of the range r1 of the first electronic device 604 can be used for the range r2 of the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 can obtain the measurement value of r1, and based on determining that the quantity given in equation (4) satisfies (e.g., is less than) the threshold δ, assume that r2=r1.

[0152] It should be understood that the criteria in equations (2) and (3) are specific to the range parameters. Each parameter can have a corresponding relationship for comparing the sensed information with a corresponding threshold value. Therefore, the geometric relationship, threshold value, and parameter described above are provided as an example of how sensed information such as local sensed information (e.g., based on sensing between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606) can be compared with a threshold value associated with the parameter to determine whether the parameter is a CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606.

[0153] Another example of a parameter that may be determined as a CSP between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 is an angle between a network device, a corresponding one of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, and the other of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Figure 6 As shown, the angle between r2 and d is γ, and the angle between r1 and d is β. γ and β can be determined as CSP when the ratio of γ to β is almost 1. For example, γ and β can be determined as CSP when the following relationship holds

[0154]

[0155] Since the angles γ and β are related to each other according to the following relationship:

[0156]

[0157] Therefore, γ and β can be determined as CSP when the following relationship holds

[0158]

[0159] In general, |∈|<1. In some examples, |∈|<<1. In some examples, ∈=0.1. In other examples, ∈=0.01.

[0160] Another example of a parameter that can be determined as the CSP between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 is the angle of departure (AOD) θ1, θ2 of the signal sent from the network device 602 to the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, respectively. Figure 6 As shown, θ1 and θ2 can be related to each other according to the following relationship

[0161] θ1=θ2+α,#(8)

[0162] where α is the angle between r1 and r2. Since α≈d / r1, equation (7) can be expressed as:

[0163] |θ1-θ2|≈d / r1

[0164] When the threshold δ θ For |θ1-θ2|≤δ θ When θ1 and θ2 are equal, AoDθ1 and θ2 can be determined as the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Therefore, AoD can be determined as CSP when the following relationship is established

[0165]

[0166] In another example, for a signal received from the network device 602 at the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, the angle of arrival (AoA) is Can be identified as CSP

[0167]

[0168] Specifically, according to the following relationship, the AoA of the first electronic device 604 is AoA with a second electronic device Related

[0169]

[0170] From this, the relationship in equation (10) can be derived.

[0171] δθ and The value of may vary depending on, for example, the application (e.g., the purpose of the AoD or AoA measurement) and its required accuracy. For example, in a MIMO system with a beamwidth (e.g., the width of a beamforming beam) of 10 degrees, δ θ = 5 degrees and / or This threshold may be used to ensure that both electronic devices 604, 606 are covered by the same beam and / or share approximately the same channel subspace.

[0172] Range, angle between electronic devices, angle of arrival and angle of departure are just a few examples of parameters that can be determined as CSPs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there can be many such parameters, where the value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 can be used as the value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606, as long as the sensing information of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 meets the threshold associated with the parameter. In some examples, the parameter can be a sensing parameter, such as a posture parameter (e.g., which can indicate the position and / or movement of the corresponding electronic device). Therefore, examples of parameters that can be CSPs include range (e.g., flight time, such as round-trip propagation time or delay), angle between electronic devices, angle of arrival and angle of departure, channel subspace, Doppler shift (e.g., frequency shift due to relative movement of the corresponding electronic devices), heading vector, and speed. The channel subspace can include a set of angles (e.g., AoD and / or AoA) that contain most of the signal power sent from a transmitter (e.g., a network node or a corresponding electronic device) to a receiver (e.g., a corresponding electronic device or a network node). It should be understood that the above parameters are only examples and there can be other parameters that can be CSPs.

[0173] The parameters may be determined at the network device 602, the first electronic device 604, or the second electronic device 606 as the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. This will be described below with respect to Figure 7-10 Discuss in more detail.

[0174] Figure 7 7 is a diagram illustrating interrelated methods in the overall method 700 , wherein the interrelated methods are performed by the network device 602 , the first electronic device 604 , and the second electronic device 606 .

[0175] The method 700 may begin with the network device receiving first capability information from the first electronic device 604 at step 702 and receiving second capability information from the second electronic device 606 at step 704 .

[0176] The capability information of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 indicates the capability of the corresponding electronic device. The capability of the corresponding electronic device may indicate, for example, the capability of the electronic device to perform sensing (e.g., about its own parameters and / or parameters of another electronic device). In this context, the capability may include one or more of the following: the function of the corresponding electronic device, the availability of the corresponding electronic device, and the mode (e.g., power mode) of the corresponding electronic device. Various examples of functions, availability, and modes are provided below. It should be understood that these are not exhaustive, but are provided only by way of example. Therefore, other capability indicators may be used.

[0177] The function of the corresponding electronic device may indicate what the electronic device is or what it can be used for. For example, the function may indicate the bandwidth (eg, transmission bandwidth) of the corresponding electronic device.

[0178] Functions may include hardware information indicating the type, quantity, and / or capacity of hardware at the corresponding electronic device. The hardware may be any suitable hardware, such as one or more of the following: one or more sensors (e.g., one or more cameras, one or more RADAR antennas, and / or one or more LiDAR sensors), one or more power sources (e.g., one or more batteries), one or more antennas (e.g., one or more RADAR antennas, one or more transmitting antennas, one or more receiving antennas, and / or one or more transceivers), memory (e.g., random access memory), baseband unit, radio frequency (RF) unit, and one or more processors (e.g., one or more central processing units and / or one or more graphics processing units). Thus, for example, a function may indicate the battery capacity (e.g., battery capacity) of an electronic device. In another example, a function may indicate the transmission power (e.g., available transmission power) of an electronic device.

[0179] The function of the corresponding electronic device may include a sensing function of the electronic device. The sensing function of the electronic device may indicate one or more technologies that can be used for sensing at the corresponding electronic device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various sensing technologies, such as those discussed above. Examples of sensing technologies include RADAR, LiDAR, and imaging (e.g., using one or more cameras), etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that hardware information about one or more sensors at an electronic device may be used to indicate the sensing function of the corresponding electronic device. For example, the sensing function may indicate that one or more cameras are present at the electronic device. In addition or alternatively, the sensing function may indicate sensing that the electronic device can perform without indicating specific hardware. For example, the sensing function may indicate that the electronic device can perform imaging without specifying the number or type of cameras at the electronic device. The sensing function may also include the backscatter communication capability of the electronic device and / or the backscatter configuration of the electronic device.

[0180] In some examples, a function may include a process that an electronic device may be operable to perform. For example, a function may include one or more parameters that an electronic device may measure and / or calculate.

[0181] The availability of the corresponding electronic device may include the availability of hardware at the electronic device, such as any of the hardware described above.

[0182] For example, availability may include an indication of whether one or more sensors at an electronic device are in use. In another example, availability may include the usage of one or more processors at an electronic device. Thus, availability may indicate processing resources (e.g., processing power) available at a corresponding electronic device. In another example, availability may indicate memory (e.g., random access memory) usage of an electronic device. In another example, availability may include battery usage, remaining charge of one or more batteries, and / or remaining uptime of an electronic device (e.g., a period of time before the remaining battery charge is exhausted).

[0183] Alternatively or additionally, the availability may indicate the availability of one or more logical resources that the electronic device has configured. For example, the availability may indicate one or more network resources (e.g., one or more available network resources) of the electronic device that are not scheduled for transmission. For example, the availability may include the available bandwidth of the electronic device. For example, the availability of the network resources of the electronic device may indicate the availability of the electronic device to report the sensing information to the network device 602.

[0184] The mode of the corresponding electronic device may be a connection mode of the corresponding electronic device, such as a radio resource control (RRC) mode. For example, the mode of the corresponding electronic device may be one of an idle mode (e.g., RRC_IDLE), a connection mode (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED), and an inactive mode (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE). In some examples, the mode of the corresponding electronic device may be a power (or energy usage) mode. Thus, for example, the mode of the corresponding electronic device may be one of a power saving (e.g., low power) mode or a non-power saving (e.g., normal or high power) mode.

[0185] It should be understood that the capability information may indicate the current capability of the corresponding electronic device (e.g., at or around the time of determining and / or sending the capability information) or the expected capability of the corresponding electronic device (e.g., at a later time). For example, the electronic device may be scheduled to perform sensing at a later time, and thus may indicate in the capability information that the electronic device will reduce the availability of one or more sensors, one or more processors, and / or a power supply at a later time due to the scheduled sensing.

[0186] The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may send capability information upon request to the network device 602. For example, the network device 602 may send a request for capability information (e.g., may broadcast the request or may directly send the request to the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606), and in response, receive capability information from the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606.

[0187] Alternatively, the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may send capability information without receiving an explicit request from the network device 602. For example, the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may periodically (e.g., at regular intervals) send capability information to the network device 602. In another example, the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may send capability information to the network device 602 in response to a change in the capability information (e.g., a change that exceeds an associated threshold). For example, the first electronic device 604 may send capability information to the network device in response to the available power at the first electronic device 604 falling below a threshold. The capability information may be sent via static signaling. In some embodiments, the capability information may be sent by the electronic device as part of a general capability report. The capability information may be sent via dynamic layer 1 signaling. Alternatively, the capability information may be sent via semi-static signaling such as RRC or MAC-CE signaling.

[0188] In step 706, the network device 602 may also receive one or more reference signals from the first electronic device 604. In step 708, the network device 602 may also receive one or more reference signals from the second electronic device 606. The one or more reference signals may include any suitable reference signals, such as one or more of the following: a sounding reference signal (SRS), a sensing reference signal (SeRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and a positioning reference signal (PRS). The one or more reference signals received from the first electronic device 604 may be the same type of reference signals received from the second electronic device 606. The one or more reference signals received by the network device 602 in steps 706 and 708 may be referred to as examples of uplink sensing signals.

[0189] In step 710, the network device 602 identifies the primary electronic device from the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. The network device 602 identifies the primary electronic device based on the capability information. Therefore, the network device 602 can select one of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 as the primary electronic device based on the capability information.

[0190] Electronic devices that are not identified as main (eg, primary) electronic devices may be identified as auxiliary (eg, secondary) electronic devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electronic device 604 is identified as a main electronic device and the second electronic device 606 is identified as an auxiliary electronic device.

[0191] In this context, the primary electronic device is the electronic device with which the network device 602 will communicate in order to measure the parameters to be used with respect to the primary electronic device and the auxiliary electronic device. This will be described in more detail below with respect to steps 720-724. Conversely, in order to measure the parameters, the auxiliary electronic device may stop or reduce communication with the network device 602. Thus, communication resources and power may be saved at the auxiliary electronic device.

[0192] The network device 602 may identify the electronic device as a primary electronic device based on one or more criteria related to the capability information.

[0193] One or more standards may specify an expected range of values ​​for a functional parameter or availability parameter of an electronic device (e.g., according to a threshold value). For example, one or more standards may specify a minimum battery capacity or availability of an electronic device. Thus, the network device 602 may identify an electronic device having a battery capacity or availability greater than the minimum battery capacity or availability as a primary electronic device. In another example, one or more standards may specify a sensitivity threshold for one or more sensors. Thus, the network device 602 may identify an electronic device having one or more sensors having a sensitivity greater than the minimum sensitivity as a primary electronic device.

[0194] Alternatively or additionally, one or more standards may specify the quantity, capacity and / or type of hardware. For example, one or more standards may specify that the host electronic device will have a camera.

[0195] Alternatively or additionally, one or more standards may specify required functionality. For example, one or more standards may specify that the host electronic device may be used to perform passive sensing (e.g., RADAR or LiDAR). In another example, one or more standards may specify that the host electronic device may be used to identify one or more devices (e.g., other devices) in an image captured by the host electronic device (e.g., image detection may be performed).

[0196] In examples where more than one electronic device satisfies the one or more criteria, network device 602 may select (eg, randomly or according to one or more additional rules) any one of the electronic devices that satisfies the one or more criteria.

[0197] In some examples, the network device 602 may identify the electronic device with the highest (e.g., most) capabilities as the primary electronic device. In this context, for example, the highest capabilities may refer to the electronic device with the highest functional or usability parameters. Thus, for example, the network device 602 may identify the electronic device with the largest number of sensing modes (e.g., RADAR, LiDAR, imaging, etc.) as the primary electronic device. In another example, the network device 602 may identify the electronic device with the highest remaining power as the primary electronic device.

[0198] For example, the primary electronic device may be an electronic device capable of performing sensing of its own parameters (e.g., range, angle of arrival and angle of departure, orientation, etc.), parameters of other electronic devices, and / or environmental parameters. Thus, the primary electronic device may be used to act as a remote sensing element of the network, wherein the primary electronic device may sense its own parameters and any parameters of the auxiliary electronic device determined as CSPs, and feed them back to the network device 602. For example, the auxiliary electronic device may be an electronic device that is not capable of performing sensing of a particular parameter or is not available for sensing (e.g., it may be in an idle or power saving mode). The auxiliary electronic device may be equipped with passive component circuits to enable remote sensing and discovery of the primary electronic device through backscatter communications.

[0199] In some examples, the auxiliary electronic device is capable of performing sensing with respect to the primary electronic device. For example, the primary electronic device can be equipped with passive component circuits to enable remote sensing and discovery of the auxiliary electronic device through backscatter communication. The auxiliary electronic device can be used to perform remote sensing and discovery with respect to the primary electronic device.

[0200] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the step of identifying the master electronic device at 710 is shown as being performed after steps 706 and 708. In other embodiments, the network device 602 may identify the master electronic device at 710 before receiving the sensing signal from one or both of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 may identify the master electronic device at 710 in response to receiving the capability information at steps 702 and / or 704.

[0201] In step 712 , the network device 602 obtains a first threshold value of a parameter to be determined with respect to the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 .

[0202] The parameters may be any suitable parameters, such as those described above with respect to Figure 6 Any parameter discussed as an example of a parameter that can be determined as a CSP. In some examples, the parameter can be a sensing parameter (e.g., can be determined based on one or more sensing signals). For example, the parameter can be a posture parameter (e.g., can indicate the position and / or movement of the corresponding electronic device).

[0203] The first threshold is associated with the parameter (eg, may be specific to the parameter). The first threshold may be a threshold accuracy value for the parameter. Thus, the first threshold may indicate a required accuracy for the parameter.

[0204] In some examples, the first threshold value may be specific to the second electronic device 606. Specifically, the first threshold value may indicate a required accuracy of a measurement value of a parameter of the second electronic device 606.

[0205] In some examples, the first threshold may be specific to a plurality of electronic devices including the second electronic device. Thus, the first threshold may be specific to a group of electronic devices.

[0206] In some examples, the first threshold can be specific to a specific area. For example, the first threshold can be specific to a specific cell or a portion of a cell. In another example, the first threshold can be specific to a specific geographic area or feature (e.g., a road or a building). For example, a road may have a higher required accuracy than a forest. In another example, the first threshold can be specific to an area defined relative to the main electronic device (e.g., defined relative to the first electronic device 604). For example, the first threshold can be specific to a radius d centered on the first electronic device 604. cl sphere.

[0207] In some examples, the first threshold value can be based on the environment of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606 (e.g., based on an environment map). For example, the first environment can be associated with a lower threshold value (e.g., indicating a higher accuracy) than the second environment, where the first environment is more densely populated with electronic devices than the second environment. In another example, an urban environment can be associated with a lower threshold value than a rural environment. In another example, a rich scattering environment can be associated with a lower threshold value than a poor scattering environment. In an area where a large number of buildings (which may act as reflectors) are densely clustered in a small area, the correlation between parameters of different electronic devices may be low even if the proximity of the electronic devices is the same. Therefore, it may be advantageous to use a smaller threshold value for such an area.

[0208] In some examples, the first threshold may be based on a quality of service requirement. The quality of service requirement may be based on any combination of the above factors (second electronic device 606, region and / or environment, etc.).

[0209] The first threshold may be based on information (eg, feedback) related to one or more other electronic devices served by the network device 602. The information may indicate an environment of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606.

[0210] The information may include the location and / or direction of movement of one or more electronic devices. In one example, the information may indicate that one or more electronic devices currently or previously served by the network device 602 are traveling in a particular direction. This may indicate that any device in a similar location is expected to travel in a particular direction for a particular period of time, which may be used to inform the first threshold. For example, this may occur when the electronic device is placed on a highway, train, or tram.

[0211] In another example, the density of electronic devices currently or previously served by the network device 602 can be used to determine the first threshold. The density of electronic devices can indicate whether a particular environment is urban, suburban, or rural. For example, the first threshold can be higher when the density of electronic devices currently or previously served by the network device 602 is higher than when the density of electronic devices is now or was lower. For example, this can increase the first threshold for crowded environments (e.g., busy highways) where the parameters of many electronic devices may be CSPs. In some examples, the information can indicate the direction and density of movement of the electronic devices. For example, the information can indicate the expected traffic status of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606 (e.g., whether there is a blockage or traffic jam along their route).

[0212] In some examples, information about one or more other devices may indicate the presence of one or more obstacles that block or reflect signals. For example, the information may indicate the presence of a large building.

[0213] The first threshold may be based on or associated with any combination of the above factors. For example, for a crowded and scatter-rich urban environment, the first threshold may be smaller, and for a lightly crowded and scatter-poor suburban environment (e.g., a highway, etc.), the first threshold may be larger.

[0214] The network device 602 may receive the first threshold. For example, the network device 602 may be connected to a node (e.g., a device) in a core network (e.g., core network 130) of the system 600, and the network device 602 may receive the first threshold from the node. Alternatively, the network device 602 may be configured with the first threshold. In a further alternative example, the network device 602 may determine the first threshold based on one or more factors described in the previous paragraphs.

[0215] The network device 602 determines sensing information of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. The network device 602 determines the sensing information based on the one or more reference signals received from the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in steps 706 and 708. Therefore, the network device 602 can perform corresponding measurements on the parameters of each of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 based on the one or more reference signals to determine the sensing information. Therefore, for example, the network device 602 can perform one or more measurements on the one or more reference signals received from the first electronic device 604 in step 706 to estimate the parameter value of the first electronic device 604, and perform one or more measurements on the one or more reference signals received from the second electronic device 606 in step 708 to estimate the parameter value of the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 can measure the first AoA of the first electronic device 604 based on the one or more reference signals received in step 706. The second AoA of the second electronic device 606 is measured according to the one or more reference signals received in step 708.

[0216] The sensing information may include a ratio or difference between the corresponding measurements of the first and second electronic devices. Thus, with x1 representing the measurement of the first electronic device and x2 representing the measurement of the second electronic device, the sensing information may include a ratio x1 / x2 (or equivalently x2 / x1) or a difference x1–x2 (or equivalently x2–x1 or |x1–x2|).

[0217] In some examples, the network device 602 may perform multiple measurements on the parameters of each of the electronic devices 604 and 606 according to the sensing signal to obtain corresponding measurement values ​​x1 and x2. The sensing information may include a correlation between the multiple measurement values ​​of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 and the multiple measurement values ​​of the parameter of the second electronic device 606. For example, the correlation may include any suitable correlation coefficient. For example, the correlation may include a Pearson correlation coefficient or a Spearman correlation coefficient.

[0218] In step 714, the network device 602 determines that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 based on the comparison of the sensing information with the first threshold. Therefore, the network device 602 can determine that the parameter is the CSP in response to the sensing information satisfying the first threshold. By determining that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in step 714, the spatial and / or temporal sensing correlation between the electronic devices can be identified.

[0219] For example, the network device 602 may determine that the parameter is a CSP based on the difference between the parameter measurement values ​​of the first and second electronic devices |x1-x2|, which satisfies (e.g., is less than or equal to) a first threshold δ. The network device 602 may determine that the parameter is a CSP in response to determining that the following relationship is satisfied:

[0220] |x1-x2|≤δ. #(11)

[0221] Thus, the network device may determine that the parameter is the CSP in response to determining that the difference between the parameters is very small.

[0222] In other examples, the network device 602 may determine that the parameter is a CSP based on the ratio between the parameter measurement values ​​of the first and second electronic devices satisfying a range (e.g., within a range). For example, the network device 602 may determine that the parameter is a CSP in response to determining that the following relationship is satisfied:

[0223]

[0224] Alternatively, this can be expressed as:

[0225]

[0226] Thus, the network device 602 can determine that the parameter is a CSP in response to the ratio of the parameter measurement values ​​of the electronic device being almost 1. In both expressions, |∈|<1. In some examples, |∈|<<1. In some examples, ∈=0.1. In other examples, ∈=0.01. Alternatively, satisfying a range can be described as satisfying two thresholds. One threshold can define a lower limit of the range, and another threshold can define an upper limit of the range. Thus, for example, as shown in equation (12), the sensed information can be considered Satisfies (eg, exceeds) a threshold value 1-∈ and satisfies (eg, is less than or equal to) a threshold value 1+∈.

[0227] Alternatively, the network device 602 determining that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be described as the network device 602 determining that the value of the parameter about the second electronic device 606 can be based on the measured value of the parameter about the first electronic device 604. Thus, for example, the network device 602 can determine that the value of the parameter measured for the first electronic device 604 will be used for the value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 (e.g., x2=x1). The network device 602 can determine that the value of the parameter measured for the first electronic device 604 will be used for the value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606, as long as the two parameters remain CSP. This will be discussed in more detail below in accordance with CSP monitoring. The use of the parameter is also discussed below with respect to step 724.

[0228] In some examples, the network device 602 may assign the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to a specific group (e.g., the same group). For example, the group may be referred to as a CSP group. The network device 602 may use the measured value of the parameter about the first electronic device 604 for all devices in the specific group.

[0229] In step 716, the network device 602 may send a first sensing configuration to the first electronic device 604. The first sensing configuration may instruct the first electronic device 604 to continue to send one or more reference signals (e.g., such as those sent in step 706) to the network device 602 for measuring parameters. Instructing the first electronic device 604 to continue to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 enables the network device 602 to obtain measured values ​​of the parameters of the first electronic device 604, which can then be used with respect to the second electronic device 606. By sending the first sensing configuration to the first electronic device 604, the network device 602 may implicitly indicate to the first electronic device 604 that the first electronic device is a primary electronic device. In some embodiments, the network device 602 may send an explicit indication to the first electronic device 604 that the first electronic device is a primary electronic device. The indication may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the indication may be sent via medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the instruction may be sent via dynamic signaling such as L1 signaling, for example, via downlink control (DCI).

[0230] Alternatively, the network device 602 may not instruct the first electronic device 604 to continue to send one or more reference signals. For example, the first electronic device 604 may have been configured to send one or more reference signals (e.g., SRS and / or PRS as described above) to the network device 602. The first electronic device 604 may be configured to send one or more reference signals periodically, at one or more specific times, and / or in response to specific events. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 may continue to send reference signals without further instructions from the network device 602.

[0231] In step 718, the network device 602 may send a second sensing configuration to the second electronic device 606. The second sensing configuration may instruct the second electronic device 606 not to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 for measuring the parameter. Thus, the second sensing configuration may instruct the electronic device 604 to stop or pause sending reference signals to the network device 602. This may be particularly appropriate in examples where the second electronic device 606 is additionally used to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602. In some examples, the second sensing configuration may configure the second electronic device 606 to send one or more reference signals at a lower frequency (e.g., with a larger interval between transmissions). Thus, for example, the network device 602 may use the measured values ​​of the parameters obtained about the first electronic device 604 for the second device in the intervals between receiving reference signals from the second electronic device 606.

[0232] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that instructing the second electronic device 606 not to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 for measuring the parameter may not include instructing the second electronic device not to send any other reference signals. Therefore, the second electronic device may not be instructed to completely stop sending reference signals. Instead, the second sensing configuration may instruct the second electronic device 606 to stop sending reference signals to the network device 602 to be used to determine the parameter.

[0233] By sending the second sensing configuration to the second electronic device 606, the network device 602 can implicitly indicate to the second electronic device 660 that the second electronic device is an auxiliary electronic device. In some embodiments, the network device 602 can send an explicit indication to the second electronic device 606 that the second electronic device is a primary electronic device. The indication can be sent through semi-static signaling. For example, the indication can be sent through a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the instruction can be sent through dynamic L1 signaling such as L1 signaling, for example, sent through DCI.

[0234] At step 720, the first electronic device 604 sends one or more reference signals to the network device 602. For example, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 according to the first sensing configuration received at step 716. For example, the one or more reference signals may be the same as the one or more reference signals sent at step 706.

[0235] At step 722, the network device 602 determines a value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 based on the one or more reference signals received at step 720. Thus, the network device 602 may perform one or more measurements based on the one or more signals received at step 720 to determine a second value of the parameter. The nature of the measured value and / or the reference signal may depend on the parameter. For example, the network device may determine the second value of the parameter by using the method described above with respect to Figure 6 In another example, the network device 602 may receive one or more reference signals at multiple antennas at the network device 602, and determine the value of the angle of arrival of the first electronic device 604 (e.g., the value of r1) based on the measured values ​​of the reference signals at the multiple antennas. Assuming a line-of-sight connection and a synchronous orientation with the first electronic device 604, the network device 602 can also infer a departure angle of the first electronic device 604 according to the arrival angle.

[0236] In step 724, the network device 602 uses the value of the parameter determined in step 722 as the value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606. Since the methods described herein can be applied with respect to many different parameters, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the parameter usage can vary. For example, the network device 602 can estimate the location of the second electronic device 606 using the range of the first electronic device 604. In another example, the network device 602 can determine the flight time of the second electronic device 606 using the range of the first electronic device 604. The flight time of the second electronic device 606 can be used for synchronization of the second electronic device 606. In another example, the network device 602 can determine the transmission power of the second electronic device 606 based on the range of the first electronic device 604. In another example, the AoA and / or AoD of the first electronic device 604 can be used to facilitate beamforming of the second electronic device 606. This can reduce or eliminate the need to perform beamforming on the second electronic device.

[0237] Using method 700, based on determining that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, the network device 602 can determine that the measured value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 can also be used for the second electronic device 606. This can reduce the uplink signal sent by the second electronic device 606, thereby saving signaling resources and power at the second electronic device 606, while still being able to provide sensing services with respect to the second electronic device 606.

[0238] Steps 720-724 may be repeated one or more times. Therefore, the network device 602 may continue to use the measured value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 for the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 may continue to use the measured value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 for the second electronic device 606 until the second electronic device 606 is disconnected from the network device 602 (e.g., no longer provided with services by the network device).

[0239] CSP monitor

[0240] In some examples, it may be re-determined (e.g., at a later point in time) whether the parameter is a CSP for the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 may instruct the second electronic device 606 to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602, so that step 714 is repeated. The network device 602 may send instructions in a second sensing configuration. For example, the second sensing configuration may indicate that the second electronic device 606 will continue to send reference signals to the network device 602, but at a reduced frequency. In another example, the second sensing configuration may indicate that the second electronic device 606 will send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 at a specific time (e.g., after a specific time period has passed).

[0241] In response to re-determining that the parameter is the CSP based on one or more reference signals received from the second electronic device 606, steps 720-724 may be repeated so that the network device 602 may continue to use the measured value of the parameter of the first electronic device 604 for the second electronic device 606. The network device 602 may send a further sensing configuration to the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606 (e.g., the network device 602 may repeat steps 716 and / or 718).

[0242] Alternatively, one or more of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may perform sensing to monitor whether the parameter is still the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Therefore, instead of repeating step 714 at the network device 602, local sensing may be performed by at least one of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. The network device 602 may configure the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606 to perform local sensing in the first and / or second sensing configurations sent in steps 716 and 718, respectively.

[0243] This can be illustrated by considering the example of determining at step 714 that the AoD is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Therefore, at step 714, it can be determined that for the first threshold δ1, |θ1-θ2|≤δ1. Figure 6As described, this standard can also be expressed as

[0244]

[0245] Wherein, d is the interval between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (e.g., quantified by distance using a unit of length or a signal propagation time), and r1 is the range of the first electronic device 604. Since the range of the first electronic device 604 may be known to the network device 602, and the first electronic device 604 may perform sensing to determine the interval between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, the network device 602 may configure the first electronic device 604 with a second threshold δ2=r1δ1 for comparison with the measured value of the interval d determined by the first electronic device 604. In response to the interval satisfying (e.g., being less than) the second threshold, the first electronic device 604 may determine that the AoD is still the CSP.

[0246] The sensing performed by the first electronic device 604 to determine the interval may be passive. Therefore, the second electronic device 606 may not participate in the process of determining the interval. For example, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more signals (e.g., wireless signals) to the second electronic device 606, and measure d based on the reflection of one of the signals reflected by the second electronic device 606. For example, the first electronic device 604 may broadcast a Single-Tone sine continuous wave and receive one or more reflections of the broadcast wave reflected by the second electronic device 606. In another example, the first electronic device 604 may broadcast a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) or chirp signal and receive one or more reflections of the broadcast wave reflected by the second electronic device 606. In some embodiments, the first electronic device 604 may determine the interval d and identity of the second electronic device 606 based on backscatter communication, in which the second electronic device embeds its identity in the reflected RF signal (e.g., using a passive component circuit at the second electronic device 606).

[0247] Alternatively, the sensing performed to determine the interval may be active. Thus, both the first and second electronic devices 606 may participate in the sensing. For example, the first electronic device 604 may determine the interval d by sending a first signal to the second electronic device 606 and receiving a second signal in response. The first and / or second signals may or may not include one or more reference signals. The first and / or second signals may be sensing signals.

[0248] Although this example is described in the context of the AoD being a CSP, those skilled in the art will appreciate that similar methods may be applied to any parameter that may be determined as a CSP for the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Calculating the second threshold δ2 from the first threshold δ1 may depend on a particular parameter.

[0249] Therefore, in general, the network device 602 can determine the second threshold value based on the first threshold value and the sensing information based on the measurement value of one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device 602 and the first electronic device 604. The measurement value of the one or more reference signals can indicate the posture (e.g., position, including angle and / or speed) of the first electronic device 604 relative to the network device 602.

[0250] Therefore, one or more of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may perform sensing to monitor whether the parameter is (eg, continues to be) the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 .

[0251] Returning to method 700, the network device 602 may configure one or more of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to perform sensing to monitor whether the parameter is a CSP. This may be included in the first and / or second sensing configurations sent in steps 716 and 718, or may be sent in different messages. The network device 602 may also send a second threshold to the first electronic device 602, and / or send an identification of the first electronic device 604 and / or the second electronic device 606 to one or more of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Figure 7 and 8 The configuration of one or both of the electronic devices 604, 606 for performing this sensing is described in more detail.

[0252] In step 726, one or more of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may perform sensing on the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to determine second sensing information. For example, the second sensing information may include one or more of the following: an interval between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (e.g., determining whether the AoD or AoA is a CSP), a relative Doppler frequency between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, and a relative angle between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606.

[0253] In step 728 , the first electronic device 604 compares the second sensing information with the second threshold to determine whether the parameter is still the CSP.

[0254] In response to the second sensing information failing to meet the second threshold (e.g., the interval d exceeds the second threshold d>δ2), at step 730, the first electronic device 604 may notify the network device 602 that the parameter is no longer the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Alternatively, the first electronic device 604 may determine that the measured value of the second sensing information meets the second threshold (e.g., d≤δ2), and at step 730, the first electronic device 604 may notify the network device 602 that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. In some examples, the first electronic device may not explicitly notify the network device 602 that the parameter is still the CSP. For example, the network device 602 may assume that the absence of notification means that the parameter is still the CSP. Therefore, step 730 may be omitted in some examples.

[0255] Although the above description of steps 726-730 refers to steps 728 and 730 being performed by the first electronic device 604, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, steps 728 and 730 may also be performed by the second electronic device 606. Therefore, the second electronic device 606 may determine the second sensing information based on the sensing performed in step 726, and perform steps 728 and 730 accordingly.

[0256] Downlink parameters Measurement

[0257] In the description of the above method 700, a downlink reference signal is used to determine the value of the parameter. In other embodiments, an uplink reference signal may be used.

[0258] Specifically, instead of sending reference signals from the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to the network device 602 in steps 706 and 708, the network device 602 may send one or more reference signals to the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, and the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may perform measurements on the corresponding reference signals to estimate the corresponding values ​​of the parameters. The first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may send the estimated values ​​to the network device 602. The network device 602 may determine the sensing information based on the received estimated values ​​(e.g., by determining a ratio or difference between the received estimated values).

[0259] In some embodiments, the second sensing configuration described above with respect to 718 may also instruct the second electronic device 606 not to measure one or more reference signals sent by the network node 602 for measurement of the parameter. This may be particularly appropriate in an example where the second electronic device 606 is additionally used to perform measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device 602. For example, the second electronic device 606 may be used to perform measurements periodically, or to perform measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device 602 in one or more time slots. Therefore, the network device 602 may use the second sensing configuration to configure the second electronic device 606 to stop performing measurements based on one or more reference signals received from the network node 602 to determine the parameter. The second sensing configuration may instruct the second electronic device 606 not to receive, process and / or measure the reference signal received from the network device 602. This may reduce the measurement overhead of the second electronic device 606.

[0260] In some embodiments, steps 720 and 722 of method 700 may be replaced by a step in which the network device 602 sends one or more reference signals to the first electronic device 604. The first electronic device 604 may determine a value of the parameter based on the one or more reference signals (e.g., as described in step 722, but performed by the first electronic device 604). The first electronic device 604 may send the value to the network device 602. The network device may use the value of the parameter received in step 724 as described above.

[0261] In method 700, network device 602 identifies the first electronic device as a primary electronic device at step 710 and determines that the parameter is a CSP at step 714. In other embodiments, determining that the parameter is a CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 may be performed elsewhere. Figure 8 and 9 Detailed description.

[0262] Host electronics based sensing

[0263] Figure 8 8 is a diagram showing interrelated methods in an overall method 800, wherein these interrelated methods are performed by the network device 602, the first electronic device 604, and the second electronic device 606. Although the method 800 is an alternative to the method 700, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more steps of the method 700 can be implemented in the method 800, and vice versa.

[0264] Method 800 may begin with the network device receiving first capability information from the first electronic device 604 and second capability information from the second electronic device 606 at steps 802 and 804. Steps 802 and 804 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 7Steps 702 and 704 are performed in the same manner as described.

[0265] At step 806, the network device 602 identifies the first electronic device 604 as a primary (eg, primary) electronic device and the second electronic device 606 as an auxiliary (eg, secondary) electronic device. Step 806 may be similar to the above description regarding Figure 7 Step 706 is performed in the same manner as described above.

[0266] At step 808, the network device 602 indicates to the first electronic device 604 that the first electronic device is the primary electronic device. The indication may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the indication may be sent via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the instruction may be sent via dynamic L1 signaling, for example, via DCI.

[0267] By indicating to the first electronic device 604 that the first electronic device is the primary electronic device, the network device 602 may indicate that a first value of a parameter is to be measured for the first electronic device 604, and the first value of the parameter may be used (e.g., by the network device 602) for one or more other electronic devices (e.g., for the second electronic device 606). As described in more detail below, in this embodiment, the first electronic device 604 determines the first value of the parameter by performing one or more measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device 602. Thus, the indication sent in step 808 may indicate that the first electronic device 604 will perform one or more measurements to determine the first value of the parameter. In other embodiments, the first value of the parameter may be determined by the network device 602 measuring one or more reference signals received from the first electronic device (e.g., as in method 700), and in step 808, the network device 602 may instruct the first electronic device 604 to send one or more reference signals to the network device 602 for measuring the parameter.

[0268] In step 809, the network device 602 sends a first sensing configuration to the first electronic device 604. The first sensing configuration may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the first sensing configuration may be sent via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The network device 602 may send the first sensing configuration and an indication that the first electronic device 604 is a master electronic device in the same or different messages.

[0269] The first sensing configuration configures the first electronic device 604 to perform passive sensing to detect the second electronic device 606. Specifically, the first sensing configuration configures the first electronic device 604 to send one or more sensing signals so that at least one sensing signal can be reflected by the second electronic device 606. By detecting the reflected signal, the first electronic device 604 can detect the presence of the second electronic device 606. Therefore, in step 808, the network device can configure the first electronic device to use backscatter communication to identify other electronic devices, such as the second electronic device 606.

[0270] The first sensing configuration may specify one or more properties of the sensing signal, such as one or more of the following: transmission power, frequency or bandwidth, sensing waveform, one or more waveform parameters, and one or more parameters to be sensed. Alternatively or additionally, the first sensing configuration may specify a backscatter communication configuration, such as one or more of the following: identification of the second electronic device 606, transmission power, frequency, and / or communication and / or scanning period.

[0271] The first sensing configuration may configure the first electronic device 604 to broadcast one or more sensing signals. This may be particularly appropriate in examples where the first electronic device 604 is unaware of the location of the second electronic device 606. For example, the first sensing configuration may configure the first electronic device 604 to broadcast a Single-Tone sine continuous wave, a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal, or a chirp. In some examples, the location (e.g., an estimated location or an approximate location) of the second electronic device 606 may be provided to the first electronic device 604 (e.g., by the network device 602), and the first electronic device 604 may send one or more signals to the provided location. Thus, for example, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more sensing signals using one or more beams, wherein one or more beams are determined (e.g., selected from a plurality of beams) based on the location of the second electronic device 606.

[0272] For example, the one or more sensing signals may be RF sensing signals. Thus, the first sensing configuration may configure the first electronic device 604 to detect the second electronic device 606 using RADAR.

[0273] At step 810, the network device 602 sends a second sensing configuration to the second electronic device 606. The second sensing configuration may be sent via semi-static signaling, for example, via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0274] At step 812, the second electronic device 606 implements a second sensing configuration. The second sensing configuration configures the second electronic device 606 to embed an identification of the second electronic device 606 into any sensing signal reflected by the second electronic device 606. The second electronic device 606 can be used to embed the identification using any technique that changes the properties of the reflected signal in a deterministic manner. Thus, the second electronic device 606 can be used to modulate the incident signal according to its identification (e.g., the assigned identification). For example, the second electronic device 606 may include a passive component circuit that can change the incident wave to embed the identification into the reflected wave (e.g., by backscattering).

[0275] Embedding the identifier in the reflected signal enables the first electronic device 604 to distinguish between signals reflected by the second electronic device 606 and signals reflected by other features in the environment (e.g., obstacles or other electronic devices). The identifier can be any suitable identifier, for example, a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). In addition, the second sensing configuration can configure the second electronic device 606 to modulate the incident signal and send (e.g., reflect) the incident signal back to the first electronic device 604. Therefore, in step 810, the network device 602 can configure the second electronic device 660 to turn on (e.g., activate) passive sensing.

[0276] The network device 602 may obtain a first threshold value of a parameter to be determined with respect to the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (not shown). The first threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value discussed above with respect to the method 700. The operation may be performed as described above with respect to Figure 7 Step 712 of the description is performed.

[0277] In step 814, the network device 602 may send a first threshold to the first electronic device 604. The first threshold may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the first threshold may be sent via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. For example, in some examples, the first threshold may be sent via dynamic signaling such as layer 1 signaling, such as via DCI.

[0278] By obtaining the first threshold at the network device 602, the first threshold can be used for the second electronic device 606. Specifically, the network (e.g., the network device 602 or another node connected to the network device 602) can understand one or more factors (e.g., the target service quality of the second electronic device 604, the environment of the second electronic device 604, and information related to another device served by the network device 602) on which the first threshold discussed above with respect to the method 700 can be based, and the first threshold can be determined based on one or more of these factors.

[0279] Alternatively, the first electronic device 604 may be pre-configured with a first threshold. The first electronic device 604 may retrieve the first threshold from a memory (e.g., a non-transitory processor-readable medium) at the first electronic device 604 in response to receiving an indication that the first electronic device is the primary electronic device at step 808. In some examples, the first electronic device 604 may be configured with corresponding thresholds for multiple parameters. For example, the first electronic device 604 may be configured with a first threshold of range δ1=5m and another first threshold of AoA δ1=5 degrees. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different parameters may have different tolerances (e.g., different desired accuracies).

[0280] At step 816, the network device 602 sends one or more reference signals to the first electronic device 604. The one or more reference signals may include any suitable downlink reference signal (DL-RS), such as one or more of the following: DMRS, phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), PRS, SeRS. For example, the one or more reference signals may be any suitable RAN1 reference signal.

[0281] At step 818, the first electronic device 602 performs one or more measurements on the reference signal received at step 816. Based on the one or more measurements, the first electronic device 604 can determine a first value of the parameter. This can obtain a high-resolution measurement of the parameter. The first electronic device 604 can use any of the methods described herein for determining a parameter based on a reference signal.

[0282] At step 820, the first electronic device 604 sends one or more sensing signals according to the first sensing configuration. At step 822, the first electronic device 604 receives a reflection of one of the sensing signals reflected by the second electronic device 606. The identification of the second electronic device 606 is embedded in the reflected signal.

[0283] In step 824, the first electronic device 604 determines the combined sensing information based on the measurement values ​​of the one or more reference signals from step 814 and the reflected signal received in step 822. Specifically, the first electronic device 604 can use the measurement values ​​of the one or more reference signals to determine the first sensing information about the first electronic device 604 and the network device 602. The first electronic device 604 can use the measurement values ​​of the reflected signal to determine the second sensing information about the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606.

[0284] The first sensing information may indicate a posture of the first electronic device 604 relative to the network device 602. Therefore, the first sensing information may be referred to as the first posture information. For example, the first sensing information may include one or more of the following: a range, an AoA, an AoD, and a speed of the first electronic device. The speed may be a relative speed (e.g., a speed, or a speed and a moving direction) of the first electronic device 604 relative to the network device 602. For example, the first sensing information may include a first value of a parameter.

[0285] The second sensing information may indicate the position of the second electronic device 606 relative to the first electronic device 604. For example, the second sensing information may include one or more of the following: an interval between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (e.g., a distance or a signal propagation time, such as a round-trip propagation time), an angle between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (e.g., β), and a relative speed of the second electronic device 606 relative to the first electronic device 604 (e.g., speed or speed and moving direction).

[0286] The nature of the combined sensing information determined at step 824 may depend on the parameters to be determined for the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. In one example, the parameter may be a range, and the combined sensing information may be calculated according to the following formula:

[0287]

[0288] Where r1 may be determined based on measured values ​​of one or more reference signals, d may be based on measured values ​​of the reflected signal, and β may be based on both measured values ​​of one or more reference signals and measured values ​​of the reflected signal.

[0289] In another example, the parameter may be AoD and the combined sensing information may be calculated based on d / r1. In another example, the parameter may be AoA and the combined sensing information may be calculated based on d / r1.

[0290] In step 826, the first electronic device 604 compares the combined sensing information with the first threshold to determine whether the parameter is a CSP. The first electronic device 604 may determine that the parameter is a CSP in response to the sensing information satisfying the first threshold. In some examples, the first threshold may indicate a maximum value. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 may determine that the parameter is a CSP in response to the sensing information being less than the first threshold. Step 826 may be performed in accordance with step 714 above, where the combined sensing information replaces Figure 7 By determining in step 826 that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, a spatial and / or temporal sensing correlation between the electronic devices may be identified.

[0291] Alternatively, in step 824, the first electronic device 604 may determine a second threshold value based on the first threshold value and the first sensing information, and in step 826, compare the second sensing information with the second threshold value to determine whether the parameter is a CSP. Therefore, the second threshold value may be determined in a manner similar to the second threshold value discussed above with respect to method 700.

[0292] For example, the first electronic device may determine the second threshold δ2=r1δ1 according to the range of the first electronic device (an example of the first sensing information) and the first threshold δ1. The first electronic device may compare the interval d (an example of the second sensing information) with the second threshold to determine whether the parameter is a CSP.

[0293] At step 828, the first electronic device 604 indicates to the network device 602 that the parameter is a CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. The first electronic device 604 can indicate this to the network device 602 by sending an identifier of the second electronic device 606 to the network device 602. For example, the identifier can be sent via a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Therefore, at step 828, the first electronic device 604 can instruct the network device 602 to use one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first electronic device 604 and the network device 602 for the second electronic device 604.

[0294] The first electronic device 604 may also send one or more of the following to the network device 602: first sensing information, second sensing information, and / or combined sensing information. The information may be sent in the same message or in different messages to indicate that the parameter is a CSP. For example, the information may be sent via a PUSCH.

[0295] In step 830, the first electronic device 604 sends the value of the parameter determined in step 814 to the network device 602. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 can report the parameter measured according to one or more reference signals received from the network device 602. The electronic device 606 can send the value to the network device 602 through the PUSCH.

[0296] In some examples, the value of the parameter and the indication that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 can be sent in the same message. For example, the first electronic device 604 can send a message including the value of the parameter and the identification of the second electronic device 606. By including these in the same message, the first electronic device 604 can indicate to the network device 602 that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 without including an explicit indicator (e.g., a flag) in the message.

[0297] The network device 602 may use the value of the parameter for both the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in response to receiving an indication that the parameter received at step 828 is a CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. For example, the network device 602 may use the value of the parameter in the same manner as described above with respect to Figure 7 Step 724 described above uses parameters in the same or similar manner.

[0298] Steps 816-830 may be repeated one or more times. Thus, the first electronic device 604 may determine one or more second values ​​of the parameter and report the second values ​​to the network device 602. The first electronic device 604 may perform sensing to monitor whether the parameters of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 are still CSP. The first electronic device may be configured to perform steps 816-830 periodically, at one or more specific times and / or in response to a specific event. For example, the monitoring may be performed in accordance with the above-described steps 726-730. Similarly, steps 820-830 or 818-830 may be implemented in the method 700 (e.g., in place of steps 726-730).

[0299] In some examples, the first electronic device 604 may determine at step 826 that the parameter is not a CSP for the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. This determination may be made in a first iteration or in a subsequent iteration of step 826. The first electronic device 604 may notify the network device 602 that the parameter is not a CSP (e.g., as described above with respect to step 730).

[0300] More precise sensing

[0301] In some embodiments, the sensing performed by the first electronic device 604 with respect to the second electronic device 606 can be used to estimate the parameter value of the second electronic device 606. This may be particularly advantageous when a high-precision parameter needs to be determined for the second electronic device 606 but the sensing capabilities of the second electronic device 606 are limited (e.g., limited availability, power, and / or functionality).

[0302] The first electronic device 604 can determine an estimate of a parameter of the second electronic device 606 based on a first value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 (e.g., measured with respect to the first electronic device 604) and one or more measurements of a posture (e.g., position) of the second electronic device relative to the first electronic device 604. The one or more posture measurements can be based on the reflected signal received in step 822. Alternatively, the first electronic device 604 can perform additional sensing to determine the one or more posture measurements. Figure 8Steps 832-836 shown in describe an example of this implementation. Although described in the context of method 800, those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 800 may also be performed without one or more of steps 832-836. In addition, steps 832-836 may also be implemented in other methods described herein (e.g., method 700 described above and / or method 900 described below).

[0303] At step 832, the network device 602 sends a request to the first electronic device 604 to perform enhanced (e.g., finer) sensing with respect to the second electronic device 606. For example, the request may be sent via dynamic RAN1 signaling. In this context, the sensing is referred to as enhanced sensing or finer sensing because a more accurate estimate of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 is expected to be produced than if the parameter measured with respect to the first electronic device 604 is also available to the second electronic device 606. The request may also be referred to as a request for additional sensing.

[0304] In step 834, the first electronic device 604 sends one or more sensing signals, and in step 836, receives a reflection of one of the sensing signals reflected by the second electronic device 606. For example, steps 834 and 836 can be performed according to steps 820 and 822. The one or more sensing signals may include RF signals. For example, the sensing performed in steps 834 and 836 may include RADAR. In some examples, the sensing performed in steps 834 and 836 may be monobasic. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more sensing signals through a transmitter co-located with a receiver that receives the reflected signal. For example, the transmitter and the receiver may be integrated in a transceiver.

[0305] In a specific example, the first electronic device 604 can use beamforming to send one or more sensing signals. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 can use one or more beams specifically for the second electronic device 606 to send one or more sensing signals. The first electronic device 604 can determine the one or more beams based on the location of the second electronic device 606. The first electronic device 604 can receive the location of the second electronic device 606 from the network device 602. Alternatively, the first electronic device 604 can use any suitable method, such as using sensing (e.g., the sensing described above with respect to steps 820-822), to determine the location of the second electronic device 606.

[0306] In step 838, the first electronic device 604 determines an estimated value of the parameter based on the first value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 (e.g., measured with respect to the first electronic device 604) and the reflected signal. Therefore, the first electronic device 604 can determine one or more measured values ​​of the posture (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of the second electronic device 606 relative to the first electronic device 604 based on the reflected signal, and estimate the parameter of the second electronic device 606 using the relative posture measurement value.

[0307] In one example, the first electronic device 604 can determine the interval d and the relative angle β=θ-γ based on the reflected signal. The first electronic device 604 can use the interval and the relative angle and the range of the first electronic device 604 (e.g., determined in step 818) to determine the range of the second electronic device 606 according to the following formula:

[0308]

[0309] In another example, the first electronic device 604 can determine the interval d based on the reflected signal. The first electronic device 604 can determine its AoA based on the reference signal received in step 816. and range r1. The first electronic device 604 can estimate the AoA of the second electronic device according to the following formula:

[0310]

[0311] In another example, the first electronic device 604 may determine the interval d based on the reflected signal. The first electronic device 604 may determine its AoDθ1 and range r1 based on the reference signal received in step 816. The first electronic device 604 may estimate the departure angle of the second electronic device based on the following formula:

[0312]

[0313] At step 840, the first electronic device 604 sends the estimated value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 to the network device 602. For example, the first electronic device 604 may send the estimated value of the range r2 of the second electronic device 606 to the network device 602. The first electronic device 604 may also send (e.g., in the same or different message as the estimated value) an identifier of the second electronic device 606 to the network device 602. For example, the estimated value and / or the identifier may be sent via a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0314] Therefore, the first electronic device 604 can estimate the parameters of the second electronic device 606 based on the reflected signal and send the estimated value to the network device 602. In other examples, the estimation of the parameters of the second electronic device 606 can be implemented at the network device 602. For example, instead of performing steps 838 and 840, the first electronic device 604 can determine one or more measurement values ​​of the pose (e.g., position) of the second electronic device 606 relative to the first electronic device 604 based on the reflected signal, and send one or more relative pose measurement values ​​to the network device 602. The network device 602 can estimate the parameters of the second electronic device 606 based on the relative pose measurement value of the second electronic device 606 and the first value of the parameter (e.g., measured with respect to the first electronic device 604).

[0315] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide high resolution sensing for electronic devices. This may be particularly advantageous for electronic devices with limited capabilities to perform sensing, such as low power or limited functionality devices. By implementing high resolution sensing for electronic devices with limited functionality, the need for additional sensing hardware (e.g., additional power capacity, increased bandwidth, etc.) may be avoided, thereby reducing the cost of implementing full network sensing. Aspects of the present invention may be used to implement full network sensing for low capability (e.g., low resolution) devices.

[0316] In method 800, an electronic device identified as a primary electronic device (e.g., first electronic device 604) performs sensing on an auxiliary electronic device (e.g., second electronic device 606) to determine whether a parameter is a CSP. In other embodiments, the sensing may be performed by the auxiliary electronic device. Fig. 9 An example of this implementation is described.

[0317] Based on the second electronic Device Sensing

[0318] Fig. 9 9 is a diagram illustrating interrelated methods in the overall method 900 , wherein the interrelated methods are performed by the network device 602 , the first electronic device 604 , and the second electronic device 606 .

[0319] Method 900 may begin with the network device receiving first capability information from the first electronic device 604 and second capability information from the second electronic device 606 at steps 902 and 904. Steps 902 and 904 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 7 Steps 702 and 704 are performed in the same manner as described.

[0320] The network device 602 identifies the first electronic device 604 as a primary (eg, primary) electronic device and identifies the second electronic device 606 as an auxiliary (eg, secondary) electronic device (not shown). The network device 602 may adopt the same method as described above with respect to Figure 7 Step 710 described above or with respect to Figure 8 The first electronic device is identified as the main electronic device in the same manner as described in step 806 .

[0321] In step 906, the network device 602 indicates to the first electronic device 604 that the first electronic device is the primary electronic device. For example, step 908 may be performed according to step 808. The indication may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the indication may be sent via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the instruction may be sent via dynamic L1 signaling, for example, via DCI.

[0322] In step 908, the network device 602 may indicate to the second electronic device 606 that the first electronic device 604 is a primary electronic device. The indication includes an identifier of the first electronic device 604. The identifier may be any suitable identifier, such as an RNTI. The indication may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the indication may be sent via a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The indication may be sent via dynamic signaling such as layer 1 signaling, such as via DCI.

[0323] In some examples, steps 906 and 908 may be performed together. For example, the network device 602 may broadcast an indication that the first electronic device 604 is a master electronic device. The broadcast may be received by both the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606.

[0324] Alternatively, step 906 may be performed, and the first electronic device 604 may broadcast an indication that the first electronic device is the primary electronic device. Thus, the first electronic device 604 may declare itself to be the primary electronic device (e.g., in response to receiving the indication at step 906). Therefore, step 908 may be omitted because the second electronic device 606 may receive the indication broadcast by the first electronic device 604. The indication may include an identification of the first electronic device 604.

[0325] At step 910, the network device 602 may send a request to the first electronic device 604 to transmit one or more reference signals to the network device 602. The request may be sent via dynamic signaling such as dynamic L1 signaling.

[0326] In step 912, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more reference signals to the network device 602. For example, step 912 may be performed according to step 706. The one or more reference signals may be any suitable reference signals, such as any of the above uplink reference signals (e.g., one or more SRS, PRS, etc.).

[0327] Step 912 may be performed in response to step 910. Alternatively, step 910 may also be omitted. For example, in response to receiving an indication that the first electronic device 604 is a master electronic device in step 906, the first electronic device 604 may send one or more reference signals in step 912.

[0328] At step 914, the network device 602 performs one or more measurements on the reference signal received at step 912. Based on the one or more measurement values, the network device 602 determines a value of the parameter of the first electronic device. For example, step 914 may be performed according to step 722.

[0329] At step 916, the network device 602 obtains a first threshold value of the parameter, and determines a second threshold value based on the first threshold value and one or more measurements of the reference signal performed at step 914. The parameter and the first threshold value may be as defined above with respect to methods 700 and 800. Obtaining the first threshold value may be performed as at step 712, or as the network device 602 obtains the first threshold value in method 800.

[0330] The network device may determine first sensing information about the first electronic device 604 and the network device 602 based on one or more measurements of the reference signal performed at step 914, and use the first sensing information to determine the second threshold. The determination of the second threshold may be performed as described above with respect to step 824.

[0331] In step 918, the network device 602 sends the second threshold to the second electronic device 606. The network device 602 may send the second threshold using dynamic signaling such as layer 1 signaling, such as DCI transmitted in PDSCH or physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Alternatively, the second threshold may be sent via semi-static signaling such as RRC or MAC-CE.

[0332] At step 920, the network device 602 sends a first sensing configuration to the second electronic device 606. The first sensing configuration may be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the first sensing configuration may be sent via MAC-CE or RRC signaling. The first sensing configuration may be similar to the above description of Figure 8The first sensing configuration described is the same, but for the second electronic device 606 instead of the first electronic device 604. Thus, the first sensing configuration may configure the second electronic device 606 to perform sensing to detect the first electronic device 604.

[0333] In step 922, the network device 602 sends a second sensing configuration to the first electronic device 604. The second sensing configuration can be sent via semi-static signaling. For example, the second sensing configuration can be sent via MAC-CE or RRC signaling. The second sensing configuration can be the same as the second sensing configuration described above with respect to step 810, but for the first electronic device 604 instead of the second electronic device 606. Therefore, the second sensing configuration can configure the first electronic device 604 to embed the identifier of the first electronic device 604 into any sensing signal reflected by the first electronic device 604. The identifier can be any suitable identifier, for example, a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). This can allow the recipient of the reflected signal to determine that the sensing signal is reflected by the first electronic device 604.

[0334] In step 924, the second electronic device 606 sends one or more sensing signals according to the first sensing configuration. In step 926, the second electronic device 606 receives a reflection of one of the sensing signals reflected by the first electronic device 604. Steps 924 and 926 can be performed according to the above steps 820 and 822, but the roles of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 are reversed.

[0335] In step 928, the second electronic device 606 compares the second sensing information based on the reflection signal with the second threshold value to determine whether the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Step 928 may be performed according to step 826 or 728. For example, the second electronic device 606 may determine an interval d (an example of the second sensing information) between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, and compare the interval with the threshold value δ2=r1δ1 to determine whether the AoD is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. By determining that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in step 928, a spatial and / or temporal sensing correlation between the electronic devices may be identified.

[0336] In response to determining that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606, at step 930, the second electronic device indicates to the network device 602 that the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Therefore, at step 930, the second electronic device 606 can instruct the network device 602 to use one or more measurements of the parameter made by the first electronic device 604 (e.g., according to one or more third signals transmitted between the first electronic device and the network device) for the second electronic device 606. For example, the indication can be sent via the PUSCH. Step 930 can be performed according to step 828, wherein the second electronic device 606 performs the operation described with respect to the first electronic device 604. Therefore, the second electronic device 606 can send the identification of the first electronic device 604 to the network device 602.

[0337] In response to receiving the indication, the network device 602 may use the values ​​of the parameters determined at step 914 for the second electronic device. For example, the network device 602 may use the parameters discussed above with respect to step 724.

[0338] Steps 924-930 may be performed once or multiple times. Thus, for example, the second electronic device 606 may monitor whether the parameter remains a CSP over time. In some examples, steps 924-930 may be performed upon request by the network device 602. For example, in response to receiving an updated second threshold from the network device 602, the second electronic device may perform sensing in steps 924-926. In other examples, steps 924-930 may be performed periodically.

[0339] More refined Sensing

[0340] In some embodiments, instead of using the parameter measurement made with respect to the first electronic device 604 (e.g., the value measured in step 914) for the second electronic device 606, an estimated value of the parameter of the second electronic device 606 can be determined based on the value of the parameter measured in step 914 (with respect to the first electronic device 604) and the sensing performed by the second electronic device 606 with respect to the first electronic device 604. This can be implemented in accordance with the above steps 832-840. In some examples, this can be implemented in accordance with the above steps 832-840, except that the sensing in steps 834 and 836 is performed by the second electronic device 606 and the parameter estimation in step 838 is performed by the network device 602. The second electronic device 606 may perform the additional sensing in response to receiving a request from the network device (e.g., a request similar to step 832). Alternatively, the second electronic device 606 may perform the additional sensing periodically. In some examples, the second electronic device 606 may perform the additional sensing until an instruction to stop (or turn off) the additional sensing is received from the network device 602.

[0341] Alternative Local Sensing Technology

[0342] As described above, sensing can be performed between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to determine whether the parameter is the CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 and / or to obtain a more accurate estimate of the parameter of the second electronic device 606. This sensing can be referred to as local sensing (e.g., as opposed to sensing between the electronic devices 604, 606 and the network device 602). Therefore, local sensing can be used to capture the local correlation between the parameters of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. In the above embodiments, local sensing is mainly described as being performed using backscattering. That is, the above description of local sensing involves determining posture information using reflected signals. In general, any suitable sensing technology can be used for local sensing. Therefore, any suitable sensing technology can be used to determine posture information indicating the relative posture between the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 (e.g., the first electronic device 604 relative to the second electronic device 606 or vice versa). Therefore, for example, one or more of the following technologies can be used: backscattering (e.g., RADAR and / or LIDAR), imaging (e.g., using a camera), GNSS, and reference signal-based technologies. For example, step 726 in method 700 may implement one or more of these techniques. Steps 820-822, 834-836, and / or 924-926 may be replaced or supplemented by operations for implementing alternative techniques (eg, imaging and / or active sensing techniques, such as reference signal measurements).

[0343] Alternatives to reference-based sensing techniques

[0344] In the description of the above methods 700, 800 and 900, one or more reference signals may be transmitted between the network device 602 and one or both of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 to determine the value of the parameter and / or determine the relative position information of the electronic devices 604 and 606. Using reference signals to determine the value of the parameter and / or the relative position information may be considered as an exemplary sensing technique. Generally, any technique may be used to determine the value of the parameter and / or the relative position information. In some examples, other sensing techniques may be employed, such as backscatter techniques (e.g., RADAR and / or LIDAR) or imaging. For example, instead of sending a request for one or more reference signals to the first electronic device in step 910, the network device 602 may send a sensing signal to the first electronic device 604, and in step 912, receive a reflection of the sensing signal reflected by the first electronic device 604. In another example, instead of receiving one or more corresponding reference signals from the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in steps 706, 708 and 720, the network device 602 may receive one or more corresponding other sensing signals. For example, the network device 720 may transmit one or more corresponding first sensing signals and receive corresponding reflection signals including reflections of the one or more corresponding first sensing signals reflected by the associated electronic device at steps 706, 708, and 720. Thus, alternative sensing techniques may be substituted for the reference signal-based techniques described herein.

[0345] Multiple CSP

[0346] In the above description of methods 700, 800, and 900, a threshold is determined with respect to one parameter, and the threshold is used to determine whether the parameter is a CSP of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606. Generally, any one of methods 700, 800, and 900 may be performed with respect to one or more parameters. For example, the one or more parameters may include the parameters discussed above with respect to step 712 and / or the parameters discussed above with respect to step 713. Figure 6 Any combination of any of the parameters discussed. In some embodiments, the methods may be performed with respect to two or more parameters.

[0347] In one exemplary implementation of method 700, network device 602 may obtain corresponding thresholds for one or more parameters at step 712. At step 714, network device 602 may determine that some or all of the one or more parameters are CSPs. Thus, steps 716-730 may be performed with respect to the parameters determined to be CSPs.

[0348] Main unit and Auxiliary devices

[0349] In the above description of methods 700, 800, and 900, the methods are performed with respect to a network device and two electronic devices, wherein one electronic device is identified as a primary electronic device and the other electronic device is identified as an auxiliary electronic device. Generally, any method described herein may be performed with respect to a network device and two or more devices, wherein at least one (e.g., one) device is identified as a primary device and at least one device is identified as an auxiliary device. Therefore, methods 700, 800, and 900 may be used for two or more devices, wherein, for example, a first device performs the operations described above with respect to the first electronic device 604, and two or more (e.g., multiple or at least two) second devices perform the operations described above with respect to the second electronic device 606. The first and second devices may include any suitable devices, such as those described above with respect to Figure 1-4 One or more of the electronic devices 110 described above, and / or one or more network devices, such as those described above with respect to Figure 1-4 Any of the described TRPs 170. In some examples, the first and second devices may be sensing nodes (eg, as described above).

[0350] In certain embodiments, the estimated values ​​of the parameters obtained using the finer sensing performed on some (e.g., one) of the two or more second devices can be used for other devices of the two or more second devices. For example, steps 838 and 840 described above can be implemented with respect to one device identified as an auxiliary device to obtain fine parameter estimates, which can be used for one or more other devices identified as auxiliary devices.

[0351] Fig.10 Another example of a system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 1000 includes a network device 1002, a first electronic device 1004, and a plurality of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016 (collectively referred to as 1006-1016). The system 1000 is in an environment including obstacles 1018, FF20, and FF22, which may block or reflect signals (e.g., wireless signals).

[0352] The network device 1002 may be a TRP or a base station, such as the one described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The first electronic device 1004 and the second electronic device 1006-1016 can be any suitable electronic device, such as the one described above. Figure 1-4 Any of the electronic devices 110 described herein. Although Fig.10 It is shown that the first electronic device 1004 is a vehicle (eg, a car), and the second electronic devices 1006 - 1016 are mobile phones (eg, smart phones or tablet computers), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0353] The first electronic device 1004 is identified as a primary electronic device according to its capability information. The second electronic devices 1006-1016 are identified as auxiliary electronic devices according to their respective capability information. The identification of the primary electronic device and the auxiliary electronic device can be performed as described in any one of the methods 700, 800 and 900 above.

[0354] Any of the methods 700 , 800 , and 900 may be implemented in the system 1000 to determine whether one or more parameters are CSPs for some or all of the second electronic devices 1006 - 1016 .

[0355] If the interval between the first electronic device 1004 and the corresponding second electronic devices 1006-1016 is less than the threshold δ <d cl,1 , the range can be determined as the CSP of the first electronic device 1004 and the corresponding second electronic devices 1006-1016. cl,1 It can be referred to as a scanning or local sensing span of the first electronic device 1004. Fig.10 As shown, only the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, and 1010 are within the radius of the first electronic device 1004. Therefore, the range r1 of the first electronic device can be used to estimate the ranges r2, r3, and r4 of the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010. For example, the network device 1002 can assume that r2=r1, r3=r1, and r4=r1. Alternatively, any of the more refined sensing techniques described above can be implemented to estimate r2, r3, and r4 using local sensing combined with the measurement value of r1.

[0356] Fig.10 A second dashed circle centered on one of the second electronic devices 1008 is also shown. The circle represents the scan or partial span of the second electronic device 1008. Since the radius of the circle is d cl,2 , which is related to d cl,1 The first electronic device 1004 and the second electronic device 1008 are different, so the first electronic device 1004 and the second electronic device 1008 are configured with different sensing spans for local sensing. The corresponding sensing spans of the first electronic device 1004 and the second electronic device 1006-1016 can be determined according to a threshold value δ at the main electronic device (e.g., at the first electronic device 1004) or at one of the auxiliary electronic devices (e.g., at any one of the second electronic devices 1006-1016). In some examples, the corresponding sensing span can be determined at an electronic device for performing sensing with respect to another electronic device.

[0357] In one example, steps 702-714 may be performed with respect to all second electronic devices 1006-1016, and in step 714, the network device 1002 may determine a CSP that is scoped to a first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010, but not a CSP for a second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016. Therefore, steps 716-730 of the method 700 may be performed with respect to the first electronic device 1004 and the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010. In contrast, steps 716-730 of the method 700 may not be performed with respect to a second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016.

[0358] In another example, steps 802-826 of method 800 may be performed with respect to all second electronic devices 1006-1016, and at step 828, the first electronic device 1004 may indicate to the network device 1002 that the range is the CSP of the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010, but not the CSP of the second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016. Thus, steps 832-840 of method 800 may be performed with respect to the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010 but not with respect to the second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016.

[0359] In another example, steps 902-928 may be performed with respect to all second electronic devices 1006-1016. In step 928, each of the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010 may determine that the range is a CSP and notify the network device 1002 accordingly in step 930. However, in step 928, the second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016 may determine that the range is not a CSP, and may indicate to the network device 1002 in step 930 that the range is not a CSP. In response to the indication, the network node 1002 may use the measurement value of the range r1 for the first subset of second electronic devices 1006, 1008, 1010, but not for the second subset of second electronic devices 1012, 1014, and 1016.

[0360] Therefore, the method provided by the embodiment of the present invention can determine one or more parameters as CSPs between electronic devices, which enables the identification of spatial and / or temporal sensing correlations between electronic devices. A collaborative sensing process for utilizing these correlations is provided, which enables low signaling overhead sensing for some electronic devices (e.g., devices with limited capabilities such as low bandwidth and power). By obtaining an indication that a parameter is a CSP at a network device (e.g., at a network), the power and signaling overhead required to sense all parameters of different electronic devices can be reduced.

[0361] other method

[0362] Fig.11 A flow chart of a method 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0363] The method 1100 may be performed by a network device. The network device may be a base station or a TRP, such as the one described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The network device may be in a wireless access network (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1-4 In some examples, the method 1100 may be performed by the network device 602.

[0364] Method 1100 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1-4 In some examples, the method 1100 may be performed by the first electronic device 604 or the second electronic device 606.

[0365] Method 1100 may begin by obtaining a threshold. The threshold may be Figure 6-9 Any threshold value described (eg, any of the first or second threshold values). For example, the threshold value may be obtained according to any of steps 712, 814, or 918.

[0366] Obtaining the threshold value may include retrieving the threshold value from a memory. Alternatively, obtaining the threshold value may include receiving the threshold value (e.g., from a network device or an electronic device). In yet another alternative, obtaining the threshold value may include determining the threshold value. For example, the threshold value may be a second threshold value, and the method may include determining the second threshold value based on the first threshold value and one or more measurements performed on one or more signals (e.g., one or more reference signals) transmitted between the network device (e.g., network device 602) and the first device (e.g., first electronic device 604). In another example, the method may include determining the second threshold value based on the first threshold value and sensing information about the network device and the first device (e.g., as described above in step 824). For example, the first threshold value may be the first threshold value mentioned in step 712 or step 814. For example, the second threshold value may be the second threshold value mentioned in step 728 or step 824.

[0367] The threshold value may be associated with the parameter and / or the sensed information. The sensed information will be described below with respect to step 1102 .

[0368] The parameter may be any of the parameters described above that may be determined as a CSP. Thus, the parameter may include one or more of the following: range (e.g., time of flight, such as round-trip propagation time or delay), angle between electronic devices, angle of arrival and angle of departure, channel subspace, Doppler shift (e.g., frequency shift due to relative movement of corresponding electronic devices), heading vector, and velocity. In a specific example, the parameter may be a sensing parameter such as a posture parameter.

[0369] At step 1102, method 1100 includes obtaining sensed information related to a parameter. The sensed information is associated with a first device and a second device. The first device may be the first electronic device 602. The second device may be the second electronic device 604. Thus, the sensed information may characterize the first device and the second device. The sensed information may be referred to as joint sensed information of the first and second devices. The sensed information may be a single quantity or value.

[0370] It should be understood that the relationship between the sensed information and the parameter will vary depending on the parameter and nature of the sensed information. In some examples, the sensed information may include a ratio or difference between a parameter measurement of a first device and a parameter measurement of a second device (e.g., as described above in method 700). The measurement may be based on one or more reference signals or one or more sensed signals.

[0371] The sensing information may be based on posture information indicating a relative posture between the first device and the second device. The posture information may indicate a relative posture of the first device relative to the second device, or equivalently, a relative posture of the second device relative to the first device.

[0372] The sensing information may be any of the following: Figure 6 The described sensing information, the sensing information or the second sensing information of the first electronic device 604 and the second electronic device 606 in method 700, the above-mentioned combined sensing information in method 800, and the above-mentioned second sensing information in method 900.

[0373] In some embodiments, step 1102 may include performing sensing to determine a relative pose between the first device and the second device. Step 1102 may include performing steps 820-824 (or steps 816-824) of method 800. For example, step 1102 may include performing steps 924-926 of method 900.

[0374] The method further includes causing the network device to use, for the second device, one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device, at step 1104. The network device may be the network device 602.

[0375] The one or more first signals may be sent by the first device to the network device. For example, the one or more first signals may be one or more reference signals received at the network device 602 from the first electronic device 604 in step 706 or step 720 of the method 700. In another example, the one or more first signals may be one or more reference signals received at the network device 602 from the first electronic device 604 in step 912 of the method 900. Alternatively, the one or more first signals may be sent by the network device to the first device. For example, the one or more first signals may be one or more reference signals sent by the network device 602 to the first electronic device 604 in step 816 of the method 800.

[0376] The one or more first signals may include one or more reference signals, for example, one or more uplink reference signals or one or more downlink reference signals.

[0377] In response to the sensed information satisfying the threshold, step 1104 is performed. Therefore, the sensed information may be compared with the threshold to determine whether the threshold is satisfied.

[0378] Because the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network equipment, the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter may be referred to as being directed to or specific to the first device.

[0379] Causing the network device to use the one or more measurements of the parameter for the second device may include indicating to the network device that the one or more measurements are to be used for the second device. Thus, for example, step 1104 may include sending an indicator to the network device indicating that the one or more measurements of the parameter performed with respect to (e.g., by or for) the first device may be used for the second device. Alternatively, this may be referred to as indicating to the network device that the parameter is a common sense parameter (CSP) of the first and second devices.

[0380] In an embodiment where the method 1100 is performed by a network device, causing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device includes using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device.

[0381] In another aspect, an apparatus (e.g., an entity) for performing method 1100 is also provided. For example, the apparatus may be a network device (e.g., one of TRPs 170) or an electronic device (e.g., one of electronic devices 110). The apparatus may include a processor and a memory (e.g., a non-transitory processor-readable medium). The memory stores instructions (e.g., processor-readable instructions) that, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform method 1100. In another aspect, a memory may be provided (e.g., separate from the apparatus).

[0382] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0383] The method 1200 may be performed by a network device. The network device may be a base station or a TRP, such as the one described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The network device may be in a wireless access network (e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1-4 In some examples, the method 1200 may be performed by the network device 602.

[0384] At step 1202, the method may begin by receiving an indication that sensed information associated with a parameter satisfies a first threshold. The indication may be received from the first device or the second device. The sensed information is associated with both the first device and the second device. The first threshold is associated with the parameter (e.g., may be specific to the parameter). For example, step 1202 may be performed according to steps 828 or 930 described above.

[0385] At step 1204, one or more measurements of the parameter are obtained. The one or more measurements are based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device. Obtaining the one or more measurements may include receiving the one or more measurements from the first device. Alternatively, obtaining the one or more measurements may include performing one or more measurements on the one or more first signals (e.g., as described above in steps 720-722 or steps 912-914). The one or more first signals may include one or more reference signals.

[0386] At step 1206, one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are used for the second device. Step 1206 may be performed in accordance with step 724 described above. Using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device may include setting the value of the parameter of the second device equal to the one or more measured values. Alternatively, using the one or more measured values ​​may include obtaining an estimate of the value of the parameter of the second device based on the one or more measured values ​​(e.g., as described above in step 838).

[0387] In another aspect, an apparatus (eg, entity) for executing the method 1200 is also provided. The apparatus may be a network device, such as the one described above with respect to Figure 1-4 The apparatus may include a processor and a memory (e.g., a non-transitory processor-readable medium). The memory stores instructions (e.g., processor-readable instructions) that, when executed by the processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method 1200. In another aspect, a memory may be provided (e.g., separate from the apparatus).

[0388] End paragraph

[0389] It should be understood that one or more steps of the embodiment method provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. The corresponding unit / module can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are software, these modules can be retrieved in whole or in part by a processor as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0390] Although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the advantages of various embodiments of the present invention. In other words, a system or method designed according to an embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily include all features shown in any one of the figures or all parts schematically shown in the figures. In addition, the selected features of an exemplary embodiment can be combined with the selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0391] Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this specification is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. In accordance with the above guidance, the present invention may have many modifications and variations. Therefore, it should be understood that, as long as it is within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A method comprising: obtaining sensed information related to a parameter, wherein the sensed information is associated with both a first device and a second device; In response to the sensing information satisfying a threshold, the network device is caused to use one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device for the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Causing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second apparatus includes instructing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second apparatus.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method is performed by one of the first device and the second device, wherein obtaining the sensing information includes performing sensing to determine a first relative pose between the first device and the second device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Performing the sensing includes: sending one or more second signals to the other of the first device and the second device; receiving a reflected signal comprising a reflection of at least one of the one or more second signals reflected by the other of the first device and the second device; One or more measurements are performed on the reflected signal to determine the first relative pose.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method is performed by the first apparatus, and further includes performing one or more measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device to determine the sensing information.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The threshold is based on one or more measurements performed on one or more reference signals transmitted between the network equipment and the first device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method is performed by the first device, and the method further includes: The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network equipment.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: determining posture information indicating a second relative posture between the first device and the second device; The network device is caused to use the estimated value of the parameter for the second device, wherein the estimated value of the parameter for the second device is based on the posture information and the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method is performed by the network device, wherein causing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the second device includes: using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device for the second device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are one or more first measured values, wherein obtaining the sensed information comprises: determining one or more second measurements of the parameter based on one or more second signals received from the first device; determining one or more third measurements of the parameter based on one or more third signals received from the second device; The sensed information is determined based on the one or more second measurements and the one or more third measurements.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device, the capability information indicating the capability of the first device and the second device to perform sensing; Based on the capability information, the first device is indicated that the one or first signal is to be transmitted between the first device and the network equipment.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network equipment include: a distance between the first device and the network device; a time of flight of the one or more first signals; angle of arrival of the one or more first signals; a departure angle of the one or more first signals; The channel subspaces of the first apparatus and the network device; or Angles between the one or more first signals and one or more other signals between a third device and the network equipment.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: The threshold is obtained, wherein the threshold is associated with the parameter.

14. A method performed by a network device, comprising: receiving an indication from a first device or a second device that sensed information associated with a parameter satisfies a first threshold, wherein the sensed information is associated with both the first device and the second device; obtaining one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network equipment; The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are used with the second device.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device, the capability information indicating capabilities of the first device and the second device to perform sensing; Based on the capability information, the first device is indicated that one or more second signals are to be transmitted between the first device and the network device for one or more other measurements of the parameter.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: One of the first device and the second device is configured to perform sensing on the other of the first device and the second device according to the capability information to determine the sensing information.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that Obtaining the capability information of the first device and the second device includes: obtaining one or more of the following for at least one of the first device and the second device: an indication of the function of the corresponding device; the availability of said corresponding device; The mode of the corresponding device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: obtaining a second threshold value indicating a precision requirement of the parameter; The first threshold is sent to at least one of the first apparatus and the second apparatus, wherein the first threshold is based on the second threshold and one or more measurements of one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device and the first apparatus.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that Obtaining the second threshold includes: determining the second threshold according to one or more of the following: a target quality of service of the second device; the environment of the second device; Information about one or more other devices served by the network device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that Obtaining one or more measurement values ​​of the parameter according to one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network device includes: obtaining one or more measurement values ​​of one or more of the following: the range between the first device and the network equipment; angle of arrival of the one or more first signals; a departure angle of the one or more first signals; channel subspace; or Angles between the one or more first signals and one or more third signals between a third device and the network equipment.

21. A first device, comprising: processor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to: obtaining sensed information related to the parameter, wherein the sensed information is associated with both the second device and the third device; In response to the sensing information satisfying a threshold, the network device is caused to use one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined according to one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device for the third device.

22. The first device according to claim 21, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to cause the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device by instructing the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device.

23. The first device according to claim 22, characterized in that The first device includes one of the second device and the third device, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to obtain the sensing information by performing sensing to determine a first relative posture between the first device and the second device.

24. The first device according to claim 23, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to perform the sensing in the following manner: sending one or more second signals to the other of the first device and the second device; receiving a reflected signal comprising a reflection of at least one of the one or more second signals reflected by the other of the first device and the second device; One or more measurements are performed on the reflected signal to determine the first relative pose.

25. The first device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The first apparatus includes the second apparatus, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first apparatus to: perform one or more measurements on one or more reference signals received from the network device to determine the sensing information.

26. The first device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The threshold is based on one or more measurements performed on one or more reference signals transmitted between the network equipment and the second device.

27. The first device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that The first device includes the second device, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first device to: The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network equipment.

28. The first device according to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first device to: determining posture information indicating a second relative posture between the second device and the third device; The network device is caused to use the estimated value of the parameter for the third device, wherein the estimated value of the parameter for the third device is based on the posture information and the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device.

29. The first device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first device includes the network device, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, also cause the first device to: cause the network device to use the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter for the third device by using the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the second device and the network device for the third device.

30. The first device according to claim 29, characterized in that The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are one or more first measured values, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first device to obtain the sensed information by: determining one or more second measurements of the parameter based on one or more second signals received from the second device; determining one or more third measurements of the parameter based on one or more third signals received from the third device; The sensed information is determined based on the one or more second measurements and the one or more third measurements.

31. The first device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first device to: obtaining capability information of the second device and the third device, the capability information indicating capabilities of the second device and the third device to perform sensing; Based on the capability information, the second device is indicated that the one or first signal is to be transmitted between the second device and the network device.

32. A first device according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter determined based on one or more first signals transmitted between the second apparatus and the network device include: a distance between the second device and the network device; a time of flight of the one or more first signals; angle of arrival of the one or more first signals; a departure angle of the one or more first signals; The channel subspaces of the second device and the network equipment; or Angles between the one or more first signals and one or more other signals between the fourth device and the network equipment.

33. A first device according to any one of claims 21 to 32, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the first device to: The threshold is obtained, wherein the threshold is associated with the parameter.

34. A network device comprising: processor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network device to: receiving an indication from a first device or a second device that sensed information associated with a parameter satisfies a first threshold, wherein the sensed information is associated with both the first device and the second device; obtaining one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on one or more first signals transmitted between the first device and the network equipment; The one or more measured values ​​of the parameter are used with the second device.

35. The network device according to claim 34, characterized in that: The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the network device to: obtaining capability information of the first device and the second device, the capability information indicating capabilities of the first device and the second device to perform sensing; Based on the capability information, the first device is indicated that one or more second signals are to be transmitted between the first device and the network device for one or more other measurements of the parameter.

36. The network device according to claim 35, characterized in that The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the network device to: One of the first device and the second device is configured to perform sensing on the other of the first device and the second device according to the capability information to determine the sensing information.

37. The network device according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that: When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the network device to obtain capability information of the first device and the second device by obtaining, for at least one of the first device and the second device, one or more of the following: an indication of the function of the corresponding device; the availability of said corresponding device; The mode of the corresponding device.

38. The network device according to any one of claims 34 to 37, characterized in that: The instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the network device to: obtaining a second threshold value indicating a precision requirement of the parameter; The first threshold is sent to at least one of the first apparatus and the second apparatus, wherein the first threshold is based on the second threshold and one or more measurements of one or more reference signals transmitted between the network device and the first apparatus.

39. The network device according to claim 38, characterized in that: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the network device to: obtain the second threshold by determining the second threshold according to one or more of the following: a target quality of service of the second device; the environment of the second device; Information about one or more other devices served by the network device.

40. The network device according to any one of claims 34 to 39, characterized in that: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the network device to: obtain the one or more measured values ​​of the parameter based on the one or more first signals transmitted between the first apparatus and the network device by obtaining one or more measured values ​​of one or more of: the range between the first device and the network equipment; angle of arrival of the one or more first signals; a departure angle of the one or more first signals; Channel subspace; Angles between the one or more first signals and one or more third signals between a third device and the network equipment.

41. An apparatus comprising a processor, the processor being configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

42. A non-transitory computer readable medium having machine executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processing unit of a device causes the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

43. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

44. A processor of a device, the processor being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

45. A system comprising: a first device characterized by sensed information associated with a first parameter associated with the first device; a second device characterized by the sensed information, the sensed information further associated with a second parameter associated with the second device; A network device is configured to use the measured value of the first parameter for the second device.

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