Clutter information assisted radio frequency (RF) sensing

Abstract

In an aspect, the UE obtains assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, updates an RF sensing session based on the assistance data, and performs the set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. In another aspect, a network entity provides a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, receives a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme, and provides assistance data for a UE based on the set of clutter measurements.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application serial number 18 / 169,615, entitled “CLUTTER INFORMATION-AIDED RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SENSING,” filed on February 15, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to positioning systems, and more particularly to positioning systems regarding clutter information. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0005] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, and even global level. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continued mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT)) and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). Certain aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology are needed. In addition, these improvements may also be applicable to other multiple access technologies and telecommunication standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects. This summary does not identify key or critical elements of all aspects, nor does it delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. The apparatus may include a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. Based at least in part on information stored in the memory, the at least one processor is configured to obtain assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, update a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data, and perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. The apparatus may include a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. Based at least in part on information stored in the memory, the at least one processor is configured to: provide a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme; and provide assistance data for a user equipment (UE) based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0009] To achieve the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects may include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail some illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only some of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0011] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a first frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of downlink (DL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a second frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2Dis a diagram illustrating an example of uplink (UL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0016] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of UE positioning based on reference signal measurement.

[0017] Figure 5 Illustrate a diagram for target departure angle estimation.

[0018] Figure 6 is a call flow diagram illustrating a method of wireless communication according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a network entity according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of hardware implementations for example apparatuses and / or network entities.

[0022] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example network entity.

[0023] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example network entity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various aspects generally relate to positioning systems. Some aspects more specifically relate to RF sensing utilizing clutter information. In some examples, a sensing management function (SnMF) of a cellular network obtains clutter measurements from multiple network nodes. Based on the clutter measurements, the SnMF determines a clutter profile for the environment for which the network node provides coverage. The SnMF provides the clutter profile as assistance data to the sensing node. The sensing node performs an RF sensing session based on the assistance data. In addition to the clutter profile, the assistance data may also include the network node's transmit beam pattern, transmit beam-specific clutter information, and quality of service for the sensing area.

[0025] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by utilizing assistance data to perform an RF sensing session, the described techniques enable a sensing node to more accurately detect and track a target entity as it navigates through its environment, which includes clutter. Furthermore, by utilizing transmit beam patterns, the sensing node can determine which transmit beams provide adequate coverage for a certain angle of departure (AoD) and utilize such transmit beams during the sensing session. By selectively utilizing such transmit beams (rather than all transmit beams), the sensing node can conserve power. Furthermore, by utilizing transmit beam patterns, the sensing node can compensate for transmit beamforming losses across different angles to fine-tune its array signal processing algorithm to enhance its AoD estimation accuracy. By utilizing transmit beam-specific clutter information, the sensing node can reject certain reference signal measurements associated with a particular transmit beam if the clutter information for that beam indicates that the reference signal indicates clutter. This helps the sensing node reject clutter, thereby improving its AoD estimation accuracy. By utilizing the quality of service of a sensing area, a sensing node may bypass RF sensing activities in areas with relatively low quality of service, thereby enabling the sensing node to save power.

[0026] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is a description of various configurations and does not represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0027] Several aspects of telecommunication systems are presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods are described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0028] As an example, an element or any part of an element or any combination of elements can be implemented as a "processing system", which includes one or more processors. The example of a processor includes a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a system on a chip (SoC), a baseband processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a state machine, a gated logic component, a discrete hardware circuit and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other terms, software should be broadly interpreted as meaning an instruction, an instruction set, a code, a code segment, a program code, a program, a subroutine, a software component, an application, a software application, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a process, a function or any combination thereof.

[0029] Thus, in one or more example aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0030] Although various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases are described in this application by way of illustration of some examples, additional or different aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be produced in many different arrangements and scenarios. The various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases described herein may be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and packaging arrangements. For example, various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be produced via integrated chip implementations and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / purchase equipment, medical equipment, devices that enable artificial intelligence (AI), etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically for use cases or applications, the described examples may have a wide range of applicability. Various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be within the scope of chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level specific implementations, and further to the scope of aggregation, distribution or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment or systems in conjunction with one or more technologies herein. In some actual settings, the equipment in conjunction with the various aspects and features described may also include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include multiple components for both analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The techniques described herein can be practiced in a wide variety of devices of various sizes, shapes, and configurations, including chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or disaggregated components, end-user devices, and the like.

[0031] The deployment of a communication system such as a 5G NR system can be arranged in a variety of ways using various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of the network, a radio access network (RAN) node, a core network node, a network element or network equipment (such as a base station (BS)) or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functionality can be implemented in an aggregated or decomposed architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR BS, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a transmit / receive point (TRP) or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone BS or a monolithic BS) or a decomposed base station.

[0032] A converged base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A decomposed base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. A DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU may be implemented as a virtual unit, namely a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0033] Base station operation or network design may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a disaggregated base station may be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (a network configuration such as that initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functionality of at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Various units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0034] Figure 1 FIG1 is a diagram 100 illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network. The illustrated wireless communication system includes a disaggregated base station architecture. The disaggregated base station architecture may include one or more CUs 110, which may communicate directly with a core network 120 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 120 through one or more disaggregated base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 125 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 115 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 105, or both. The CU 110 may communicate with one or more DUs 130 via corresponding midhaul links, such as the F1 interface. The DU 130 may communicate with one or more RUs 140 via corresponding fronthaul links. The RU 140 may communicate with corresponding UEs 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 140.

[0035] Each of the units (i.e., CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125, non-RT RIC 115, and SMO framework 105) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interfaces of these units, may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, these units may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) configured to receive and / or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium.

[0036] In some aspects, the CU 110 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 110. The CU 110 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the CU 110 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, the CU 110 may be implemented to communicate with the DU 130 for network control and signaling.

[0037] The DU 130 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 140. In some aspects, the DU 130 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more higher physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) based at least in part on a functional split, such as those defined by 3GPP. In some aspects, the DU 130 may also host one or more lower PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 130 or with control functions hosted by the CU 110.

[0038] Lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 140. In some deployments, a RU 140 controlled by a DU 130 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functionality or low PHY layer functionality (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 140 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some implementations, both real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communications with the RU 140 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 130. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the implementation of the DU 130 and CU 110 in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0039] The SMO framework 105 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 105 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as the O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 105 can be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 190) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as the O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125. In some implementations, the SMO framework 105 can communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as Open eNB (O-eNB) 111) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 105 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 140 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 105 may also include a non-RT RIC 115 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 105 .

[0040] The non-RT RIC 115 can be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 125. The non-RT RIC 115 can be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 125 (e.g., via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 125 can be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources through data collection and actions over an interface (e.g., via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 110, one or more DUs 130, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 125.

[0041] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 125, the non-RT RIC 115 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 125 and may be received at the SMO framework 105 or the non-RT RIC 115 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 115 or the near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 115 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 105 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0042] At least one of the CU 110, DU 130, and RU 140 may be referred to as a base station 102. Thus, the base station 102 may include one or more of the CU 110, DU 130, and RU 140 (each component is indicated by a dotted line to indicate that each component may or may not be included in the base station 102). The base station 102 provides an access point to the core network 120 for the UE 104. The base station 102 may include a macro cell (a high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (a low-power cellular base station). Small cells include femto cells, pico cells, and micro cells. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved Node B (eNB) (HeNB), which may provide services to a restricted group called a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication link between RU 140 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as reverse link) transmissions from UE 104 to RU 140 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmissions from RU 140 to UE 104. The communication link may utilize multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link may be over one or more carriers. Base station 102 / UE 104 may utilize spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz, 400 MHz, etc.) for each carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation for transmission in each direction for a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers). These carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL ​​compared to UL). Component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0043] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication links 158. The D2D communication links 158 may use DL / UL wireless wide area network (WWAN) spectrum. The D2D communication links 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be accomplished through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0044] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with a UE 104 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi station (STA)) via a communication link 154, for example, in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the UE 104 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine whether the channel is available before communicating.

[0045] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. A similar naming issue sometimes occurs with respect to FR2, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0046] Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz–24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, thus effectively extending the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation to more than 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR2-2 (52.6 GHz–71 GHz), FR4 (71 GHz–114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz–300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0047] In view of the above, unless otherwise specified, if the term "sub-6 GHz" or the like is used herein, it may broadly refer to frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specified, if the term "millimeter wave" or the like is used herein, it may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR2-2, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0048] Base station 102 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas (such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays) to facilitate beamforming. Base station 102 may transmit beamformed signals 182 to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from base station 102 in one or more receive directions. UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals 184 to base station 102 in one or more transmit directions. Base station 102 may receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions. Base station 102 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of base station 102 / UE 104. The transmit and receive directions of base station 102 may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions of UE 104 may or may not be the same.

[0049] The base station 102 may include and / or be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a TRP, a network node, a network entity, a network equipment, or some other suitable terminology. The base station 102 may be implemented as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, a converged (monolithic) base station having a baseband unit (BBU) (including a CU and a DU) and a RU, or as a disaggregated base station including one or more of a CU, a DU, and / or a RU. A collection of base stations that may include disaggregated base stations and / or converged base stations may be referred to as a next generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN).

[0050] The core network 120 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 161, a session management function (SMF) 162, a user plane function (UPF) 163, a unified data management (UDM) 164, one or more location servers 168, and other functional entities. The AMF 161 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the core network 120. The AMF 161 supports registration management, connection management, mobility management, and other functions. The SMF 162 supports session management and other functions. The UPF 163 supports packet routing, packet forwarding, and other functions. The UDM 164 supports the generation of authentication and key agreement (AKA) credentials, user identity handling, access authorization, and subscription management. The one or more location servers 168 are exemplified as including a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 165, a location management function (LMF) 166, and a session management function (SnMF) 167. However, in general, the one or more location servers 168 may include one or more location / positioning servers, which may include one or more of the GMLC 165, LMF 166, SnMF 167, Position Determination Entity (PDE), Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC), Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), etc. The GMLC 165, LMF 166, and SnMF 167 support UE location services. The GMLC 165 provides an interface for clients / applications (e.g., emergency services) to access UE positioning information. The LMF 166 receives measurement and assistance information from the NG-RAN and UE 104 via the AMF 161 to calculate the position of the UE 104. The SnMF 167 receives clutter measurements associated with the environment and generates assistance data based on the clutter measurements. The SnMF 167 provides the assistance data to the sensing nodes, and the sensing nodes perform sensing sessions based on the assistance data. The NG-RAN may utilize one or more positioning methods to determine the position of the UE 104. Positioning a UE 104 may involve signal measurements, a position estimate, and an optional velocity calculation based on these measurements. Signal measurements may be made by the UE 104 and / or a base station 102 serving the UE 104.The measured signals may be based on one or more of a satellite positioning system (SPS) 170 (e.g., one or more of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a global positioning system (GPS), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or other satellite positioning / location systems), LTE signals, wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, Bluetooth signals, a terrestrial beacon system (TBS), sensor-based information (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor, a motion sensor), an NR enhanced cell ID (NR E-CID) method, NR signals (e.g., multi-round trip time (multi-RTT), DL angle of departure (DL-AoD), DL time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), UL time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), and UL angle of arrival (UL-AoA) positioning), and / or other systems / signals / sensors.

[0051] Examples of UE 104 include cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, tablet devices, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electric meters, gas pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, or any other similarly functional device. Some of UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, gas pumps, toasters, vehicles, heart rate monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology. In some scenarios, the term UE may also apply to one or more companion devices, such as in a device constellation arrangement. One or more of these devices may access the network collectively and / or individually.

[0052] See again Figure 1In certain aspects, the UE 104 may have a sensing component 198 that may be configured to obtain assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, update a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data, and perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. In certain aspects, the SnMF 167 may have an assistance data generator component 199 that may be configured to provide a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme, and provide assistance data for a user equipment (UE) based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0053] Figure 2A FIG200 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2B FIG230 is a diagram illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G NR subframe. Figure 2C FIG250 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2D FIG280 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to either DL or UL, or time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A 、 Figure 2C In the example provided, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (most of which are DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is flexible between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 1 (all of which are UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 1 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are all DL and all UL, respectively. The other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with the slot format via the received slot format indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to the 5G NR frame structure as TDD.

[0054] Figures 2A to 2DThe frame structure is illustrated, and various aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to other wireless communication technologies that may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10ms) can be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include a mini-time slot, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 14 or 12 symbols, depending on whether the cyclic prefix (CP) is normal or extended. For a normal CP, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for an extended CP, each time slot may include 12 symbols. The symbols on the DL may be CP orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbols. The symbols on the UL may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (for power-limited scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the CP and parameter set. The parameter set defines the subcarrier spacing (SCS) (see Table 1). Symbol length / duration can be scaled with 1 / SCS.

[0055]

[0056] Table 1: Parameter set, SCS and CP

[0057] For normal CP (14 symbols / slot), different parameter sets μ0 to 4 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. For extended CP, parameter set 2 allows 4 slots per subframe. Thus, for normal CP and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2 μ time slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15kHz, where μ is parameter set 0 to 4. Therefore, the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=0 is 15kHz, and the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=4 is 240kHz. Symbol length / duration is inversely related to subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A to 2D An example is provided for a normal CP with 14 symbols per slot and a parameter set μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs. Within a frame set, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) that are frequency-division multiplexed (see Figure 2B ). Each BWP may have a specific parameter set and CP (normal or extended).

[0058] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also known as a physical RB (PRB)) that extends over 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0059] like Figure 2A As illustrated, some of the REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. The RSs may include a demodulation RS (DM-RS) (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RSs may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0060] Figure 2B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs), each CCE comprising six RE groups (REGs), each REG comprising 12 consecutive REs within an OFDM symbol of a RB. The PDCCH within a BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). During a PDCCH monitoring opportunity on the CORESET, the UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., a common search space, a UE-specific search space), where the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at higher and / or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. The PSS is used by the UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block (also referred to as an SS block (SSB)). The MIB provides the system frame number (SFN) and the number of RBs in the system bandwidth. The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not sent over the PBCH (such as the system information block (SIB)), and paging messages.

[0061] like Figure 2CAs illustrated, some of the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE may transmit the DM-RS of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the DM-RS of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be transmitted in the first or first two symbols of the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is transmitted and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS may be transmitted in different configurations. The UE may transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be transmitted in the last symbol of the subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the teeth of the comb. The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to achieve frequency-dependent scheduling of the UL.

[0062] Figure 2D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH may be located at a position as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as a scheduling request, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) (HARQ-ACK) feedback (i.e., one or more HARQ ACK bits indicating one or more ACKs and / or negative ACKs (NACKs)). The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0063] Figure 33 is a block diagram of a base station 310 in an access network communicating with a UE 350. In the DL, Internet Protocol (IP) packets may be provided to a controller / processor 375. The controller / processor 375 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0064] The transmit (TX) processor 316 and receive (RX) processor 370 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 316 handles the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-order phase-shift keying (M-PSK), and M-order quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially pre-coded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 374 may be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE 350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318Tx. Each transmitter 318Tx may modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier using a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0065] At the UE 350, each receiver 354Rx receives a signal via its corresponding antenna 352. Each receiver 354Rx recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and the RX processor 356 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 350. In the event that multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 350, they can be combined by the RX processor 356 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 356 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, as well as the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point transmitted by the base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by the channel estimator 358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally sent on the physical channel by base station 310. The data and control signals are then provided to a controller / processor 359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0066] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program codes and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and / or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

[0067] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by the base station 310, the controller / processor 359 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0068] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator 358 based on a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 310 may be used by the TX processor 368 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 368 may be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354Tx. Each transmitter 354Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0069] UL transmissions are processed at the base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver functionality at the UE 350. Each receiver 318Rx receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 320. Each receiver 318Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor 370.

[0070] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program codes and data. Memory 376 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0071] At least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 may be configured to perform operations related to Figure 1 Various aspects related to the sensing component 198.

[0072] Figure 4 FIG4 is a diagram illustrating an example of UE positioning based on reference signal measurement. UE 404 may be at time T SRS_TX UL-SRS 412 is sent and at time T PRS_RX Receive DL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) (DL-PRS) 410. TRP 406 may be at time T SRS_RX Receive UL-SRS 412 and at time T PRS_TX 410. The UE 404 may receive the DL-PRS 410 before transmitting the UL-SRS 412, or may transmit the UL-SRS 412 before receiving the DL-PRS 410. In both cases, the positioning server (e.g., the location server 168) or the UE 404 may determine the UL-SRS 412 based on the || T SRS_RX –T PRS_TX |–|T SRS_TX –T PRS_RX || to determine RTT 414. Thus, multi-RTT positioning may utilize UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements (ie, |T SRS_TX –T PRS_RX |) and DL-PRS reference signal received power (RSRP) (DL-PRS-RSRP), and the measured TRP Rx-Tx time difference measurement (ie, |T SRS_RX –T PRS_TX |) and UL-SRS-RSRP. UE 404 uses assistance data received from the positioning server to measure the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement (and optionally the DL-PRS-RSRP of the received signal), and TRP 402, 406 uses assistance data received from the positioning server to measure the gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement (and optionally the UL-SRS-RSRP of the received signal). These measurements can be used at the positioning server or UE 404 to determine the RTT, which is used to estimate the position of UE 404. Other methods for determining RTT are possible, such as, for example, using DL-TDOA and / or UL-TDOA measurements.

[0073] DL-AoD positioning may utilize the measured DL-PRS-RSRP of downlink signals received at a UE 404 from multiple TRPs 402, 406. The UE 404 uses assistance data received from a positioning server to measure the DL-PRS-RSRP of the received signals, and the resulting measurements, along with the azimuth angle of departure (A-AoD), the zenith angle of departure (Z-AoD), and other configuration information, are used to position the UE 404 relative to neighboring TRPs 402, 406.

[0074] DL-TDOA positioning may utilize DL Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) (and optionally DL-PRS-RSRP) of downlink signals received at a UE 404 from multiple TRPs 402, 406. The UE 404 uses assistance data received from a positioning server to measure the DL RSTD (and optionally DL-PRS-RSRP) of the received signals, and the resulting measurements, along with other configuration information, are used to position the UE 404 relative to neighboring TRPs 402, 406.

[0075] UL-TDOA positioning may utilize the UL relative time of arrival (RTOA) (and optionally UL-SRS-RSRP) of uplink signals transmitted from a UE 404 at multiple TRPs 402, 406. The TRPs 402, 406 measure the UL-RTOA (and optionally UL-SRS-RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from a positioning server, and the resulting measurements, along with other configuration information, are used to estimate the position of the UE 404.

[0076] UL-AoA positioning may utilize the measured azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) and zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) of uplink signals sent from a UE 404 at multiple TRPs 402, 406. The TRPs 402, 406 measure the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the received signals using assistance data received from a positioning server, and the resulting measurements are used along with other configuration information to estimate the position of the UE 404.

[0077] Additional positioning methods may be used to estimate the position of the UE 404, such as, for example, UE-side UL-AoD and / or DL-AoA. It should be noted that data / measurements from various techniques may be combined in various ways to increase accuracy, determine and / or enhance certainty, supplement / refine measurements, and / or replace / provide missing information.

[0078] In addition to network-based UE positioning techniques, wireless devices (e.g., UEs, access points (APs), etc.) may also be configured to include sensing capabilities, where the wireless device may be able to sense (e.g., detect and / or track) one or more objects in an area or environment based on radio frequency. An environment may refer to a specific geographic area or location, particularly an area or location affected by human activity, or the circumstances, objects, or conditions surrounding it. For example, a wireless device may include radar capabilities (which may be referred to as "RF sensing" and / or "cellular-based RF sensing"), where the wireless device may transmit a reference signal (e.g., a radar reference signal (RSS)) and measure the reference signal reflected from one or more objects (e.g., structures, walls, living objects, and / or objects in the environment). Based on the measurements, the wireless device may determine or estimate the distance between the wireless device and the one or more objects and / or obtain environmental information associated with its surrounding environment. In another example, a first wireless device may receive a signal transmitted from a second wireless device, where the first wireless device may determine or estimate the distance between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based on the received signal. For example, a tracking device (e.g., a Bluetooth tracker, an item tracker, an asset tracking device, etc.) may be configured to regularly send a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) or a small amount of data to a receiving device so that the receiving device may be able to monitor the location or relative distance of the tracking device. Thus, a user may be able to track the location of an item by attaching the tracking device to an item (e.g., a car key, a wallet, a remote control, etc.). For the purposes of this disclosure, a device / apparatus capable of performing sensing (e.g., sending and / or receiving signals for detecting at least one object or for estimating the distance between the device and at least one object) may be referred to as a "sensing device" or "sensing node." For example, a sensing device may be a UE, an AP device (e.g., a Wi-Fi router), a base station, a component of a base station, a TRP, a device capable of performing radar functions, etc. In addition, a device / apparatus capable of sending a signal to a sensing device for the sensing device to determine the location or relative distance of the device / apparatus may be referred to as a "tracking device," "tracker," or "tag."

[0079] Sensing sessions may be affected by clutter, which acts as an obstacle and affects the propagation of signals from base stations or sensing devices. Clutter can include any obstacle that blocks the signal path. Examples of clutter include natural or man-made features. Examples of natural features include, but are not limited to, trees, vegetation, canyons, and mountains. Examples of man-made features include, but are not limited to, buildings, houses, bridges, and utility poles.

[0080] Using over-the-air (OTA) measurements, the clutter distribution across range and AoA can be determined for a specific environment. To assist with RF sensing activities in the network, network nodes (e.g., gNBs) can periodically update their clutter measurements. OTA measurements are strongly correlated with the Tx beam pattern used to transmit signals from the network node. For example, the Tx beamwidth limits the observed clutter. For example, a narrow beamwidth will not observe (e.g., detect) clutter from a wide angle, while a wider beamwidth will observe clutter from a wider field of view. Furthermore, the Rx beamforming process can account for the Tx beamforming effect to provide a fair comparison of clutter power across different AoA. That is, when the Tx and Rx beams are aligned, the observation of reflected power can be more accurate. However, when there is a mismatch between the Tx and Rx beams, the Rx signal will have lower power. However, in bistatic RF sensing scenarios (where the Tx and Rx are separated by a distance comparable to the expected target distance), the Rx signal may not be aware of the Tx beam information.

[0081] As described above, the AoD of a signal can be used to estimate the location of a device such as a UE. For example, Figure 5 A diagram 500 is shown for target AoD estimation. Figure 5 As shown, network node 502 may transmit one or more beams 506a, 506b, and / or 506c. Figure 5 As shown, there is a direct path from the transmitter of network node 502 to the receiver of UE 504. Therefore, beam 506a is referred to as a line-of-sight (LOS) signal. Beam 506b is reflected by an obstacle (e.g., vehicle 508), and the reflected beam is received by UE 504. Therefore, beam 506b is referred to as a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signal.

[0082] For UE positioning, the AoD may be the corresponding AoD of the LOS signal (i.e., beam 506a). That is, the AoD of beam 506a may be used for UE positioning. For RF sensing, the AoD of a target (e.g., vehicle 508) may be the corresponding AoD of (e.g., one) NLOS signal reflected by the target. AoD estimation can be based on (i) a method based on Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), where the measured RSRP is compared to a database of RSRPs within a specific Tx beam pattern; or (ii) a method based on Rx digital beam scanning, where the UE scans its set of beams for each Tx beam and finds the Tx beam with the highest received power (this method is similar to the UL-AoA estimation method used for NR UE positioning). The Rx digital beam scanning-based method is expected to have better performance but is more demanding on the Rx antenna's capabilities (i.e., the Rx antenna may require some array signal processing capabilities). The RSRP-based method may be less demanding on the Rx antenna's capabilities but may require more information about the Tx beam pattern.

[0083] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to RF sensing utilizing clutter information. In some examples, SnMF 167 obtains clutter measurements from multiple network nodes. Based on the clutter measurements, SnMF 167 determines the clutter distribution of the environment for which the network node provides coverage. SnMF 167 provides the clutter distribution as assistance data to the sensing node.

[0084] For example, a network node (e.g., a gNB) may periodically report its clutter measurements to a sensing server (e.g., SnMF 167). The type of clutter measurement may be a default static clutter measurement (e.g., a zero or low Doppler clutter measurement). For example, the network node may filter out certain clutter measurements, such as large Doppler clutter information, because such clutter information is less useful when performing RF sensing. However, it should be noted that measurements for other types of clutter may be obtained by the network node and provided to the sensing server. The reporting may be based on two-dimensional (2D) range (e.g., distance, e.g., in meters) and / or AoA measurements (e.g., range, angle, and / or power). The network node may indicate its antenna coordinates and / or orientation in the report to the network (e.g., the sensing server), which may enable the network node to derive absolute clutter information. To reduce overhead, clutter measurements that meet a threshold condition may be reported. For example, clutter measurements with a power that meets or exceeds (or falls below) a threshold may be reported. A network node may report multiple clutter measurements based on multiple Tx beam patterns / Rx beam patterns. That is, for each Tx beam pattern and / or Rx beam pattern, the network node may obtain a clutter measurement and report each of the clutter measurements obtained for the specific Tx beam pattern and / or Rx beam pattern. The network node may assign an identifier (ID) to each clutter measurement in the case of a specific Tx beam / Rx beam. For example, for each set of clutter measurements obtained for a specific Tx beam pattern or Rx beam pattern, the network node may assign an identifier to each set of clutter measurements to uniquely identify the set of clutter measurements. In some aspects, the network node may fuse (e.g., combine) the multiple clutter measurements and signal the fused clutter measurements to the network. The network node may fuse the multiple clutter measurements by combining the clutter measurements (e.g., by concatenating the measurements, sorting the measurements, grouping one or more measurements into corresponding groups, adding the measurements, organizing the measurements based on one or more statistical metrics thereof, etc.).

[0085] The sensing server may collect clutter measurements across multiple network nodes. After collecting clutter measurements across multiple network nodes, the sensing server may fuse the clutter distribution and signal the clutter distribution as assistance data for RS sensing and / or UE positioning. The assistance data may indicate the environment in which the UE is located (e.g., the assistance data may indicate characteristics, features, surroundings, etc. of the environment). To fuse the clutter distribution, the sensing server may combine (e.g., by concatenating measurements, sorting measurements, grouping one or more measurements into corresponding groups, adding measurements, organizing measurements based on one or more statistical metrics thereof, etc.) the clutter measurements to generate a clutter distribution (e.g., based on the ranges and AoA of all network nodes from which the sensing server collected clutter measurements). For example, the clutter distribution may indicate normalized Rx power for different ranges and different AoA.

[0086] To reduce overhead, network nodes may report clutter measurements in two steps (e.g., to a sensor server). In the first step, the network node may report absolute clutter measurements with a long periodicity (e.g., hours or days). For example, absolute clutter measurements may represent measurements of clutter that remains stationary for a relatively long period of time. In the second step, the network node may report differential clutter measurements with a short periodicity (e.g., seconds or minutes). For example, differential clutter measurements may represent measurements of clutter that remains stationary for a relatively short period of time (i.e., clutter that tends to move within the environment). Thus, differential clutter measurements may capture changes in the environment. In some aspects, differential clutter measurement values ​​below a certain threshold may be considered zero. Such differential clutter measurement values ​​may not be signaled to the network to reduce overhead. The certain threshold may be signaled to the network node by the network (e.g., SnMF 167).

[0087] To reduce the overhead for signaling to the UE, the UE may receive differential clutter measurements as assistance data (and not absolute clutter measurements) if the UE is not new to the served area. For example, a UE entering a served area may initially receive absolute clutter measurements. Over time, while the UE remains in the served area, the UE may periodically receive differential clutter measurements to determine changes in the environment. The UE may not need to continuously receive absolute clutter measurements, as such measurements will be repetitive due to the static nature of the clutter represented by the measurements. In some aspects, the UE may receive an indication from the network as to whether the clutter information received therefrom includes absolute clutter measurements or differential clutter measurements.

[0088] The assistance information provided to the UE may be used to assist in the target AoD estimation. For example, in some aspects, the Tx beam pattern may be shared to assist in the target AoD estimation (e.g., by the network or network node). When bistatic RF sensing is utilized (where the network node transmits the beam and the UE receives the beam), the AoD estimation at the UE side may be assisted by the network node Tx beam pattern information. For the target AoD estimation, the receiver (e.g., UE) may not be able to directly use the RSRP-based matching method assisted by the transmit beam pattern information because the target reflected signal is not a LOS signal (e.g., a LOS signal). Figure 5). However, by utilizing Tx beam pattern information, the receiver can further enhance its target AoD estimation based on digital Rx beamforming. Tx beam pattern information may include, but is not limited to, the boresight direction of the Tx beam (e.g., the axis of maximum gain (or radiated power) of the Tx antenna), the width of the Tx beam (e.g., the half-power beamwidth, which can be measured in decibels (dB) (e.g., 3dB)), etc. The foregoing can provide several enhancements to the receiver. For example, to achieve power savings, the receiver can select which sensing reference signal (associated with a specific Tx beam) to measure. That is, the receiver can selectively measure certain sensing reference signals based on the Tx beam pattern. For example, based on the pattern information, the UE can determine that certain Tx beams (and / or sensing reference signals associated with these beams) do not provide sufficient coverage for a specific target AoD (e.g., when the Tx beam is very narrow and the target AoD is not within the field of view of the Tx beam). The receiver can skip performing measurements for such Tx beams, thereby saving power. In another example, the receiver may compensate for Tx beamforming losses across different angles to fine-tune its array signal processing algorithm in order to enhance its AoD estimation accuracy.

[0089] In some aspects, a receiver may utilize beam-specific clutter information (e.g., received from a network or network node). In some aspects, beam-specific clutter information may assist in clutter suppression when performing AoD estimation using measurements from a specific beam. For example, a receiver may reject certain reference signal measurements associated with a specific Tx beam if the clutter information for that beam indicates that the reference signal indicates clutter. Furthermore, the clutter information may indicate the coverage of each transmit beam. If a receiver is interested in a target in a specific area, the receiver may need to measure a specific beam that covers that specific area. For example, a receiver may compare different sets of clutter information (each set associated with a specific Tx beam) and determine which Tx beam provides the best coverage for a given area. The receiver may then measure the reference signal from that specific beam (and ignore reference signals from other Tx beams).

[0090] In some aspects, on-demand beamforming can be performed based on the clutter distribution. Strong clutter (e.g., environments with a large amount of clutter) is a challenging problem for cellular-based RF sensing. Even with advanced clutter suppression algorithms, targets may not be detected if the clutter power causes saturation. To detect objects with smaller radar cross-sections (RCS), the transmitter (e.g., a network node) may have to transmit at a higher power. For example, in an environment surrounded by tall buildings, it may be difficult to detect a person standing or walking slowly.

[0091] When an operator deploys the RF sensing feature, the operator can identify which area(s) can guarantee good quality of service. In order to exclude areas where high-quality RF sensing is challenging, non-RF sensing technologies (e.g., camera-based technologies, light detection and ranging (LIDAR)-based technologies, etc.) can be utilized. The network (e.g., SnMF 167) can indicate the RF sensing quality of service of a particular area to a network node (which in turn provides RF sensing quality of service to the UE) or directly to a receiver (e.g., UE). If the RF sensing quality of service meets a threshold condition (e.g., falls below a threshold), the network node and / or UE can skip RF sensing activities in the corresponding area or RF sensing activities on a particular beam utilized in the area. This can save network node and / or UE power by skipping RF sensing activities in such areas.

[0092] Because the clutter distribution is a function of the Tx and / or Rx beams, the sensing server can identify relatively good and poor service areas for RF sensing (i.e., based on the clutter distribution). In other words, the sensing server can identify acceptable service areas for RF sensing based on the clutter distribution. For example, the sensing server can analyze the clutter distribution to determine whether a particular area includes clutter that meets a threshold condition (e.g., whether there is a relatively large amount of clutter, e.g., based on the normalized Rx power of a reference signal). If the sensing server determines that the clutter meets the threshold condition, the sensing server can determine that the corresponding service area is a poor (or unacceptable) service area. Otherwise, the sensing server can determine that the corresponding service area is a good (or acceptable) service area.

[0093] In some aspects, a sensing server can request, on demand, network nodes or sensing nodes to perform beamforming toward a good sensing area to achieve high-quality RF sensing. In some aspects, a sensing server can request, on demand, multiple network nodes to utilize specific beams as needed to enhance sensing quality in a specific area (e.g., a good sensing area). Furthermore, RCS diversity can be harvested. For example, when sensing waveforms are sent to a target from different directions, the waveforms will be reflected at different angles. Each of the differently reflected waveforms can be combined to harvest RCS diversity for the target.

[0094] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a call flow diagram 600 illustrating a method of wireless communication according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 6As shown, diagram 600 includes one or more network nodes 602, sensing nodes 604, SnMF 606, and target entity 608. Network node 602 may be an example of base station 310, TRP 402, TRP 406, or network node 502. Although various aspects are described with respect to network node 602, these aspects may be performed by network nodes in an aggregation and / or by one or more components of network node 602 (e.g., such as CU 110, DU 130, and / or RU 140). Examples of sensing node 604 include, but are not limited to, UE (such as UE 350, UE 404, or UE 504), AP device (e.g., Wi-Fi router), base station, component of a base station, TRP, device capable of performing radar functions, etc. Examples of target entity 608 include, but are not limited to, vehicles, UEs, people, any object (stationary or moving) by which RF signals may be reflected, etc. SnMF 606 may be an example of SnMF 167. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, at 610, SnMF 606 may provide an indication of a signaling scheme for providing a set of clutter measurements to network node 602. The signaling scheme may indicate a type or format in which the set of clutter measurements is to be formatted, a periodicity with which the set of clutter measurements is to be provided, and the like.

[0095] At 612, each of the network nodes 602 may perform clutter measurements for the corresponding environment. For example, the network node 602 may perform OTA measurements in the environment to determine the distribution of clutter across range and AoA. For example, the network node 602 may perform OTA measurements based on 2D range (e.g., distance, such as in meters) and / or AoA measurements (e.g., range, angle, and / or power). In some aspects, the network node 602 may obtain static clutter measurements (e.g., zero or low Doppler clutter measurements). For example, the network node may filter out certain clutter measurements, such as large Doppler clutter information, because such clutter information is not as useful when performing RF sensing. However, it should be noted that measurements for other types of clutter may be obtained by the network node and provided to the sensing server.

[0096] At 614, the network node 602 may provide the clutter measurements to the SnMF 606 based on a signaling scheme. In some aspects, at 614, each of the network nodes 602 may also provide information indicating the coordinates of one or more antennas of the network node 602 and / or the orientation of the antennas. In some aspects, the network node 602 may report clutter measurements having a power above a particular threshold. The threshold may be signaled to the network node 602 by the SnMF 606. Alternatively, the threshold may be determined or set by the network node 602.

[0097] In some aspects, at 612, each of the network nodes 602 may also obtain clutter measurements for each Tx beam pattern and / or Rx beam pattern associated with the network node and report each of the clutter measurements obtained for a particular Tx beam pattern and / or Rx beam pattern to the SnMF 606. The network node 602 may assign an identifier (ID) to each clutter measurement in the case of a particular Tx beam / Rx beam. For example, for each set of clutter measurements obtained for a particular Tx beam pattern or Rx beam pattern, the network node 602 may assign an identifier to each set of clutter measurements to uniquely identify the set of clutter measurements. In some aspects, the network node 602 may fuse (e.g., combine) multiple clutter measurements and signal the fused clutter measurements to the SnMF 606. The network node 602 may fuse multiple clutter measurements by combining the clutter measurements (eg, by concatenating the measurements, ordering the measurements, grouping one or more measurements into respective groups, adding the measurements, organizing the measurements based on one or more statistical metrics thereof, etc.).

[0098] In some aspects, the network node 602 may provide clutter measurements in two steps. For example, in a first step, the network node 602 may provide a first subset of the set of clutter measurements, the first subset comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity (e.g., a relatively long periodicity, such as hours or days). In a second step, the network node 602 may provide a second subset of the set of clutter measurements, the second subset comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity that is relatively shorter than the first periodicity (e.g., seconds or minutes).

[0099] In some aspects, the SnMF 606 may provide a threshold for the set of differential clutter measurements by which the network node 602 determines which differential clutter measurements in the set of differential clutter measurements to provide to the SnMF 606. For example, differential clutter measurement values ​​below the threshold may be considered zero. Such differential clutter measurement values ​​may not be signaled to the SnMF 606 to reduce overhead.

[0100] At 616, the SnMF 606 may generate assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements. The assistance data may include a clutter distribution that indicates the environment in which the UE is located (e.g., the assistance data may indicate characteristics, features, surroundings, etc. of the environment). To fuse the clutter measurements, the SnMF 606 may combine (e.g., by concatenating measurements, sorting the measurements, grouping one or more measurements into corresponding groups, adding measurements, organizing the measurements based on one or more statistical metrics thereof, etc.) the clutter measurements to generate a clutter distribution (e.g., based on the ranges and AoAs of all network nodes 602 from which the SnMF 606 collected the clutter measurements). For example, the clutter distribution may indicate normalized Rx powers for different ranges and different AoAs.

[0101] At 618, the SnMF 606 may provide assistance data to the sensing node 604. In some aspects, the assistance data may include a set of differential clutter measurements (rather than absolute clutter measurements). For example, in the case where the sensing node 604 is not new to the served area, the SnMF 606 may provide the differential clutter measurements as assistance data (and not provide the absolute clutter measurements). In some aspects, the SnMF 606 may provide to the sensing node 604 an indication that the clutter information (e.g., included in the assistance data) includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements and / or a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0102] In some aspects, SnMF 606 may provide pattern information for at least one transmit beam of at least one of the plurality of network nodes at 618. In some aspects, the pattern information may include at least one of a boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam or a width of the at least one transmit beam. In some aspects, SnMF 606 may provide, at 618, a request to sensing node 604 to use one or more particular beams of the plurality of beams (e.g., the transmit beam of network node 602) for the RF sensing session based on the pattern information.

[0103] In some aspects, at 618, the SnMF 606 may provide clutter information (e.g., as part of assistance data) for at least one transmit beam of at least one of the network nodes 602 to the sensing node 604. In some aspects, the clutter information may indicate a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

[0104] In some aspects, at 618 , the SnMF 606 may indicate to the sensing node 604 an RF sensing quality of service for a particular sensing area associated with the network node 602 based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0105] In some aspects, at 618, the SnMF 606 may provide a request for beamforming toward a particular sensing area associated with the network node 602 based on pattern information for at least one transmit beam of one of the network nodes 602, wherein the particular sensing area is associated with an RF sensing quality of service that meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

[0106] At 620, the sensing node 604 may update the RF sensing session based on the assistance data. For example, before receiving the assistance data, the sensing node 604 may perform the RF sensing session. The sensing node 604 may update the RF sensing session based on the assistance data.

[0107] For example, at 626, the sensing node 604 may perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. For example, in some aspects at 622, the network node 602 may provide a transmit beam in the direction of the target entity 608. The transmit beam may reflect from the target entity 608, and at 624, the reflected signal may be received as an NLOS signal. At 626, the sensing node 604 may perform a set of measurements based on the NLOS signal. For example, the sensing node 604 may estimate the AoD of the NLOS signal based at least on the transmit beam pattern information and / or clutter information received at 618.

[0108] In some aspects, at 626 , the sensing node 604 may selectively perform at least one measurement of a sensing reference signal (eg, DL-PRS 410 ) associated with at least one transmit beam based on the pattern information.

[0109] In some aspects, at 626, the sensing node 604 may perform the set of measurements for respective ones of the one or more areas having respective ones of the one or more RF sensing qualities of service that meet or exceed a threshold condition, as indicated at 618.

[0110] Figure 7 700 is a flowchart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE may be Figure 9 UE 104, 350, 404, 504, sensing node 604 or device 904 in a hardware implementation of .

[0111] At 702, the UE may obtain assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes. Figure 6 At 618, the sensing node 604 may obtain assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements associated with the network node 602. In an aspect, 702 may be performed by the sensing component 198.

[0112] In some aspects, the UE may obtain assistance data by receiving assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements from a network entity. For example, see Figure 6 At 618 , the sensing node 604 may receive assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements from the SnMF 606 .

[0113] In some aspects, the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements. See, for example, Figure 6 The assistance data obtained at 618 may include a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0114] At 704, the UE may update the RF sensing session based on the assistance data. Figure 6 At 620, the sensing node 604 may update the RF sensing session based on the assistance data obtained at 618. In an aspect, 704 may be performed by the sensing component 198.

[0115] At 706, the UE may perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. Figure 6 At 626 , the sensing node 604 may perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. In an aspect, 706 may be performed by the sensing component 198 .

[0116] In some aspects, the UE may receive pattern information for at least one transmit beam of a network node, receive a NLOS signal reflected by a target entity, and estimate the AOD of the NLOS signal based at least on the pattern information for the at least one transmit beam. For example, see Figure 6 At 618, the sensing node 604 may receive pattern information of at least one transmit beam for the network node in the network node 602 from the SnMF 606. At 624, the sensing node 604 may receive the NLOS signal reflected by the target entity 608. At 626, the sensing node 604 may estimate the AOD of the NLOS signal based at least on the pattern information for the at least one transmit beam.

[0117] In some aspects, the pattern information includes at least one of a boresight direction of at least one transmit beam or a width of at least one transmit beam. Figure 6 , the pattern information received at 618 may include at least one of a boresight direction of at least one transmit beam or a width of at least one transmit beam.

[0118] In some aspects, the UE may perform the set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session by selectively performing at least one measurement of a sensing reference signal associated with at least one transmit beam based on the pattern information. For example, see Figure 6, at 626, the sensing node 604 may perform the set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session by selectively performing at least one measurement of a sensing reference signal associated with at least one transmit beam of the network node in the network node 602 based on the pattern information received at 618.

[0119] In some aspects, the UE may receive clutter information for at least one transmit beam of a network node and estimate the AoD of the NLOS signal by estimating the AoD of the NLOS signal based on pattern information of the at least one transmit beam and the clutter information. For example, see Figure 6 At 618, the sensing node 604 may receive clutter information for at least one transmit beam of the network node in the network node 602. At 626, the sensing node 604 may estimate the AoD of the NLOS signal based on the pattern information of the at least one transmit beam of the network node in the network node 602 (received at 618) and the clutter information (received at 618).

[0120] In some aspects, the clutter information may indicate a coverage area of ​​at least one transmit beam. For example, see Figure 6 The clutter information received at 618 may indicate a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

[0121] In some aspects, the UE may receive an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements. For example, see Figure 6 At 618 , the sensing node 604 may receive an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0122] In some aspects, the UE may receive RF sensing service qualities for areas associated with multiple network nodes. The UE may perform the set of measurements for respective areas in the area having respective RF sensing service qualities that meet or exceed a threshold condition. For example, see Figure 6 At 618, the sensing node 604 may receive (e.g., as part of the assistance data) the RF sensing quality of service for the area associated with the network node 602. At 626, the sensing node 604 may perform the set of measurements for respective ones of the areas having respective ones of the RF sensing quality of service that meet or exceed the threshold condition.

[0123] Figure 8 800 is a flowchart illustrating a method of wireless communication at a network entity according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the network entity may be a SnMF (e.g., Figure 11 SnMF 167, SnMF606 or network entity 1160 in the hardware specific implementation).

[0124] At 802, a network entity may provide a first indication of a signaling scheme for a collection of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes. Figure 6 At 610 , the SnMF 606 may provide a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with the network node 602 . In an aspect, 802 may be performed by the assistance data generator component 199 .

[0125] At 804, the network entity may receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from a plurality of network nodes based on a signaling scheme. Figure 6 At 614 , the SnMF 606 may receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the network node 602 based on the signaling scheme. In an aspect, 804 may be performed by the assistance data generator component 199 .

[0126] In some aspects, the network entity may receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes by receiving a first subset of the set of clutter measurements comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity, and by receiving a second subset of the set of clutter measurements comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity shorter than the first periodicity. For example, see Figure 6 At 614, the SnMF 606 may receive a first subset of the set of clutter measurements comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity, and receive a second subset of the set of clutter measurements comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity that is shorter than the first periodicity.

[0127] In some aspects, the network entity may provide a threshold for the set of differential clutter measurements by which each of the plurality of network nodes determines which differential clutter measurements of the set to provide. Figure 6 At 610 , the SnMF 606 may provide a threshold for the set of differential clutter measurements by which the network node 602 determines which differential clutter measurements in the set of differential clutter measurements to provide.

[0128] In some aspects, a network entity may receive antenna coordinate and orientation information from multiple network nodes. For example, see Figure 6 At 614 , the SnMF 606 may receive antenna coordinates and orientation information of antennas of the network node 602 from the network node 602 .

[0129] At 806, the network entity may provide assistance data to the UE based on the set of clutter measurements. Figure 6 At 618 , the SnMF 606 can provide assistance data for the sensing node 604 based on the set of clutter measurements. In an aspect, 806 can be performed by the assistance data generator component 199 .

[0130] In some aspects, the assistance data includes a clutter distribution for the set based on clutter measurements. For example, see Figure 6 The assistance data provided at 618 may include a clutter distribution for the set based on clutter measurements.

[0131] In some aspects, the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements. See, for example, Figure 6 The assistance data provided at 618 may include a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0132] In some aspects, a network entity may indicate RF sensing service quality for a particular sensing area associated with a plurality of network nodes based on the set of clutter measurements. Figure 6 , the SnMF 606 may indicate the RF sensing service quality of a particular sensing area associated with the network node 602 based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0133] In some aspects, a network entity may provide a UE with pattern information of at least one transmit beam for at least one network node among a plurality of network nodes. For example, see Figure 6 At 618 , the SnMF 606 may provide the sensing node 604 with pattern information of at least one transmit beam for at least one of the network nodes 602 .

[0134] In some aspects, the pattern information includes at least one of a boresight direction of at least one transmit beam or a width of at least one transmit beam. Figure 8 , the pattern information provided at 618 may include at least one of a boresight direction of at least one transmit beam or a width of at least one transmit beam.

[0135] In some aspects, a network entity may provide a request for beamforming toward a specific sensing area associated with a plurality of network nodes based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the plurality of network nodes, wherein the specific sensing area is associated with an RF sensing quality of service that meets or exceeds a threshold condition. For example, see Figure 6At 618, the SnMF 606 may provide, to the sensing node 604, a request for beamforming toward a specific sensing area associated with the network node 602 based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the network nodes 602, wherein the specific sensing area is associated with an RF sensing quality of service that meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

[0136] In some aspects, a network entity may provide a request to use one or more particular beams of a plurality of beams for an RF sensing session based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of a plurality of network nodes. For example, see Figure 8 At 618 , the SnMF 606 may provide, to the sensing node 604 , a request to use one or more specific beams of the plurality of beams for the RF sensing session based on the pattern information of the at least one transmit beam for one of the network nodes 602 .

[0137] In some aspects, a network entity may provide a UE with clutter information for at least one transmit beam of at least one network node among a plurality of network nodes. For example, see Figure 6 At 618 , the SnMF 606 may provide the sensing node 604 with clutter information for at least one transmit beam of at least one of the network nodes 602 .

[0138] In some aspects, the clutter information may indicate a coverage area of ​​at least one transmit beam. For example, see Figure 6 The clutter information provided at 618 may indicate a coverage area of ​​at least one transmit beam of the network node in the network node 602 .

[0139] In some aspects, a network entity may provide a UE with an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements. Figure 6 At 618 , the SnMF 606 may provide the sensing node 604 with an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0140] Figure 99 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus 904. The apparatus 904 may be a UE, a component of a UE, or may implement UE functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus 904 may include a cellular baseband processor 924 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to one or more transceivers 922 (e.g., a cellular RF transceiver). The cellular baseband processor 924 may include on-chip memory 924′. In some aspects, the apparatus 904 may also include one or more subscriber identity module (SIM) cards 920 and an application processor 906 coupled to a secure digital (SD) card 908 and a screen 910. The application processor 906 may include on-chip memory 906′. In some aspects, the device 904 may also include a Bluetooth module 912, a WLAN module 914, an SPS module 916 (e.g., a GNSS module), one or more sensor modules 918 (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor / altimeter; a motion sensor such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a gyroscope, and / or an accelerometer; light detection and ranging (LIDAR), radio-aided detection and ranging (RADAR), sound navigation and ranging (SONAR), a magnetometer, audio, and / or other technologies for positioning), an additional memory module 926, a power source 930, and / or a camera 932. The Bluetooth module 912, the WLAN module 914, and the SPS module 916 may include an on-chip transceiver (TRX) (or, in some cases, only a receiver (RX)). The Bluetooth module 912, the WLAN module 914, and the SPS module 916 may include their own dedicated antennas and / or utilize an antenna 980 for communication. The cellular baseband processor 924 communicates with the UE 104, the core network 120, and / or RUs associated with the network entity 902 via one or more antennas 980 through the transceiver 922. The cellular baseband processor 924 and the application processor 906 may each include computer-readable media / memory 924', 906', respectively. The additional memory module 926 may also be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory 924', 906', 926 may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor 924 and the application processor 906 are each responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the cellular baseband processor 924 / application processor 906, the software enables the cellular baseband processor 924 / application processor 906 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by the cellular baseband processor 924 / application processor 906 when executing the software. The cellular baseband processor 924 / application processor 906 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include the memory 360 and / or at least one of the TX processor 368 , the RX processor 356 , and the controller / processor 359 .In one configuration, the apparatus 904 may be a processor chip (modem and / or applications) and include only the cellular baseband processor 924 and / or the application processor 906, while in another configuration, the apparatus 904 may be an entire UE (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 3 UE 350) and includes additional modules of device 904.

[0141] As discussed above, component 198 may be configured to obtain assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, update a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data, and perform a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. Figure 7 The various aspects described in the flowchart in and / or by the sensing node 604 in Figure 6 904. Component 198 may be within the cellular baseband processor 924, the application processor 906, or both. Component 198 may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the recited processes / algorithms, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the recited processes / algorithms, stored on a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof. As shown, device 904 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, device 904 (and specifically cellular baseband processor 924 and / or application processor 906) may include: means for obtaining assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; means for updating a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data; and means for performing a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session. A component may be component 198 of device 904 configured to perform the functions recited by that component. As described above, the apparatus 904 may include the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the components may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and / or the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions recited by the components.

[0142] Figure 10Figure 1000 illustrates an example hardware implementation for a network entity 1002. Network entity 1002 may be a base station (BS), a component of a BS, or may implement BS functionality. Network entity 1002 may include at least one of a CU 1010, a DU 1030, or a RU 1040. For example, network entity 1002 may include: CU 1010; both CU 1010 and DU 1030; each of CU 1010, DU 1030, and RU 1040; DU 1030; both DU 1030 and RU 1040; or RU 1040. CU 1010 may include a CU processor 1012. CU processor 1012 may include on-chip memory 1012′. In some aspects, CU 1010 may also include an additional memory module 1014 and a communication interface 1018. The CU 1010 communicates with the DU 1030 via a midhaul link, such as an F1 interface. The DU 1030 may include a DU processor 1032. The DU processor 1032 may include on-chip memory 1032′. In some aspects, the DU 1030 may also include an additional memory module 1034 and a communication interface 1038. The DU 1030 communicates with the RU 1040 via a fronthaul link. The RU 1040 may include a RU processor 1042. The RU processor 1042 may include on-chip memory 1042′. In some aspects, the RU 1040 may also include an additional memory module 1044, one or more transceivers 1046, an antenna 1080, and a communication interface 1048. The RU 1040 communicates with the UE 104. On-chip memories 1012', 1032', 1042' and additional memory modules 1014, 1034, 1044 can each be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory can be non-transitory. Each of processors 1012, 1032, 1042 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the corresponding processor, the software causes the processor to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data that is manipulated by the processor when executing the software.

[0143] Figure 11FIG100 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a network entity 1160. In one example, the network entity 1160 may be within the core network 120. The network entity 1160 may include a network processor 1112. The network processor 1112 may include on-chip memory 1112′. In some aspects, the network entity 1160 may also include an additional memory module 1114. The network entity 1160 communicates with the CU 1102 and the sensing node 1104, which is an example of the sensing node 604, via a network interface 1180, either directly (e.g., a backhaul link) or indirectly (e.g., via an RIC). The on-chip memory 1112′ and the additional memory module 1114 may each be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory may be non-transitory. The processor 1112 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the corresponding processor, the software enables the processor to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data that is manipulated by the processor when executing software.

[0144] As discussed above, component 199 may be configured to provide a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes, receive a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme, and provide assistance data to the UE based on the set of clutter measurements. Component 199 may be configured to perform a combination of Figure 8 The various aspects described in the flowcharts in and / or by SnMF 606 in Figure 6 11. Component 199 may be within processor 1112. Component 199 may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the recited processes / algorithms, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the recited processes / algorithms, stored on a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof. Network entity 1160 may include various components configured for various functions. In one configuration, network entity 1160 may include: means for providing a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; means for receiving a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme; and means for providing assistance data to a UE based on the set of clutter measurements. A component may be component 199 of network entity 1160 configured to perform the functions recited by the component.

[0145] Various aspects generally relate to positioning systems. Some aspects more specifically relate to RF sensing utilizing clutter information. In some examples, a sensing management function (SnMF) of a cellular network obtains clutter measurements from multiple network nodes. Based on the clutter measurements, the SnMF determines a clutter profile for the environment for which the network node provides coverage. The SnMF provides the clutter profile as assistance data to the sensing node. The sensing node performs an RF sensing session based on the assistance data. In addition to the clutter profile, the assistance data may also include the network node's transmit beam pattern, transmit beam-specific clutter information, and quality of service for the sensing area.

[0146] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by utilizing assistance data to perform an RF sensing session, the described techniques enable a sensing node to more accurately detect and track a target entity as it navigates through its environment, which includes clutter. Furthermore, by utilizing transmit beam patterns, the sensing node can determine which transmit beams provide adequate coverage for a certain angle of departure (AoD) and utilize such transmit beams during the sensing session. By selectively utilizing such transmit beams (rather than all transmit beams), the sensing node can conserve power. Furthermore, by utilizing transmit beam patterns, the sensing node can compensate for transmit beamforming losses across different angles to fine-tune its array signal processing algorithm to enhance its AoD estimation accuracy. By utilizing transmit beam-specific clutter information, the sensing node can reject certain reference signal measurements associated with a particular transmit beam if the clutter information for that beam indicates that the reference signal indicates clutter. This helps the sensing node reject clutter, thereby improving its AoD estimation accuracy. By utilizing the quality of service of a sensing area, a sensing node may bypass RF sensing activities in areas with relatively low quality of service, thereby enabling the sensing node to save power.

[0147] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process / flowchart is merely illustrative of an exemplary method. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the process / flowchart may be rearranged based on design preferences. In addition, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims provide elements of the various blocks in a sample order, but are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy provided.

[0148] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Unless otherwise specified, references to elements in the singular do not mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Terms such as "in the case of," "when," and "simultaneously" do not imply a direct temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, such as "when," do not imply immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that if the conditions are met, the action will occur, but there is no need for a specific or immediate time limit for the action to occur. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, which may include multiple As, multiple Bs, or multiple Cs. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, where any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. A set should be interpreted as a set of elements, where the number of elements is one or more. Thus, for a set of X, X will include one or more elements. If a first device receives data from a second device or sends data to a second device, the data may be received / sent directly between the first device and the second device, or indirectly between the first device and the second device through a collection of devices. A device configured to "output" data (such as, transmit, signal or message) may, for example, send the data with a transceiver, or may transmit the data to a device that sends the data. A device configured to "obtain" data (such as, transmit, signal or message) may, for example, receive data with a transceiver, or may obtain the data from a device that receives the data. The information stored in the memory includes instructions and / or data. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are encompassed by the claims.Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Words such as "module," "mechanism," "element," and "device" are not intended to replace the word "component." Thus, no claim element is to be construed as part-plus-function unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "component for..."

[0149] As used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of information, one or more conditions, one or more factors, etc. In other words, the phrase "based on A" (where "A" can be information, a condition, a factor, etc.) should be interpreted as "based at least on A" unless specifically stated differently.

[0150] The following aspects are merely illustrative and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein without limitation.

[0151] Aspect 1 is a method of wireless communication at a UE, the method comprising: obtaining assistance data based on a set of clutter measurements associated with multiple network nodes; updating a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data; and performing a set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session.

[0152] Aspect 2 is a method according to Aspect 1, the method further comprising: receiving pattern information of at least one transmit beam for a network node; receiving an NLOS signal reflected by a target entity; and estimating the AoD of the NLOS signal based at least on the pattern information for the at least one transmit beam.

[0153] Aspect 3 is a method according to aspect 2, wherein the pattern information includes at least one of the following: a boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam; or a width of the at least one transmit beam.

[0154] Aspect 4 is a method according to any one of aspects 2 and 3, wherein the set of measurements performed based on the updated RF sensing session includes: selectively performing at least one measurement of a sensing reference signal associated with the at least one transmit beam based on the pattern information.

[0155] Aspect 5 is a method according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, the method further comprising: receiving clutter information for the at least one transmit beam of the network node; and wherein estimating the AoD of the NLOS signal comprises: estimating the AoD of the NLOS signal based on the pattern information of the at least one transmit beam and the clutter information.

[0156] Aspect 6 is a method according to aspect 5, wherein the clutter information indicates a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

[0157] Aspect 7 is a method according to any one of aspects 5 and 6, further comprising: receiving an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0158] Aspect 8 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0159] Aspect 9 is a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the method further comprising: receiving one or more RF sensing service qualities of one or more areas associated with the multiple network nodes, wherein the set of measurements performed based on the updated RF sensing session includes: performing the set of measurements for corresponding areas of the one or more areas having corresponding RF sensing service qualities of the one or more RF sensing service qualities that meet or exceed a threshold condition.

[0160] Aspect 10 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein obtaining the assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements comprises receiving the assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements from a network entity.

[0161] Aspect 11 is a method of wireless communication at a network entity, the method comprising: providing a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; receiving a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme; and providing assistance data for a UE based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0162] Aspect 12 is a method according to aspect 11, wherein the assistance data comprises a clutter distribution based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0163] Aspect 13 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 and 12, wherein receiving the second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes comprises: receiving a first subset of the set of clutter measurements, the first subset comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity; and receiving a second subset of the set of clutter measurements, the second subset comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity shorter than the first periodicity.

[0164] Aspect 14 is a method according to aspect 13, the method further comprising: providing a threshold for the set of differential clutter measurements, each network node of the plurality of network nodes determining which differential clutter measurements in the set of differential clutter measurements to provide by means of the threshold.

[0165] Aspect 15 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 14, further comprising: receiving antenna coordinates and orientation information from the plurality of network nodes.

[0166] Aspect 16 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 15, further comprising indicating an RF sensing service quality of a specific sensing area associated with the plurality of network nodes based on the set of clutter measurements.

[0167] Aspect 17 is a method according to any one of Aspects 11 to 16, the method further comprising: providing a request for beamforming toward a specific sensing area associated with the multiple network nodes based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the multiple network nodes, wherein the specific sensing area is associated with an RF sensing service quality that meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

[0168] Aspect 18 is a method according to any one of Aspects 11 to 17, the method further comprising: providing a request for using one or more specific beams of the multiple beams for the RF sensing session based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the multiple network nodes.

[0169] Aspect 19 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 18, wherein the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0170] Aspect 20 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 19, the method further comprising: providing the UE with pattern information of at least one transmit beam used for at least one network node among the multiple network nodes.

[0171] Aspect 21 is a method according to aspect 20, wherein the pattern information includes at least one of the following: a boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam; or a width of the at least one transmit beam.

[0172] Aspect 22 is a method according to any one of aspects 11 to 21, the method further comprising: providing the UE with clutter information for at least one transmit beam of at least one network node among the multiple network nodes.

[0173] Aspect 23 is a method according to aspect 22, wherein the clutter information indicates a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

[0174] Aspect 24 is a method according to any one of aspects 22 and 23, the method further comprising providing an indication to the UE that the clutter information comprises one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

[0175] Aspect 25 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to implement any one of aspects 1 to 10 based at least in part on information stored in the memory.

[0176] Aspect 26 is the apparatus of aspect 25, further comprising: at least one of a transceiver or an antenna coupled to the at least one processor.

[0177] Aspect 27 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity. The apparatus includes: a memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the memory and configured to implement any one of aspects 11 to 24 based at least in part on information stored in the memory.

[0178] Aspect 28 is the apparatus of aspect 27, further comprising: at least one of a transceiver or an antenna coupled to the at least one processor.

[0179] Aspect 29 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for implementing any one of aspects 1 to 10.

[0180] Aspect 30 is an apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for implementing any one of aspects 11 to 24.

[0181] Aspect 31 is a computer-readable medium (eg, non-transitory computer-readable medium) storing computer-executable code, wherein the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any one of aspects 1 to 10.

[0182] Aspect 32 is a computer-readable medium (eg, non-transitory computer-readable medium) storing computer-executable code, wherein the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any one of aspects 11 to 24.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: Memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, configured to: obtaining assistance data based on a collection of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; updating a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data; as well as A collection of measurements is performed based on the updated RF sensing session.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving pattern information for at least one transmit beam of a network node; receiving a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signal reflected from a target entity; and An angle of departure (AoD) of the NLOS signal is estimated based at least on the pattern information for the at least one transmit beam.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pattern information comprises at least one of the following: the boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam; or The width of the at least one transmit beam.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein to perform the set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session, the at least one processor is configured to: At least one measurement of a sensing reference signal associated with the at least one transmit beam is selectively performed based on the pattern information.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving clutter information for the at least one transmit beam of the network node; and Wherein, in order to estimate the AoD of the NLOS signal, the at least one processor is configured to: The AoD of the NLOS signal is estimated based on the pattern information of the at least one transmit beam and the clutter information. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the clutter information indicates a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Receiving an indication that the clutter information includes one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receiving one or more RF sensing quality of service measurements for one or more areas associated with the plurality of network nodes, wherein to perform the set of measurements based on the updated RF sensing session, the at least one processor is configured to: The set of measurements is performed for respective ones of the one or more areas having respective ones of the one or more RF sensing qualities of service that meet or exceed a threshold condition.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one of a transceiver or an antenna coupled to the at least one processor, wherein to obtain the assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements, the at least one processor is configured to: The assistance data based on the set of clutter measurements is received from a network entity via at least one of the transceiver or the antenna.

11. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a network entity, the apparatus comprising: Memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, configured to: providing a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; receiving a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme; as well as Assistance data is provided to a user equipment (UE) based on the set of clutter measurements.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the assistance data comprises a clutter distribution based on the set of clutter measurements.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein to receive the second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes, the at least one processor is configured to: receiving a first subset of the set of clutter measurements, the first subset comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity; and A second subset of the set of clutter measurements is received, the second subset comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity that is shorter than the first periodicity.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: A threshold is provided for the set of differential clutter measurements, and each network node of the plurality of network nodes determines by means of the threshold which differential clutter measurements of the set of differential clutter measurements to provide.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Antenna coordinates and orientation information are received from the plurality of network nodes.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: A radio frequency (RF) sensing quality of service is indicated for a particular sensing area associated with the plurality of network nodes based on the set of clutter measurements.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: A request for beamforming toward a specific sensing area associated with the plurality of network nodes is provided based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the plurality of network nodes, wherein the specific sensing area is associated with an RF sensing quality of service that meets or exceeds a threshold condition.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: A request is provided to use one or more particular beams of the plurality of beams for the RF sensing session based on pattern information of at least one transmit beam for one of the plurality of network nodes.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the assistance data comprises a set of differential clutter measurements.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Pattern information of at least one transmit beam for at least one network node among the plurality of network nodes is provided to the UE.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pattern information comprises at least one of: the boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam; or The width of the at least one transmit beam.

22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Clutter information for at least one transmit beam of at least one network node among the plurality of network nodes is provided to the UE.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the clutter information indicates a coverage area of ​​the at least one transmit beam.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising: at least one of a transceiver or an antenna coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: The clutter information provided to the UE via at least one of the transceiver or the antenna includes an indication of one of a set of absolute clutter measurements or a set of differential clutter measurements.

25. A method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: obtaining assistance data based on a collection of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; updating a radio frequency (RF) sensing session based on the assistance data; as well as A collection of measurements is performed based on the updated RF sensing session.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: receiving pattern information for at least one transmit beam of a network node; Receiving non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals reflected by a target entity; as well as An angle of departure (AoD) of the NLOS signal is estimated based at least on the pattern information for the at least one transmit beam.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the pattern information comprises at least one of: the boresight direction of the at least one transmit beam; or The width of the at least one transmit beam.

28. A method of wireless communication at a network entity, the method comprising: providing a first indication of a signaling scheme for a set of clutter measurements associated with a plurality of network nodes; receiving a second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes based on the signaling scheme; as well as Assistance data is provided to a user equipment (UE) based on the set of clutter measurements.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the assistance data comprises a clutter distribution based on the set of clutter measurements.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein receiving the second indication of the set of clutter measurements from the plurality of network nodes comprises: receiving a first subset of the set of clutter measurements, the first subset comprising a set of absolute clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of absolute clutter measurements has a first periodicity; as well as A second subset of the set of clutter measurements is received, the second subset comprising a set of differential clutter measurements in the set of clutter measurements, wherein the set of differential clutter measurements has a second periodicity that is shorter than the first periodicity.

Images