Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for integrated sensing and communication

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a method, and a computer readable medium for ISAC. A device determines a resource allocation. The resource allocation includes at least one of a period of the resource allocation, an allocation of DL communication resources in the period, an allocation of flexible resources in the period, an allocation of UL communication resources in the period, an allocation of sensing resources in the period, or an allocation of reserved resources in the period. In turn, the device transmits or receives a signal based on the resource allocation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to a device, method, and computer readable medium for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). BACKGROUND

[0002] ISAC is considered as a promising topic for future wireless network expansion. In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the early stage of ISAC discussion can aim to build a communication-based sensing system. Time division duplexing (TDD) allocation schemes of downlink resources, flexible resources, and uplink resources should be considered as a baseline scheme. SUMMARY

[0003] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, method, and computer readable medium for ISAC.

[0004] In a first aspect, a device is provided. The device includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the device to determine a resource allocation, wherein the resource allocation comprises at least one of a periodicity of the resource allocation, an allocation of downlink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of flexible resources in the periodicity, an allocation of uplink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of sensing resources in the periodicity, or an allocation of reserved resources in the periodicity; and transmit or receive a signal based on the resource allocation.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method for ISAC is provided. The method includes determining, at a device, a resource allocation, wherein the resource allocation comprises at least one of a periodicity of the resource allocation, an allocation of downlink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of flexible resources in the periodicity, an allocation of uplink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of sensing resources in the periodicity, or an allocation of reserved resources in the periodicity; and transmitting or receiving a signal based on the resource allocation.

[0006] In a third aspect, a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon is provided. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0007] It should be understood that the Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from a more detailed description of some embodiments thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Example communication networks that can implement the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated respectively;

[0010] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Examples of TDD allocation schemes for communication resources according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated respectively;

[0011] Figure 3 Flowcharts illustrating example methods according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown;

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated respectively;

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated respectively;

[0014] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C and Figure 6D Examples of instruction schemes for resource allocation according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated respectively;

[0015] Figure 7 Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated;

[0016] Figure 8 Examples of gaps between two types of resources that are adjacent in the time domain according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; and

[0017] Figure 9 This is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0018] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0020] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0021] As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to any device that has wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to: a user equipment (UE); a personal computer; a desktop computer; a mobile computer; a cellular phone; a smart phone; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a portable computer; a tablet; a wearable device; an internet of things (IoT) device; an Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) device; an Internet of Everything (IoE) device; a machine type communication (MTC) device; a device for V2X communication on a vehicle, where X refers to a pedestrian, a vehicle, or infrastructure / network; a device for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB); a device for Small Data Transmission (SDT); a mobility device; a device for Multicast and Broadcast Service (MBS); a device for positioning; a device for dynamic / flexible duplex in commercial networks; a reduced capability (RedCap) device; a spaceborne or an airbone vehicle in a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which includes satellites and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) covering Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); an eXtended Reality (XR) device including different types of realities such as Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR); an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is commonly known as a drone, which is an aircraft without any human pilot; a device on a high speed train (HST); or an image-capturing device such as a digital camera, a sensor; a gaming device; a music storage and playback appliance; or an Internet device, etc. implementing wireless or wired Internet access and browsing, etc.A “terminal device” can also have a “multicast / broadcast” function to support public safety and mission critical, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, wireless software delivery, group communication, and IoT applications. A “terminal device” can also incorporate one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), in which case the latter is referred to as multi-SIM. The term “terminal device” can be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0022] The term “network device” refers to a device capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage in which a terminal device can communicate. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, NodeB (NodeB or NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB (evolved NodeB) or eNB), generation NodeB (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), remote radio unit (RRU), radio head (RH), remote radio head (RRH), IAB node, low power node (such as femto node, pico node), reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), network-controlled repeater, etc.

[0023] A terminal device or network device can have Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning capability. A terminal device or network device typically includes a model that has been trained for a specific function according to a large amount of collected data and can be used to predict some information.

[0024] A terminal device or network device can work in several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410 MHz to 7125 MHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 71 GHz), frequency bands greater than 100 GHz, and terahertz (THz). A terminal device or network device can also work on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In a multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) application scenario, the connection of a terminal device and a network device can be more than one. A terminal device or network device can work in full duplex, flexible duplex, and cross-partition duplex mode.

[0025] Network devices can have network energy saving, self-organizing network (SON) / minimization of drive test (MDT) functionality. Terminals can have power saving functionality.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in test equipment (e.g., signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal device, test network device, channel emulator).

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocol currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, 5G-Advanced, or sixth generation (6G) networks.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “includes” and variations thereof are to be construed as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” is to be construed as “based at least in part on.” The terms “some embodiments” and “one embodiment” are to be construed as “at least some embodiments.” The term “another embodiment” is to be construed as “at least one other embodiment.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc. can refer to different or the same objects. Other explicitly and implicitly recited definitions can be given below.

[0029] In some examples, values, programs, or apparatuses are described as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “greatest,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions mean that the selection can be made among many used functional alternatives, and such selection need not be better, smaller, higher, or otherwise more desirable than other selections.

[0030] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an example communication network 100A in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is illustrated. As Figure 1AAs shown, the communication network 100A can include a terminal device 110, a terminal device 120, a control node 130, an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) 140, and a Sensing Function (SF) 150.

[0031] It should be understood that Figure 1A The number of devices is given for exemplification purposes and does not constitute any limitation to the present disclosure. The communication network 100A can include any suitable number of devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can include at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as Figure 1A shown, the terminal device 110 includes a sensing module 110-1 and a communication module 110-2.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sensing module 110-1 in the terminal device 110 can include at least one of a Uu sensing module 110-11 or a sidelink sensing module 110-12.

[0034] In some embodiments, the Uu sensing module 110-11 can be configured to perform a Uu sensing function based on network assistance or control, and the Uu sensing function can include at least one of a downlink sensing function and an uplink sensing function. The sidelink sensing module 110-12 can be configured to perform a sidelink sensing function.

[0035] Similarly, in some embodiments, the terminal device 120 can include at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as Figure 1A shown, the terminal device 120 includes a sensing module 120-1 and a communication module 120-2.

[0036] In some embodiments, the control node 130 can include at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as Figure 1A shown, the control node 130 includes a sensing module 130-1 and a communication module 130-2.

[0037] In some embodiments, the control node 130 can be implemented as a gNB in NR. In such embodiments, the control node 130 can be referred to as a gNB 130.

[0038] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control node 130 can be implemented as a Road Side Unit (RSU). In such embodiments, the control node 130 can be referred to as a RSU 130.

[0039] In some embodiments, the AMF 140 can be a node in a core network. The AMF 140 can provide matching information about the control node 130 or the terminal device 110 according to sensing requirements.

[0040] Communications in the communication network 100A can comply with any suitable standards, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), LTE, LTE- Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. In addition, these communications can be performed according to any generation of communication protocols that are currently known or will be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include but are not limited to the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols.

[0041] In some embodiments, communications in the communication network 100A can include ISAC. A communication network employing ISAC can share hardware architecture, channel characteristics, and signal processing, and integrate various types of sensing information (such as sensing data from the environment and radar-based sensing information) and communication information to achieve higher resource efficiency and provide a more intelligent and integrated network solution. ISAC networks can be applied in a wider range of scenarios, including smart home, smart manufacturing, environmental monitoring, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control node 130 can include at least one of the following:

[0043] a first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110,

[0044] a second interface between the control node 130 and the AMF 140, or

[0045] a third interface between the control node 130 and the SF 150.

[0046] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can comprise at least one of:

[0047] a first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110,

[0048] a fourth interface between the terminal device 110 and the AMF 140, or

[0049] a fifth interface between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120.

[0050] In embodiments where the control node 130 is a gNB, the first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110 can be a Uu interface. In some embodiments, sidelink sensing related information can be exchanged over the Uu interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, a Uu sensing procedure can be performed between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110, and Uu sensing function related information can be exchanged, e.g., between a sensing module 130-1 of the control node 130 and a sensing module 110-1 of the terminal device 110.

[0052] In some embodiments, the fifth interface between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120 can be a unified air interface, such as a PC5 interface. In such embodiments, a sidelink sensing procedure can be performed between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120, and sidelink sensing function related information can be exchanged over the PC5 interface, i.e., between a sensing module 110-1 of the terminal device 110 and a sensing module 120-1 of the terminal device 120.

[0053] In the example communication network 100A, there is no interface between the SF 150 and the control node 130. Thus, the SF 150 indirectly exchanges information with the control node 130 through the AMF 140.

[0054] In the example communication network 100A, the terminal device 110 comprises a fourth interface between the terminal device 110 and the AMF 140. The AMF 140 can send sensing related information about the terminal device 110 to the terminal device 110 via the fourth interface.

[0055] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of another example communication network 100B that can implement embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Example communication network 100B is similar to example communication network 100A. The difference between example communication network 100B and example communication network 100A is that, in example communication network 100B, control node 130 includes a third interface between control node 130 and SF 150. SF 150 can exchange sensing-related information with sensing module 130-1 in control node 130 via the third interface.

[0056] In addition, in the example communication network 100B, terminal device 110 does not include a fourth interface between terminal device 110 and AMF 140. Terminal device 110 can exchange information with AMF 140 through control node 130.

[0057] For ISAC networks, resources for sensing and communication should be determined. If TDD bands are used in ISAC networks, the TDD allocation scheme for communication resources should be considered as the baseline scheme for resource allocation for sensing and communication.

[0058] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Examples of TDD allocation schemes for communication resources according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example, communication resources include downlink (DL) resources, flexible (F) resources, and uplink (UL) resources. Resource allocation for communication resources is determined based on TDD configuration.

[0059] exist Figure 2A In the examples, the TDD configuration may include at least one of the following:

[0060] Subcarrier Spacing (SCS);

[0061] A pattern;

[0062] For this mode, configure at least one of the following:

[0063] The period can be equal to 0.5ms, 0.625ms, 1ms, 1.25ms, 2ms, 2.5ms, 5ms or 10ms;

[0064] The number of DL time slots in this cycle is represented by N_d;

[0065] The number of DL symbols in this period is represented by n_d;

[0066] The number of UL time slots in this cycle is represented by N_u;

[0067] The number of UL symbols in this period, represented by n_u; or

[0068] The F symbol is between the DL symbol and the UL symbol.

[0069] exist Figure 2B In the examples, the TDD configuration may include at least one of the following:

[0070] SCS;

[0071] Two modes, each with periods P1 and P2, are respectively.

[0072] For the first mode, configure at least one of the following:

[0073] The period (P1) can be equal to 0.5ms, 0.625ms, 1ms, 1.25ms, 2ms, 2.5ms, 5ms or 10ms;

[0074] The number of DL time slots in period P1 is represented by N1_d;

[0075] The number of DL symbols in period P1 is represented by n1_d;

[0076] The number of UL time slots in period P1 is represented by N1_u;

[0077] The number of UL symbols in period P1 is represented by n1_u;

[0078] For the second mode, configure at least one of the following:

[0079] The period (P2) can be equal to 0.5ms, 0.625ms, 1ms, 1.25ms, 2ms, 2.5ms, 5ms or 10ms;

[0080] The number of DL time slots in period P2 is represented by N2_d;

[0081] a number of DL symbols in the period P2, denoted by n2_d;

[0082] a number of UL slots in the period P2, denoted by N2_u;

[0083] a number of UL symbols in the period P2, denoted by n2_u; or

[0084] F symbols between a DL symbol and an UL symbol.

[0085] In an example, the sum of the first period P1 and the second period P2 should be divided by 20 ms for both modes. Figure 2B

[0086] Generally, for ISAC systems, a time division duplex (TDD) based communication and sensing resource allocation scheme should be considered. For TDD bands, it is reasonable to determine the resource allocation for sensing and communication based on a TDD allocation scheme of the communication resources.

[0087] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for ISAC. In this solution, a device determines a resource allocation. The resource allocation comprises at least one of a period of the resource allocation, an allocation of DL communication resources in the period, an allocation of flexible resources in the period, an allocation of UL communication resources in the period, an allocation of sensing resources in the period, or an allocation of reserved resources in the period. In turn, the device transmits or receives a signal based on the resource allocation. In this way, resources can be divided with finer granularity between communication and sensing.

[0088] In the following, principles of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 2 to Figure 9

[0089] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the method 300 can be implemented at a device such as a terminal device 110, a terminal device 120, or a control node 130 as illustrated in Figure 1A or Figure 1B For the purpose of discussion, without loss of generality, the method 300 will be described with reference to the terminal device 110 as performed by the terminal device 110. Figure 1A or Figure 1B

[0090] ​​​At block 310, the terminal device 110 determines a resource allocation. The resource allocation comprises at least one of a periodicity of the resource allocation, an allocation of DL communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of flexible resources in the periodicity, an allocation of UL communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of sensing resources in the periodicity, or an allocation of reservation resources in the periodicity. In the following, for brevity, the DL communication resources are also referred to as DL resources (denoted by D), and the UL communication resources are also referred to as UL resources (denoted by U). In addition, the flexible resources are denoted by F, the sensing resources are denoted by S, and the reservation resources are denoted by R.

[0091] At block 320, the terminal device 110 transmits or receives a signal based on the resource allocation.

[0092] With the method 300, the resources can be divided between communication and sensing with finer granularity. In addition, for TDD frequency bands, the D / F / U / S / R based resource allocation scheme can provide more flexible configuration for ISAC systems.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the resource allocation based on at least one of: system predefinition, system configuration, or system pre-configuration.

[0094] In some embodiments, the resource allocation can be according to one of: a carrier, a resource block (RB) set, or a bandwidth part (BWP).

[0095] In some embodiments, the resource allocation can be periodically repeated in time domain based on the periodicity.

[0096] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the allocation of sensing resources based on the resource allocation. In turn, the terminal device 110 can transmit or receive a sensing signal on at least one of the sensing resources.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the allocation of reservation resources based on the resource allocation. In turn, the terminal device 110 can transmit or receive at least one of: a sensing signal or a communication signal on at least one of the reservation resources. Alternatively, the terminal device 110 can transmit or receive other types of signals on at least one of the reservation resources other than the sensing signal and the communication signal. In this way, the resource allocation scheme of the present disclosure can be adaptable to different scenarios and requirements.

[0098] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can neither transmit nor receive a signal on the reservation resources.

[0099] Alternatively, the reserved resources can be reserved for other purposes, forward compatibility or further enhancement of the system. For example, the terminal device 110 can use at least one of the reserved resources for at least one of the following: a gap between a sensing resource and a DL communication resource or a UL communication resource; a switching between a transmission of a sensing signal and a transmission of a communication signal; a switching between a transmission of a sensing signal and a reception of a communication signal; a switching between a reception of a sensing signal and a reception of a communication signal; or a switching between a reception of a sensing signal and a transmission of a communication signal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the flexible resources can be reconfigured as DL communication resources or UL communication resources.

[0101] In some embodiments, any type of resources among the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources and the reserved resources can not exist in the resource allocation.

[0102] In some embodiments, the resource allocation can be configured or pre-configured by high layer signaling, and the resource allocation can indicate the period. In other words, the period can be configured or pre-configured by high layer signaling.

[0103] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the period can be determined implicitly. For example, the period can be determined based on a sum of at least one of the following: a first number of time units of the DL communication resources in the period, a second number of time units of the flexible resources in the period, a third number of time units of the UL communication resources in the period, a fourth number of time units of the sensing resources in the period or a fifth number of time units of the reserved resources in the period. In the following, the period, the first number, the second number, the third number, the fourth number and the fifth number are denoted by P, N_d, N_f, N_u, N_s and N_r, respectively.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the resource allocation based on a resource type order. The resource type order indicates an order of at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources and the reserved resources in the period.

[0105] In some embodiments, the resource type order can be system predefined, system configured or system pre-configured. In such embodiments, the resource type order can be a fixed order. In other words, at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources and the reserved resources can be allocated in a fixed order in the period.

[0106] In the fixed order of all types of resources, the resource allocation can be determined according to the number of time units of each type of resource within the period. Therefore, less allocation overhead is needed.

[0107] In some embodiments, the resource type order includes DL communication resources from the start boundary of the period, followed by flexible resources, followed by UL communication resources, followed by sensing resources, and followed by reservation resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-F-U-S-R in the period.

[0108] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource type order includes DL communication resources from the start boundary of the period, followed by flexible resources, followed by reservation resources, followed by sensing resources, and followed by UL communication resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-F-R-S-U in the period.

[0109] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource type order includes DL communication resources from the start boundary of the period, followed by sensing resources, followed by flexible resources, followed by UL communication resources, followed by reservation resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-S-F-U-R in the period.

[0110] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource type order includes DL communication resources from the start boundary of the period, followed by flexible resources, followed by sensing resources, followed by UL communication resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-F-S-U in the period.

[0111] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource type order includes DL communication resources from the start boundary of the period, followed by flexible resources, followed by UL communication resources, followed by sensing resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-F-U-S in the period.

[0112] In some embodiments, each type of resource includes contiguous resource units in the period.

[0113] In some embodiments, the number of resource units of each type of resource can be independently configured in the period.

[0114] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are respectively illustrated.

[0115] In Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn an example of the first aspect, the resource type order can be system predefined, system configured, or system preconfigured. The resource type order is a fixed order. The time units of at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources in the period are slots.

[0116] In an example of the first aspect, Figure 4A In an example of the first aspect, the resource type order comprises: the DL communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the DL communication resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the UL communication resources, and the UL communication resources are followed by the sensing resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-F-U-S in the period.

[0117] In an example of the first aspect, Figure 4A In an example of the first aspect, the resource allocation is system configured. For example, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The resource allocation comprises a first number of time units of the DL communication resources in the period, a second number of time units of the flexible resources in the period, a third number of time units of the UL communication resources in the period, and a fourth number of time units of the sensing resources in the period. The resource allocation does not comprise an allocation of the reservation resources.

[0118] In an example of the first aspect, Figure 4A In an example of the first aspect, the period is determined based on a sum of the first number, the second number, the third number, and the fourth number. That is, P = N_d + N_f + N_u + N_s.

[0119] In an example of the first aspect, Figure 4B In an example of the first aspect, the resource type order comprises: the DL communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the DL communication resources are followed by the sensing resources, the sensing resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the UL communication resources, and the UL communication resources are followed by the reservation resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-S-F-U-R in the period.

[0120] In an example of the first aspect, Figure 4B In an example of the first aspect, the resource allocation is system configured. For example, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The resource allocation comprises: the period, the first number, the third number, the fourth number, and a fifth number. The period is N slots. The allocation of the flexible resources is determined based on the allocation of the DL communication resources, the sensing resources, the UL communication resources, and the reservation resources. In other words, N_f = P - (N_d + N_u + N_s + N_r).

[0121] In some embodiments, at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources can be allocated in a flexible order.

[0122] In embodiments using flexible order, the location of at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources can be assigned explicitly or implicitly. The flexible order of each type of resource within a cycle is indicated implicitly by the allocation of each type of resource.

[0123] In embodiments using flexible order, the resource allocation includes at least one of: a first location of the DL communication resources in the cycle, a second location of the flexible resources in the cycle, a third location of the UL communication resources in the cycle, a fourth location of the sensing resources in the cycle, or a fifth location of the reservation resources in the cycle.

[0124] In embodiments using flexible order, the resource allocation includes the DL communication resources starting from the beginning boundary of the cycle, followed by the flexible resources, followed by the UL communication resources, followed by the sensing resources, and followed by the reservation resources.

[0125] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource allocation includes the DL communication resources starting from the beginning boundary of the cycle, followed by the flexible resources, followed by the reservation resources, followed by the sensing resources, and followed by the UL communication resources.

[0126] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource allocation includes the DL communication resources starting from the beginning boundary of the cycle, followed by the sensing resources, followed by the flexible resources, followed by the UL communication resources, and followed by the reservation resources.

[0127] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource allocation includes the DL communication resources starting from the beginning boundary of the cycle, followed by the flexible resources, followed by the sensing resources, and followed by the UL communication resources.

[0128] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the resource allocation includes the DL communication resources starting from the beginning boundary of the cycle, followed by the flexible resources, followed by the UL communication resources, and followed by the sensing resources.

[0129] In embodiments using flexible order, the number of time units of each type of resource can be configured independently.

[0130] In embodiments using flexible order, for each type of resource, one or more subsets of resources can be allocated within a cycle. A subset of resources includes a plurality of contiguous resources in the time domain. For example, a subset of resources can include n slots or m milliseconds.

[0131] In some embodiments, the DL communication resources include a first subset of the DL communication resources and a second subset of the DL communication resources.

[0132] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the flexible resources include a third subset of the flexible resources and a fourth subset of the flexible resources.

[0133] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the UL communication resources include a fifth subset of the UL communication resources and a sixth subset of the UL communication resources.

[0134] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the sensing resources include a seventh subset of the sensing resources and an eighth subset of the sensing resources.

[0135] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the reservation resources include a ninth subset of the reservation resources and a tenth subset of the reservation resources.

[0136] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of:

[0137] the allocation of the first subset of the DL communication resources and the allocation of the second subset of the DL communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain;

[0138] the allocation of the third subset of the flexible resources and the allocation of the fourth subset of the flexible resources are not adjacent in the time domain;

[0139] the allocation of the fifth subset of the UL communication resources and the allocation of the sixth subset of the UL communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain;

[0140] the allocation of the seventh subset of the sensing resources and the allocation of the eighth subset of the sensing resources are not adjacent in the time domain; or

[0141] the allocation of the ninth subset of the reservation resources and the allocation of the tenth subset of the reservation resources are not adjacent in the time domain.

[0142] In some embodiments, a location of the first subset of the DL communication resources is independent of a location of the second subset of the DL communication resources in the period.

[0143] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, a location of the third subset of the flexible resources is independent of a location of the fourth subset of the flexible resources.

[0144] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, a location of the fifth subset of the UL communication resources is independent of a location of the sixth subset of the UL communication resources.

[0145] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the location of the seventh subset of sensing resources is independent of the location of the eighth subset of sensing resources.

[0146] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the location of the ninth subset of reservation resources is independent of the location of the tenth subset of reservation resources.

[0147] The flexible order of all types of resources can provide greater flexibility for each type of resource. In addition, the flexible order can support suitable resource allocation for diverse scenarios and requirements.

[0148] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated, respectively.

[0149] In Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples, a flexible order is used, and the resource allocation comprises a location in the period of at least one of DL communication resources, flexible resources, UL communication resources, sensing resources, or reservation resources.

[0150] In Figure 5A Examples, a time unit of at least one of DL communication resources, flexible resources, UL communication resources, sensing resources, and reservation resources in the period is a slot. The flexible order of the types of resources in a period is implicitly indicated by the resource allocation.

[0151] In Figure 5A Examples, the resource allocation is system configured. For example, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The resource allocation comprises the following: a period, an allocation of two subsets of DL communication resources, an allocation of UL communication resources, and an allocation of two subsets of sensing resources. The allocation of flexible resources is determined based on the allocation of DL communication resources, UL communication resources, and sensing resources.

[0152] In particular, the period is equal to 10 slots. The two subsets of DL communication resources comprise a first subset and a second subset. The first subset comprises slots #0 and #1. The second subset comprises slots #8 and #9. The UL communication resources comprise slots #5 and #6. The two subsets of sensing resources comprise a seventh subset and an eighth subset. The seventh subset comprises slots #2 and #3. The eighth subset comprises slot #7. According to the resource allocation, the flexible resources in a period should be implicitly determined, i.e., the flexible resources comprise slot #4.

[0153] In Figure 5B Examples, a time unit of at least one of DL communication resources, flexible resources, UL communication resources, sensing resources, and reservation resources in the period is a millisecond. The flexible order of the types of resources in a period is implicitly indicated by the resource allocation.

[0154] exist Figure 5B In the example, the sensing resources include a seventh subset (represented by S1) and an eighth subset (represented by S2). The seventh subset of the sensing resources is used to transmit a first sensing signal sent by a network device (such as control node 130), and the eighth subset of the sensing resources is used to transmit a second sensing signal sent by a terminal device 110.

[0155] exist Figure 5B In the example, resource allocation is indicated by control node 130 through a new information element (IE). For example, the new IE "TDD-ResourcePattern" can be provided as follows:

[0156] TDD-ResourcePattern ::= SEQUENCE {

[0157] Periodicity

[0158] pattern

[0159] nrofDownlink

[0160] nrofUplink

[0161] nrofDownlinkSensing

[0162] nrofUplinkSensing

[0163] In the new IE "TDD-ResourcePattern",

[0164] Periodicity represents the period of resource allocation, which is equal to m milliseconds;

[0165] The pattern indicates the order of various resource types (e.g., the order is D-S1-F-S2-U, such as...). Figure 5B (as shown), or the pattern indicates the resource allocation index, which will be described later;

[0166] nrofDownlink(N_d) represents the number of time units of the DL communication resource;

[0167] nrofUplink (N_u) represents the number of time units of UL communication resources;

[0168] nrofDownlinkSensing (N_s1) represents the number of time units of sensing resources in subset S1 ;

[0169] nrofUplinkSensing (N_s2) represents the number of time units of sensing resources in subset S2;

[0170] The allocation of flexible resources is determined implicitly based on the allocation of DL communication resources, UL communication resources, subset S1 and subset S2.

[0171] In the following, some embodiments for an indication scheme for resource allocation of at least one type of resource will be described.

[0172] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of: a first position of DL communication resources in the period, a second position of flexible resources in the period, a third position of UL communication resources in the period, a fourth position of sensing resources in the period or a fifth position of reserved resources in the period.

[0173] Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of: a first number of time units of DL communication resources in the period, a second number of time units of flexible resources in the period, a third number of time units of UL communication resources in the period, a fourth number of time units of sensing resources in the period or a fifth number of time units of reserved resources in the period.

[0174] In some embodiments, a time unit comprises at least one of: a second, a millisecond, a frame, a time slot or a symbol.

[0175] In some embodiments, any of the period and the number of time units can be determined implicitly from other parameters.

[0176] In some embodiments, the indication scheme for resource allocation can comprise one of: at least one bitmap; at least one resource allocation index based on a resource allocation table; or a number of time units of each type of resource.

[0177] In embodiments where the indication scheme for resource allocation comprises at least one bitmap, the allocation of each type of resource is assigned by the bitmap for each type of resource. The terminal device 110 can determine the resource allocation based on the at least one bitmap. Each bitmap in the at least one bitmap indicates one of DL communication resources, flexible resources, UL communication resources, sensing resources, and reserved resources in a cycle. A bit in each bitmap in the at least one bitmap indicates one of the time units in a time unit.

[0178] In embodiments where the indication scheme for resource allocation comprises at least one bitmap, each type of resource is allocated independently. A cycle can be explicitly indicated or implicitly determined based on one bitmap in the at least one bitmap. The flexible order and the number of time units for each type of resource can be indicated.

[0179] Figure 6A Examples of indication schemes for resource allocation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. In Figure 6A In an example, the indication scheme for resource allocation comprises three bitmaps for D, U, and S. The time units of at least one of DL communication resources, flexible resources, UL communication resources, sensing resources, and reserved resources in the cycle are time slots. The flexible order of each type of resource in a cycle is indicated by the bitmaps for D, U, and S.

[0180] In Figure 6A In an example, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The length of one bitmap in the three bitmaps is equal to 10 time slots. The terminal device 110 determines the cycle as the length of one bitmap in the three bitmaps. That is, the cycle is equal to 10 time slots. The terminal device 110 determines the resource allocation according to the three bitmaps.

[0181] Among the three bitmaps, the first bitmap “11011 00000” indicates DL communication resources, i.e., time slots #0, #1, #3, #4 in the cycle. The DL communication resources comprise a first subset and a second subset. The first subset comprises time slots #0 and #1, and the second subset comprises time slots #3 and #4.

[0182] Among the three bitmaps, the second bitmap “00100 10011” indicates sensing resources, i.e., time slots #2, #5, #8, #9 in the cycle. The sensing resources comprise a seventh subset, an eighth subset, and a ninth subset. The seventh subset comprises time slot #2, the eighth subset comprises time slot #5, and the ninth subset comprises time slots #8 and #9.

[0183] Among the three bitmaps, the third bitmap “00000 01100” indicates UL communication resources, i.e., time slots #6, #7 in the cycle.

[0184] Flexible resources and reservation resources are not present in the resource allocation, or are indicated with all "0"s for the fourth bitmap and the fifth bitmap.

[0185] Figure 6A Examples of the resource allocation table can provide independent and flexible resource allocation for sensing and communication.

[0186] As described above, in some embodiments, the indication scheme for resource allocation can include at least one resource allocation index based on a resource allocation table. In such embodiments, the allocation of each type of resource is assigned based on the resource allocation table. The resource allocation table is defined in the system. The resource allocation table includes at least one entry. Each of the at least one entry is associated with a row in the table. Each of the at least one entry is assigned or associated with a resource allocation index. Each of the at least one entry assigns the allocation of each type of resource in a period. The terminal device 110 can determine the resource allocation based on the at least one resource allocation index.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the resource allocation based on a plurality of resource allocation indexes associated with a plurality of entries in the resource allocation table. In such embodiments, the plurality of entries are arranged in an indicated order.

[0188] In such embodiments, the period is determined based on the items included in the entries.

[0189] Figure 6B Examples of the indication scheme for resource allocation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. In Figure 6B In an example of the resource allocation table, the indication scheme for resource allocation includes at least one resource allocation index based on a resource allocation table 600. The resource allocation table 600 is defined in the system. The time unit of at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources in the period is a slot.

[0190] In Figure 6BIn the example of FIG. 6, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating at least one of: a SCS of 15 kHz, a periodicity of 10 slots, or a resource allocation index #3, i.e., within a periodicity, the resource allocation includes 10 slots, and the slots are assigned in the order of D, S, F, U, R, D, S, F, U, R (index #3). Alternatively, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating at least one of: a SCS of 30 kHz, a periodicity of 10 ms, or a resource allocation index #0 and #1, i.e., within a periodicity, the resource allocation includes 20 slots, and the slots are assigned as D, D, F, F, U, U, U, U, U, U (index #0) and D, D, F, S, S, S, U, U, U, U (index #1).

[0191] As described above, in some embodiments, the indication scheme for resource allocation can include a number of time units for each type of resource. In such embodiments, the allocation of each type of resource is assigned by indicating the number of time units for each type of resource.

[0192] In some embodiments, a time unit includes at least one of: a second, a millisecond, a frame, a slot, or a symbol.

[0193] In some embodiments, more than one type of time unit can be combined to indicate one type of resource.

[0194] In some embodiments, a slot is used as one type of time unit, and a symbol is used as another type of time unit.

[0195] In some embodiments, N_x represents a number of time units (slots) of a first type, and n_x represents a number of time units (symbols) of another type. For example, N_d, N_f, N_u, and n_d, n_f, n_u represent a number of time units for DL resources, flexible resources, UL resources, respectively, where each of N_d, N_f, and N_u >= 0, and each of n_d, n_f, and n_u >= 0. N_s and n_s represent a number of time units for sensing resources, where each of N_s and n_s >= 0. N_r and n_r represent a number of time units for reserved resources, where each of N_r and n_r >= 0.

[0196] Figure 6C Examples of indication schemes for resource allocation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. In Figure 6CIn an example of the disclosure, the indication scheme for resource allocation includes a number of time units for each type of resource. The time units for at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources in the period are slots.

[0197] In an example of the disclosure, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating a period of N slots. In addition, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating that the DL communication resources occupy a first number (N_d) of time units in the period starting from the beginning boundary of the period, that the DL communication resources are followed by a second number (N_f) of time units of flexible resources, that the flexible resources are followed by a fourth number (N_s) of time units of sensing resources, and that the sensing resources are followed by reservation resources, and that the reservation resources are followed by a third number (N_u) of time units of UL communication resources. A fifth number of time units of the reservation resources is determined implicitly as N_r = P - (N_d + N_f+ N_u + N_s). Figure 6C In an example of the disclosure, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating a period of N slots. In addition, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating that the DL communication resources occupy a first number (N_d) of time units in the period starting from the beginning boundary of the period, that the DL communication resources are followed by a second number (N_f) of time units of flexible resources, that the flexible resources are followed by a fourth number (N_s) of time units of sensing resources, and that the sensing resources are followed by reservation resources, and that the reservation resources are followed by a third number (N_u) of time units of UL communication resources. A fifth number of time units of the reservation resources is determined implicitly as N_r = P - (N_d + N_f+ N_u + N_s).

[0198] Figure 6C In an example of the disclosure, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating a period of N slots. In addition, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating that the DL communication resources occupy a first number (N_d) of time units in the period starting from the beginning boundary of the period, that the DL communication resources are followed by a second number (N_f) of time units of flexible resources, that the flexible resources are followed by a fourth number (N_s) of time units of sensing resources, and that the sensing resources are followed by reservation resources, and that the reservation resources are followed by a third number (N_u) of time units of UL communication resources. A fifth number of time units of the reservation resources is determined implicitly as N_r = P - (N_d + N_f+ N_u + N_s).

[0199] Figure 6C Examples of the disclosure can provide independent and flexible resource allocation for sensing and communication.

[0200] Figure 6D Examples of indication schemes for resource allocation according to some embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. In an example of the disclosure, the indication scheme for resource allocation includes a number of time units for each type of resource. The time units for at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources in the period are slots. Figure 6D In an example of the disclosure, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating a period of N slots. In addition, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating that the DL communication resources occupy a first number (N_d) of time units in the period starting from the beginning boundary of the period, that the DL communication resources are followed by a second number (N_f) of time units of flexible resources, that the flexible resources are followed by a fourth number (N_s) of time units of sensing resources, and that the sensing resources are followed by reservation resources, and that the reservation resources are followed by a third number (N_u) of time units of UL communication resources. A fifth number of time units of the reservation resources is determined implicitly as N_r = P - (N_d + N_f+ N_u + N_s).

[0201] Figure 6D In an example of the disclosure, the resource allocation is indicated by the control node 130. The control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating a period of N slots. In addition, the control node 130 can indicate the resource allocation by indicating that the DL communication resources occupy a first number (N_d) of time units in the period starting from the beginning boundary of the period, that the DL communication resources are followed by a second number (N_f) of time units of flexible resources, that the flexible resources are followed by a fourth number (N_s) of time units of sensing resources, and that the sensing resources are followed by reservation resources, and that the reservation resources are followed by a third number (N_u) of time units of UL communication resources. A fifth number of time units of the reservation resources is determined implicitly as N_r = P - (N_d + N_f+ N_u + N_s).

[0202] The DL communication resources occupy N_d slots and n_d symbols;

[0203] The sensing resources occupy N_s slots and n_s symbols;

[0204] ​​determining allocation of flexible resources according to allocation of other types of resources;

[0205] the UL communication resources occupy N_u time slots and n_u symbols; and

[0206] the reserved resources occupy N_r time slots.

[0207] Figure 6D Examples of the above can provide independent and flexible resource allocation for sensing and communication.

[0208] As described above, the sensing resources include a seventh subset (denoted by S1) and an eighth subset (denoted by S2). The seventh subset of the sensing resources is used for a first sensing signal transmitted by a network device (such as the control node 130), and the eighth subset of the sensing resources is used for a second sensing signal transmitted by the terminal device 110. In other words, the seventh subset of the sensing resources is used for at least one of: sensing mode 1, sensing mode 2, or sensing mode 3; and the eighth subset of the sensing resources is used for at least one of: sensing mode 4, sensing mode 5, or sensing mode 6.

[0209] In some embodiments, a scheme for resource allocation can be used for allocation of resource types having sensing resources including S1 and S2. This will be described with reference to Figure 7 .

[0210] Figure 7 Examples of resource allocation according to some embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. In Figure 7 Examples of the above, the resource type order can be system predefined, system configured, or system preconfigured. The resource type order is a fixed order. The time unit of at least one of the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the cycle is a time slot.

[0211] In Figure 7 Examples of the above, the resource type order includes: the DL communication resources start from the beginning boundary of the cycle, the DL communication resources are followed by the seventh subset of the sensing resources, the seventh subset of the sensing resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the UL communication resources, the UL communication resources are followed by the eighth subset of the sensing resources. In other words, there is a fixed order of D-S1-F-U-S2 in the cycle.

[0212] In Figure 7In an example of the resource allocation, the resource allocation comprises: a period, a first number (N_d), a number of time units of the sensing resources in the seventh subset (N_s1), a third number (N_u), and a number of time units of the sensing resources in the eighth subset (N_s2). The period is N slots. The allocation of the flexible resources is determined based on the allocation of the DL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the UL communication resources. There is no reserved resource in the resource allocation.

[0213] Figure 7 An example of the resource allocation can provide independent sensing resource allocation for the sensing signal transmission from the control node and the sensing signal transmission from the terminal device.

[0214] In some embodiments, there can be at least one gap between two types of resources adjacent in time domain among the DL communication resources, the flexible resources, the UL communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the period.

[0215] In some embodiments, the at least one gap can be used for at least one of:

[0216] switching between the transmission of the sensing signal and the transmission of the communication signal;

[0217] switching between the transmission of the sensing signal and the reception of the communication signal;

[0218] switching between the reception of the sensing signal and the reception of the communication signal; or

[0219] switching between the reception of the sensing signal and the transmission of the communication signal.

[0220] In some embodiments, the duration of the at least one gap comprises at least one time unit.

[0221] In some embodiments, the duration of the at least one gap is system predefined, system configured, or system preconfigured.

[0222] In some embodiments, the two types of resources adjacent in time domain are system predefined, system configured, or system preconfigured. In some embodiments, not all types of resources adjacent in time domain need the at least one gap.

[0223] In some embodiments, the number of the at least one gap in the period is equal to or less than a threshold number (denoted by K).

[0224] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can determine the threshold number based on at least one of the following: system predefinition, system configuration, system pre-configuration, or capability of the terminal device 110.

[0225] In some embodiments, the at least one gap comprises at least one of: a first gap between the DL communication resources and the sensing resources; or a second gap between the UL communication resources and the sensing resources.

[0226] Figure 8 Examples of gaps between two types of resources adjacent in time domain are illustrated.

[0227] In Figure 8 Example (a) of FIG. 10, based on system predefinition, a first gap is set between the DL communication resources and the sensing resources, and a second gap is set between the UL communication resources and the sensing resources.

[0228] In Figure 8 Example (a) of FIG. 10, the time units of the duration of each of the first gap and the second gap are time slots. The number of gaps within the period is not limited. The first gap is set between the last time slot of the DL communication resources and the subsequent one sensing resource time slot, and the second gap is set between the last time slot of the UL communication resources and the subsequent one sensing resource time slot.

[0229] In Figure 8 Example (b) of FIG. 10, the time units of the duration of each of the first gap and the second gap are symbols. The duration is predefined as 4 symbols. The threshold number (K) is equal to 2. That is, the number of at least one gap within the period is equal to or less than 2.

[0230] In Figure 8 Example (b) of FIG. 10, the subsequent 4 symbols after the last time slot of the DL communication resources are used as the first gap; and the 4 symbols before the starting time slot of the UL communication resources are used as the second gap.

[0231] Figure 8 Examples of FIG. 10 can provide necessary gap duration for device switching operation or other purposes between different resource types.

[0232] Figure 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 900 can be considered as another example implementation of the terminal device 110 or the control node 130 as shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B Thus, the device 900 can be implemented at or be at least part of the terminal device 110 or the control node 130.

[0233] As shown, the device 900 includes a processor 910, a memory 920 coupled to the processor 910, a suitable transceiver 940 coupled to the processor 910, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 940. The memory 910 stores at least a portion of a program 930. The transceiver 940 can be used for bi-directional communication or unidirectional communication according to requirements. The transceiver 940 can include at least one of a transmitter 942 and a receiver 944. The transmitter 942 and the receiver 944 can be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 940 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, but in fact, the access node mentioned in the present application can have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements, such as an X2 / Xn interface for bi-directional communication between eNBs / gNBs, an S1 / NG interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and an eNB / gNB, an Un interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a relay node (RN), or a Uu interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a terminal device.

[0234] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the following solutions.

[0235] In an aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a processor configured to cause the apparatus to determine a resource allocation and transmit or receive a signal based on the resource allocation. The resource allocation includes at least one of a periodicity of the resource allocation, an allocation of downlink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of flexible resources in the periodicity, an allocation of uplink communication resources in the periodicity, an allocation of sensing resources in the periodicity, or an allocation of reservation resources in the periodicity.

[0236] In some embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to determine an allocation of sensing resources based on the resource allocation; and the apparatus is further caused to transmit or receive the signal by transmitting or receiving a sensing signal on at least one of the sensing resources.

[0237] In some embodiments, the apparatus is further caused to determine an allocation of reservation resources based on the resource allocation; and the apparatus is further caused to transmit or receive the signal by transmitting or receiving at least one of a sensing signal or a communication signal on at least one of the reservation resources.

[0238] In some embodiments, the device is further caused to determine, based on the resource allocation, an allocation of reserved resources; and the device is further caused to use at least one of the reserved resources for at least one of: neither transmitting nor receiving a signal; sensing a gap between a sensing resource and a downlink communication resource or an uplink communication resource; sensing a switch between transmission of a signal and transmission of a communication signal; sensing a switch between transmission of a signal and reception of a communication signal; sensing a switch between reception of a signal and reception of a communication signal; or sensing a switch between reception of a signal and transmission of a communication signal.

[0239] In some embodiments, the device is further caused to determine the resource allocation based on at least one of: a system predefinition, a system configuration, or a system pre-configuration.

[0240] In some embodiments, the resource allocation is according to one of: a carrier, a resource block set, or a bandwidth part.

[0241] In some embodiments, the resource allocation is based on the periodicity repeating periodically in a time domain.

[0242] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates the periodicity; or the periodicity is determined based on a sum of at least one of: a first number of time units of downlink communication resources in the periodicity; a second number of time units of flexible resources in the periodicity; a third number of time units of uplink communication resources in the periodicity; a fourth number of time units of sensing resources in the periodicity; or a fifth number of time units of reserved resources in the periodicity.

[0243] In some embodiments, the device is further caused to determine the resource allocation based on a resource type order. The resource type order indicates an order of at least one of: downlink communication resources, flexible resources, uplink communication resources, sensing resources, and reserved resources in the periodicity.

[0244] In some embodiments, the resource type order is system predefined, system configured, or system pre-configured.

[0245] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of: a first location of downlink communication resources in the periodicity, a second location of flexible resources in the periodicity, a third location of uplink communication resources in the periodicity, a fourth location of sensing resources in the periodicity, or a fifth location of reserved resources in the periodicity.

[0246] In some embodiments, the resource type order or the resource allocation comprises at least one of: the downlink communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the downlink communication resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the uplink communication resources, the uplink communication resources are followed by the sensing resources, and the sensing resources are followed by the reserved resources; the downlink communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the downlink communication resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the reserved resources, the reserved resources are followed by the sensing resources, and the sensing resources are followed by the uplink communication resources; the downlink communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the downlink communication resources are followed by the sensing resources, the sensing resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the uplink communication resources, the uplink communication resources are followed by the reserved resources; the downlink communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the downlink communication resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the sensing resources, the sensing resources are followed by the uplink communication resources; or the downlink communication resources start from a starting boundary of the period, the downlink communication resources are followed by the flexible resources, the flexible resources are followed by the uplink communication resources, the uplink communication resources are followed by the sensing resources.

[0247] In some embodiments, the downlink communication resources comprise a first subset of downlink communication resources and a second subset of downlink communication resources; and / or the flexible resources comprise a third subset of flexible resources and a fourth subset of flexible resources; and / or the uplink communication resources comprise a fifth subset of uplink communication resources and a sixth subset of uplink communication resources; and / or the sensing resources comprise a seventh subset of sensing resources and an eighth subset of sensing resources; and / or the reserved resources comprise a ninth subset of reserved resources and a tenth subset of reserved resources.

[0248] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of: the allocation of the first subset of downlink communication resources and the allocation of the second subset of downlink communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain; the allocation of the third subset of flexible resources and the allocation of the fourth subset of flexible resources are not adjacent in the time domain; the allocation of the fifth subset of uplink communication resources and the allocation of the sixth subset of uplink communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain; the allocation of the seventh subset of sensing resources and the allocation of the eighth subset of sensing resources are not adjacent in the time domain; or the allocation of the ninth subset of reserved resources and the allocation of the tenth subset of reserved resources are not adjacent in the time domain.

[0249] In some embodiments, a position of the first subset of downlink communication resources is independent of a position of the second subset of downlink communication resources in the cycle; and / or a position of the third subset of flexible resources is independent of a position of the fourth subset of flexible resources; and / or a position of the fifth subset of uplink communication resources is independent of a position of the sixth subset of uplink communication resources; and / or a position of the seventh subset of sensing resources is independent of a position of the eighth subset of sensing resources; and / or a position of the ninth subset of sensing resources is independent of a position of the tenth subset of sensing resources.

[0250] In some embodiments, the seventh subset of sensing resources is for a first sensing signal to be transmitted by the network device, and the eighth subset of sensing resources is for a second sensing signal to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates at least one of a first position of the downlink communication resources in the cycle, a second position of the flexible resources in the cycle, a third position of the uplink communication resources in the cycle, a fourth position of the sensing resources within the cycle, a fifth position of the reserved resources in the cycle, a first number of time units of the downlink communication resources in the cycle, a second number of time units of the flexible resources in the cycle, a third number of time units of the uplink communication resources in the cycle, a fourth number of time units of the sensing resources in the cycle, or a fifth number of time units of the reserved resources in the cycle.

[0252] In some embodiments, the device is caused to determine the resource allocation based on at least one bitmap, each bitmap of the at least one bitmap indicating one of the downlink communication resources, the flexible resources, the uplink communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the cycle, and a bit in each bitmap of the at least one bitmap indicating one of the time units.

[0253] In some embodiments, the resource allocation indicates the cycle; or the device is further caused to determine the cycle as a length of one bitmap of the at least one bitmap.

[0254] In some embodiments, the device is caused to determine the resource allocation based on at least one resource allocation index, and each resource allocation index of the at least one resource allocation index is associated with an entry included in a resource allocation table.

[0255] In some embodiments, the cycle is determined based on an item included in the entry.

[0256] In some embodiments, a time unit comprises at least one of a second, a millisecond, a frame, a slot, or a symbol.

[0257] In some embodiments, there is at least one gap between two types of resources adjacent in time domain among the downlink communication resources, the flexible resources, the uplink communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reservation resources in the cycle.

[0258] In some embodiments, a duration of the at least one gap comprises at least one time unit.

[0259] In some embodiments, the two types of resources adjacent in time domain are system predefined, system configured, or system preconfigured.

[0260] In some embodiments, a number of the at least one gap in the cycle is equal to or less than a threshold number.

[0261] In some embodiments, the device is further caused to determine the threshold number based on at least one of the following: system predefined, system configured, system preconfigured, or a capability of the device.

[0262] In some embodiments, the at least one gap comprises at least one of the following: a first gap between the downlink communication resources and the sensing resources; or a second gap between the uplink communication resources and the sensing resources.

[0263] Components included in the apparatuses and / or devices of this disclosure can be implemented in various ways, including software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of the three. In one embodiment, one or more units can be implemented using software and / or firmware (e.g., machine-executable instructions stored on a machine-readable medium). As an alternative or in addition, part or all of the units in the apparatuses and / or devices can be implemented at least partly by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: Processor, the processor being configured to cause the device to: Determine resource allocation, wherein the resource allocation includes at least one of the following: The resource allocation cycle, The allocation of downlink communication resources during the cycle. The flexible allocation of resources during the aforementioned period The allocation of uplink communication resources during the cycle. The allocation of sensing resources during the cycle, or The allocation of reserved resources during the cycle; and Signals are sent or received based on the resource allocation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Further enabling the device to: The allocation of sensing resources is determined based on the resource allocation; and The device can send or receive the signal in the following ways: Sending or receiving sensing signals on at least one of the sensing resources.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Further enabling the device to: The allocation of reserved resources is determined based on the resource allocation; and The device can send or receive the signal in the following ways: Sending or receiving at least one of the following on at least one of the reserved resources: Sensing signal, or communication signals.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein Further enabling the device to: The allocation of reserved resources is determined based on the resource allocation; and The device causes the device to use at least one of the reserved resources for at least one of the following: It neither sends nor receives signals; The gap between the sensing resource and the downlink communication resource or the uplink communication resource; Switching between transmitting sensing signals and transmitting communication signals; The switching between transmitting the sensing signal and receiving the communication signal; The switching between receiving the sensing signal and receiving the communication signal; or The switching between receiving the sensing signal and transmitting the communication signal.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device determines the resource allocation based on at least one of the following: System predefined, System configuration, or System pre-configuration.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the resource allocation indicates the period; or The period is determined based on the sum of at least one of the following: The first number of time units of the downlink communication resources in the period. The second number of time units of the flexible resources in the cycle. The third number of time units for the uplink communication resources in the period. The fourth number of time units of the sensing resources in the period, or The fifth number of time units for the reserved resources in the cycle.

7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising the following: The resource allocation is determined based on a resource type order, wherein the resource type order indicates the order of at least one of the downlink communication resources, the flexible resources, the uplink communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the period.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the order of the resource types is predefined by the system, configured by the system, or pre-configured by the system.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the resource allocation includes at least one of the following: The downlink communication resource is located at the first position in the cycle. The flexible resource is in the second position of the cycle. The uplink communication resource is located in the third position of the cycle. The sensing resource is located at the fourth position in the cycle. The reserved resources are located in the fifth position of the cycle. The first number of time units of the downlink communication resources in the period. The second number of time units of the flexible resources in the cycle. The third number of time units for the uplink communication resources in the period. The fourth number of time units of the sensing resources in the period, or The fifth number of time units for the reserved resources in the cycle.

10. The device according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the resource type order or the resource allocation includes at least one of the following: The downlink communication resources begin at the start boundary of the period, followed by the flexible resources, then the uplink communication resources, then the sensing resources, and finally the reserved resources. The downlink communication resources begin at the start boundary of the period, followed by the flexible resources, then the reserved resources, then the sensing resources, and finally the uplink communication resources. The downlink communication resources begin at the start boundary of the period, followed by the sensing resources, then the flexible resources, then the uplink communication resources, and finally the reserved resources. The downlink communication resources begin at the start boundary of the period, followed by the flexible resources, then the sensing resources, and finally the uplink communication resources; or The downlink communication resources begin at the start boundary of the period, followed by the flexible resources, then the uplink communication resources, and finally the sensing resources.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The downlink communication resources include a first subset of the downlink communication resources and a second subset of the downlink communication resources; and / or The flexible resources include a third subset and a fourth subset of the flexible resources; and / or The uplink communication resources include a fifth subset and a sixth subset of the uplink communication resources; And / or The sensing resources include a seventh subset and an eighth subset of the sensing resources; and / or The reserved resources include the ninth subset and the tenth subset of the reserved resources.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the resource allocation indicates at least one of the following: The allocation of the first subset of the downlink communication resources and the allocation of the second subset of the downlink communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain; The allocation of the third subset of the flexible resources and the allocation of the fourth subset of the flexible resources are not adjacent in the time domain; The allocation of the fifth subset of the uplink communication resources and the allocation of the sixth subset of the uplink communication resources are not adjacent in the time domain; The allocation of the seventh subset of the sensing resources and the allocation of the eighth subset of the sensing resources are not adjacent in the time domain; or The allocation of the ninth subset of the reserved resources and the allocation of the tenth subset of the reserved resources are not adjacent in the time domain.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: During the period, the location of the first subset of the downlink communication resources is independent of the location of the second subset of the downlink communication resources; and / or The position of the third subset of the flexible resources is independent of the position of the fourth subset of the flexible resources; and / or The location of the fifth subset of the uplink communication resources is independent of the location of the sixth subset of the uplink communication resources; and / or The location of the seventh subset of the sensing resources is independent of the location of the eighth subset of the sensing resources; and / or The position of the ninth subset of the sensed resources is independent of the position of the tenth subset of the sensed resources.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the seventh subset of the sensing resources is used to transmit a first sensing signal by a network device, and the eighth subset of the sensing resources is used to transmit a second sensing signal by a terminal device.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the device determines the resource allocation based on at least one bitmap, each bitmap in the at least one bitmap indicating one of the downlink communication resources, the flexible resources, the uplink communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the period, and bits in each bitmap in the at least one bitmap indicating a time unit in the time unit.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the resource allocation indicates the period; or This further enables the device to determine the period as the length of one of the at least one bitmaps.

17. The device of claim 9, wherein the device determines the resource allocation based on at least one resource allocation index, and each of the at least one resource allocation index is associated with an entry included in a resource allocation table.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein there is at least one gap between two types of resources that are temporally adjacent among the downlink communication resources, the flexible resources, the uplink communication resources, the sensing resources, and the reserved resources in the period.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the duration of the at least one gap comprises at least one time unit.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the at least one gap comprises at least one of the following: The first gap between the downlink communication resource and the sensing resource; or The second gap between the uplink communication resources and the sensing resources.

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