Multi-band cooperative sensing mechanism

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to equipment, a method, a device and a computer readable medium for communication. In an example method, a terminal device sends a measurement report associated with a first sensing procedure to a first network device, the first sensing procedure being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band. The terminal device receives, from the first network device, a command to perform a second sensing procedure with the second network device in the second frequency band. Then, based on receiving the command, the terminal device sends an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform a second sensing procedure. In this manner, overall sensing performance may be improved by a joint deployment of the first and second frequency bands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and particularly to terminal equipment, network equipment, methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for communication. Background Technology

[0002] Joint Communications and Sensing Systems (JCAS), or so-called Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), have garnered significant attention due to their advantages in reducing system size, weight, power consumption, and electromagnetic interference, and their applicability to a variety of applications. JCAS is also suitable for future standard releases or for evolution into 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) 5G (also known as NR (New Radio)) systems in a vendor-specific, standards-agnostic manner.

[0003] 5G NR can support a variety of short-range radar use cases while limiting radar signal overhead to approximately 10% or less of its radio resources. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intrusion (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 1") and traffic detection (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 2") are considered as primary applications. Unfortunately, JCAS's sensing performance needs further improvement to date. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for providing a multi-band cooperative sensing mechanism, particularly for improving the overall sensing performance of a cooperative sensing solution through the joint deployment of high-frequency and low-frequency bands.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: send a measurement report associated with a first sensing process to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; receive from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with a second network device in a second frequency band; and, based on receiving the command, send an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0006] In a second aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device to at least: receive from a terminal device a measurement report associated with a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; send information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; receive from the third network device a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in the second frequency band; and send the command to the terminal device.

[0007] In a third aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network device to at least: receive from a third network device a sensing assistance request for the second network device to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; send an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; and receive from the terminal device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a third network device is provided. The third network device includes: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third network device to at least: receive information from a first network device regarding a first sensing process performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; based on receiving the information, send a sensing assistance request to a second network device for the second network device to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; and based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, send a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending a measurement report associated with a first sensing process at a terminal device to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; receiving from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with a second network device in a second frequency band; and, based on receiving the command, sending an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first network device, a measurement report associated with a first sensing process performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band from a terminal device; sending information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; receiving, from the third network device, a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in a second frequency band; and sending the command to the terminal device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a second network device, a sensing assistance request from a third network device for the second network device to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; sending an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; and receiving from the terminal device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a third network device, information from a first network device regarding a first sensing process performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; based on receiving the information, sending a sensing assistance request to a second network device for the second network device to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; and based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, sending a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for sending a measurement report associated with a first sensing process to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the apparatus in a first frequency band; components for receiving from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with a second network device in a second frequency band; and components for sending an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process based on receiving the command.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for receiving from a terminal device a measurement report associated with a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between the apparatus and the terminal device in a first frequency band; components for sending information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; components for receiving from the third network device a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in a second frequency band; and components for sending the command to the terminal device.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: means for receiving from a third network device a sensing assistance request for the apparatus to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; means for sending an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; and means for receiving from the terminal device an access request for accessing the apparatus to perform the second sensing process.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for receiving information from a first network device regarding a first sensing process performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; components for sending a sensing assistance request to a second network device, based on receiving the information, for the second network device to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; and components for sending a command to the first network device, based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When executed on at least one processor, the instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: send a measurement report associated with a first sensing process to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; receive from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with a second network device in a second frequency band; and, based on receiving the command, send an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: receive from a terminal device a measurement report associated with a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between a first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; send information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; receive from the third network device a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in a second frequency band; and send the command to the terminal device.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: receive from a third network device a sensing assistance request for a second network device to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; send an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; and receive from the terminal device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0021] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: receive information from a first network device regarding a first sensing process performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; based on receiving the information, send a sensing assistance request to a second network device for the second network device to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; and based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, send a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0022] In an eighteenth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: a transmitting circuit system configured to: transmit to a first network device a measurement report associated with a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; a receiving circuit system configured to: receive from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with a second network device in a second frequency band; and a transmitting circuit system configured to: based on receiving the command, transmit to the second network device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0023] In a nineteenth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes: a receiving circuit system configured to: receive from a terminal device a measurement report associated with a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; a transmitting circuit system configured to: transmit information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; a receiving circuit system configured to: receive from the third network device a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in a second frequency band; and a transmitting circuit system configured to: transmit the command to the terminal device.

[0024] In a twentieth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes: a receiving circuitry configured to: receive from a third network device a sensing assistance request for the second network device to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; a transmitting circuitry configured to: send an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; and a receiving circuitry configured to: receive from the terminal device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

[0025] In a twenty-first aspect, a third network device is provided. The third network device includes: a receiving circuit system configured to: receive information from a first network device regarding a first sensing process, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; a transmitting circuit system configured to: based on receiving the information, send a sensing assistance request to a second network device for the second network device to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; and a transmitting circuit system configured to: based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, send a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0026] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A The illustrations show examples of network environments in which some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented;

[0029] Figure 1B The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an example wireless environment for sensing and communication in which some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0030] Figure 1C The illustrations depict illustrative examples of ISAC application scenarios in which some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented;

[0031] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a signaling process according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3The diagram illustrates a signaling process according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a signaling process that is further illustrative of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a third network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 The illustration shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0042] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0043] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that, whether explicitly described or not, incorporating other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within their knowledge.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “including,” and / or “containing” are used herein, the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof is not excluded. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0046] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits having software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation is not required.

[0047] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit system also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or portions of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices or other computing or network devices.

[0048] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Wi-Fi, etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices / components in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable intergenerational communication protocol, including but not limited to fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G), the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Due to the rapid development of communication, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be utilized to implement this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0049] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. A network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header End (RRH), a WiFi device, a repeater, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology used. In the following description, the terms "network device," "AP device," "AP," and "access point" are used interchangeably.

[0050] The term "terminal equipment" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, terminal equipment may also be referred to as communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), station (STA) or station equipment, or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, VR (virtual reality) devices, XR (extended reality) devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “station,” “station equipment,” “STA,” “terminal equipment,” “communication equipment,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0051] Integrated sensing capabilities are becoming a key feature of the 3GPP 6G Radio Access Network (RAN), allowing the use of 5G's dense cell infrastructure for constructing sensing networks. Beyond the digital transformation of the 1920s, 6G technology will significantly increase and enhance human possibilities and capabilities. 6G networks should be architected to extend human experiences across the physical, biological, and digital worlds, while enabling next-generation industrial operating environments that surpass Industry 4.0 in performance aspects such as positioning, sensing, ultra-reliability, energy efficiency, and extreme real-time performance.

[0052] As mentioned above, JCAS, or the so-called ISAC, has attracted widespread attention due to its advantages in reducing system size, weight, power consumption, and electromagnetic interference, and its applicability to a variety of application scenarios. JCAS is also suitable for implementation in future standard versions or as an evolution of 3GPP 5G systems in a vendor-specific, standard-independent manner.

[0053] 5G NR can support a variety of short-range radar use cases while limiting radar signal overhead to approximately 10% or less of its radio resources. UAV intrusion (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 1") and traffic detection (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 2") are considered primary applications. However, for a given single carrier frequency FR1 or FR2 defined in NR, it is difficult to meet all the required sensing requirements. Unfortunately, the sensing performance of JCAS needs further improvement to date. For example, from the perspective of joint deployment of high-frequency bands (e.g., FR2) and low-frequency bands (e.g., FR1), there is no solution to address the JCAS problem.

[0054] Figure 1A An example communication system 100A, in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented, is illustrated. The communication system 100A, as part of a communication network, includes a terminal device (UE) 120, a first network device 110, a third network device 130, and a second network device 140. In a sensing context, the terminal device 120 is also referred to as a UE or a sensing receiver (SR).

[0055] The first network device 110, also referred to as a primary sensing transmitter (PST), may be, for example, a network device (such as a gNB) or its communication module. The first network device 110 may be the network device or its communication module currently providing sensing services to the terminal device 120, and may operate in a high-frequency band (e.g., FR2 in a 5G system). Alternatively, the first network device 110 may operate in a low-frequency band (e.g., FR1 in a 5G system). The second network device 140 may be a network device or its communication module that may potentially provide supplementary sensing services to the terminal device 120 if the terminal device 120 requires such supplementary sensing services, for example, to maintain the quality of the sensing services at an acceptable level.

[0056] The second network device 140 may also be referred to as an auxiliary sensor transmitter (SST), which may be, for example, a network device (such as a gNB) or its communication module. If the first network device 110 operates in a high frequency band, the second network device 140 may operate in a low frequency band (e.g., FR1 in a 5G system), and if the first network device 110 operates in a low frequency band, the second network device may operate in a high frequency band (e.g., FR2 in a 5G system) to supplement (or assist) the sensing services provided by the first network device 110 to the terminal device 120, and more specifically, to provide sensing enhancement (i.e., enhanced sensing services) to the terminal device 120.

[0057] The third network device 130, also known as a Sensing Management Function (SMF), can be a device with sensing management capabilities and that performs sensing management based on those capabilities. The third network device 130 can be implemented in the 5G core network (CN). The 5G CN is also referred to as "5GC".

[0058] like Figure 1A As shown, terminal device 120 is connected to first network device 110 and second network device 140. Both first network device 110 and second network device 140 are connected to third network device 130.

[0059] In system 100A, the link from the first network device 110 or the second network device 140 to the terminal device 120 is referred to as the downlink (DL), and the link from the terminal device 120 to the first network device 110 or the second network device 140 is referred to as the uplink (UL). In the downlink, the first network device 110 or the second network device 140 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the terminal device 120 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the uplink, the terminal device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first network device 110 or the second network device 140 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0060] Communication in communication system 100A can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-A Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Furthermore, communication can be performed according to any generational communication protocol currently known or to be developed. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G Advanced Networks, or sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0061] As described above, each of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 can be a network device (such as a gNB) or its communication module. If each of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 is a communication module of the same gNB (e.g., the first network device 110 is a high-frequency band communication module of the gNB, and the second network device 140 is a low-frequency band communication module of the gNB), then sensed reference signals (such as CSI-RS) can be triggered simultaneously. Alternatively, each of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 can belong to a separate gNB, in which case the low-frequency band gNB and the high-frequency band gNB are deployed respectively. The high-frequency band sensing transmitter in the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 can be used to scan targets (e.g., UAVs or pedestrians on roads) at a finer resolution in one or more dimensions, and if enhanced distance detection requirements are needed, the low-frequency band transmitter can be used to perform periodic beam sweeps with coarse angular, distance, and / or velocity resolution.

[0062] It should be understood that Figure 1A The number, connection relationships, and types of the devices shown (including terminal device 120, first network device 110, second network device 140, and third network device 130) are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication system 100A may include any suitable number of devices suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 1B The illustration shows an example of a wireless environment 100B for sensing and communication, in which some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The wireless environment 100B may be... Figure 1A The example shown is a specific example of network environment 100A.

[0064] As mentioned above, JCAS is also suitable for implementation in future standard versions or as an evolution of 3GPP 5G systems in a vendor-specific, standard-independent manner. Based on wireless communication and radar-like architectures, sensing modes can be classified into at least two modes: monostatic, also known as active sensing, and bistatic, also known as passive sensing. In monostatic mode, similar to a single radar, the sensed signal and reflected signal from the object are transmitted and received by the same entity (e.g., a base station) at the same location. In bistatic mode, the sensed signal is transmitted by one entity at one location, and the reflected signal is received by another device at another location, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0065] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, for active sensing in the context of wireless communication, the initiator (e.g., a remote radio unit (RRU) here) sends a sensing signal and simultaneously receives reflected clutter. For passive sensing, the RRU or UE sends a sensing signal, which is then reflected and received by another RRU.

[0066] As mentioned above, JCAS is also suitable for implementation in future standard releases or as an evolution of 5G NR systems in a vendor-specific, standard-independent manner. This is enabled by a forward-compatible design for the 5G NR air interface that minimizes always-on signals, for example, by not using cell-specific reference signals known in LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems, and by having the ability to indicate to the UE that certain downlink radio resources should be ignored during decoding.

[0067] Figure 1C The illustration shows an example of an ISAC application scenario 100C in which some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented. ISAC application scenario 100C may involve a main sensor transmitter (such as...) Figure 1A The first network device 110 shown), terminal device (such as...) Figure 1A The terminal device 120 shown), and the third network device (such as...) Figure 1A The third network device 130 shown) and the second network device (such as Figure 1A The second network device 140 shown is referenced for discussion purposes. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Describe the application scenario of ISAC 100C.

[0068] exist Figure 1C In the illustrated ISAC application scenario 100C, two targets are shown, where target 1 can be an aircraft (e.g., a UAV) and target 2 can be a person (e.g., a pedestrian). The targets receive sensing signals from an access point. In this case, the access point can be a network device (such as a gNB) that can be referred to as a sensing transmitter. Figure 1A The network devices shown include the first network device 110 and the second network device 140, another terminal device capable of sending sensing signals to the target to be sensed (similar to a sidechain scenario where the other terminal device acts as a relay in the communication of the target terminal device), gateway devices (such as smart gateways), etc. The other terminal device can be anywhere, for example, in an IoT-connected home, in a vehicle-to-everything (IoV) connection, or in a UAV, such as... Figure 1C As shown.

[0069] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is recommended to investigate use cases and requirements for 5G systems to provide integrated sensing and communication services, including network-centric, UE-centric (both in-coverage and out-of-coverage), or a combination of both. Integrated sensing and communication in 3GPP 5G systems means that sensing capabilities are provided by the same 5G NR wireless communication systems and infrastructure used for communication, and that sensing information can be derived from RF-based and / or non-RF-based sensors.

[0070] Therefore, the first challenge for RF-based sensors is clarifying which communication signals in 5G NR can be reused for sensing, or whether new dedicated signals should be designed for this purpose. In 5G NR, the following signals can be used for sensing: reference signals for channel estimation, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), and data payloads. Table I summarizes the sensing characteristics of these signals, including the DMRS (demodulation reference signal) for both uplink and downlink, the sounding reference signal (SRS) for uplink, and the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for downlink. Table I. Summary of the characteristics of signals that can be used for sensing in ISAC, with reference to 5G NR.

[0071] As shown in Table I, 5G NR can support a variety of short-range radar use cases while limiting radar signal overhead to approximately 10% or less of its radio resources. If the base station is equipped with an antenna array, the covered cell will be scanned by beam sweep, and the beamwidth determines the angular resolution. This necessitates lean design of the radar signal to minimize potential signal overhead. Air interface congestion caused by the radar excitation signal (i.e., the sensing signal) must be limited to sub-milliseconds, i.e., less than 1 ms.

[0072] Given these system constraints, the numerical value of the signal and the size of the time-frequency assignment are primarily driven by the requirements of the range and velocity resolution and their corresponding unambiguous maximum values ​​(as shown in Table II), as well as the basic size of the radar excitation signal (as shown in Table III). Table II. Example requirements for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intrusion detection. Table III. Example requirements for road traffic monitoring.

[0073] UAV intrusion (Scenario 1) and traffic detection (Scenario 2) are considered key ISAC applications, and some of their key performance indicators (KPIs) are being developed. For Scenario 1, the range resolution is assumed to be 10 m, the speed resolution < 2.78 m / s (equivalent to 10 km / h), the maximum range is 200 m, and the maximum speed is 100 km / h. For Scenario 2, the range resolution is assumed to be 1 m, the speed resolution < 0.5 m / s (equivalent to approximately 2.3 km / h), the maximum range is 100 m, and the maximum speed is approximately 130 km / h. Then, according to the radar resolution formula... , Regarding 5G parameters, the range resolution, maximum detection distance, speed resolution, and maximum detection speed can be calculated, as shown in Table IV. Here, c 0 This represents the speed of light (i.e., 2.99792458). 10 8 m / s), B Indicates system bandwidth. fc Indicates the operating frequency (e.g., f1, f2, or f3 as shown in Table IV). T Observ This represents the observed OFDM symbol period, which in a 5G environment is equivalent to the frame duration (i.e., 10 ms). Table IV. Upper Limits of 5G Sensing Performance (Here, it is assumed that f1 = 7.125 GHz, f2 = 24.25 GHz, and f3 = 52.60 GHz)

[0074] It should be noted that the last row in Table IV applies only to SSB. As can be seen from Table IV, FR1 has a wider sensing range, with a maximum distance of 689 m, while FR2 has a smaller distance and velocity resolution, and a maximum speed of 267 km / h. Clearly, using FR1 or FR2 individually alone is insufficient to meet the requirements of Scenario 1 shown in Table II and Scenario 2 shown in Table III. However, if FR1 and FR2 are used in combination, all these parameters can be met. Based on the above discussion, a new system design or new parameters (such as (multiple) new reference signals) should be designed to meet the requirements of both Scenario 1 and Scenario 2.

[0075] In one example, as shown in Table IV, when the sensor transmitter operates at f1 with an SCS of 15 kHz, the range resolution is 3.08 m, the maximum distance is 689 m, the speed resolution is 7.5 km / h, and the maximum speed is 113 km / h. Compared to the example requirements for UAV intrusion detection shown in Table II, the distance resolution requirement is also met because the range resolution of 3.08 m < 10 m (i.e., the range resolution required for UAV intrusion detection). However, the maximum distance requirement is also met because the maximum distance of 689 m > 200 m (the maximum distance required for UAV intrusion detection). The speed resolution requirement is also met because the speed resolution of 7.5 km / h < 10 km / h (the speed resolution required for UAV intrusion detection). The maximum speed requirement is also met because the maximum speed of 113 km / h > 100 km / h (the maximum speed required for UAV intrusion detection). Therefore, the sensor transmitter operating at f1 can meet the four requirements listed in Table II.

[0076] However, as shown in Table III, the distance resolution requirement for road traffic monitoring is not met because 3.08 m > 1 m (the distance resolution required for road traffic monitoring). Therefore, the sensor transmitter operating at f1 cannot meet the requirements listed in Table III. In this case, if the auxiliary (or supplementary) sensor transmitter operates at f2 with an SCS of 60 kHz to assist the sensing process, then for the auxiliary (or supplementary) sensor transmitter, the range resolution is 0.78 m, the maximum distance is 180 m, the speed resolution is 2.2 km / h, and the maximum speed is 133 km / h. Compared to the road traffic monitoring example requirements shown in Table III, all the road traffic monitoring requirements listed in Table III are met with the assistance of the auxiliary (or supplementary) sensor transmitter because the range resolution 0.78 m < 1 m, 180 m > 100 m, 2.2 km / h < 2.3 km / h, and 133 km / h > 130 km / h. Therefore, it is clear that by jointly deploying the high-frequency band (FR2 here) and the low-frequency band (FR1 here), the overall sensing performance in both UAV intrusion scenarios and road traffic scenarios can be improved.

[0077] It should be noted that f1 in FR1 with an SCS of 15 kHz and f2 in FR2 with an SCS of 60 kHz are for illustrative purposes only. Any other suitable combination of high-frequency and low-frequency bands that can satisfy the requirements of the two scenarios listed in Tables II and III can be adopted. Furthermore, performance values ​​are used to illustrate the technical ideas of this disclosure (e.g., 180 m > 100 m); however, if the performance values ​​fall within the range based on the precise values ​​listed in Tables II and III, it can be determined that the performance values ​​meet the corresponding requirements. For example, the maximum range for a road traffic monitoring scenario is 100 m, therefore the range of the maximum range can be defined as [-10%, 10%], which means that the maximum range can be from 100 m. (1-10%) = 90 m to 100 m (1+10%)=110 m.

[0078] In this case, the maximum range requirement can be expanded to: if the performance value is not less than 90 m, the requirement can be considered met. The same principle applies to resolution requirements. For example, the range resolution of a road traffic monitoring scenario is 1 m, therefore the range of range resolution can also be defined as [-10%, 10%], meaning the range of distance resolution can range from 1 m. (1-10%) = 0.9 m to 1 m (1+10%)=1.1 m. In this case, the requirement for range resolution can be expanded to: if the performance value does not exceed 1.1 m, then the requirement can be considered satisfied.

[0079] Given the above, using only (or multiple) FR1 bands or only (or multiple) FR2 bands cannot meet the requirements of both UAV intrusion detection and road traffic monitoring. However, if (or multiple) FR1 bands and (or multiple) FR2 bands are used in combination (or deployed), it is possible to meet the requirements of both UAV intrusion scenarios and road traffic scenarios.

[0080] Currently, 3GPP System Side 1 (SA1) accepts many indoor application scenarios (such as health monitoring, intrusion detection, etc.), and these scenarios typically require sensing management function devices (such as Enhanced Location Management Function (LMF)) to participate in the sensing process. In many use cases, sensing services are requested for defined areas (e.g., parking lots, industrial areas, etc.). This expectation of the current LMF exceeds the current LMF logic.

[0081] Therefore, a (new) dedicated sense management function (SeMF or SMF) may be preferable to avoid extending the LMF, which could lead to complex designs. The SeMF or SMF can interact with the AMF to coordinate sense functions (reusing the spirit of LMF-AMF interaction for location services).

[0082] Based on the above analysis, since current NR 5G cannot meet the detection requirements of all ISAC scenarios, a new framework associated with the SMF used for sensing specific applications and related signaling should be designed for sensing. Given that low-frequency bands have longer detection ranges (in other words, low-frequency bands can detect over longer distances than high-frequency bands), while high-frequency bands have smaller range and velocity resolution and maximum velocity detection, multi-band sensing (e.g., combining low-frequency band FR1 with high-frequency band FR2) is proposed. In this way, low-frequency and high-frequency band measurements are combined (or cooperate) to obtain ultra-fine measurement resolution.

[0083] For gNBs with combined low-band and high-band capabilities, a sensed reference signal (such as CSI-RS) is triggered simultaneously. Alternatively, a gNB with a low-band capability can act as a sense transmitter, and another gNB with a high-band capability can act as another sense transmitter; these can be deployed separately. In this case, if enhanced distance detection is required, the sense transmitter operating in the high-band is used to scan the sensed target at a finer resolution in one or more dimensions, while the sense transmitter operating in the low-band is used for periodic beam sweeps with coarser angular, range, and / or velocity resolution, which will reference... Figures 3-4 To describe in more detail.

[0084] The proposed solution has several aspects. First, a new JCAS protocol stack and basic signaling flow are designed. Second, to improve overall sensing performance, a collaborative sensing solution is proposed through the joint deployment of high-frequency and low-frequency sensing transmitters. By introducing a new framework and its associated signaling, including a sensing-assisted triggering mechanism based on measurement reports, seamless sensing performance can be achieved with the expected sensing results in various sensing scenarios (e.g., scenarios defined in current 3GPP, IMT2020, and IMT2030). Third, in Figure 3 In the example shown, PST / HB 314 relays the measurement report to SMF 318, and SMF 318 initiates a sensing assistance request to SST / LB 316. The link quality of PST-SMF is always better than that of PST-SST because there is no backhaul between PST and SST. Furthermore, if no additional sensing requirements are needed, inter-UE interference will be reduced because the UE only needs to send information to PST in the initial phase.

[0085] Figure 2 The illustration shows a signaling diagram illustrating an example communication process 200 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1AThe communication process 200 is described. The communication process 200 may involve terminal device 120, first network device 110, second network device 140 and third network device 130.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 120 sends (210) a measurement report 201 associated with a first sensing process performed between the first network device 110 and terminal device 120 in a first frequency band to first network device 110. On the other side of the communication, first network device 110 receives (212) the measurement report 201 from terminal device 120. In some example embodiments, measurement report 201 may include measurement or sensing results specific to the sensing target. Alternatively or additionally, measurement report 201 may include delayed spread spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, measurement report 201 may include a Doppler spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, measurement report 201 may include an orthogonal (I / Q) stream of a first sensing reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, measurement report 201 may include reporting signal quality with respect to at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0087] Then, the first network device 110 determines (215) that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level and sends (220) information 202 about the first sensing process to the third network device 130. On the other side of the communication, the third network device 130 receives (222) the information 202 about the first sensing process, which is performed in the first frequency band between the first network device 110 and the terminal device 120. In some example embodiments, the information 202 about the first sensing process may include a measurement report 201 associated with the first sensing process. Alternatively or additionally, the information 202 about the first sensing process may include a degraded sensing capability status at the first network device 110 and / or an indication of poor quality of the first sensing process.

[0088] Then, based on the information 202 regarding the first sensing process, the third network device 130 can determine that the second network device 140 can assist in the sensing service. Therefore, the third network device 130 sends (225) a sensing assistance request 203 to the second network device 140 for the second network device 140 to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device 120 in the second frequency band. On the other side of the communication, the second network device 140 receives (227) a sensing assistance request 203 from the third network device 130 for the second network device 140 to perform the second sensing process with the terminal device 120 in the second frequency band.

[0089] In response to the sensing assistance request 203, the second network device 140 sends (230) an acknowledgment 204 to the third network device 130 regarding the sensing assistance request 203. On the other side of the communication, the third network device 130 receives (232) the acknowledgment 204. Then, based on the receipt of the (232) acknowledgment 204, the third network device 130 sends (235) a command 205 to the first network device 110 for the terminal device 120 to perform the second sensing process.

[0090] On the other side of the communication, the first network device 110 receives (237) command 205 from the third network device 130. As described above, command 205 is used by the terminal device 120 to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device 120 and the second network device 140 in the second frequency band. Then, the first network device 110 sends (240) command 206 to the terminal device 120. Command 206 may be the same as command 205. In this case, the first network device 110 operates in "transparent mode," in which the first network device 110 forwards command 205 as command 206 to the terminal device 120. Command 206 may be part of command 205, or it may be modified by the terminal device 120 based on its sensing capabilities and command 205. In this case, the first network device 110 operates in "regeneration mode."

[0091] On the other side of the communication, terminal device 120 receives command 206 (242) from first network device 110. Then, based on command 206, terminal device 120 sends access request 207 (245) to second network device 140 for accessing second network device 140 to perform a second sensing process. On the other side of the communication, second network device 140 receives access request 207 (247).

[0092] In some example embodiments, before sending the (210) measurement report 201 to the first network device 110, the terminal device 120 may send its own sensing capability information to the first network device 110. On the other side of the communication, the first network device 110 may receive sensing capability information from multiple terminal devices, including the terminal device 120. The first network device 110 may then select a terminal device as a sensing receiver (SR) based on the sensing capability information and sensing requirements of the multiple terminal devices. Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the terminal device 120 is selected as the sensing receiver.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the sensing capability information may include the sensing modes supported by the terminal device 120. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of the terminal device 120 to transmit sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of the terminal device 120 to receive sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include at least one of the following: supported sensing measurement results, including velocity values, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously (i.e., sensing targets, such as (multiple) UAVs or pedestrians). Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include processing capabilities for receiving sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the sensing accuracy supported by the terminal device.

[0094] In some example embodiments, in order to obtain measurement report 201, terminal device 120 may perform at least one sensing measurement based on at least one sensing reference signal transmitted from first network device 110 in a first frequency band.

[0095] In some example embodiments, during the second sensing process, the second network device 140 may transmit at least one sensing reference signal to the terminal device 120 in a second frequency band. On the other side of the communication, the terminal device 120 may receive at least one sensing reference signal. The terminal device 120 may then perform at least one sensing measurement based on the at least one sensing reference signal to obtain at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal. The terminal device 120 may then transmit the at least one sensing measurement to the second network device 140. On the other side of the communication, the second network device 140 may receive from the terminal device at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal.

[0096] In some example embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that the reception quality of the measurement report 201 is below a predefined threshold, the first network device 110 may determine (215) that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, the information 202 regarding the first sensing process may include the measurement report 201. For example, regarding the predefined threshold, it may be an RSSI, RSRQ, or RSRP below 2 dB. In other words, the predefined threshold may be defined as below, for example, 2 dB, in relation to RSSI, RSRQ, RSRP, or any other suitable indicator for communication performance or channel quality.

[0097] In some example embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that it does not support a predefined accuracy level for the first sensing process, then the first network device 110 may determine (215) that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, the information 202 regarding the first sensing process may include an indication of a degraded sensing capability state at the first network device 110.

[0098] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, instead of the third network device 130 sending (225) a sensing assistance request 203 to the second network device 140 and (235) a command 205 for the terminal device 120 to perform the second sensing process, the third network device 130 may directly send another command to the second network device 140 for the second network device 140 and the terminal device 120 to perform the second sensing process. In this case, the communication related to the sensing assistance request 203, confirmation 204, commands 205 and 206, and access request 207 can be omitted and replaced by direct communication of another command from the third network device 130 to the second network device 140.

[0099] In some example embodiments, one of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 corresponding to the high-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target (the target to be sensed, such as a UAV or a pedestrian on the road) with a finer resolution than the other of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140. Alternatively, the other of the first network device 110 and the second network device 140 corresponding to the low-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target using periodic beam sweeps.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0101] Figure 3 The illustration shows a signaling diagram illustrating another example communication process 300 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to this diagram for discussion purposes. Figure 1A and Figure 2 The communication process 300 is described. Communication process 300 may involve UE / SR 312, PST / HB 314, SST / LB 316, and SMF 318. Here, "HB" is an abbreviation for "high frequency band," indicating that PST / HB 314 operates in a high frequency band, such as FR2 in 5G, while "LB" is an abbreviation for "low frequency band," indicating that SST / LB 316 operates in a low frequency band. UE / SR 312 is... Figure 1A or Figure 2The example of terminal device 120 shown, PST / HB 314 is Figure 1A or Figure 2 The example of the first network device 110 shown is SST / LB 316. Figure 1A or Figure 2 The example of the second network device 140 shown is SMF 318. Figure 1A or Figure 2 An example of a third network device 130 is shown.

[0102] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, PST / HB 314 and SST / LB 316 are jointly deployed for sensing applications, involving SMF 318. UE / SR 312 is connected to PST / HB 314 via an air interface. It is assumed that UE / SR 312 has sensing capabilities.

[0103] Communication process 300 begins with UE / SR 312 sending (301) its sensing capabilities to PST / HB 314. In other words, UE / SR 312 reports its sensing capabilities to PST / HB 314. This step is used by the sensing implementation terminal (i.e., UE / SR 312) to report its sensing-related capability information to PST / HB 314. PST / HB 314 determines the high-frequency band sensing measurement configuration based on the sensing capabilities of UE / SR 312. For example, the high-frequency band sensing measurement configuration may include HB sensing RS. Here, "HB" is an abbreviation for "high-frequency band".

[0104] In some example embodiments, the UE sensing capability report (i.e., sensing capability) may include supported sensing modes or the ability of the UE / SR 312 to transmit and receive sensing signals, such as gNB transmission and UE reception, UE transmission and gNB reception, UE-A transmission and UE-B reception, or UE transmission and UE self-reception. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include supported sensing measurements, such as velocity, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing latency, etc. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include the processing capacity for receiving sensing signals, such as the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously (e.g., sensing targets, such as (multiple) UAVs and / or (multiple) road pedestrians), and the maximum distance / velocity that can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include supported sensing accuracy.

[0105] On the other side of the communication, PST / HB 314 receives sensing capabilities. Based on sensing capability reports received from multiple UEs, including UE / SR 312, and considering local sensing requirements, PST / HB 314 can select the most suitable UE as the sensing receiver. Here, for simplicity, it is assumed that UE / SR 312 is the UE selected as the sensing receiver. PST / HB 314 can then send (302) high-frequency band sensing RS to the selected UE (i.e., UE / SR 312).

[0106] On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 312 receives a high-frequency band sensing RS. After receiving the high-frequency band sensing RS, UE / SR 312 can perform measurements on the received high-frequency band sensing RS and then send a measurement report (303) to PST / HB 314 in a periodic or aperiodic mode (i.e., aperiodic mode). On the other side of the communication, PST / HB 314 receives the measurement report. For example, the measurement report may include target-specific measurements and / or sensing results, such as requested delay, departure angle, arrival angle, distance, direction, speed, target type, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delay spread spectrum, Doppler spectrum, and other information, such as the I / Q stream of the original signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include reported signal quality in terms of RSRP / RSRQ / RSSI / SINR.

[0107] Due to the mobility of UE / SR 312, if UE / SR 312 performing sensing is about to leave the sensing area and cannot continue performing the sensing task or the sensing scenario changes, PST / HB 314 will detect that the measurement report is almost lost or encounters poor channel conditions. At this time, PST / HB 314 can send a measurement report (304) to SMF 318. On the other side of the communication, SMF 318 can receive the measurement report sent by PST / HB 314.

[0108] The SMF 318 can identify the measurement report and determine whether to initiate a sensing assistance request to the low-frequency auxiliary (or secondary) sensing transmitter (here, the SST / LB 316). The SMF 318 can then send the sensing assistance request (305) to the SST / LB 316. On the other side of the communication, the SST / LB 316 can receive the sensing assistance request.

[0109] Upon receiving a sensing assistance request, SST / LB 316 may determine whether it is capable of performing the sensing assistance indicated in the sensing assistance request. If SST / LB 316 determines that it is capable of performing the sensing assistance indicated in the sensing assistance request, it may send a (306) sensing assistance confirmation to SMF 318 in response to the sensing assistance request.

[0110] On the other side of the communication, SMF 318 receives a sensing assistance confirmation. Based on the received sensing assistance confirmation, SMF 318 sends (307) an LB sensing service access command to PST / HB 314 to instruct UE / SR 312 to access SST / LB 316 for sensing assistance.

[0111] On the other side of the communication, PST / HB 314 receives the LB sensing service access command. Then, PST / HB 314 sends (308) the LB sensing service access command to UE / SR 312 to instruct UE / SR 312 to access SST / LB 316 for sensing assistance.

[0112] On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 312 receives an LB sensing service access command from PST / HB 314. Then, based on the LB sensing service access command instructing UE / SR 312 to access SST / LB 316 for sensing assistance, UE / SR 312 can access SST / LB 316 for enhanced sensing services, such as range detection. More specifically, UE / SR 312 can send (309) an access request to SST / LB 316 for the enhanced sensing services provided by SST / LB 316. On the other side of the communication, SST / LB 316 can receive the access request from UE / SR 312.

[0113] Upon receiving an access request, SST / LB 316 can determine the low-band sensing measurement configuration (specifically, the low-band sensing RS) based on the access request. SST / LB 316 then sends (310) the low-band sensing RS to UE / SR 312 for better sensing performance as confirmation of the access request. On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 312 receives the low-band sensing RS. In some example embodiments, UE / SR 312 can then continue performing its sensing tasks with the help / assistance of the received low-band sensing RS. For example, UE / SR 312 can perform measurements on the received high-band sensing RS. In some example embodiments, if needed, the UE / SR 312 may also send measurement results associated with the low-band sensing RS to the SST / LB 316 (e.g., via PST / HB 314 or SST / LB 316 or SMF 318) or configuration (e.g., via PST / HB 314 or SST / LB 316 or SMF 318) or pre-configured / predefined (e.g., in 3GPP specifications).

[0114] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, instead of sending a (305) sensing assistance request from SMF 318 to UE / SR 312 that sends (309) access request, SMF 318 may directly send another command to SST / LB 316 for SST / LB 316 to provide enhanced sensing services to UE / SR 312.

[0115] Figure 4 The illustration shows a signaling diagram illustrating another example communication process 400 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A and Figure 2 The communication process 400 is described. Communication process 400 may involve UE / SR 412, PST / LB 416, SST / HB 414, and SMF 418. Here, "LB" is an abbreviation for "low frequency band," indicating that PST / LB 416 operates in a low frequency band, such as FR1 in 5G, while "HB" is an abbreviation for "high frequency band," indicating that SST / HB 414 operates in a high frequency band. UE / SR 412 is... Figure 1A or Figure 2 The example of terminal device 120 shown, PST / LB 416 is Figure 1A or Figure 2 The example of the first network device 110 shown is SST / HB 414. Figure 1A or Figure 2 The example of the second network device 140 shown is SMF 418. Figure 1A or Figure 2 An example of a third network device 130 is shown.

[0116] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, PST / LB 416 and SST / HB 414 are jointly deployed for sensing applications, involving SMF 418. UE / SR 412 is connected to PST / LB 416 via an air interface. It is assumed that UE / SR 412 has sensing capabilities.

[0117] Communication process 400 begins with UE / SR 412 sending (401) its sensing capabilities to PST / LB 416. In other words, UE / SR 412 reports its sensing capabilities to PST / LB 416. This step is used to sense that the terminal (i.e., UE / SR 412) reports its sensing-related capability information (such as...) to PST / LB 416. Figure 4 The sensing capability shown.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the UE sensing capability report (i.e., sensing capability) may include supported sensing modes or the ability of the UE / SR 412 to transmit and receive sensing signals, such as gNB transmission and UE reception, UE transmission and gNB reception, UE-A transmission and UE-B reception, or UE transmission and UE self-reception. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include supported sensing measurements, such as velocity, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing latency, etc. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include the processing capacity for receiving sensing signals, such as the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously and the maximum distance / velocity that can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, sensing capability may include supported sensing accuracy.

[0119] On the other side of the communication, PST / LB 416 receives sensing capabilities. Based on sensing capability reports received from multiple UEs, including UE / SR 412, and considering local sensing requirements, PST / LB 416 can select the most suitable UE as the sensing receiver. Here, for simplicity, it is assumed that UE / SR 412 is the UE selected as the sensing receiver. Additionally, PST / LB 416 can determine a low-band sensing measurement configuration based on the sensing capabilities of the selected UE / SR 412. The low-band sensing measurement configuration may include a low-band sensing RS. PST / LB 416 can then send (402) the low-band sensing RS to the selected UE (i.e., UE / SR 412).

[0120] On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 412 receives a low-frequency band sensing RS. After receiving a high-frequency band sensing RS, UE / SR 412 can perform measurements on the received low-frequency band sensing RS and then send a measurement report (403) to PST / LB 416 in a periodic or non-periodic mode. On the other side of the communication, PST / LB 416 receives the measurement report. For example, the measurement report may include target-specific measurements and / or sensing results, such as requested delay, departure angle, arrival angle, distance, direction, speed, target type, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delay spread spectrum, Doppler spectrum, and other information, such as the I / Q stream of the original signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include a report signal quality in terms of RSRP / RSRQ / RSSI / SINR.

[0121] If PST / LB 416 cannot support high-precision sensing (e.g., sensing accuracy degrades to below a predefined threshold), PST / LB 416 can notify SMF 418 of the degraded sensing capability status. For example, PST / LB 416 can send (404) a degraded sensing capability status to SMF 418. More specifically, PST / LB 416 can send an indication of the degraded sensing capability status to SMF 418. On the other side of the communication, SMF 318 can receive the degraded sensing capability status or its indication from PST / LB 416. This indication can indicate that the sensing capability status at PST / LB 416 has degraded to an unacceptable level, such as below a predefined threshold.

[0122] SMF 418 can identify the degraded sensing capability status and determine to initiate a sensing assistance request to SST / HB 414. SMF 418 can then send a (405) sensing assistance request to SST / HB 414. On the other side of the communication, SST / HB 414 can receive the sensing assistance request.

[0123] Upon receiving a sensing assistance request, SST / HB 414 may determine whether it is capable of performing the sensing assistance indicated in the sensing assistance request. If SST / HB 414 determines that it is capable of performing the sensing assistance indicated in the sensing assistance request, it may send a (406) sensing assistance confirmation to SMF 418 in response to the sensing assistance request.

[0124] On the other side of the communication, SMF 418 receives a sensing assistance confirmation. Based on the received sensing assistance confirmation, SMF 418 sends (407) an HB sensing service access command to PST / LB 416 to instruct UE / SR 412 to access SST / HB 414 for sensing assistance.

[0125] On the other side of the communication, PST / LB 416 receives the HB sensing service access command. Then, PST / LB 416 sends (408) the HB sensing service access command to UE / SR 412, instructing UE / SR 412 to access SST / HB 414 for sensing assistance. The content of the HB sensing service access command may be the same as or a part of the HB sensing service access command.

[0126] On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 412 receives an HB sensing service access command from PST / LB 416. Then, based on the HB sensing service access command instructing UE / SR 412 to access SST / HB 414 for sensing assistance, UE / SR 412 can access SST / HB 414 for enhanced sensing services, such as range detection. More specifically, UE / SR 412 can send (409) an access request to SST / HB 414 for the enhanced sensing services provided by SST / HB 414. On the other side of the communication, SST / HB 414 can receive the access request from UE / SR 412.

[0127] Upon receiving an access request, SST / HB 414 can determine the high-frequency band sensing measurement configuration (specifically, the high-frequency band sensing RS) based on the access request. SST / HB 414 then sends (410) the high-frequency band sensing RS to UE / SR 412 for better sensing performance as confirmation of the access request. On the other side of the communication, UE / SR 412 receives the high-frequency band sensing RS. In some example embodiments, UE / SR 412 can then continue performing its sensing tasks with the help / assistance of the received high-frequency band sensing RS. For example, UE / SR 412 can then perform measurements on the received low-frequency band sensing RS. In some example embodiments... If needed, the UE / SR 412 may also send measurement results associated with the high-frequency band sensing RS to the SST / HB 414 (e.g., via PST / LB 416 or SST / HB 414 or SMF 418) or configuration (e.g., via PST / LB 416 or SST / HB 414 or SMF 418) or pre-configured / predefined (e.g., in the 3GPP specification).

[0128] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, instead of sending a (405) sensing assistance request from SMF 418 to UE / SR 412 that sends (409) access request, SMF 418 may directly send another command to SST / HB 414 for SST / HB 414 to provide enhanced sensing services to UE / SR 412.

[0129] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Method 500 is described from the perspective of terminal device 120.

[0130] like Figure 5As shown, at box 510, terminal device 120 sends a signal to the first network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first network device 110 shown sends a measurement report associated with the first sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 As shown in measurement report 201), the first sensing process is performed between the first network device and the terminal device 120 in the first frequency band. At block 520, the terminal device 120 receives data from the first network device in the second frequency band from the second network device (e.g., ...). Figure 1A or Figure 2 The second network device 140 shown executes commands for the second sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 Command 206 is shown. At block 530, based on receiving this command, terminal device 120 sends an access request to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 The access request shown is 207.

[0131] In some example embodiments, before sending a measurement report, terminal device 120 may send sensing capability information of terminal device 120 to a first network device. The sensing capability information may include the sensing modes supported by terminal device 120. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of terminal device 120 to transmit sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of terminal device 120 to receive sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include supported sensing measurement results, including at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the processing capacity available for receiving sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the sensing accuracy supported by the terminal device.

[0132] In some example embodiments, to obtain a measurement report, terminal device 120 may perform at least one sensing measurement based on at least one sensing reference signal transmitted from a first network device in a first frequency band. The measurement report may include measurement or sensing results specific to the sensing target. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delayed spread spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include a Doppler spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include an orthogonal (I / Q) stream of the first sensing reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include reporting signal quality with respect to at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or SINR.

[0133] In some example embodiments, during the second sensing process, terminal device 120 may receive at least one sensing reference signal in a second frequency band from a second network device. Terminal device 120 may then perform at least one sensing measurement based on the at least one sensing reference signal to obtain at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal. Terminal device 120 may then transmit the at least one sensing measurement to the second network device.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0135] Figure 6 Another flowchart illustrating an example method 600 implemented at a first network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Method 600 is described from the perspective of the first network device 110.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, at box 610, the first network device 110 receives data from a terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 1A or Figure 2 The terminal device 120 shown receives a measurement report associated with the first sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 As shown in Measurement Report 201, the first sensing process is performed between the first network device 110 and the terminal device in the first frequency band. At block 620, based on the determination that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level, the first network device 110 notifies a third network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The third network device 130 shown Figure 5 The SMF 318 shown or Figure 4 The SMF 418 shown sends information about the first sensing process (e.g., information 202). At block 630, the first network device 110 receives information from the third network device regarding the terminal device in the second frequency band and the second network device (e.g., ...). Figure 1A or Figure 2 The second network device 140 shown Figure 3 The SST / LB 316 shown is or Figure 4 Commands to perform a second sensing process between (e.g., SST / HB 414 as shown) Figure 2 Command 205 is shown. At box 640, the first network device 110 sends a command to the terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 2 Command 206 is shown.

[0137] In some example embodiments, before receiving a measurement report, the first network device 110 can receive sensing capability information of multiple terminal devices, including terminal device 120, and then select terminal device 120 as a sense receiver (SR) based on the sensing capability information and sensing requirements of the multiple terminal devices. The sensing capability information may include the sensing modes supported by terminal device 120. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of terminal device 120 to transmit sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of terminal device 120 to receive sensing signals.

[0138] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include supported sensing measurements, which include at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include processing capacity available for receiving sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the sensing accuracy supported by the terminal device.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the measurement report may include measurement or sensing results specific to the sensing target. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delay spread spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include a Doppler spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include an orthogonal (I / Q) stream of a first sensing reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include reporting signal quality with respect to at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or SINR.

[0140] In some example embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that the reception quality of the measurement report is below a predefined threshold, the first network device 110 may determine that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, information about the first sensing process may include the measurement report.

[0141] In some example embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that it does not support a predefined accuracy level for the first sensing process, then the first network device 110 may determine that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, the information about the first sensing process may include an indication of a degraded sensing capability state at the first network device 110.

[0142] In some example embodiments, one of the first network device 110 and the second network device corresponding to the high-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target (the target to be sensed, such as a UAV or a pedestrian on the road) with a finer resolution than the other of the first network device 110 and the second network device. Alternatively, the other of the first network device 110 and the second network device corresponding to the low-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target using periodic beam sweeps.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0144] Figure 7 Another flowchart illustrating an example method 700 implemented at a second network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Method 700 is described from the perspective of the second network device 140.

[0145] like Figure 7 As shown, at box 710, the second network device 140 receives data from the third network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The third network device 130 shown Figure 3 The SMF 318 shown, or Figure 4 The SMF 418 shown receives a second network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The second network device 140 shown Figure 3 The SST / LB 316 shown, or Figure 4 The SST / HB 414 shown is used in the second frequency band with terminal equipment (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 3 The UE / SR 312 shown, or Figure 4 The UE / SR 412 shown executes a sensing assistance request for the second sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 The sensing assistance request 203 shown is here. The terminal device communicates with the first network device (e.g., in the first frequency band) in the first network band. Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first network device 110 shown Figure 3 The PST / HB 314 shown, or Figure 4 The PST / LB 416 shown performs the first sensing process.

[0146] At box 720, the second network device 140 sends an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device (e.g., Figure 2 The confirmation shown is 204). At block 730, the second network device 140 receives from the terminal device an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 The access request shown is 207.

[0147] In some example embodiments, during the second sensing process, the second network device 140 may send at least one sensing reference signal in the second frequency band to the terminal device and may receive at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal from the terminal device.

[0148] In some example embodiments, one of the first network device and the second network device 140 corresponding to the high-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target (the target to be sensed, such as a UAV or a pedestrian on the road) with a finer resolution than the other of the first network device and the second network device 140. Alternatively, the other of the first network device and the second network device 140 corresponding to the low-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target using periodic beam sweeps.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0150] Figure 8 Another flowchart illustrating an example method 800 implemented at a third network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1A Method 800 is described from the perspective of the third network device 130.

[0151] like Figure 8 As shown, at box 810, the third network device 130 receives data from the first network device (e.g., ...). Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first network device 110 shown Figure 3 The PST / HB 314 shown, or Figure 4 The PST / LB 416 shown receives information (e.g., information 202) about a first sensing process in a first frequency band between a first network device and a terminal device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 3 The UE / SR 312 shown or Figure 4 The UE / SR 412 shown is executed between them.

[0152] At box 820, based on the received information, the third network device 130 sends a message to the second network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The second network device 140 shown Figure 3 The SST / LB 316 shown is or Figure 4 The SST / HB 414 shown sends a sensing assistance request to the second network device in the second frequency band to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device (e.g., Figure 2 The sensing assistance request 203 is shown.

[0153] At box 830, based on the confirmation received from the second network device of the sensing assistance request (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown in confirmation 204), the third network device 130 sends a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process (e.g., Figure 2 Command 205 is shown.

[0154] In some example embodiments, information about the first sensing process may include: a measurement report associated with the first sensing process sent from the terminal device via a first network device (e.g., Figure 1A (See Measurement Report 201). Alternatively or additionally, information regarding the first sensing process may include an indication of a degraded sensing capability status at the first network device.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0156] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 500 (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 3 The UE / SR 312 shown or Figure 4 The UE / SR 412 shown may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 500. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: for transmitting signals to a first network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first network device 110 shown Figure 3 The PST / HB 314 or shown Figure 4The PST / LB 416 shown is a component that transmits a measurement report associated with a first sensing process performed in a first frequency band between a first network device and the device; it is also used to receive from the first network device a measurement report in a second frequency band from a second network device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The second network device 140 shown Figure 3 The SST / LB 316 shown is or Figure 4 The components of the SST / HB 414 shown herein include a command to execute a second sensing process; and components for sending an access request to a second network device for accessing the second network device to execute the second sensing process based on receiving the command.

[0158] In some example embodiments, before sending a measurement report, the device may further include components for sending sensing capability information of the device to a first network device. The sensing capability information may include the sensing modes supported by the device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the device's ability to transmit sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the device's ability to receive sensing signals.

[0159] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include supported sensing measurements, which include at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include processing capacity available for receiving sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the sensing accuracy supported by the device.

[0160] In some example embodiments, to obtain a measurement report, the apparatus may include components for performing at least one sensing measurement based on at least one sensing reference signal transmitted from a first network device in a first frequency band. The measurement report may include a measurement or sensing result specific to the sensing target. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delayed spread spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include a Doppler spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include an orthogonal (I / Q) stream of the first sensing reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include reporting signal quality with respect to at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or SINR.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may include: components for receiving at least one sensing reference signal in a second frequency band from a second network device. The apparatus may also include: components for performing at least one sensing measurement based on the at least one sensing reference signal to obtain at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal. The apparatus may further include: components for transmitting at least one sensing measurement to the second network device.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0163] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause performance of the apparatus.

[0164] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 600 (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The first network device 110 shown Figure 3 The PST / HB 314 shown, or Figure 4 The PST / LB 416 shown may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 600. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: for receiving signals from a terminal device (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 2 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 3 The UE / SR 312 shown or Figure 4 The UE / SR 412 shown receives a measurement report associated with the first sensing process (e.g., Figure 1A The component of the measurement report 201 shown, wherein the first sensing process is performed between the device and the terminal device in the first frequency band; for use in determining that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level to notify a third network device (e.g., Figure 2 or Figure 3 The third network device 130 shown Figure 4 The SMF 318 shown, or Figure 1A The SMF418 shown sends information about the first sensing process (e.g., Figure 2The component shown in information 202); is used to receive from a third network device information for the terminal device in the second frequency band when the terminal device is connected to the second network device (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The second network device 140 shown Figure 1A The SST / LB 316 shown, or Figure 2 The component that executes a command for the second sensing process between the SST / HB 414 shown; and the component that sends the command to the terminal device.

[0166] In some example embodiments, before receiving a measurement report, the apparatus may include components for receiving sensing capability information of a plurality of terminal devices, including terminal device 120. The apparatus may also include components for selecting terminal device 120 as a sense receiver (SR) based on the sensing capability information and sensing requirements of the plurality of terminal devices. The sensing capability information may include the sensing modes supported by terminal device 120. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of terminal device 120 to transmit sensing signals.

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the ability of the terminal device 120 to receive sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include supported sensing measurements, which include at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the processing capacity available for receiving sensing signals. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability information may include the supported sensing accuracy of the terminal device.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the measurement report may include measurement or sensing results specific to the sensed target. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include delay spread spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include a Doppler spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include an orthogonal (I / Q) stream of a first sensed reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report may include reporting signal quality with respect to at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, or SINR.

[0169] In some example embodiments, if the device determines that the reception quality of the measurement report is below a predefined threshold, the device may include components for determining that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, information about the first sensing process may include the measurement report.

[0170] In some example embodiments, if the device determines that it does not support a predefined accuracy level for the first sensing process, the device may further include components for determining that the sensing performance has failed to meet the predefined level. In this case, information about the first sensing process may include an indication of a degraded sensing capability state at the device.

[0171] In some example embodiments, if the device operates in a high-frequency band, it may include components for scanning the sensing target (the target to be sensed, such as a UAV or a pedestrian on the road) at a finer resolution than a second network device operating in a low-frequency band. Alternatively, if the device operates in a low-frequency band, it may include components for scanning the sensing target with periodic beam sweeps.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0173] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 600. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause performance of the apparatus.

[0174] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 700 (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The second network device 140 shown Figure 1A The SST / LB 316 shown, or Figure 2 The SST / HB 414 shown may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 700. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: for receiving signals from a third network device (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The third network device 130 shown Figure 1A The SMF 318 shown or Figure 2 The SMF 418 shown receives the device in the second frequency band and communicates with the terminal equipment (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 1A The UE / SR 312 shown, or Figure 2The UE / SR412 shown is a component that executes a sensing assistance request in the second sensing process, wherein the terminal device is connected to a first network device (e.g., in the first frequency band) in the first frequency band. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The first network device 110 shown Figure 1A The PST / HB 314 shown, or Figure 2 The PST / LB 416 shown performs a first sensing process; includes components for sending an acknowledgment of a sensing assistance request to a third network device; and includes components for receiving an access request from a terminal device for accessing the device to perform a second sensing process.

[0176] In some example embodiments, during the second sensing process, the apparatus may include components for transmitting at least one sensing reference signal in a second frequency band to a terminal device. The apparatus may also include components for receiving at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal from the terminal device.

[0177] In some example embodiments, if the device operates in a high-frequency band, the device may include components for scanning the sensing target (the target to be sensed, such as a UAV or a pedestrian on the road) at a finer resolution than a first network device operating in a low-frequency band. Alternatively, if the device operates in a low-frequency band, the device may include components for scanning the sensing target with periodic beam sweeps.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0179] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 700. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause performance of the apparatus.

[0180] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 800 (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The third network device 130 shown Figure 1A The SMF 318 shown, or Figure 2 The SMF 418 shown may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 800. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: for receiving signals from a first network device (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The first network device 110 shown Figure 1A The PST / HB 314 or shown Figure 2 The PST / LB 416 shown is a component that receives information about a first sensing process in a first frequency band between a first network device and a terminal device (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The terminal device 120 shown Figure 1A The UE / SR 312 shown or Figure 2 The process is performed between the UE / SR 412 shown; based on the received information, it is used to communicate with a second network device (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The second network device 140 shown Figure 1A The SST / LB 316 shown is or Figure 2 The SST / HB 414 shown includes a component that sends a sensing assistance request for the second network device to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device in the second frequency band; and a component that, based on receiving confirmation of the sensing assistance request from the second network device, sends a command to the first network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

[0182] In some example embodiments, information about the first sensing process may include: a measurement report associated with the first sensing process sent from the terminal device via a first network device (e.g., Figure 3 (See Measurement Report 201). Alternatively or additionally, information regarding the first sensing process may include an indication of a degraded sensing capability status at the first network device.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the first frequency band may be one of a high-frequency band and a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band may be the other of a low-frequency band and a high-frequency band. Specifically, the low-frequency band may be frequency range 1 (FR1), and the high-frequency band may be frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0184] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing additional steps of some embodiments of method 800. In some embodiments, the components include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause performance of the apparatus.

[0185] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a device 900 suitable for implementing some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, Figure 1AThe terminal device 120, the first network device 110, the second network device 140, or the third network device 130 are shown. As shown, device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to processor 910, and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to processor 910.

[0186] The communication module 940 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 940 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0187] Processor 910 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 900 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0188] Memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 924, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 922, and other volatile memories that will not persist during power outages.

[0189] Computer program 930 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 910. Program 930 may be stored in ROM 924. Processor 910 may perform any appropriate actions and processes by loading program 930 into RAM 922.

[0190] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 930, enabling device 900 to execute reference... Figure 2 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0191] In some example embodiments, program 930 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 900 (such as memory 920) or other storage device accessible to device 900. Device 900 may load program 930 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 922 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0192] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium 1000 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The computer-readable medium 1000 has a program 930 stored thereon. It should be noted that although the computer-readable medium 1000... Figure 4 The program is depicted in the form of a CD or DVD, but the computer-readable medium 1000 may be any other form suitable for carrying or storing the program 930.

[0193] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0194] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-mentioned... Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure The method described is 500, 600, 700, or 800. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules in various embodiments as needed. The machine-executable instructions used for the program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0195] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0196] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0197] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0198] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0199] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

[0200] The following terms may be referenced throughout this document. JCAS: Joint Communications and Sensing SNR: Signal-to-noise ratio BER: Bit Error Rate AoA: Angle of Arrival AoD: Departure Angle gNB: Next-Generation Node B UE: User Equipment NR: New Radio RS: Reference signal CSI-RS: Channel State Information RS FR1: Frequency range 1 FR2: Frequency range 2 GPS: Global Positioning System RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power LBA: Beam Alignment Delay BPL: Beamlink mmWave: millimeter wave TTI: Transmission Time Interval R16: Version 16 C&S: Communication and Sensing RF: Radio Frequency AP: Access Point PST: Main Sensor Transmitter SST: Auxiliary Sensor Transmitter SMF: Sensing Management Function

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: Send a measurement report associated with a first sensing process to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; Receive a command from the first network device to perform a second sensing process with the second network device in the second frequency band; as well as Based on the received command, an access request is sent to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Before sending the measurement report, the sensing capability information of the terminal device is sent to the first network device.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the sensing capability information includes at least one of the following: The sensing modes supported by the terminal device. The terminal device's ability to send sensing signals. The terminal device's ability to receive sensing signals Supported sensing measurement results include at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. The processing capability that can be used to receive and sense signals, or The terminal device supports a certain level of sensing accuracy.

4. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: At least one sensing measurement is performed based on at least one sensing reference signal transmitted from the first network device in the first frequency band to obtain the measurement report.

5. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measurement report includes at least one of the following: Measurements or sensing results specific to the sensing target. Delayed spread spectrum Doppler spectrum The quadrature (I / Q) current of the first sensing reference signal, or Report signal quality for at least one of the following: Received Reference Signal Power (RSRP), Received Reference Signal Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), or Signal-to-Interference-Ratio (SINR).

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the second sensing process by: At least one sensing measurement is performed based on at least one sensing reference signal transmitted from the second network device in the second frequency band.

7. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first frequency band is one of a high frequency band and a low frequency band, and the second frequency band is the other of the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the low frequency band is frequency range 1 (FR1) and the high frequency band is frequency range 2 (FR2).

9. A first network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device to at least: Receive a measurement report associated with a first sensing process from a terminal device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; Based on the determination that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level, information about the first sensing process is sent to a third network device; The terminal device receives a command from the third network device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in the second frequency band. as well as Send the command to the terminal device.

10. The first network device according to claim 9, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Before receiving the measurement report, sensing capability information of multiple terminal devices is received from multiple terminal devices, wherein the terminal device is one of the multiple terminal devices; and The terminal device is selected as the sensing receiver based on the sensing capability information and sensing requirements.

11. The first network device of claim 10, wherein the sensing capability information includes at least one of the following: The sensing modes supported by the terminal device. The terminal device's ability to send sensing signals. The terminal device's ability to receive sensing signals Supported sensing measurement results include at least one of the following: velocity value, velocity resolution, sensing angle, angular resolution, sensing distance, distance resolution, sensing delay, or the maximum number of objects that can be sensed simultaneously. The ability to receive and process sensor signals, or The terminal device supports a certain level of sensing accuracy.

12. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: Measurements or sensing results specific to the sensing target. Delayed spread spectrum Doppler spectrum The quadrature (I / Q) stream of the sensing reference signal transmitted to the terminal device in the first frequency band, or Report signal quality for at least one of the following: Received Reference Signal Power (RSRP), Received Reference Signal Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), or Signal-to-Interference-Ratio (SINR).

13. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first network device is configured to determine that the sensing performance fails to meet the predefined level by: The reception quality of the measurement report is determined to be below a predefined threshold.

14. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the information regarding the first sensing process includes the measurement report.

15. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the first network device is configured to determine that the sensing performance fails to meet the predefined level by: It is determined that the first network device does not support the predefined accuracy level of the first sensing process.

16. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the information regarding the first sensing process includes: An indication of the degraded sensing capability status at the first network device.

17. The first network device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the first frequency band is one of a high frequency band and a low frequency band, and the second frequency band is the other of the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

18. The first network device of claim 17, wherein at least one of the following: One of the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the high-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target with a finer resolution than the other of the first network device and the second network device; or The other of the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the low frequency band is configured to scan using periodic beam sweep frequency.

19. The first network device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the low frequency band is frequency range 1 (FR1) and the high frequency band is frequency range 2 (FR2).

20. A second network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network device to at least: The third network device receives a sensing assistance request from the second network device to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with the first network device in the first frequency band; Send an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; as well as The terminal device receives an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

21. The second network device of claim 20, wherein the second network device is further configured to perform the second sensing process by: Send at least one sensing reference signal to the terminal device; and Receive at least one sensing measurement associated with the at least one sensing reference signal from the terminal device.

22. The second network device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein at least one of the following: The first frequency band is one of the high-frequency band and the low-frequency band, and The second frequency band is the other of the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

23. The second network device according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the following: One of the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the high-frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target with a finer resolution than the other of the first network device and the second network device; or The other of the first network device and the second network device corresponding to the low frequency band is configured to scan the sensing target using periodic beam sweeps.

24. The second network device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the low frequency band is frequency range 1 (FR1) and the high frequency band is frequency range 2 (FR2).

25. A third network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third network device to at least: Information about a first sensing process is received from a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; Based on the received information, a sensing assistance request is sent to the second network device to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device in the second frequency band; Based on the confirmation received from the second network device regarding the sensing assistance request, a command is sent to the first network device for the terminal device to execute the second sensing process.

26. The third network device of claim 25, wherein the information regarding the first sensing process includes at least one of the following: A measurement report associated with the first sensing process, which is transmitted from the terminal device via the first network device; or An indication of the degraded sensing capability status at the first network device.

27. The third network device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the first frequency band is one of a high frequency band and a low frequency band, and the second frequency band is the other of the high frequency band and the low frequency band.

28. The third network device according to claim 27, wherein the low frequency band is frequency range 1 (FR1) and the high frequency band is frequency range 2 (FR2).

29. A method comprising: At the terminal device, a measurement report associated with a first sensing process is sent to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; Receive a command from the first network device to perform a second sensing process with the second network device in the second frequency band; as well as Based on the received command, an access request is sent to the second network device for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

30. A method comprising: At the network device, a measurement report associated with a first sensing process is received from the terminal device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; Based on the determination that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level, information about the first sensing process is sent to a third network device; The terminal device receives a command from the third network device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in the second frequency band. as well as Send the command to the terminal device.

31. A method comprising: At the second network device, a sensing assistance request is received from the third network device, in which the second network device performs a second sensing process with the terminal device in the second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with the first network device in the first frequency band; Send an acknowledgment of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; as well as The terminal device receives an access request for accessing the second network device to perform the second sensing process.

32. A method comprising: At the third network device, information about a first sensing process is received from the first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; Based on the received information, a sensing assistance request is sent to the second network device to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device in the second frequency band; as well as Based on the confirmation received from the second network device regarding the sensing assistance request, a command is sent to the first network device for the terminal device to execute the second sensing process.

33. An apparatus comprising: Components for sending a measurement report associated with a first sensing process to a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and the apparatus in a first frequency band; A component for receiving from the first network device a command to perform a second sensing process with the second network device in the second frequency band; as well as A component for sending an access request to the second network device to access the second network device to perform the second sensing process based on the received command.

34. An apparatus comprising: Components for receiving a measurement report associated with a first sensing process from a terminal device, the first sensing process being performed between the device and the terminal device in a first frequency band; A component for sending information about the first sensing process to a third network device based on the determination that the sensing performance of the first sensing process fails to meet a predefined level; A component for receiving from the third network device a command for the terminal device to perform a second sensing process between the terminal device and the second network device in the second frequency band; as well as A component used to send the command to the terminal device.

35. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving from a third network device a sensing assistance request from the device to perform a second sensing process with a terminal device in a second frequency band, wherein the terminal device performs a first sensing process with a first network device in the first frequency band; A component for sending confirmation of the sensing assistance request to the third network device; as well as A component for receiving from the terminal device an access request for accessing the device to perform the second sensing process.

36. An apparatus comprising: Components for receiving information about a first sensing process from a first network device, the first sensing process being performed between the first network device and a terminal device in a first frequency band; A component for sending a sensing assistance request to a second network device, based on the received information, for the second network device to perform a second sensing process with the terminal device in a second frequency band; as well as A component for sending a command to the first network device, based on an acknowledgment received from the second network device for the terminal device to perform the second sensing process.

37. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed on at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 29 to 32.

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