Method, apparatus and system for feedback based on map or mapping configuration

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to feedback based on map or mapping configuration. In one aspect, a first device obtains first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, a mapping configuration between the two maps. The first device then obtains second information associated with at least one of: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration. Based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, the first device determines whether to send feedback to the second device. Based on determining to send feedback, the first device sends feedback to the second device. Accordingly, a comparison between the second information and the first information may be indicated to the second device. Therefore, sensing performance and communication performance are improved, and processing latency and complexity are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for feedback based on map or mapping configurations. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, user equipment (UE) location information has been introduced into cellular communication networks to improve various network performance metrics. These metrics may include capacity, agility, and efficiency. This improvement is achieved when network components utilize the UE's location, behavior, and mobility patterns within a context of prior information describing the wireless environment in which the UE operates.

[0003] Sensing systems can be used to help collect UE pose information, including the UE's position in the global coordinate system, its speed and direction of movement in the global coordinate system, orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. "Location" is also called "position," and these terms are used interchangeably in this document. Well-known sensing systems include radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), among others. While sensing systems can be decoupled from communication systems, it is advantageous to use an integrated system for information collection, which reduces the hardware (and cost) in the system and the time, frequency, or spatial resources required to perform both functions. However, using communication system hardware to perform the sensing of UE pose and environmental information is extremely challenging and remains an open problem. Furthermore, the performance of feedback still needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a solution for feedback based on one or more maps, one or more mapping configurations, or any combination of maps and mapping configurations.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first device, obtaining first information associated with at least one of the following: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometric information; obtaining second information associated with at least one of the following: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration; determining, based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, whether to send feedback to a second device; and sending feedback to the second device based on the determination that feedback should be sent. Therefore, the comparison between the second information and the first information can be indicated to the second device. Consequently, sensing performance and communication performance are improved.

[0006] In some embodiments, the mapping configuration may indicate at least one of the following: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element-wise representation of the second map; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element-wise representation of the first map; a list of index pairs, wherein each index pair includes an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element-wise representation of the second map; an element in the second map corresponding to an element-wise representation of the first map; or a list of element pairs, wherein each element pair includes an element in the first map and an element in the second map. In this way, the mapping configuration can be indicated in a variety of alternative ways. Additionally, the mapping configuration may also implicitly indicate the first map and the second map.

[0007] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have at least one of the following: multipath or ray tracing information type, channel matrix information type characterizing the channel, beamforming information type, reference signal information type, or channel quality or state information type. In this way, different RF maps (including specific types of RF map elements) can be flexibly provided according to different scenarios and sensing / communication tasks.

[0008] In some embodiments, elements in the second map may have at least one of the following: a two-dimensional (2D) location region type; a three-dimensional (3D) location region type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with geometric information. In this way, different G maps (including specific types of G map elements) can be flexibly provided according to different scenarios and sensing / communication tasks.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first element in the first map has a first element type, and a second element in the first map has a second element type, wherein the first element type and the second element type may be the same or different, the first size of the first element and the second size of the second element may be the same or different, and / or the first value range of the first element and the second value range of the second element may be the same or different. In this way, the RF map can include multiple elements with different element types. Therefore, by means of a mapping configuration, the first device can obtain different aspects of wireless environment information. Furthermore, the first map can be divided into different sizes, shapes, or types.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elements in the first map have one or more element types. In this way, sufficient wireless environment information can be obtained directly.

[0011] In some embodiments, a third element in the second map has a third element type, and a fourth element in the second map has a fourth element type, wherein the third element type is the same as or different from the fourth element type; and / or the third size or shape of the third element is the same as or different from the fourth size or shape of the fourth element. In this way, the second map can be divided in a uniform or non-uniform manner.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining whether to send feedback may include: based on determining that the difference between the first information and the second information is greater than a first threshold, determining to send at least one of the following: an indication of a change in at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration; the difference; or the second information. In this way, a comparison between the second information and the first information can be indicated to the second device in several alternative ways.

[0013] In some embodiments, determining whether to send feedback may include: based on determining that the difference between the first information and the second information is less than a first threshold, determining whether to: send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration remains unchanged, or avoid sending feedback. In this way, the similarity between the second information and the first information can be represented in several alternative ways.

[0014] In some embodiments, based on the determination that the difference is higher than a second threshold smaller than a first threshold, the first device may also send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration remains unchanged. In this way, the second device can be indicated to the second device that the second information is similar to the first information. Therefore, the overhead of UE feedback can be reduced.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first device may also avoid sending feedback if the difference is determined to be less than a second threshold smaller than a first threshold. In this way, the overhead of UE feedback can be reduced.

[0016] In some embodiments, the feedback is a second piece of information or the difference between the first and second pieces of information. Sending the feedback may include compressing the feedback and sending the compressed feedback to a second device. In this way, the overhead of UE feedback can be reduced.

[0017] In some embodiments, the function used by the first device to calculate the difference may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device, and / or the second threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. In this way, the configuration of the UE feedback can be determined by the second device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first information may be broadcast, multicast, or unicast by the second device. In this way, the first information can be sent in several alternative ways. In some embodiments, the first information has a first level of refinement, and obtaining the second information may include obtaining second information with a second level of refinement based on the first information with the first level of refinement, the second level of refinement being higher than the first level of refinement. In this way, a more refined map or mapping can be obtained based on a coarse map or mapping received from the second device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first device may also send second information with a second level of refinement, or the difference between the second information with a second level of refinement and the first information with a first level of refinement, to the second device. In this way, a more detailed map or mapping can be indicated to the second device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the feedback may be a difference or second information, the second information having a third refinement level. The method may further include: receiving third information with a fourth refinement level from a second device, wherein the third information with the fourth refinement level is obtained based on the feedback, and the fourth refinement level is higher than the third refinement level; and obtaining fourth information with a fifth refinement level based on the third information with the fourth refinement level, wherein the fifth refinement level is higher than the third refinement level. In this manner, a more refined map or mapping can be obtained based on the map or mapping received from the second device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first device may also send a fourth piece of information with a fifth level of refinement, or the difference between the fourth piece of information with a fifth level of refinement and the third piece of information with a fourth level of refinement, to the second device. In this way, a more detailed map or mapping can be indicated to the second device.

[0022] In some embodiments, before sending the fourth information, the first device may further compress the fourth information or the difference between the fourth information and the third information. This reduces the overhead of UE feedback. In some embodiments, the first information is associated with a second map and mapping configuration, and the first device may further: determine elements in the second map associated with the first device based on the first device's location information; and determine elements in the first map associated with the first device based on elements in the second map and the mapping configuration. In this way, the first device can obtain a first map associated with the location of the first device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one index and mapping configuration of at least one element in the second map, and the method may further include: determining elements in the first map associated with the first device based on at least one index and mapping configuration. In this way, the first device can obtain the first information in several alternative ways.

[0024] In some embodiments, obtaining the first information may include receiving the first information from a second device. In this way, the first device can flexibly obtain the first information.

[0025] In some embodiments, obtaining the second information may include collecting the second information. In this way, the first device can flexibly obtain the second information.

[0026] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending, from a second device to a first device, first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, wherein the first map represents wireless environmental information and the second map represents geometric information; and receiving feedback. Thus, the second device can receive feedback. Therefore, sensing performance and communication performance are improved.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mapping configuration may indicate at least one of the following: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element in the second map; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element in the first map; a list of index pairs, wherein each index pair includes an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element in the second map; an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element in the first map; or a list of element pairs, wherein each element pair includes an element in the first map and an element in the second map. In this way, the mapping configuration can be indicated in a variety of alternative ways. Additionally, the mapping configuration may also implicitly indicate the first map and the second map.

[0028] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have at least one of the following: multipath or ray tracing information type, channel matrix information type characterizing the channel, beamforming information type, reference signal information type, or channel quality or state information type. In this way, different RF maps (including specific types of RF map elements) can be flexibly provided according to different scenarios and sensing / communication tasks.

[0029] In some embodiments, elements in the second map may have at least one of the following: a two-dimensional (2D) location region type; a three-dimensional (3D) location region type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with geometric information. In this way, different G maps (including specific types of G map elements) can be flexibly provided according to different scenarios and sensing / communication tasks.

[0030] In some embodiments, a first element in the first map has a first element type, and a second element in the first map has a second element type, wherein the first element type and the second element type may be the same or different, the first size of the first element and the second size of the second element may be the same or different, and / or the first value range of the first element and the second value range of the second element may be the same or different. In this way, the RF map can include multiple elements with different element types. Therefore, by means of a mapping configuration, the first device can obtain different aspects of wireless environment information. Furthermore, the first map can be divided into different sizes, shapes, or types.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elements in the first map have one or more element types. In this way, sufficient wireless environment information can be obtained directly.

[0032] In some embodiments, a third element in the second map has a third element type, and a fourth element in the second map has a fourth element type, wherein the third element type is the same as or different from the fourth element type; and / or the third size or shape of the third element is the same as or different from the fourth size or shape of the fourth element. In this way, the second map can be divided in a uniform or non-uniform manner.

[0033] In some embodiments, obtaining feedback may include receiving feedback from a first device. In this way, the second device can flexibly obtain feedback.

[0034] In some embodiments, the feedback may be associated with a comparison between second information and first information, and the second information may be associated with at least one of the following: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration. In this way, the second device can obtain a comparison between the second information and the first information.

[0035] In some embodiments, receiving feedback may include receiving an indication of at least one change in a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration, the difference, or at least one of the second information, if the difference between the first information and the second information is greater than a first threshold. In this way, the second device can obtain a comparison between the second information and the first information in several alternative ways.

[0036] In some embodiments, receiving feedback may include receiving an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed if the difference between the first information and the second information is less than a first threshold. In this way, the second device can determine that the second information is similar to the first information, thereby reducing the overhead of UE feedback.

[0037] In some embodiments, the difference or second information can be compressed, and the method may further include decompressing the compressed difference or compressed second information. This reduces the overhead of UE feedback. In some embodiments, the second device may also determine a function used by the first device to calculate the difference and send the function to the first device. This allows the second device to determine the configuration of UE feedback.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second device may further determine a first threshold and send the first threshold to the first device. In some embodiments, the second device may further determine a second threshold for the difference, and the second threshold may be smaller than the first threshold, and send the second threshold to the first device. In this way, the second device can determine the configuration of the UE feedback.

[0039] In some embodiments, sending the first information may include broadcasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device, multicasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device, unicasting the first information to the first device, or any combination of two or more of the above. In this manner, the first information can be sent in several alternative ways.

[0040] In some embodiments, the feedback can be a difference or second information, the first information having a first level of refinement, and the method may further include: obtaining third information with a second level of refinement based on the feedback, the second level of refinement being higher than the first level of refinement. In this way, a more refined map or mapping can be obtained based on a map or mapping received from a first device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the feedback may be a difference or second information, the second information having a third level of refinement. The method may further include: obtaining fourth information with a fourth level of refinement, the fourth level of refinement being higher than the third level of refinement; and sending the fourth information with the fourth level of refinement to a first device. In this way, a more refined map or mapping can be indicated to a second device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second device may also receive from the first device fifth information having a fifth refinement level, or the difference between the fifth information having a fifth refinement level and the fourth information having a fourth refinement level, wherein the fifth refinement level is higher than the third refinement level. In this way, the second device can obtain a more refined map or mapping.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information can be compressed, and the second device can also decompress the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information. In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one index and mapping configuration of at least one element in the second map. In this way, the overhead of UE feedback can be reduced.

[0044] In a third aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: at the first device, obtain first information associated with at least one of the following: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometric information; obtain second information associated with at least one of the following: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration; determine, based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, whether to send feedback to the second device; and, based on the determination to send feedback, send feedback to the second device via the transceiver.

[0045] In the fourth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: transmit first information associated with at least one of a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first map and the second map to the first device via the transceiver at the second device, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometric information; and receive feedback via the transceiver.

[0046] In a fifth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, including a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method of either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, including at least one processing circuit configured to perform the method of either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the method of either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0049] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Some exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A An exemplary communication system in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented is shown; Figure 1B An exemplary communication system in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented is shown; Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices (EDs) and base stations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 1D Examples of units or modules in a device related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 1E Examples of sensing management functions (SMFs) related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 2 An exemplary signaling diagram illustrating exemplary processes of some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary representation of the mapping configuration between an RF map and a G map according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 Flowcharts illustrating methods implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The principles of the invention will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described merely to illustrate and assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the invention, and do not impose any limitations on the scope of the invention. The inventive content described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those specifically described below.

[0053] 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 invention pertains.

[0054] In this invention, references to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize adjustments or modifications to such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not such adjustments are explicitly described.

[0055] It should be understood that while the terms "first" and "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms used. The terms used are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are intended to include the plural meaning. It should also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0057] Figure 1A An exemplary communication system 100A in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented is shown. (See reference...) Figure 1AAs a non-limiting illustrative example, a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided. Communication system 100A includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, 6G, or later) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more communication electronic devices (EDs) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j (generally referred to as 110) may be interconnected or connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170) in radio access network 120. Core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100A. Furthermore, communication system 100A includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0058] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented is illustrated. Typically, communication system 100B enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. Communication system 100B can be used to provide content such as voice, data, video, signaling, and / or text via broadcast, multicast, and unicast. Communication system 100B can operate by sharing resources such as carrier spectrum bandwidth among its constituent components. Communication system 100B may include terrestrial communication systems and / or non-terrestrial communication systems. Communication system 100B can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.). Communication system 100B can provide high availability and robustness through the joint operation of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems. For example, integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or components thereof) into a terrestrial communication system can create a heterogeneous network that can be considered as comprising multiple layers. Compared to traditional communication networks, heterogeneous networks can achieve better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, more flexible function sharing, and faster physical layer link switching.

[0059] Terrestrial communication systems and non-terrestrial communication systems can be considered subsystems of a communication system. Figure 1BIn the example shown, communication system 100B includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d (generally referred to as ED 110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a non-terrestrial communication network 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. RANs 120a and 120b include corresponding base stations (BSs) 170a and 170b, which are generally referred to as terrestrial transmit and receive points (T-TRPs) 170a and 170b. The non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes access nodes 172, which are generally referred to as non-terrestrial transmit and receive points (NT-TRPs) 172.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110 can be used to connect, access, or communicate with any T-TRP 170a, 170b, and NT-TRP 172, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. In some examples, ED 110a can communicate uplink and / or downlink with T-TRP 170a via terrestrial air interface 190a. In some examples, ED 110a, ED 110b, ED 110c, and ED 110d can also communicate directly with each other via one or more sidelink air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d can communicate uplink and / or downlink with NT-TRP 172 via non-terrestrial air interface 190c.

[0061] Air interfaces 190a and 190b can use similar communication technologies, such as any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100B can implement one or more channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190b, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), direct Fourier transform spread OFDMA (DFT-OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). Air interfaces 190a and 190b can utilize other high-dimensional signal spaces, which may involve combinations of orthogonal and / or non-orthogonal dimensions.

[0062] The non-terrestrial air interface 190c can enable communication between the ED 110d and one or more NT-TRP 172s via a wireless link or a simple link. For some examples, the link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection for multicast transmission between a group of ED 110s and one or more NT-TRP 172s.

[0063] RAN 120a and RAN 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services such as voice and data to ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c. RAN 120a and RAN 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RAN 120a and / or RAN 120b. Core network 130 may also act as a gateway between (i) RAN 120a and RAN 120b or ED 110a, ED 110b and ED 110c or both and (ii) other networks (such as PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or other than wireless communication), ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) and the Internet 150 via a wired communication channel. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computers and subnets (intranets) or both, incorporating protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies, incorporating multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0064] Any or all of ED 110 and BS 170 can be sensing nodes in system 100B. A sensing node is a network entity that performs sensing by sending and receiving sensing signals. Some sensing nodes are communication devices that perform both communication and sensing. However, it is possible that some sensing nodes do not perform communication but are dedicated solely to sensing. Sensing agent 174 is an example of a sensing node dedicated solely to sensing. Unlike ED 110 and BS 170, sensing agent 174 neither sends nor receives communication signals. However, sensing agent 174 can transmit configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within communication system 100B. Sensing agent 174 can communicate with core network 130 to transmit information with the rest of communication system 100B. For example, sensing agent 174 can determine the location of ED 110a and send that information to base station 170a via core network 130. Although Figure 2 Only one sensing agent 174 is shown, but any number of sensing agents can be implemented in the communication system 100B. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents can be implemented at one or more RAN 120s.

[0065] Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices (EDs) and base stations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figure 1C As shown, another example of ED 110 and base stations 170a, 170b, and / or 170c is provided. ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), metaverse, digital twins, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearable devices, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0066] Each ED 110 represents any applicable end-user equipment for wireless operation, which may include (or may be referred to as): user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics, smartbook, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, wearable device (e.g., watch, head-mounted device, glasses), industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., communication module, modem, or chip). Future generations of ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Each base station 170a and 170b is a T-TRP, hereinafter referred to as T-TRP 170. Figure 1C As shown, NT-TRP will be referred to as NT-TRP 172 below. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically turned on (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), turned off (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of connectivity availability and connectivity necessity.

[0067] ED 110 includes a transmitter 111 and a receiver 113 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is illustrated. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas 204 may also be panels. For example, the transmitter 111 and receiver 113 may be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also configured to demodulate data or other content received via at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0068] ED 110 includes at least one memory 115. Memory 115 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 115 may store software instructions or modules configured to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by one or more processing units (e.g., processor 117). Each memory 115 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval device. Any applicable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, processor cache, etc.

[0069] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (such as a wired interface connected to the Internet 150 in Figure 1). The input / output devices support interaction with the user or other devices on the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure, such as operation (including network interface communication) via a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, for providing or receiving information from the user.

[0070] ED 110 includes a processor 117 for performing operations including: operations related to preparing uplink transmissions to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. Depending on the embodiment, receiver 113 may receive downlink transmissions, possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 117 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). For example, the signaling may be a reference signal transmitted by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 117 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam pointing indications (e.g., beamangle information (BAI)) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 117 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and obtaining system information. In some embodiments, processor 117 may perform channel estimation, for example, using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170.

[0071] Although not shown, processor 117 may be part of transmitter 111 and / or receiver 113. Although not shown, memory 115 may be part of processor 117.

[0072] Processor 117, the processing components of transmitter 111, and the processing components of receiver 113 can all be implemented by the same or different processors configured to execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 115). Alternatively, some or all of processor 117, the processing components of transmitter 111, and the processing components of receiver 113 can be implemented using special-purpose circuits such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0073] In some implementations, the T-TRP 170 may have other names, such as base station, basetransceiver station (BTS), radio base station, network node, network equipment, network-side equipment, transmit / receive node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network equipment, ground base station, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), location node, etc. The T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, micro BS, relay node, host node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned equipment or a device within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip).

[0074] In some embodiments, the various parts of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located at a remote end of the device housing the antenna 256 of T-TRP 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna 256 via a communication link (not shown), sometimes referred to as a fronthaul, such as a common public radio interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as determining the location of ED 110, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, and these modules are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna 256 of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110, for example, by using cooperative multicast.

[0075] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 181 and at least one receiver 183 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown in the figure. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas 256 may be a panel. The transmitter 181 and receiver 183 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 182 for performing operations including those related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to ED 110; processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110; preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to NT-TRP 172; and processing transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., multiple input multiple output (MIMO) precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to uplink or backlink transmissions may include receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. Processor 182 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB) and generating system information. In some embodiments, processor 182 also generates a beam pointing indication, such as a BAI, which scheduler 184 may schedule for transmission. Processor 182 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110 and the deployment location of NT-TRP 172. In some embodiments, processor 182 may generate signaling, such as for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 182 is transmitted by transmitter 181. It should be noted that the term "signaling" as used herein may also be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be transmitted in control channels such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), while static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in data packets transmitted in data channels such as the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0076] Scheduler 184 may be coupled to processor 182. Scheduler 184 may be included within T-TRP 170 or may operate separately from T-TRP 170. Scheduler 184 may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling authorizations and / or configuring unscheduled (“configured authorization”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 185 for storing information and data. Memory 185 stores instructions and data used, generated, or acquired by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 185 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by processor 182.

[0077] Although not shown, processor 182 may form part of transmitter 181 and / or receiver 183. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 182 may implement scheduler 184. Although not shown, memory 185 may form part of processor 182.

[0078] The processing components of processor 182, scheduler 184, transmitter 181, and receiver 183 can all be implemented by the same or different processors, which are configured to execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 185). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 182, scheduler 184, transmitter 181, and receiver 183 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC.

[0079] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as an example of a drone only, it can be implemented in any applicable non-terrestrial form, such as an aerial platform, a satellite, an aerial platform as an international mobile telecommunications base station, and an unmanned aerial vehicle, which will be discussed below. Furthermore, in some implementations, the NT-TRP 172 may have other names, such as a non-terrestrial node, a non-terrestrial network device, or a non-terrestrial base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 186 and a receiver 187 coupled to one or more antennas 108. Only one antenna 108 is shown in the figure. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 186 and receiver 187 may be integrated as a transceiver. NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 188 for performing operations related to: preparing a transmission for downlink transmission to ED 110; processing an uplink transmission received from ED 110; preparing a transmission for backhaul transmission to T-TRP 170; and processing a transmission received from T-TRP 170 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing transmissions received in the uplink or via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, processor 188 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam pointing information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 188 may generate signaling, for example, to configure one or more parameters of ED 110. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but not higher-level functions such as medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layer functions. Since this is merely an example, more generally, the NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0080] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 189 for storing information and data. Although not shown, a processor 188 may be part of a transmitter 186 and / or a receiver 187. Although not shown, the memory 189 may be part of a processor 188.

[0081] The processing components of processor 188, transmitter 186, and receiver 187 can all be implemented by the same or different processors that execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 189). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 188, transmitter 186, and receiver 187 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 can actually be multiple NT-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110, for example, through cooperative multicasting.

[0082] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0083] Figure 1D Examples of units or modules in a device related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. One or more steps of the method embodiments provided herein can be derived by… Figure 1D The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 1D Units or modules in devices such as the ED110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172 are illustrated. For example, signals can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) module or a machine learning (ML) module. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or combinations thereof. For example, one or more units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented, for example, using software executed by a processor, then these modules can be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, or in one or more instances as needed. It should also be understood that these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0084] Further details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted here.

[0085] Sensing nodes can combine sensing-based technologies with reference signal-based technologies to enhance UE pose determination. This type of sensing node can also be called a sensing management function (SMF). In some networks, the SMF can also be called a location management function (LMF). The SMF can be implemented as a physically independent entity located at a core network 130 connected to multiple BS 170s. In other aspects of this application, the SMF can be implemented as a logical entity co-located within the BS 170 through logic executed by the processor 182. Figure 1E Examples of sensing management functions (SMFs) related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0086] like Figure 1E As shown, when implemented as a physically independent entity, the SMF 176 includes at least one processor 194, at least one transmitter 192, at least one receiver 196, one or more antennas 195, and at least one memory 199. Transceivers (not shown) may be used instead of transmitters 192 and receivers 196. A scheduler 198 may be coupled to the processor 194. The scheduler 198 may be included within the SMF 176 or may operate separately from the SMF. The processor 194 implements various processing operations of the SMF 176, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions. The processor 194 may also be configured to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in more detail above. Each processor 194 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. For example, each processor 194 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0087] Pose determination techniques based on reference signals belong to the "active" pose estimation paradigm. In this paradigm, the user (e.g., UE) who requests pose information participates in the process of determining their pose. The user can send or receive (or send and receive) signals specific to the pose determination process. Positioning techniques based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, are other examples of the active pose estimation paradigm.

[0088] In contrast, radar-based sensing technologies, for example, can be considered a "passive" pose determination paradigm. In passive pose determination, the target is completely unaware of the pose determination process.

[0089] By integrating sensing and communication into a single system, the system does not need to operate according to a single paradigm. Therefore, combining sensing-based techniques with reference signal-based techniques can achieve enhanced pose determination.

[0090] For example, enhanced pose determination can include obtaining UE channel subspace information, which is particularly useful for UE channel reconstruction at sensing nodes, especially for beam-based operations and communications. The UE channel subspace is a subset of the entire algebraic space defined in the spatial domain, containing the entire channel from the TP to the UE. Therefore, the UE channel subspace can very accurately define the TP-to-UE channel. Signals transmitted in other subspaces contribute negligibly to the UE channel. Understanding the UE channel subspace helps reduce the workload required for UE-side channel measurement and network-side channel reconstruction. Therefore, combining sensing-based techniques with reference signal-based techniques can significantly reduce the overhead of UE channel reconstruction compared to traditional methods. Subspace information can also facilitate subspace-based sensing to reduce sensing complexity and improve sensing accuracy.

[0091] Sensing systems can be used to help collect UE pose information, including the UE's position in the global coordinate system, its speed and direction of movement in the global coordinate system, orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. "Location" is also called "position," and these terms are used interchangeably in this document. Well-known sensing systems include radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), among others. While sensing systems can be decoupled from communication systems, using an integrated system to collect information can reduce the hardware (and cost) in the system, as well as the time, frequency, or spatial resources required to perform both functions. However, using communication system hardware to perform the sensing of UE pose and environmental information is a highly challenging and open problem. The difficulty of this problem is related to factors such as the limited resolution of the communication system, the dynamic nature of the environment, and the large number of objects whose electromagnetic properties and positions need to be estimated.

[0092] Therefore, sensor-communication integration (also known as communication-sensing integration) is an ideal feature in existing and future communication systems. Furthermore, it is desirable to design the information exchanged between the UE and the sensing system or sensing coordinator, as well as the corresponding interaction protocols, to facilitate the practical implementation of sensor-communication integration.

[0093] Furthermore, both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can enable a range of new services and applications, such as earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, and automated delivery and mobility. Terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing can provide intelligent context-aware sensing networks to enhance the UE experience. For example, terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing may involve opportunities for positioning and sensing applications based on a new set of features and service capabilities. Applications such as THz imaging and spectroscopy have the potential to provide continuous, real-time physiological information for future digital health technologies via dynamic, non-invasive, and contactless measurements. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) methods can not only enable advanced cross-reality (XR) applications but also enhance navigation for autonomous objects such as vehicles and drones. In both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, measured channel data and sensed positioning data can be obtained through high bandwidth, new spectrum, dense networks, and more light-of-sight (LOS) links. Based on this data, radio environment maps can be created, linking channel information with its corresponding positioning or environmental information, to provide enhanced physical layer designs based on this map.

[0094] Because base stations or networks can collect and use their own channel / sensing data or the UE's channel / sensing data, they can have a larger field of view, longer sensing distance, more detailed global information, and higher-resolution environmental maps. If the network provides the UE with a radio environment map, this map can help the UE improve its sensing capabilities, such as increasing sensing accuracy or reducing sensing complexity. The map can also assist UE communication, such as MIMO or beamforming processes. Furthermore, when the UE's location / geographical information changes, or when the surrounding environment changes, the corresponding radio environment map for the UE may also change. If the network can provide the UE with up-to-date radio environment map information based on these changes, it can reduce the UE's processing latency or processing complexity. Simultaneously, sensing or communication performance can be improved accordingly.

[0095] According to embodiments of the present invention, a solution for feedback (e.g., UE feedback) based on a map or mapping configuration is provided. In one aspect, a first device obtains first information associated with a first map, a second map, a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, or any combination of two or more of the above. The first map represents wireless environment information, and the second map represents geometric information. The first device then obtains second information associated with at least one of the following: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration. Based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, the first device determines whether to send feedback to a second device. Based on the determination to send feedback, the first device sends feedback to the second device. Therefore, the comparison between the second information and the first information can be indicated to the second device. Consequently, sensing performance and communication performance are improved, while processing latency and complexity are reduced.

[0096] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating exemplary processes of some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Process 200 may involve a first device 201 and a second device 202. Figure 2 The first device 201 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of a communication electronic device 110. Figure 2 The second device 202 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of network node 170. It should be understood that, although already... Figure 1A The processing flow 200 is described in the communication system 100A, but this process can also be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0097] In processing flow 200, the second device 202 sends 210 first information 220 associated with at least one of the following to the first device 201: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first and second maps. The first map represents wireless environment information, and the second map represents geometric information. Alternatively, the first information may include indication information indicating whether the first information includes the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration. Additionally, time-frequency resources and interaction times implicitly correspond to each map or mapping configuration. Based on the time-frequency resources and interaction times, it can be determined whether the first information includes the first map, the second map, or the mapping; the first information does not need to carry indication information. At the other end of the communication, the first device 201 receives 230 the first information 220. Alternatively, the first device 201 can obtain the first information by receiving it from the second device 202. In one example, the first device 201 can receive the first information from the BS. In another example, the first device 201 can obtain the first information from its storage device or a third device (e.g., at least one terminal device or network function). For example, the first information may refer to information about the first map, second map, or mapping configuration collected by network nodes (e.g., BS).

[0098] For example, the first map can represent a wireless environment map, radio frequency map, radio map, radio-based map, radio signal-based map, or other maps with similar meanings. First map elements can have several representations, such as ray tracing, multipath information, channel H information, channel state / quality information, beamforming information, reference signal information, and channel quality indicator (CQI). The first map can be an RF map. The second map can represent location / geometry / geographic information or a map, or some intermediate result after processing location / geometry / geographic information, or other maps with similar meanings. The second map can be a grid-based map or a map in other formats. Each element / grid in the second map includes corresponding geometric / geographic information. The second map can be a G map. "Map" represents a form of indication and can also be replaced by other names such as list, matrix, group, set, range, region, relation, lookup table, information, etc. "Mapping" represents a relation and can also be replaced by other names such as relation, match, lookup table, etc. Each map (RF map, G map, or other map) includes N elements, where N is greater than or equal to 1. Elements in a map can have different sizes or shapes. The shape of an element can be regular or irregular. Elements in a map can have the same type and / or shape, or they can have different types and / or shapes.

[0099] Mapping configuration can also be referred to as mapping. A mapping can include one or more mapping elements. Some examples of mapping between G-maps and RF maps are provided below, but the invention is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, the examples in this embodiment are illustrated using regular G-map or RF map elements, but these methods are also applicable to irregular G-map or RF map elements. In the first example, each RF map element can have an index, and the index can be explicitly or implicitly configured and obtained based on the order of the elements. Each element in the G-map will be mapped to an element in the RF map. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the first G-map element in G-map 301 is mapped to an RF map element with index 1 in RF map 305, the second G-map element is mapped to an RF map element with index 5, the third G-map element is mapped to an RF map element with index 1, and the fourth G-map element is mapped to an RF map element with index 0, and so on. Based on the aforementioned mapping example, mapping 303 itself can be a map or an index map, such as... Figure 3AThe middle section shows a 4×4 map 303 with mapping elements {1, 5, 1, 0, 2, 3…1, 5}. Alternatively, the mapping can be represented by a list / array: {1, 5, 1, 0, 2, 3…1, 5}, where the i-th mapping element in the list represents the index of the RF map element corresponding to the i-th G map element.

[0100] In the second example, each RF map element has an index, which can be explicitly or implicitly configured and obtained based on the order of the elements. Each G map element also has an index, and this index can be explicitly or implicitly configured and obtained based on the order of the elements. Figure 3B As shown, the mapping indicates that a G map element with index 0 in G map 307 corresponds to an RF map element with index 1 in RF map 309, a G map element with index 1 corresponds to an RF map element with index 5, a G map element with index 2 corresponds to an RF map element with index 1, a G map element with index 3 corresponds to an RF map element with index 0, and so on. Based on the aforementioned mapping example, the mapping can be represented by the following list or array of index pairs: {(0, 1), (1, 5), (2, 1), (3, 0) ….}, where each mapping element (i, j) index pair represents the mapping or relationship between G map element index i and RF map element index j.

[0101] Additionally, the mapping configuration may be represented as or include: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; a list of index pairs, wherein each index pair includes an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; a list of element pairs, wherein each element pair includes an element in the first map and an element in the second map; or any combination of two or more of the above.

[0102] Without limitation, elements in the first map may have one or more types and / or forms. For example, elements in the first map may be at least one of the following: multipath or ray tracing information type, channel matrix information type characterizing the channel, beamforming information type, reference signal information type, or channel quality or state information type. In the example, elements in the first map (also referred to as RF map elements) may have the following representations.

[0103] RF map elements may include ray tracing or multipath information. For example, each path / ray may include information about its amplitude, delay, angle, etc. Additionally, an RF map element may include one or more paths / rays, such as a set of {amplitude, delay, angle…}. Alternatively, RF map elements may include channel H information. Channel H may be represented in a vectorized format, a matrix-based format, or by scalar values. Alternatively, RF map elements may include beamforming information. For example, each beam may include information about its beam angle, beam gradient, beamwidth, etc. Additionally, an RF map element may include one or more beams, such as a set of {angle, beam gradient, beamwidth…}. Alternatively, RF map elements may include reference signal information. For example, each RF map element may include one or more reference signals. Alternatively, RF map elements may include one or more channel quality indicator (CQI) metrics. Alternatively, RF map elements may be direct or indirect representations of channel status and / or quality, such as CQI, MCS, SNR, MSC range, SNR range, etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, elements in the first map have one or more element types. Additionally, a first element in the first map has a first element type, and a second element in the first map has a second element type, the first element type being the same as or different from the second element type. In examples, elements in the first map may have different types and / or forms. For instance, a first element in the first map may have a first plurality of types and / or forms, and a second element in the first map may have a second plurality of types and / or forms. In this case, at least a portion of the first plurality of types and / or forms may differ from the second plurality of types and / or forms. In specific examples, the first element may include multipath information, and the second element may include channel H information. In other examples, a third element may include beamforming information. These elements in the first map may include different types (or different numbers of types).

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, regardless of whether the element types are exactly the same, the first size of a first element in a first map may be the same as or different from the second size of a second element in the first map. In some embodiments, if the first and second elements are of the same element type, the first size may differ from the second size in terms of dimension. The term “size” as used herein refers to a measurement or metric of an element in a map in various aspects. That is, the term “size” as used herein can be understood in a broader sense than a strict physical meaning. For example, size may refer to a measurement or metric of at least one of the following: dimension, compression ratio / bits, type order, number of parameters in an element, etc. Without limitation, size may refer to other similar metrics of an element.

[0106] For example, the first element, the second element, and another third element have the channel H information type. Then the first element is 512×64×80. The second element has a dimension of 256×128. The third element has a dimension of vector 1×100. In this example, these elements differ in size in terms of their dimensions.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the first size may differ from the second size in terms of the number of bits, compression or quantization ratio, or compression or quantization level. That is, the compression or quantization ratio / level of the element is different. In the example, the first element is a channel H information type, and the channel H information is compressed or quantized to 5 bits of information. The second element is a channel H information type, and the channel H information is compressed or quantized to 4 bits of information. If the original quantization level of the channel H information is 16 bits of information (i.e., the information is initially stored in 16 bits), then the compression ratios associated with the quantization of the first and second elements are 3.2 and 4, respectively. Therefore, even for the same element type, the compression or quantization ratio / level of the element may be different. Although quantization and compression are generally referred to as different but related concepts, in the context of the previous example, the two terms may be used interchangeably for certain purposes. Additionally, in another example, the first element is a multipath information type, and the amplitude, delay, and angle information for each path are compressed or quantized to 6 bits, 8 bits, and 5 bits, respectively. The second element can be the beamforming information type, and the beam angle, beam gradient, and beamwidth information for each beam can be compressed or quantized to 6 bits, 5 bits, and 7 bits, respectively. The quantization level may also differ for different element types. Even for example, the angle in path information and the angle in beamforming information may have different quantization levels.

[0108] Alternatively, the first size may differ from the second size in the order of information types within each element. In the example, the first element could be {channel H information, beamforming information}, and the second element could be {beamforming information, channel H information}. That is, elements can include multiple types, and the order of the types can also differ.

[0109] Alternatively, the first size may differ from the second size in the number of parameters in the element. In the example, the first element may have beamforming information, and the number of beams is 5. The second element may have beamforming information, and the number of beams is 3. Therefore, the elements include a different number of parameters. In another example, the first element has a ray tracing type and a channel quality type, and the ray tracing type includes 4 rays / paths. However, the second element may only have a ray tracing type / path, and the ray tracing type includes 2 rays / paths.

[0110] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first value range of the first element and the second value range of the second element may be the same or different. In an example, when the elements in the RF map are of the same type, the first value range of the first element in the RF map and the second value range of the second element in the RF map may be the same or different, depending on whether the RF map is uniformly divided. In another example, the first element has reference signal information and a value range of 0-20 dB; the second element has reference signal information and a value range of 0-30 dB. The value ranges of the elements are different. Conversely, in another example, when the first element and the second element have different element types, since the "three-dimensional dimensions" of these elements are different, the first value range and the second value range should also be different.

[0111] In some embodiments, elements in the second map have at least one of the following: a two-dimensional (2D) location region type; a three-dimensional (3D) location region type; a geographic coordinate type; a processed data type associated with geographic / geometric information; or any combination of two or more of the above. For example, a second map representing geometric / geographic information (also referred to as a G-map) may also represent some intermediate results after processing geometric / geographic information, etc. A G-map may be a grid-based map or a map in other formats. A G-map may include M G-map elements / grids, where M≥1. G-map elements / grids may indicate 2D / 3D locations, 2D / 3D regions or areas, geometric information about the surrounding scene, geographic coordinates, other geometric / geographic information, or preprocessed geometric / geographic information.

[0112] In some embodiments, the third element in the second map has a third element type, the fourth element in the second map has a fourth element type, and the third element type and the fourth element type may be the same or different; and / or the third size or shape of the third element and the fourth size or shape of the fourth element may be the same or different.

[0113] In the example, one element in the second map may include 3D location area information and geographic coordinate information, while another element in the second map may include geometric information about the surrounding scene. That is, the elements in the second map may include different types (different numbers of types).

[0114] In some embodiments, the size of elements in the second map or the G map may differ in terms of element dimensions. For example, one element in the second map may be a 2D location region type with dimensions of 100×200; another element in the second map may be a 2D location region type with dimensions of 200×200. Alternatively, one element in the second map may be a 2D location region type with dimensions of 100×200; another element in the second map may be a 3D location region type with dimensions of 50×250×100.

[0115] Alternatively, the size of elements in the second map or G map may differ in terms of compression or quantization ratio / level. For example, an element in the second map might be of a 2D location region type, with the 2D location region information compressed or quantized to 8 bits. Another element in the second map could be of a 3D location region type, with the 3D location region information compressed or quantized to 12 bits. Yet another element in the second map might be of a geographic coordinate type, with the geographic coordinates (x, y, z) compressed or quantized to 16 bits. Therefore, the compression or quantization ratio / level of the elements may differ.

[0116] Alternatively, the size of elements in the second map or G map may differ in the order of information types within each element. For example, one element in the second map may include {2D location area, geographic coordinates}. Another element in the second map may include {geographic coordinates, 2D location area}. That is, elements in the second map may include multiple types, and the order of the types may differ.

[0117] Alternatively, the size of elements in the second map or G map may differ in the number of parameters within each element. For example, one element in the second map may have a 2D geographic coordinate type and include 3 sets of coordinates (x, y). Another element in the second map may have a 2D geographic coordinate type and include 4 sets of coordinates (x, y). In other words, elements in the second map can include different numbers of parameters. This allows for flexible provision of geometric / geographic information descriptions to the user.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first information may be broadcast, multicast, or unicast by the second device. Accordingly, the second device may send the first information by: broadcasting the first information to multiple devices including the first device, multicasting the first information to multiple devices including the first device, unicasting the first information to the first device, or any combination of two or more of the above. For example, the BS may broadcast, multicast, or unicast an RF map, a G map, or a mapping configuration between an RF map and a G map to the UE.

[0119] In some scenarios, the first information can be associated with a second map and mapping configuration. Based on the location information of the first device, the first device can determine the elements in the second map associated with the first device. Based on the elements in the second map and the mapping configuration, the first device can determine the elements in the first map associated with the first device. For example, the UE can select G map elements or grids based on its own location (e.g., coarse location or local geometry), and then obtain the corresponding RF map information based on the mapping between the G map and the RF map.

[0120] In some scenarios, the first information may include at least one index and mapping configuration of at least one element in the second map, and the first device may determine the element associated with the first device in the first map based on at least one index and mapping configuration. For example, the BS may directly notify the UE of the UE's G map element index (e.g., through UE tracking), and then the UE may obtain the corresponding RF map information based on the mapping between the G map and the RF map.

[0121] Return to reference Figure 2 The first device obtains second information associated with at least one of the following: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration. The second information may refer to local information of the UE or other UEs. Alternatively, the first device may obtain the second information by collecting it. In one example, the first device may collect the second information by performing measurements on the first map, second map, or mapping configuration itself. In another example, the first device may receive the second information from a third device, such as at least one terminal device, or a network function.

[0122] Based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, the first device 201 determines whether 250 should send feedback to the second device 202. For example, the UE obtains a local RF map and then compares it with the RF map received from the BS.

[0123] Alternatively, to determine whether to send feedback, the first device 201 can determine whether the difference between the first information and the second information is higher than a first threshold. If the difference between the first information and the second information is higher than the first threshold, the first device 201 can determine to send an indication of a change in at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration, the difference, the second information, or any combination of two or more of the above. In other words, the aforementioned different types of UE feedback can be used individually or in combination. At the other end of the communication, the second device 202 can receive an indication of a change in at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration, the difference, the second information, or any combination of two or more of the above.

[0124] In the example, after comparing the local RF map with the RF map received from the BS, if the two maps are not similar, the UE feedback is determined as CHANGE (e.g., value 1). In other words, the UE only feedback the event result (comparison result), i.e., an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has changed. In another example, if the two maps are not similar, the UE feedback the difference between the UE's local RF map and the RF map from the BS. In other words, the UE feedback the differential local map, i.e., the difference. In yet another example, if the two maps are not similar, the UE feedback a new local RF map. In other words, the UE feedback second information. It should be understood that, taking the RF map as an example, the G map, mapping configuration, and / or other maps can also be applied to embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] Additionally, to determine whether to send feedback, the first device 201 can determine whether the difference between the first information and the second information is less than a first threshold. If the difference between the first information and the second information is less than the first threshold, the first device 201 can determine whether to send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed, or whether to avoid sending feedback.

[0126] In the example, after comparing the local RF map with the RF map received from the BS, if the two maps are similar, the UE feedback is determined to be NOT_CHANGE (e.g., a value of 0). In other words, the UE only feedbacks the event result (comparison result), i.e., an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed. In another example, if the two maps are similar, the UE does not provide feedback. In other words, the UE determines to avoid sending feedback.

[0127] Continue to refer to Figure 2Based on the determination that feedback needs to be sent at 260, the first device 201 sends feedback at 270 to the second device 202 at 280. At this end of the communication, the second device 202 receives the feedback. Alternatively, the second device 202 can receive feedback by receiving feedback from the first device 201.

[0128] Alternatively, if the difference is higher than a second threshold smaller than the first threshold, the first device 201 may send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration remains unchanged. Accordingly, the second device 202 may receive the indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration remains unchanged. Alternatively, if the difference is lower than a second threshold smaller than the first threshold, the first device 201 may avoid sending feedback. Accordingly, the second device 202 will not receive any feedback. For example, in cases where the differences are similar, if the difference between the UE's local map and the BS map is less than T, the UE does not send feedback. Otherwise, the UE sends feedback.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the feedback may be second information or the difference between the first and second information, the first device 201 may compress the feedback. The first device 201 may then send the compressed feedback to the second device. Compressing the second information or difference may refer to encoding the second information or difference, such that the size of the encoded second information or encoded difference is smaller than the second information or difference. In one example, a differential local map may be compressed. In another example, a new local map may be compressed. At the other end of the communication, if the second device 202 receives the compressed difference or compressed second information, the second device 202 may decompress the compressed difference or compressed second information.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, the function used by the first device to calculate the difference may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. For example, a function or method for calculating the match, distance, or difference between the UE's local RF map and the RF map from the BS may be previously configured or indicated. For example, the BS may configure a function for calculating the difference between the UE's local map and the BS map for the UE.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, the first threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. Alternatively or additionally, the second threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. For example, a threshold for triggering a report may be previously configured or indicated. For example, the BS may configure threshold T.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first information has a first level of refinement. The first device 201 can obtain second information with a second level of refinement based on the first information with the first level of refinement, where the second level of refinement is higher than the first level of refinement. For example, the UE can use a map from the BS to obtain a refined local RF map. Additionally, the first device 201 can send the second information with the second level of refinement, or the difference between the second information with the second level of refinement and the first information with the first level of refinement, to the second device. Then, the second device 202 can receive the second information or the difference with the second level of refinement. The second device 202 can also obtain information with a higher level of refinement than the second level of refinement based on the second information or the difference with the second level of refinement. For example, after obtaining a refined local RF map, the UE feeds back the refined local RF map or the difference between the refined local RF map and the BS RF map to the BS. The size of the refined local RF map or the difference can be greater than or equal to the size of the coarse RF map. Then, the BS obtains the refined map based on the UE feedback. Optionally, the UE feedback, the RF map, or the difference can be compressed. In some embodiments, the feedback can be a difference or second information, the second information having a third refinement level, and the second device 202 can obtain third information with a fourth refinement level based on the feedback, the fourth refinement level being higher than the third refinement level. Then, the second device 202 can send the third information to the first device 201. The first device 201 can receive the third information with the fourth refinement level from the second device, and obtain fourth information with a fifth refinement level based on the third information with the fourth refinement level, the fifth refinement level being higher than the third refinement level. Alternatively, the first device can also send the fourth information with the fifth refinement level, or the difference between the fourth information with the fifth refinement level and the third information with the fourth refinement level, to the second device. Accordingly, the second device 202 can receive the fourth information with the fifth refinement level or the difference from the first device 201.

[0133] For example, the UE feeds back its coarse local RF map to the BS, or the difference between the local RF map and the BS RF map. Optionally, the coarse local RF map or the difference can be compressed. The BS can obtain a refined RF map based on the UE's feedback, and then broadcast / multicast / unicast the refined RF map (which could also be a G map, or a mapping between a G map and an RF map). The UE can then use the map or mapping received from the BS to obtain a refined local RF map, and optionally feed back the refined RF map, or the difference between the refined RF map and the BS RF map, to the BS.

[0134] In some embodiments, before sending the fourth information, the first device 201 may further compress the fourth information or the difference between the fourth information and the third information. In other words, the refined RF map or the difference between the refined RF map and the BS RF map may be compressed. Accordingly, the second device 202 may decompress the fourth information or the difference.

[0135] Therefore, RF maps are used to represent wireless environment maps, radio frequency maps, radio wave maps, radio-based maps, radio signal-based maps, or other maps with similar meanings. G maps are used to represent location / geometric / geographic information or maps, or some intermediate results after processing location / geometric / geographic information, or other maps with similar meanings. "Map" represents a form of indication and can also be replaced by other names such as list, matrix, group, set, range, region, relationship, lookup table, information, etc. "Mapping" represents a relationship and can also be replaced by other names such as relationship, match, lookup table, etc.

[0136] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described using the interaction and processing procedures between user equipment (UE) and base station (BS). The exchanged information and protocol flows can also be described in... Figures 1A to 1E This is used between other network nodes described herein, such as between ED 110 and TRP 170, between ED 110 and the core network, between ED 110 and ED 110, and between TRP 170 and TRP 170. The UE in the process described in some embodiments of the present invention can be used... Figures 1A to 1E The sensing nodes mentioned in the text are replaced. In some embodiments of the present invention, the BS in the process can be replaced by a sensing coordinator. A sensing coordinator is a node in the network that can assist in sensing operations. These nodes can be independent nodes dedicated solely to sensing operations, or other nodes that perform sensing operations in parallel with communication transmissions (e.g., Figures 1A to 1E (TRP 170, ED 110, or core network node in the network).

[0137] Typically, different maps (RF maps and / or G maps) and their mapping configurations can be used in different scenarios. UE feedback is based on map indications (RF maps and / or G maps) and mapping indications. There are several types or scenarios for UE feedback. The types or scenarios of UE feedback can include: UE feedback of event results, UE feedback of differential local maps / maps, and UE feedback of new local maps / maps. Regarding UE feedback of event results, the UE obtains the local map / map and then compares it with the map / map from the BS. If they are similar, the UE does not provide feedback, or provides NOT_CHANGE (e.g., a value of 0); otherwise, the UE provides CHANGE (e.g., a value of 1). Regarding UE feedback of differential local maps / maps, the UE obtains the local map / map and then compares it with the map / map from the BS. If they are similar, the UE does not provide feedback, or provides NOT_CHANGE (e.g., a value of 0); otherwise, the UE provides the difference between the local map / map and the BS map / map. Regarding UE feedback of new local maps / maps, the UE obtains the local map / map and then compares it with the map / map from the BS. If the maps are similar, the UE either doesn't provide feedback or provides NOT_CHANGE (e.g., a value of 0); otherwise, the UE provides a new local map / mapping. Additionally, the map / mapping can be refined based on the UE's feedback. The BS and UE can collaborate to obtain a refined map / mapping.

[0138] Based on exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the UE can send feedback based on a map or mapping. In this way, the sensing and communication performance of the UE is improved, while processing latency and complexity are reduced.

[0139] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Reference will be made for purposes of discussion. Figure 2 Method 400 is described from the perspective of the first device 201. It should be understood that method 400 may include additional actions not shown, and / or some of the actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0140] At box 410, the first device obtains first information associated with: a first map, a second map, a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, or any combination of two or more of the above. The first map represents wireless environment information, and the second map represents geometric information. At box 420, the first device obtains second information associated with at least one of: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration. At box 430, the first device determines whether to send feedback to the second device based on a comparison between the second information and the first information. At box 440, the first device sends feedback to the second device based on the determination to send feedback.

[0141] In some embodiments, the mapping configuration may indicate at least one of the following: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; a list of index pairs, wherein an index pair among the index pairs includes an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; or a list of element pairs, wherein a prime pair among the element pairs includes an element in the first map and an element in the second map.

[0142] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have at least one of the following: multipath or ray tracing information type, channel matrix information type characterizing the channel, beamforming information type, reference signal information type, or channel quality or state information type.

[0143] In some embodiments, elements in the second map may have at least one of the following: a two-dimensional (2D) location region type; a three-dimensional (3D) location region type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with geometric information.

[0144] In some embodiments, a first element in a first map has a first element type, a second element in a first map has a second element type, and wherein the first element type and the second element type may be the same or different, the first size of the first element and the second size of the second element may be the same or different, and / or the first value range of the first element and the second value range of the second element may be the same or different.

[0145] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have one or more element types. In some embodiments, a third element in the second map has a third element type, a fourth element in the second map has a fourth element type, and wherein the third element type and the fourth element type may be the same or different; and / or the third size or shape of the third element and the fourth size or shape of the fourth element may be the same or different.

[0146] In some embodiments, in order to determine whether to send feedback, based on determining that the difference between the first information and the second information is higher than a first threshold, the first device may determine to send at least one of the following: an indication of at least one change in the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration, the difference, or the second information.

[0147] In some embodiments, in order to determine whether to send feedback, based on determining that the difference between the first information and the second information is less than a first threshold, the first device may determine whether to send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed, or to avoid sending feedback.

[0148] In some embodiments, based on the determination that the difference is higher than a second threshold smaller than a first threshold, the first device may also send an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration remains unchanged.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first device may also avoid sending feedback based on the determination that the difference is lower than a second threshold smaller than a first threshold.

[0150] In some embodiments, the feedback is a second piece of information or the difference between the first and second pieces of information. The first device can send feedback by compressing the feedback and sending the compressed feedback to the second device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the function used by the first device to calculate the difference may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device, and / or the second threshold may be pre-configured for the first device or indicated by the second device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first information may be broadcast, multicast, or unicast by the second device. In some embodiments, the first information has a first level of refinement, and the first device may obtain the second information by: obtaining the second information with a second level of refinement based on the first information with the first level of refinement, wherein the second level of refinement may be higher than the first level of refinement.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first device may also send to the second device second information having a second level of refinement, or the difference between the second information having a second level of refinement and the first information having a first level of refinement.

[0154] In some embodiments, the feedback may be a difference or second information, the second information having a third refinement level. The first device may also receive third information with a fourth refinement level from the second device, and the third information with the fourth refinement level is obtained based on the feedback, the fourth refinement level being higher than the third refinement level. Subsequently, the first device may obtain fourth information with a fifth refinement level based on the third information with the fourth refinement level, and the fifth refinement level being higher than the third refinement level.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first device may also send to the second device a fourth message with a fifth refinement level, or the difference between the fourth message with a fifth refinement level and the third message with a fourth refinement level.

[0156] In some embodiments, before sending the fourth information, the first device may further compress the fourth information, or the difference between the fourth information and the third information. In some embodiments, the first information is associated with a second map and mapping configuration, and the first device may further: determine elements in the second map associated with the first device based on the location information of the first device; and determine elements in the first map associated with the first device based on elements in the second map and mapping configuration.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one index and mapping configuration of at least one element in the second map, and the first device may also determine the element associated with the first device in the first map based on at least one index and mapping configuration.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first device may obtain the first information by receiving the first information from the second device.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first device may obtain the second information by collecting the second information.

[0160] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Reference will be made for illustrative purposes. Figure 2 Method 500 is described from the perspective of the second device 202. It should be understood that method 500 may include additional actions not shown, and / or some of the actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0161] At box 510, the second device sends first information to the first device associated with at least one of the following: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first and second maps, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometric information. At box 520, the second device receives feedback.

[0162] In some embodiments, the mapping configuration may indicate at least one of the following: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; a list of index pairs, wherein an index pair among the index pairs includes an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element-by-element of the second map; an element in the second map corresponding to an element-by-element of the first map; or a list of element pairs, wherein a prime pair among the element pairs includes an element in the first map and an element in the second map.

[0163] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have at least one of the following: multipath or ray tracing information type, channel matrix information type characterizing the channel, beamforming information type, reference signal information type, or channel quality or state information type.

[0164] In some embodiments, elements in the second map may have at least one of the following: a two-dimensional (2D) location region type; a three-dimensional (3D) location region type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with geometric information.

[0165] In some embodiments, a first element in a first map has a first element type, and a second element in a first map has a second element type, wherein the first element type and the second element type may be the same or different, the first size of the first element and the second size of the second element may be the same or different, and / or the first value range of the first element and the second value range of the second element may be the same or different.

[0166] In some embodiments, elements in the first map may have one or more element types. In some embodiments, a third element in the second map has a third element type, and a fourth element in the second map has a fourth element type, wherein the third element type and the fourth element type may be the same or different; and / or the third size or shape of the third element and the fourth size or shape of the fourth element may be the same or different.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second device may obtain feedback by receiving feedback from the first device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the feedback may be associated with a comparison between second information and first information, and the second information may be associated with at least one of a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second device may receive feedback by receiving at least one of the following if the difference between the first information and the second information is greater than a first threshold: an indication of a change in at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration, the difference, or the second information.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second device may receive feedback by: receiving an indication that at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed if the difference between the first information and the second information is less than a first threshold.

[0171] In some embodiments, the difference or second information can be compressed, and the second device can also decompress the compressed difference or compressed second information. In some embodiments, the second device can also determine a function used by the first device to calculate the difference and send the function to the first device.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second device may further determine a first threshold and send the first threshold to the first device. In some embodiments, the second device may further determine a second threshold for the difference, wherein the second threshold may be smaller than the first threshold, and send the second threshold to the first device.

[0173] In some embodiments, the second device may send the first information by: broadcasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device, multicasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device, unicasting the first information to the first device, or any combination of two or more of the above.

[0174] In some embodiments, the feedback may be a difference or second information, the first information having a first level of refinement, and the second device may obtain third information having a second level of refinement based on the feedback, the second level of refinement being higher than the first level of refinement.

[0175] In some embodiments, the feedback may be a difference or second information, the second information having a third refinement level, and the second device may: obtain fourth information with a fourth refinement level based on the feedback, wherein the fourth refinement level may be higher than the third refinement level; and send the fourth information with the fourth refinement level to the first device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second device may also receive from the first device a fifth piece of information having a fifth refinement level, or the difference between the fifth piece of information having a fifth refinement level and the fourth piece of information having a fourth refinement level, wherein the fifth refinement level is higher than the third refinement level.

[0177] In some embodiments, the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information is compressed, and the second device may also decompress the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information. In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one index and mapping configuration of at least one element in the second map.

[0178] Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of a device 600 (also referred to as apparatus 600) suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention is shown. Device 600 can be considered as... Figure 1A Another exemplary implementation of the communication electronic device 110 or network node 170 shown. Therefore, device 600 can be implemented at or as at least part of the aforementioned device.

[0179] As shown in the figure, device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) 640 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface coupled to the TX / RX 640. The TX / RX 640 can also be referred to as a transceiver. The TX / RX 640 can be coupled to the processor 610 through any suitable interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the processor. The memory 610 stores at least a portion of the program 630. The TX / RX 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node or base station mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 or Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs or gNBs, the S1 interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Serving Gateway (S-GW) and an eNB or gNB, the Un interface for communication between an eNB or gNB and a relay node (RN), the Uu interface for communication between an eNB or gNB and a terminal device, or the PC5 interface for communication between two terminal devices.

[0180] Assume that program 630 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 610, enable device 600 to operate according to embodiments of the invention, as referenced herein. Figures 1A to 5 The embodiments described herein can be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 610 of device 600, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 610 can be used to implement various embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the combination of the processor 610 and the memory 620 can form a processing component 650 for implementing various embodiments of the invention.

[0181] Memory 620 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory (as non-limiting examples). Although only one memory 620 is shown in device 600, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 600. Processor 610 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture (as non-limiting examples). Device 600 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0182] Components included in the apparatus and / or device of the present invention can be implemented in various ways, including software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, one or more units may be implemented using software and / or firmware, for example, using machine-executable instructions stored on a storage medium. In addition to or instead of machine-executable instructions, some or all units in the apparatus and / or device may be implemented at least partially by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip (SOC) systems, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0183] Generally, various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present invention are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, technical terminal devices, or methods described herein can be implemented as non-limiting examples in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0184] The present invention also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which, when executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, are used to perform the processes or methods described above with reference to any of Figures 3 to 14. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of the program module can execute on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0185] The program code used to perform the methods of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code implements the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine (as a standalone software package), partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0186] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-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 fibers, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0187] Furthermore, although operations are shown in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring the execution of all shown operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageously performed. Similarly, while several specific embodiment details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as descriptions of features characteristic of particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0188] Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the invention as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary ways of implementing the claims.

[0189] When these functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be implemented in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0190] The above description is merely some specific implementations of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variations or substitutions that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application are within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: obtaining, at a first device, first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first map and the second map, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometry information; obtaining second information associated with at least one of: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration; determining, based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, whether to send feedback to a second device; and based on a determination that the feedback is to be sent, sending the feedback to the second device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether to send the feedback comprises: based on a determination that a difference between the first information and the second information is above a first threshold, determining that at least one of: (i) an indication that the at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has changed, (ii) the difference, or (iii) the second information, is to be sent.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein determining whether to send the feedback comprises: based on a determination that a difference between the first information and the second information is below a first threshold, determining that (i) an indication that the at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed, or (ii) the feedback is to be avoided.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: based on a determination that the difference is above a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, sending the indication that the at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed.

5. The method of claim 3 or 4, further comprising: based on a determination that the difference is below a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, avoiding sending the feedback.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feedback is the second information or the difference between the first information and the second information, and sending the feedback comprises: compressing the feedback; and sending the compressed feedback to the second device.

7. The method of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a function used by the first device to compute the difference is preconfigured for the first device or indicated by the second device.

8. The method of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein at least one of: the first threshold is preconfigured for the first device or indicated by the second device; or the second threshold is preconfigured for the first device or indicated by the second device.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first information is broadcasted, multicast, or unicast by the second device.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first information has a first level of refinement, and obtaining the second information comprises: obtaining the second information having a second level of refinement based on the first information having the first level of refinement, wherein the second level of refinement is higher than the first level of refinement. ​ ​ 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: sending, to the second device, the second information with the second level of refinement, or a difference between the second information with the second level of refinement and the first information with the first level of refinement.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the feedback is the difference or the second information with a third level of refinement, the method further comprising: receiving, from the second device, third information with a fourth level of refinement, wherein the third information with the fourth level of refinement is obtained based on the feedback, and the fourth level of refinement is higher than the third level of refinement; and based on the third information with the fourth level of refinement, obtaining fourth information with a fifth level of refinement, wherein the fifth level of refinement is higher than the third level of refinement.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: sending, to the second device, the fourth information with the fifth level of refinement, or a difference between the fourth information with the fifth level of refinement and the third information with the fourth level of refinement.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: compressing, prior to sending the fourth information, the fourth information, or the difference between the fourth information and the third information.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the first information is associated with the second map and the mapping configuration, the method further comprising: determining, based on location information of the first device, an element in the second map associated with the first device; and determining, based on the element in the second map and the mapping configuration, an element in the first map associated with the first device.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the first information comprises at least one index of at least one element in the second map and the mapping configuration, the method further comprising: determining, based on the at least one index and the mapping configuration, an element in the first map associated with the first device.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein obtaining the first information comprises: receiving, from the second device, the first information.

18. The method of any one of claims 1-17, wherein obtaining the second information comprises: collecting the second information.

19. The method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the mapping configuration indicates at least one of: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element in the second map element by element; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element in the first map element by element; a list of index pairs, wherein an index pair in the index pairs comprises an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element in the second map element by element; an element in the second map corresponding to an element in the first map element by element; or ​ ​ a list of pairs of elements, wherein, The element pairs among the element pairs include elements in the first map and elements in the second map.

20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the elements in the first map have at least one of: a multipath or ray tracing information type, a channel matrix information type characterizing a channel, a beamforming information type, a reference signal information type, or a channel quality or state information type.

21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the elements in the second map have at least one of: a two-dimensional (2D) location area type; a three-dimensional (3D) location area type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with the geometry information.

22. A method comprising: sending, at a second device, first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first map and the second map, to a first device, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometry information; and obtaining feedback.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein obtaining the feedback comprises: receiving the feedback from the first device.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the feedback is associated with a comparison between second information and the first information, and the second information is associated with at least one of: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein receiving the feedback comprises: in a case where a difference between the first information and the second information is above a first threshold, receiving at least one of: (i) an indication that the at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has changed, (ii) the difference, or (iii) the second information.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein receiving the feedback comprises: in a case where a difference between the first information and the second information is below a first threshold, receiving an indication that the at least one of the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration has not changed.

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the difference or the second information is compressed, the method further comprising: decompressing the compressed difference or the compressed second information.

28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, further comprising: determining a function used by the first device to compute the difference; and sending the function to the first device.

29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 28, further comprising: determining the first threshold; and sending the first threshold to the first device.

30. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, further comprising: determining a second threshold for the difference, wherein the second threshold is smaller than the first threshold; and sending the second threshold to the first device. ​ ​ sending the second threshold to the first device.

31. The method of any one of claims 22-30, wherein sending the first information comprises at least one of: broadcasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device; multicasting the first information to a plurality of devices including the first device; or unicasting the first information to the first device.

32. The method of any one of claims 22-31, wherein the feedback is the difference or the second information, the first information having a first level of refinement, the method further comprising: obtaining, based on the feedback, third information having a second level of refinement, wherein the second level of refinement is higher than the first level of refinement.

33. The method of any one of claims 22-32, wherein the feedback is the difference or the second information, the second information having a third level of refinement, the method further comprising: obtaining, based on the feedback, fourth information having a fourth level of refinement, wherein the fourth level of refinement is higher than the third level of refinement; and sending the fourth information having the fourth level of refinement to the first device.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: receiving, from the first device, fifth information having a fifth level of refinement, or a difference between the fifth information having the fifth level of refinement and the fourth information having the fourth level of refinement, wherein the fifth level of refinement is higher than the third level of refinement.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information is compressed, the method further comprising: decompressing the fifth information or the difference between the fifth information and the fourth information.

36. The method of any one of claims 22-35, wherein the first information comprises at least one index of at least one element in the second map and the mapping configuration.

37. The method of any one of claims 22-36, wherein the mapping configuration indicates at least one of: an index of an element in the first map corresponding to an element in the second map element by element; an index of an element in the second map corresponding to an element in the first map element by element; a list of index pairs, wherein, an index pair among the index pairs comprises an index of an element in the first map and an index of an element in the second map; an element in the first map corresponding to an element in the second map element by element; an element in the second map corresponding to an element in the first map element by element; or a list of element pairs, wherein an element pair among the element pairs comprises an element in the first map and an element in the second map.

38. The method of any one of claims 22-37, wherein an element in the first map has at least one of: a multipath or ray tracing information type, a channel matrix information type characterizing a channel, a beamforming information type, a reference signal information type, or a channel quality or state information type.

39. The method of any one of claims 22-38, wherein elements in the second map have at least one of: a two-dimensional (2D) location area type; a three-dimensional (3D) location area type; a geographic coordinate type; or a processed data type associated with the geometry information.

40. A first device, comprising: an interface; a processor communicatively coupled with the interface, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain, at a first device, first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first map and the second map, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometry information; obtain second information associated with at least one of: the first map, the second map, or the mapping configuration; determine, based on a comparison between the second information and the first information, whether to send feedback to a second device; and based on a determination that the feedback is to be sent, send, via the interface, the feedback to the second device.

41. A second device, comprising: an interface; a processor communicatively coupled with the interface, wherein the processor is configured to: send, via the interface, to a first device, first information associated with at least one of: a first map, a second map, or a mapping configuration between the first map and the second map, wherein the first map represents wireless environment information and the second map represents geometry information; and obtain, via the interface, feedback.

42. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to carry out the method of any one of claims 1-39.

43. An apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to cause the apparatus to carry out the method of any one of claims 1-39.

44. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause an apparatus to carry out the method of any one of claims 1-39. ​ ​

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