Apparatus and method for integrated sensing and communication

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to equipment and a method for ISAC. A network device sends a configuration to a terminal device, the configuration including at least one of the following of an RS for a sensing operation: SCS, CP type, time domain information of a pattern, or frequency domain information of the pattern. The terminal device performs transmission or reception of the RS based on the configuration. In this manner, a pattern of sensing RS and related signaling may be defined. The complexity and flexibility of the framework can be considered in designing the sensing RS, and sensing performance can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the telecommunications field, and more specifically to methods, apparatus and computer storage media for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Background Technology

[0002] Many emerging services require sensing capabilities to provide accurate and timely service. However, traditional radar technology is costly to deploy and lacks flexibility, failing to scale to the current diverse services. ISAC (Interactive Air Controller) has been proposed to provide high-quality service. Utilizing ISAC, networks (NW) or user equipment (UE) can sense their surroundings and exchange their observations through communication. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, embodiments of this disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and computer storage media for use with ISAC.

[0004] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the terminal device to: receive configuration from a network device, the configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal used for sensing operations: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and perform transmission or reception of the reference signal based on the configuration, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silence symbols among the symbols, a set of silence portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0005] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the network device to: determine a configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal used for sensing operations of a terminal device: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and transmit the configuration to the terminal device, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silence symbols among the symbols, a set of silence portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0006] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a terminal device, a configuration from a network device, the configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal used for sensing operations: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and performing transmission or reception of the reference signal based on the configuration, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silence symbols among the symbols, a set of silence portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method includes: determining a configuration at a network device, the configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal for sensing operations of a terminal device: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and transmitting the configuration to the terminal device, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silent symbols among the symbols, a set of silent portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which instructions are stored. When executed on at least one processor, these instructions cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to a third or fourth aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0010] 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: Figure 1 Example communication networks are illustrated, which may implement some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a communication process for sensing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example scenario of reference signal (RS) reception according to relevant techniques is provided. Figure 4 A diagram illustrating example modes of sensing RS in the time domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 An example diagram illustrating a sensing RS receiver according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6A A diagram illustrating an example configuration of a beam for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6B A diagram illustrating another example configuration of a beam for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 7 A diagram illustrating another example mode of sensing RS in the time domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 8 A diagram illustrating example modes of a sensed RS in the frequency domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an example transmission of a sensing RS in the time domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 10 A diagram illustrating example beam switching at the symbol level according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 11A The diagram illustrates example configurations for sensing RS transmission and reception in the same sensing node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11B A diagram illustrating another example configuration for sensing RS transmission and reception in the same sensing node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 11C A diagram illustrating yet another example configuration for sensing RS transmission and reception in the same sensing node, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11D A diagram illustrating example beam switching for sensing RS transmission and reception at the same sensing node at an intra-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 12 The diagram illustrates example configurations of sensing RSs in downlink and uplink according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 13 The diagram illustrates an example dynamic configuration for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating another communication process for sensing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 15 A diagram illustrating an example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the inter-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 16A A diagram illustrating an example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the in-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 16B A diagram illustrating another example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the in-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 17 The illustration shows an example of the transmission of a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 18 An example diagram illustrating the reception of a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 19 The illustration shows an example generated from a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 20 Example communication methods implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; Figure 21 Example communication methods implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated; and Figure 22 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0013] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0014] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to: User Equipment (UE); Personal Computers; Desktop Computers; Mobile Phones; Cellular Phones; Smartphones; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs); Portable Computers; Tablets; Wearable Devices; Internet of Things (IoT) Devices; Ultra-reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) Devices; Internet of Everything (IoE) Devices; Machine-type Communication (MTC) Devices; Devices on vehicles for V2X communication, where X refers to pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / networks; Devices for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB); Spacecraft or Aircraft Vehicles in Non-terrestrial Networks (NTNs), including satellites and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) covering Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); and different types of reality (such as Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR)). Extended Reality (XR) devices, including those for Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Reality (VR); unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones (aircraft without human pilots); devices on high-speed trains (HSTs); or image capture devices such as digital cameras and sensors; gaming devices; music storage and playback equipment; or internet devices enabling wireless or wired internet access and browsing. "Terminal devices" may also have "multicast / broadcast" capabilities to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, wireless software delivery, group communications, and IoT applications. "Terminal devices" may also incorporate one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), a latter case referred to as multi-SIM. The term "terminal device" is used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0015] The term "core network element" refers to any device or entity that provides access and mobility management function (AMF), network exposure function (NEF), authentication server function (AUSF), unified data management (UDM), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), location management function (LMF), sensing function (SF), etc. In other embodiments, a core network element may be any other suitable device or entity that provides any other suitable functionality.

[0016] The term "network device" refers to a device capable of providing or hosting communication for terminal devices within a cell or coverage area. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS) systems, NodeBs (or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), IAB nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtonodes and piconodes), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), etc.

[0017] Terminal devices, network devices, or core network components may possess artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities. Terminal devices or network devices typically include models that have been trained on specific functions based on a large amount of collected data and can be used to predict some information.

[0018] Terminal devices, network devices, or core network components can operate within several frequency ranges (e.g., FR1 (410MHz to 7125MHz), FR2 (24.25GHz to 71GHz), bands above 100GHz, and terahertz (THz)). Terminal devices or network devices can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) applications, terminal devices can have more than one connection to network devices or core network components. Terminal devices, network devices, or core network components can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-division duplex modes.

[0019] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in test equipment (e.g., signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal equipment, test network equipment, channel simulator).

[0020] In one embodiment, the terminal device may be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first and second network devices may be a master node, and the other may be a slave node. The first and second network devices may use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In one embodiment, the first network device may be a first RAT device, and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In one embodiment, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to different RATs may be sent to the terminal device from at least one of the first or second network devices. In one embodiment, first information may be sent from the first network device to the terminal device, and second information may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device. In one embodiment, configuration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device via the first network device. Reconfiguration-related information configured by the second network device for the terminal device may be sent from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device.

[0021] 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 “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one implementation” and “implementation” should be understood as “at least one implementation.” The term “another implementation” should be understood as “at least one other implementation.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions are given below.

[0022] In some examples, values, programs, or devices are described as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “maximum,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice can be made among many alternative functionalities used, and that such a choice is not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferred than other choices.

[0023] In the context of this disclosure, the term "sensing operation" can refer to the functionality of obtaining information about the environment and / or the characteristics of objects within the environment (e.g., shape, size, orientation, velocity, location, distance between objects, or relative motion, etc.) using new radio (NR) radio frequency (RF) signals and, in some cases, previously defined information available in the evolved packet core (EPC) and / or evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA). The term "sensing transmitter" can be an entity that transmits sensing signals that a sensing service will use in its operation. The term "sensing receiver" can be an entity that receives sensing signals that a sensing service will use in its operation. A sensing transmitter may be located in the same or a different entity as a sensing receiver. The term "sensing transmitter" is used interchangeably with "transmitting sensing node" (Tx), and the term "sensing receiver" is used interchangeably with "receiving sensing node" (Rx). The terms “sensor transmitter” or “sensor receiver” are used interchangeably with “sensor node”.

[0024] For a sensing transmitter, the sensing signal can be a wireless signal transmitted by the sensing transmitter, such as a synchronization signal block (SSB), a positioning reference signal (PRS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a remote interference management reference signal (RIM-RS), or any other suitable signal. For a sensing receiver, the sensing signal can be a wireless signal that is directly received or affected (e.g., reflected, refracted, or diffracted) by the sensing receiver. For convenience, in the following description, the term "sensing signal" refers to an RF signal used for sensing services, and the term "wireless signal" refers to an RF signal used for communication services. The term "sensing operation" can include the transmission and / or reception of the sensing signal, and the term "communication operation" can include the transmission and / or reception of the wireless signal. The term "sensing signal" may also be referred to as "reference signal (RS) for sensing operation" or "sensing RS" or "signal including data for sensing operation".

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for an RS designed for sensing operations. In one aspect, a network device sends a configuration to an end device, the configuration including at least one of the following for the RS for sensing operations: subcarrier spacing (SCS), cyclic prefix (CP) type, time-domain information of the mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode. Based on the configuration, the end device performs RS transmission or reception. In some embodiments, the time-domain information may indicate the number of symbols used for the RS, and at least one of the following: a set of silent symbols within a symbol, a set of silent portions within a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol. In some embodiments, the frequency-domain information may indicate at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups (RBGs) used for the RS (e.g., the number of groups or blocks), the size of an RBG within an RBG (e.g., the group size or block size), the location of an RBG within an RBG, or the comb size of a resource element (RE) within an RBG within an RBG.

[0026] In this way, the patterns of sensing RS and related signaling can be defined. The complexity and flexibility of the framework can be considered when designing the sensing RS, and sensing performance can be ensured.

[0027] On the other hand, the network device sends a configuration of the RS (Responder) for sensing operations to the terminal device. This configuration is associated with auxiliary information, which includes at least one of the following: a requirement for sensing operations, the terminal device's capability for sensing operations, the condition of the sensing channel, or a sensing waveform for sensing operations. Based on this configuration, the terminal device sends the RS for sensing operations.

[0028] In this way, the sensing RS can be dynamically selected, and thus the sensing performance can be improved by utilizing the controllable RS overhead.

[0029] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sensing RS can be an existing RS, such as a PRS or SRS or any other existing RS. Alternatively, the sensing RS can be a new RS or a dedicated RS for sensing operations.

[0030] The principles and specific implementations of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Examples of communication networks Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication network 100 in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication network 100 may include terminal equipment 110, network equipment 120, core network (CN) element 130, and object 140.

[0032] In some implementations, network device 120 may provide one or more serving cells (not shown) to serve terminal device 110. Figure 1 In the example, terminal device 110 may have sensing and communication capabilities (i.e., support for ISAC), and network device 120 may have sensing and communication capabilities (i.e., support for ISAC). In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may transmit wireless signals to network device 120 and / or receive wireless signals from network device 120.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the example, terminal device 110 may be a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver, or both. Network device 120 may also be a sensing transmitter or a sensing receiver, or both. The sensing transmitter may send sensing signals toward object 140, and object 140 may reflect, refract, or diffract the sensing signals to the sensing receiver.

[0034] Various sensing modes are possible. In some embodiments, the sensing transmitter can be a network device 120, and the sensing receiver can be a terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the sensing transmitter can be a terminal device 110, and the sensing receiver can be a network device 120. In some embodiments, the sensing transmitter can be a network device 120, and the sensing receiver can be another network device (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensing receiver can be a network device 120, and the sensing transmitter can be another network device (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensing transmitter can be a terminal device 110, and the sensing receiver can be another terminal device (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensing receiver can be a terminal device 110, and the sensing transmitter can be another terminal device (not shown). In some embodiments, the sensing receiver and the sensing transmitter can be the same network device 120. In some embodiments, the sensing receiver and the sensing transmitter can be the same terminal device 110.

[0035] Core network element 130 may have SF. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may communicate with core network element 130 via network device 120.

[0036] Terminal device 110 can communicate with network device 120 via the Uu interface. Network device 120 can communicate with core network element 130 via the Ng interface. Communication in communication network 100 can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-A, NR, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G) communication protocols, second-generation (2G) communication protocols, 2.5G communication protocols, 2.75G communication protocols, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, 4.5G communication protocols, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced Networks, or sixth-generation (6G) networks.

[0037] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and / or objects described is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation on this disclosure. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices and / or core network elements and / or objects suitable for implementing specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] Currently, it is unclear how to design and configure the RS for sensing operations in ISAC. In view of this, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication solution to facilitate the determination of the RS for sensing operations in ISAC. Reference will be made below. Figures 2 to 19 Provide a detailed description.

[0039] Examples and specific implementations of patterns and related signaling Figure 2A schematic diagram illustrating a communication process 200 for sensing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Describe process 200. Process 200 may involve, for example, Figure 1 The terminal device 110 and network device 120 are illustrated.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 110 can send its capabilities to network device 120. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 can send its capabilities via RRC signaling (e.g., a UECapabilityInformation message or any other suitable message).

[0041] In some embodiments, the capability of terminal device 110 may indicate whether terminal device 110 supports multiple time windows for receiving signals and / or demodulating OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) signals. In other words, terminal device 110 may indicate whether it supports using a sliding window for signal reception and / or OFDM signal demodulation. In some embodiments, the capability of terminal device 110 may indicate the step size of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the capability of terminal device 110 may indicate the maximum number of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the capability of terminal device 110 may indicate the time interval between the start and end time windows among the multiple time windows.

[0042] In some implementations, the terminal device 110 can indicate the transceiver mode switching latency used for sensing operations. In other words, the terminal device 110 can report the sensed downlink switching time and uplink switching time separately.

[0043] In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may indicate whether terminal device 110 supports both transmitting and receiving RS. In other words, terminal device 110 may indicate whether it supports a sensing mode of transmitting and receiving sensing RS at the same sensing node (i.e., at terminal device 110). In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may also indicate whether it supports simultaneously transmitting and receiving RS. In other words, terminal device 110 may indicate whether it supports a sensing mode of simultaneously transmitting and receiving sensing RS at the same sensing node (i.e., at terminal device 110).

[0044] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may report one or more SCSs supported by terminal device 110 for sensing operations. In some implementations, terminal device 110 may report a subset of the entire set of SCSs. It should be understood that the capabilities of terminal device 110 may include any other suitable information.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Network device 120 can determine the configuration of 220 for ISAC. In some embodiments, this configuration may include an SCS for sensing operations (i.e., sensing RS). In some embodiments, the SCS supporting sensing RS can be selected from the entire set {15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz, 960kHz, 1920kHz, 3840kHz} or a subset thereof. In some embodiments, the selection of SCS may be associated with the capabilities of the TX / Rx sensing node.

[0046] In some embodiments, the configuration may include a CP type for the RS used for sensing operation. In some embodiments, the CP type may indicate a normal CP or an extended cyclic prefix (ECP) with a length longer than that of a normal CP. In some embodiments, an ECP may be selected from a group including multiple ECPs for SCS. In some embodiments, the multiple ECPs have different lengths.

[0047] For illustration, Table 1 below shows an example relationship between the CP length and the associated sensing distance on one side for SCS {120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz, 960kHz, 3840kHz}.

[0048] Table 1 In the examples in Table 1, the ECP length is derived or designed for SCS greater than or equal to 120 kHz. Assume the number of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) points is N. For ECP1, 3 × N samples are uniformly allocated to the CP of 12 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, and the number of samples for the CP of each symbol is 3 × N / 12 = N / 4. For ECP2, 5 × N samples are uniformly allocated to the CP of 10 OFDM symbols, and the number of samples for the CP of each symbol is 5 × N / 10 = N / 2. For ECP3, 7 × N samples are uniformly allocated to the CP of 8 OFDM symbols, and the number of samples for the CP of each symbol is 7 × N / 8. Given the SCS, the absolute duration / length of the CP is derived based on the number of samples and the duration / length of each sample.

[0049] In some implementations, the CP type of the RS can be associated with the SCS of the RS. In some implementations, different ECP types can be applied to different SCSs. For example, for {120kHz, 240kHz}, only NCP and ECP1 are supported for sensing operation; for {480kHz, 960kHz}, only NCP and ECP2 are supported for sensing operation; and for {1920kHz, 3840kHz}, only NCP and ECP3 are supported for sensing operation.

[0050] In some embodiments, the configuration may include time-domain information about the mode of the RS used for sensing operations. In some embodiments, the configuration may include frequency-domain information about the mode of the RS used for sensing operations.

[0051] In some embodiments, the mode of the RS used for sensing operations may be associated with the requirements of the sensing operations. In some embodiments, network device 120 may receive the requirements of the sensing operations from the sensing server or SF of CN element 130. In some embodiments, these requirements may include at least one of sensing distance, sensing speed, or sensing angle. It should be understood that these requirements may also include any other suitable information.

[0052] In some implementations, time-domain information may indicate the number of symbols used for RS. In some implementations, the number of symbols used for RS may be configured taking into account that the sensing distance between the sensing object and the sensing node is limited by the transmit power of the Tx sensing node.

[0053] In some embodiments where RS is a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), the number of symbols used for RS may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12. For example, the number of symbols used for RS may be selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 12}. In some embodiments where RS is a Probe Reference Signal (SRS), the number of symbols used for RS may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 8, or 12. For example, the number of symbols used for RS may be selected from {1, 2, 4, 8, 12}. It should be understood that the number of symbols used for RS may be determined to be any suitable number.

[0054] In some implementations, the number of PRS symbols used for sensing and positioning for communication can be in different sets of values. The PRS used for sensing can be used to sense objects other than the receiving node itself, and the PRS used for positioning via conventional communication can be used to locate the receiving node itself. For example, for sensing, a set of symbols {1, 2, 4, 8} is used, and for communication, a set of symbols {2, 4, 6, 12} is used. In another example, for sensing, only a set of symbols {1, 8} is used, and for communication, only a set of symbols {6, 12} is used. In yet another example, for both sensing and communication, a set of symbols {2, 4} is used. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] For illustration, an example PRS configuration can be described as follows.

[0056] NR-DL-PRS-ResourceSet-r19 ::= SEQUENCE { nr-DL-PRS-ResourceSetID-r19NR-DL-PRS-ResourceSetID-r19, dl-PRS-Periodicity-and-ResourceSetSlotOffset-r19 NR-DL-PRS-Periodicity-and-ResourceSetSlotOffset-r19, dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor-r19ENUMERATED {n2, n4, n6, n8, n16,n32, ...}OPTIONAL, -- Need OP dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap-r19ENUMERATED {s1, s2, s4, s8, s16, s32, ...}OPTIONAL, -- Cond Rep dl-PRS-NumSymbols-r19ENUMERATED {n1, n2, n4, n6, n8, n12, ...}, dl-PRS-MutingOption1-r19DL-PRS-MutingOption1-r19OPTIONAL, -- Need OP dl-PRS-MutingOption2-r19DL-PRS-MutingOption2-r19OPTIONAL, -- Need OP dl-PRS-ResourcePower-r19 INTEGER (-60..50), dl-PRS-ResourceList-r19 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..nrMaxResourcesPerSet-r19)) OF NR-DL-PRS-Resource-r19, ... } NR-DL-PRS-Resource-r19 ::= SEQUENCE { nr-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19 NR-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19, dl-PRS-SequenceID-r19 INTEGER (0.. 4095), dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset-r19 CHOICE { n2-r19 INTEGER (0..1), ... }, dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset-r19 INTEGER (0..nrMaxResourceOffsetValue-1-r19), dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset-r19 INTEGER (0..13) ... } In this example, the information element (IE) "dl-PRS-NumSymbols-r19" refers to the number of symbols used for the PRS. In some implementations, the information element "dl-PRS-NumSymbols-r19" can be replaced by two separate IEs, each with a different set of values ​​indicating the number of PRS used for sensing and communication, respectively.

[0057] In some scenarios, the signal reflected by object A can be fully received, but a portion of the signal reflected by object B may be missed. Therefore, the detection of object B may be missed. Figure 3 Figure 300 illustrates an example scenario of RS reception according to relevant technologies. For example... Figure 3 As shown, OFDM symbols received from the first path can be fully received within the receiving window of the receiving node, and OFDM symbols received from the nth path via object A with a delay less than the CP length can also be fully received within the receiving window of the receiving node. However, OFDM symbols received from the mth path via object B with a delay greater than the CP length may not be fully received within the receiving window of the receiving node. Specifically, for objects with a transmission delay exceeding the CP length under conventional signal transmission and reception mechanisms, especially when the SCS is large, for example, when the SCS is greater than or equal to 240 kHz, the detection or sensing of such objects will be missed.

[0058] Given these scenarios, the RS can be located at a symbol with a long CP length. In some implementations where the RS is a PRS, when the symbol count is 1, the starting symbol in the symbol is fixed at a symbol with a long CP. In some implementations where the RS is a PRS, when the symbol count is 1 and the SCS is greater than a given SCS (e.g., 120 kHz), the starting symbol in the symbol is fixed at a symbol with a long CP. The longer CP length can cover objects with a longer distance compared to a normal symbol with a normal CP length. In some implementations, the expected symbol offset and slot offset are aligned with a 0.5 ms frame structure.

[0059] Given these scenarios, a mute option can be applied when the number of symbols is greater than one. This introduces gaps between symbols or groups of symbols and reduces the chance of missing object detection. In some implementations, time-domain information can indicate a group of mute symbols. No signals intended for communication or sensing operations are expected to be transmitted on this group of mute symbols.

[0060] In some embodiments, the RS may include the set of mute symbols in that number of symbols, and the RS may have an indication to mute that set of mute symbols (e.g., mute even-numbered or odd-numbered symbols). In some embodiments, network device 120 may send downlink control information (DCI) to terminal device 110, including fields for activating mute behavior. The DCI may be associated with an RS used to sense other objects. In some embodiments, network device 120 may instruct terminal device 110 to mute behavior via radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0061] In some implementations where RS is the sounding reference signal (SRS), an example configuration for the mute option can be described as follows.

[0062] SRS-PosResource-r19::= SEQUENCE { srs-PosResourceId-r19 SRS-PosResourceId-r19, transmissionComb-r19 CHOICE {…} resourceMapping-r19 SEQUENCE { startPosition-r19 INTEGER (0..13), nrofSymbols-r19 ENUMERATED {n1, n2, n4, n8, n12} }, MutingOption CHOICE { n2-mute BIT STRING (SIZE(2)), n4-mute BIT STRING (SIZE(4)), n8-mute BIT STRING (SIZE(8)), n12-mute BIT STRING (SIZE(12)), } In some implementations, the mute symbol is included in the symbol indicating the use of SRS, and the length of the bit string "MutingOption" is equal to the number of symbols indicated by IE "nrofSymbols-r19". The bit values ​​in the bit string indicate whether the symbol will be mute. It should be understood that the mute option is optional. In some alternative implementations, the mute option may not be configured.

[0063] Figure 4 A diagram 400 illustrates an example mode of sensing RS in the time domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, even-numbered signs are muted, and odd-numbered signs are used to sense RS. It should be understood that... Figure 4 This is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] In some implementations, a sliding window can be applied when the number of symbols used to sense RS is greater than one (this number of symbols may include mute symbols). That is, multiple time windows can be used to sense RS reception. In this way, the number of missed detections of objects can also be reduced. Figure 5 Figure 500 illustrates an example of sensing RS reception according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, OFDM symbols received from the first path and OFDM symbols received from the nth path via object A with a delay less than the CP length are fully received within the first receive window of the receiving node. OFDM symbols received from the mth path via object B and OFDM symbols received from the mth path via object C are fully received within the second receive window of the receiving node, where the delays of both object B and object C are greater than the CP length, and there is a given delay between the second receive window and the first receive window. Therefore, no object detection is missed.

[0065] In some implementations, selecting an appropriate ECP for the sensing RS can reduce the number of objects missed during detection. In some implementations, a larger SCS and ECP can be selected for the sensing RS when the sensing distance is short. In some implementations, a smaller SCS and ECP can be selected for the sensing RS when the sensing distance is long.

[0066] In some implementations, when a sensing node performs both transmitting and receiving sensing RS, it may be necessary to reserve time for the sensing node to receive the sensing RS. In some implementations, time-domain information may also indicate the gap between symbols. In some implementations, time-domain information may indicate the gap after a symbol. That is, when the number of symbols is greater than one, a gap may be introduced between symbols or groups of symbols. In some implementations, the gap or reserved symbol may be used to receive echo signals from an object. In some implementations, when the sensing node cannot simultaneously transmit and receive sensing signals, the length of the gap is greater than the length of the signal.

[0067] In some implementations, when the sensing node cannot simultaneously transmit and receive sensing signals, one beam corresponds to two symbols (one symbol for sensing RS transmission and one symbol for sensing RS reception). Beam switching can be performed after sensing RS transmission and reception are performed via the same beam. This saves beam switching time. Figure 6A Figure 600A illustrates an example configuration of a beam for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 6A As shown, a symbol gap is introduced between the two even-numbered symbols. The first symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #1. The second symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #1. The third symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #2. The fourth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #2. The fifth symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #3. The sixth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #3. The seventh symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #4. The eighth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #4.

[0068] In some implementations, one beam corresponds to 2N symbols, where N is a positive integer. Beam switching can be performed after sensing RS transmission and reception via the same beam. The signals of the 2N symbols are identical. Figure 6B Figure 600B illustrates another example configuration of a beam for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B As shown, the first symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #1. The second symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #1. The third symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #1. The fourth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #1. The fifth symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #2. The sixth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #2. The seventh symbol is used for sensing RS transmission via beam #2. The eighth symbol is used for sensing RS reception via beam #2. In some embodiments, received signals from multiple symbols having the same beam can be combined to detect or sense an object.

[0069] In some implementations, the number of valid symbols and the number of mute symbols are configured based on the sensing requirements, channel conditions, and sensing capabilities of the sensing node. For example, if the sensing node is capable of both transmitting and receiving simultaneously, the number of mute symbols is less than the number of valid symbols.

[0070] In some implementations, multiple beams can be used, and gaps can be reserved within a symbol for sensing or detecting multiple objects. In some implementations, time-domain information can indicate a set of silent portions within a segment of a symbol. In some implementations, time-domain information can indicate the gaps between segments within a symbol. In some implementations, the number of segments is associated with the comb size of the RE used for sensing RS in the frequency domain.

[0071] In some implementations, the mapping relationship between the Tx / Rx beams and portions is configured, and there is no ambiguity regarding which beam is used to transmit / receive the sensing signal.

[0072] Figure 7 A diagram 700 illustrates another example mode of sensing RS in the time domain, illustrating some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the time unit can be 1 / F of an OFDM symbol, where F is a positive integer. In some implementations, F is equal to the comb size of the RE used for sensing RS. The Tx sensing node and the Rx sensing node are the same node, and this node is capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving sensing signals. Sensing areas are associated with beams due to different beam orientations. Considering that the number of targets and the location of each sensing area are different, echo signals from different areas may overlap. Then, it should be defined which beam is used for echo signal reception during the overlap duration. In some implementations, the Rx beam used for echo signal reception is associated with the Tx beam, for example, the Rx beam and the Tx beam have the same orientation. For example, during overlap duration #1, the Rx beam with the same orientation as Tx beam #2 is used for echo signal reception, and during overlap duration #2, the Rx beam with the same orientation as Tx beam #3 is used for echo signal reception.

[0073] In some implementations, an additional delay is introduced between the Tx beam application time and the Rx beam application time to account for transmission delays caused by the sensed object. For example, an Rx beam with the same direction as Tx beam #2 is applied after a predefined / configured time delay from the application time of Tx beam #2. In some implementations, the time delay is determined by the minimum distance to objects within the coverage area of ​​Tx beam #2.

[0074] The mapping between sections and beams can be indicated or configured. In some implementations, the location of the section for each beam in the time domain can be configured. For example, if all sections are uniformly positioned, the number of sections for an ordered beam can be configured. In some implementations, beam information is indicated via QCL (quasi co-location) information, and beam indices can be determined via QCL information or spatial relationships in ascending order. For example, QCL information or spatial relationships can indicate the SSB index and / or CSI-RS index of the beam. These indices can be sorted in such a way that the SSB index is first ranked in ascending order, and then the CSI-RS index is ranked in ascending order. The beam index ranked first can then be considered the first beam corresponding to the first section among these sections, and the beam index ranked last can be considered the last beam corresponding to the last section among these sections. In this way, the mapping between sections and beams can be determined. This can also be applied to mapping relationships between multiple beams and symbols.

[0075] In this case, the number of portions mapped to each beam is the same. In another example, if these portions are uniformly positioned, one or more portion indices can be configured for each beam. In yet another example, the start time and duration length of each beam can be configured.

[0076] In some implementations, the frequency domain information may indicate at least one of the following: the number of RBGs for RS, the size of an RBG in an RBG, the position of an RBG in an RBG, or the comb size of an RE in an RBG in an RBG. Figure 8 A diagram 800 illustrates an example mode of a sensed RS in the frequency domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 8 As shown, each column represents a mode or a comb size in a resource block in the frequency domain. All or part of the REs in the RE corresponding to the symbol are used to sense the RS.

[0077] In some implementations, the comb size of the RE can be selected from the group consisting of 1 RE and at least one of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12 REs. For example, the comb size of the RE can be selected from {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12} REs. This can be applied when the RS is configured to sense other objects. In this case, other REs can be muted, and no data or RS is mapped to REs other than the RS RE. In some implementations, the power of the muted RE can be added to the RS RE for power boost.

[0078] For illustration, an example configuration of the comb tooth size for the RE used in PRS can be described as follows.

[0079] NR-DL-PRS-Resource-r19 ::= SEQUENCE { nr-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19 NR-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19, dl-PRS-SequenceID-r19 INTEGER (0..4095), dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset-r19 CHOICE { n1-r19 INTEGER (0), n2-r19 INTEGER (0..1), n3-r19 INTEGER (0..2), n4-r19 INTEGER (0..3), n6-r19 INTEGER (0..5), n8-r19 INTEGER (0..7), n12-r19 INTEGER (0..11), ... } In this example, the IE “dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset-r19” indicates the comb size of the RE used for sensing the RS. The comb size can be selected from {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12}. In some implementations, the set of values ​​is different for sensing and communication. For example, {2, 4, 8} can be used for communication, and {1, 2, 3, 4, 6} can be used for sensing. In some implementations, two separate IEs can be used to replace “dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset-r19” to indicate the comb size of the RS used for sensing and communication, respectively.

[0080] Example configurations for the comb size of the RE used in SRS may include the following.

[0081] n1-r19 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n1-r19 INTEGER (0), cyclicShift-n1-r19 INTEGER (0..23) }, n2-r19 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n2-r19 INTEGER (0..1), cyclicShift-n2-r19 INTEGER (0..7) }, n3-r19 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n3-r19 INTEGER (0..2), cyclicShift-n3-r19 INTEGER (0..11) }, n4-r19 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n4-r19 INTEGER (0..3), cyclicShift-n4-r19 INTEGER (0..11) }, n6-r19 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n6-r19 INTEGER (0..5), cyclicShift-n6-r19 INTEGER (0..7) }, n8-r16 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n8-r19 INTEGER (0..7), cyclicShift-n8-r19 INTEGER (0..5) }, n12-r16 SEQUENCE { combOffset-n12-r19 INTEGER (0..11), cyclicShift-n12-r19 INTEGER (0..3) } It should be noted that the range of cyclic shift values ​​shown in this example is merely illustrative and does not limit this disclosure.

[0082] The example RE offsets for each symbol of RS under different comb tooth sizes can be described in Table 2 below.

[0083] Table 2 Table 2 shows the RE offset (in columns) corresponding to the comb size of the RE and the sign offset (in rows) corresponding to the first RS sign. This indicates the size of the comb teeth in the RE. It should be understood that Table 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0084] In some implementations, the size of the downlink PRS resources used for sensing in the time domain L PRS ∈{1, 2, 4, 6, 12}, and the size of the comb teeth. ∈{1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12}. Combinations { L PRS , } can be one of {1, 1}, {2, 1}, {3, 1}, {4, 1}, {6, 1}, {8, 1}, {12, 1}, {2, 2}, {4, 2}, {6, 2}, {8, 2}, {12, 2}, {4, 4}, {8, 4}, {12, 4}, {6, 6}, {12, 6}, and {12, 12}.

[0085] In some implementations where the comb tooth size of RE is 1 RE, the combination { L PRS , } can be designed as one of {2, 1}, {3, 1}, {4, 1}, {6, 1}, {8, 1}, or {12, 1}. Figure 9 Figure 900 illustrates an example transmission of a sensing RS in the time domain according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 9 As shown, reference numeral 910 indicates a transmission of a symbol with a given SCS SCS1 in the frequency domain with a comb size of 2. OFDM symbols are divided into a first segment and a second segment with the same or similar content. Reference numeral 920 indicates a transmission of a symbol with a given SCS SCS1. The larger SCS is used for the transmission of two symbols, where the CP length for the larger SCS decreases from the CP length to either the length of CP1 or the length of CP2. Compared to the transmission of two symbols shown by reference numeral 920, the transmission of one symbol shown by reference numeral 910 offers flexibility in selecting an appropriate effective CP length between 0 and the CP length. For example, an FFT window with flexible start and end points can be designed according to sensing requirements and sensing scenarios.

[0086] In some implementations, the effective CP length of the transmitted signal can be determined by the delay between the first path of the receiving node and the path via the object. In some implementations, the effective CP length of the transmitted signal can be indicated to the receiving node.

[0087] In some implementations, the maximum number of beams switched within a symbol can be equal to This method ensures that beam switching can be performed within a single symbol. Figure 10 A diagram 1000 illustrates an example beam switching at the in-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, As shown by reference numeral 1010, beam switching is performed for each part of a symbol. As shown by reference numeral 1020, beam switching is performed for every two parts of a symbol.

[0088] In some implementations, if the echo signal has a delay greater than the CP length, or if the transmission and reception of the echo signal are performed at the same sensing node, a portion of the mute symbol can be used to receive the echo signal. Figure 11A Figure 1100A illustrates an example configuration for sensing RS transmission and reception in the same sensing node, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11A As shown, the first segment of the original signal is used to sense RS transmission, and the second segment of the original signal is used to sense RS reception. The signal is received throughout the entire symbol period, and a sliding window of signal processing is applied based on the received signal to identify the echo signal.

[0089] In some implementations, the lengths of the transmit and receive segments within a symbol can be dynamically configured based on the distance to the object. This ensures that transmission and reception occur at the same sensing node. In some implementations, a larger comb size of the RE can be configured for shorter sensing distances. In some implementations, a smaller comb size of the RE can be configured for longer sensing distances. Figure 11B Figure 1100B illustrates another example configuration for sensing RS transmission and reception at the same sensing node at different times, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11B As shown, the first segment of the original signal is used to sense RS transmission, and the second segment of the original signal is used to sense RS reception. The end point of the first segment or the start point of the second segment (i.e., time A) can be dynamically configured.

[0090] Figure 11C Figure 1100C illustrates yet another example configuration for sensing RS transmission and reception in the same sensing node, illustrating some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11CAs shown by reference numeral 1131 in the attached figure, the first segment of the original signal is used to sense RS transmission, and the second and third segments of the original signal are used to sense RS reception. Figure 11C As shown by reference numeral 1132 in the attached figure, the comb size of the RE is 12 REs. The first segment of the original signal is used for the first sensing RS transmission, and the second segment and a portion of the third segment of the original signal (i.e., Rx window 1) are used for the first sensing RS reception. The remainder of the third segment and the fourth segment of the original signal are used for the second sensing RS transmission. The fifth segment and a portion of the sixth segment of the original signal (i.e., Rx window 2) are used for the second sensing RS reception. The remainder of the sixth segment and the seventh segment of the original signal are used for the third sensing RS transmission. The eighth segment and a portion of the ninth segment of the original signal (i.e., Rx window 3) are used for the third sensing RS reception. The remainder of the ninth segment and the tenth segment of the original signal are used for the fourth sensing RS transmission. The eleventh segment and a portion of the twelfth segment of the original signal (i.e., Rx window 4) are used for the fourth sensing RS reception. In this example, different Tx / Rx pairs can use different beams.

[0091] In some implementations, beam switching can be ensured within a single symbol. In some implementations, beam switching can be performed between beams in the same horizontal plane. In some implementations, beam switching can be performed between beams within a certain angular range. Figure 11D Figure 1100D illustrates an example beam switching for sensing RS transmission at the symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown by reference numeral 1141, beam switching is performed for each portion of a symbol. As shown by reference numeral 1142, beam switching is performed for every two portions of a symbol.

[0092] In some implementations where the PRS is used as a sensing RS, if more than one beam is required, more than one quasi-co-located (QCL) information can be indicated in a single PRS resource. For illustration, an example PRS configuration can be described as follows.

[0093] NR-DL-PRS-Resource-r19 ::= SEQUENCE { nr-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19 NR-DL-PRS-ResourceID-r19, dl-PRS-SequenceID-r19 INTEGER (0..4095), dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset-r19 CHOICE { n1-r19 INTEGER (0), n2-r19 INTEGER (0..1), n3-r19 INTEGER (0..2), ... }, … dl-PRS-QCL-Info-list-r19 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1,..,nrMaxQCLperPRSResource)) OF dl-PRS-QCL-Info-r19 OPTIONAL, dl-PRS-QCL-Info-r16 DL-PRS-QCL-Info-r16 OPTIONAL, --Need ON In this example, IE "dl-PRS-QCL-Info-list-r19" indicates the number of QCL information entries for a PRS resource with multiple symbols.

[0094] In some implementations, the duration of application of each QCL information is uniquely determined by the number of QCL information and the comb tooth size indicating the RE used for PRS resources. The QCL information can be sorted according to the SSB index and CSI-RS index included in the QCL information, with the SSB index sorted first in ascending order and then the CSI-RS index sorted in ascending order. The sorted QCL information can be mapped to portions or symbol groups. For example, if four QCL information are indicated, and the comb tooth size is 12 or the number of symbols is 12, then each QCL information is applied to three consecutive portions within a signal symbol, or to three consecutive symbols.

[0095] In some implementations of the sensing RS, which is used to sense objects other than terminal device 110, the sequence of sensing RS is a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence.

[0096] In some implementations, PRS and SRS can be used in combination for sensing RS transmission and reception. In some implementations, the number of symbols used for PRS and SRS can be the same, i.e., In some implementations, the comb tooth size for the RE used in PRS and SRS can be the same, i.e., In some implementations, beam switching in sensing RS transmission and reception can be aligned. In some implementations, sensing RS transmission and reception at the same sensing node and sensing RS transmission and reception at different sensing nodes can be combined based on the same RS configuration.

[0097] Figure 12 Figure 1200 illustrates example configurations of sensing RSs for downlink and uplink according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12 As shown by reference numeral 1210 in the attached figure, the DL beam and UL beam are identical for each of the gNB and UE. In this example, beam switching is performed per symbol. Figure 12 As shown by reference numeral 1220 in the attached figure, the DL beam and UL beam are identical for each of the gNB and UE. In this example, beam switching is performed every two symbols.

[0098] In some implementations, if the UL / DL switching time for sensing is short enough, then Figure 12 The symbols in the RE can be replaced by a portion of the symbols whose comb size is greater than 1.

[0099] As mentioned above, a dedicated RS can be defined for sensing operations. A dedicated RS may be referred to as a sensing / state tracking reference signal (STRS), a sensing state / related information-reference signal (SRI-RS / SSI-RS), or an additional / dedicated / special or separate / integrated sensing reference signal (ASRS / DRRS / SSRS / ISRS).

[0100] In some implementations, the mode of the dedicated RS in the time domain can be designed to be localized at the inter-symbol level. In some implementations, the number of symbols can be selected from a group including 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12. For example, the number of symbols can be selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 12}.

[0101] In some implementations, the dedicated RS can be designed to be distributed at the symbol level in the time domain. In some implementations, according to this configuration, the symbol index is M:N:K, where M represents the starting symbol index of the RS, N represents the step size of the distributed RS in RS form, and K represents the ending symbol index of the RS. In some implementations, this configuration may include {M, N, K}. In some other implementations, this configuration may indicate {M, N, L}, where L represents the number of valid symbols or groups {valid symbols, silence symbols} or the number of repetitions of {1, N-1} symbols, where N-1 indicates the number of silence symbols between two valid symbols. For example, M=2, N=2, K=13 means that the symbol index of the RS is {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12}, a total of 6 valid symbols, and the other symbols between symbol #2 and symbol #13 are silence symbols.

[0102] In some implementations, the mode of a dedicated RS in the time domain can be designed at the in-symbol level as either chunk-based or block-based. For example, the size, number, or location of the chunks or blocks can be configured.

[0103] In some implementations, the mode of the dedicated RS in the frequency domain can be designed to be distributed. In some implementations, the density of REs (i.e., the comb size of the REs) can be selected from a group consisting of 1 RE and at least one of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12 REs. For example, the RE density can be selected from {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12} REs.

[0104] In some implementations, the mode of the dedicated RS in the frequency domain can be designed to be localized. In some implementations, the bandwidth can be configured as {1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8}.

[0105] In some implementations, the mode of the dedicated RS in the frequency domain can be designed to be block-based or block-based. That is, the size, number, or location of the blocks or groups can be configured. For example, the block size can be selected from {1, 2, 4, 8} physical resource blocks (PRBs), and the number of blocks can be selected from {8, 16, 32, 64}.

[0106] In some implementations, the mode of a dedicated RS can be dynamically configured based on sensing requirements. In some implementations, network device 120 can indicate the type of mode to terminal device 110 via RRC signaling. For example, the mode may be in the time or frequency domain within the symbol. In some implementations, network device 120 may use DCI to indicate a detailed mode based on the indicated type.

[0107] In some implementations, the type of mode can be associated with a sensing target or a sensing measurement. In some implementations, if distance is to be sensed, a mode can be configured to be distributed across multiple symbols in the time domain or based on blocks within a single symbol. In this way, the distance to the object can be accurately sensed. In some implementations, if velocity is to be sensed, a mode with a large block size can be configured in the frequency domain. In this way, the velocity of the object can be accurately sensed. In some implementations, if angle is to be sensed, a mode distributed in the frequency domain can be configured. In this way, the angle of the object can be accurately sensed.

[0108] Figure 13 Figure 1300 illustrates an example dynamic configuration for sensing RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 As shown, a time-domain pattern configurable at the symbol level is available, as indicated by reference numeral 1310. In this example, two of the four valid symbols for RS are separated by a silence symbol. Alternatively, a time-domain pattern configurable at the symbol level is available, as indicated by reference numeral 1320. In this example, the four valid symbols for RS are consecutive.

[0109] like Figure 13 As indicated by reference numeral 1330 in the accompanying drawings, for each valid symbol in 1310 or 1320, the entire symbol can be used for RS in the time domain. Alternatively, for each valid symbol in 1310 or 1320, segments of that symbol can be used for RS in the time domain. Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1340 in the attached figure, four blocks separated by gaps equal in size are used for RS in the time domain. Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1350 in the attached figure, four blocks separated by gaps larger than the size of a block are used for RS in the time domain. Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1360 in the figure, four blocks separated by gaps smaller than the size of a block are used for RS in the time domain.

[0110] Frequency domain mode can also be configured. For example... Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1361 in the attached diagram, the entire bandwidth can be configured for the RS at the RB level. Alternatively, as... Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1362 in the attached figure, blocks can be configured for RS at the RB level. Alternatively, as... Figure 13 As shown by reference numeral 1363 in the figure, a localization block can be configured for RS at the RB level.

[0111] For each valid RB or within the RE level, different densities of REs (i.e., different comb sizes of REs) can be configured. For example... Figure 13As indicated by reference numeral 1371 in the attached figure, all REs in the RB are available in the RS. Alternatively, a portion of the REs in the RB may be available in the RS. Figure 13 As indicated by reference numerals 1372, 1373, 1374, 1375, 1376, or 1377 in the accompanying drawings, different densities of RS REs or different comb tooth sizes of REs can be configured.

[0112] This approach allows for flexible configuration of the sensing RS and improves sensing performance.

[0113] Continue to refer to Figure 2 When determining the configuration, the network device may send the configuration to the terminal device 110. Based on the configuration, the terminal device 110 may perform 240 transmissions or receptions of RS to perform sensing operations.

[0114] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may apply a first beam to a first group of symbols in a symbol array and a second beam to a second group of symbols in a symbol array. In this way, terminal device 110 may perform beam switching between symbols or groups of symbols.

[0115] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may apply a third beam to a first group of portions within a symbol and a fourth beam to a second group of portions within a symbol. In this manner, terminal device 110 may perform beam switching between portions or groups of portions of a symbol.

[0116] This concludes the description of the design of the sensing RS in conjunction with process 200. Process 200 allows for the configuration of the sensing RS and enhancement of sensing operation.

[0117] It should be understood that the operations in process 200 can be performed in any suitable combination or order, and are not limited to the examples above. It should also be understood that process 200 may include one or more additional operations or omit one or more of the operations shown.

[0118] Example implementation of sequence and related signaling Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating another communication process 1400 for sensing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Describe process 1400. Process 1400 may involve, for example, Figure 1 The terminal device 110, network device 120, and CN element 130 are illustrated.

[0119] refer to Figure 14Network device 120 can determine 1410 auxiliary information, which includes at least one of the following: a requirement for sensing operation, the capability of terminal device 110 for sensing operation, the condition of the sensing channel, or a sensing waveform for sensing operation.

[0120] like Figure 14 As shown, terminal device 110 can send its capabilities to network device 120. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 can send its capabilities via RRC signaling (e.g., a UECapabilityInformation message or any other suitable message).

[0121] In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may indicate support for SCS used for sensing operations. In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may indicate whether terminal device 110 supports both transmission and reception of a reference signal at the same sensing node. In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may indicate the time delay of switching between transmission and reception of the RS. In some embodiments, the capabilities of terminal device 110 may indicate the number of switching operations during the duration. It should be understood that terminal device 110 may report any other suitable capability information.

[0122] Continue to refer to Figure 14 The CN element 130 can send a 1412 sensing operation request (also referred to herein as a sensing request) to the network device 120. In some embodiments, the CN element 130 may be a sensing server or a sensing SF. In some embodiments, the sensing operation request may include the sensing mode of the sensing operation. In some embodiments, the sensing operation request may include the type of sensing measurement of the sensing operation. In some embodiments, the sensing operation request may include an accuracy requirement for the sensing measurement. In some embodiments, the sensing operation request may include a resolution requirement for the type of sensing measurement. In some embodiments, the sensing operation request may include the range of the sensing measurement of the sensing operation. It should be understood that any other suitable sensing request is also possible.

[0123] Continue to refer to Figure 14 Based on auxiliary information from terminal device 110 and / or CN element 130, network device 120 can determine the RS for sensing operations of terminal device 110. In some embodiments, network device 120 can determine the RS based on the application scenario.

[0124] In some implementations, if a short sensing distance is required, network device 120 may apply a π / 2 binary phase shift keying (BPSK) sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if a medium sensing distance is required, network device 120 may apply a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) sequence based on pseudo-random bits to the RS. In some implementations, if a long sensing distance is required, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence to the RS.

[0125] In some implementations, if the quality of the sensing channel is high, network device 120 may apply a π / 2-BPSK sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if the quality of the sensing channel is low, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence to the RS.

[0126] In some implementations, if an SCS for switching RS with low flexibility is enabled, network device 120 may apply a π / 2-BPSK sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if an SCS for switching RS with high flexibility is enabled, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence to the RS.

[0127] In some implementations, network device 120 may determine the RS based on the direction of the sensed signal. In some implementations, if network device 120 (i.e., uplink) receives the sensed signal, network device 120 may apply a π / 2-BPSK sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if terminal device 110 (i.e., downlink) receives the sensed signal, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence to the RS.

[0128] In some implementations, network device 120 may determine the RS based on the sensing pattern. In some implementations, if the sensing operation occurs between terminal device 110 and another terminal device, network device 120 may apply a π / 2-BPSK sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if the sensing operation occurs between terminal device 110 and network device 120, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence or a QAM sequence to the RS.

[0129] In some implementations, network device 120 may determine the RS based on a sensed waveform. In some implementations, if the sensed waveform is a Discrete Fourier Transform-Spread-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, network device 120 may apply a π / 2-BPSK sequence based on pseudo-random bits or predefined bits to the RS. In some implementations, if the sensed waveform is a Cyclic Prefix-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM) waveform, network device 120 may apply a ZC sequence or a QAM sequence to the RS.

[0130] Continue to refer to Figure 14 When determining the RS, network device 120 may send 1430 indicating the RS configuration to terminal device 110. In some embodiments, this configuration may indicate the type of RS. In some embodiments, the type may include a ZC sequence. In some embodiments, the type may include a π / 2-BPSK sequence. In some embodiments, the type may include a QAM sequence based on pseudo-random bits. It should be understood that any other suitable sequence is also feasible.

[0131] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index or basic sequence index or scrambling index of RS based on at least one of the following: the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110, the identifier of terminal device, the time slot index, the sensing mode of sensing operation, the symbol index associated with RS, or the beam index associated with RS.

[0132] In some implementations of the π / 2-BPSK sequence, the π / 2-BPSK sequence can be generated based on the following equation (1).

[0133] (1) in r u,v ( n ) represents the π / 2-BPSK sequence. M Indicates the sequence length. u This represents the group index of RS, and v Represents the underlying sequence index of RS.

[0134] In some implementation schemes, And v=0. In these implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (2).

[0135] (2) in u This represents the group index of RS, and N ID The identifier of the service cell or the identifier of terminal device 110.

[0136] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110 and the sensing mode of the sensing operation. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (3).

[0137] (3) in u This represents the group index of RS, and N ID This indicates the identifier of the serving cell or the identifier of terminal device 110. If the RS is sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), .

[0138] In another example, the group index can be determined based on the following equation (4).

[0139] (4) in u This represents the group index of RS, and N ID This indicates the identifier of the serving cell or the identifier of terminal device 110. If the RS is sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), .

[0140] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110 and the symbol index associated with RS. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (5).

[0141] (5) in u This represents the group index of RS, and N ID The identifier of the service cell or the identifier of terminal device 110. ,in lThis indicates the index of the symbol associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction, and l 0 represents the first symbol index of all RS symbols.

[0142] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110 and the beam index associated with RS. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (6).

[0143] (6) in u Represents the group index of RS. N ID The identifier indicating the serving cell or the identifier of terminal device 110, and Wave bundle id This indicates the beam index associated with RS. In some implementations, Beam id This can be determined through QCL information as mentioned above or by a spatial relationship in ascending order. For example, the SSB index can be considered first, followed by the CSI-RS index. In some implementations, Beam id This can be determined using the SSB index or the CSI-RS index. For example, Beam id It can be an SSB index, a CSI-RS index, or a CSI-RS index plus an integer.

[0144] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110, the sensing mode of the sensing operation, and the symbol index associated with RS. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (7) or (7').

[0145] (7) or (7') in u This represents the group index of RS, and N ID This indicates the identifier of the serving cell or the identifier of terminal device 110. If the RS is sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), . ,in l This indicates the index of the symbol associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction, and l0 represents the first symbol index of all RS symbols. In some implementations, the terminal device 110 may determine the base sequence index based on the sensing mode of the sensing operation (i.e., v For example, for each group ( u (This allows for the definition of more than one basic sequence.) If the RS is sent from a network device, then... If RS is sent from the terminal device, then For each group of predefined sequences, two basic sequences are defined.

[0146] For illustration, the basic sequences can be described in Table 3 below. b(i) Example definition.

[0147] Table 3 In some implementation schemes, when M When the value is ≥30, a pi / 2-BPSK sequence is generated based on a pseudo-random sequence defined by an initial random sequence, and the initial random sequence can be determined by at least one of the following: the scrambling index of the RS, the identifier of the serving cell of the terminal device 110, the symbol index of the RS, or the beam index of the RS. For example, the initial random sequence can be determined based on the following equation (8).

[0148] (8) in c init Represents the initial random sequence. Indicates the number of symbols in a time slot. This indicates the slot index or slot number under the subcarrier interval associated with μ. N scram This indicates the scrambling index configured via higher-level parameters. If the RS is sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), . l This indicates the symbol index associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction. Beam id This indicates the beam index associated with RS. In some implementations, Beam id This can be determined through QCL information as mentioned above or by a spatial relationship in ascending order. For example, the SSB index can be considered first, followed by the CSI-RS index. In some implementations, Beam id This can be determined using the SSB index or the CSI-RS index. For example, Beam idIt can be an SSB index, a CSI-RS index, or a CSI-RS index plus an integer.

[0149] In some implementations, the scrambling index of the RS can be determined based on at least one of the following: the identifier of the serving cell of the terminal device 110, the identifier of the terminal device, the time slot index, the sensing mode of the sensing operation, the symbol index associated with the RS, or the beam index associated with the RS.

[0150] Figure 15 Figure 1500 illustrates an example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the inter-symbol level according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 15 As shown by reference numeral 1510 in the attached figure, different symbols are not combined or aggregated for target sensing, for example, due to the symbol index of each symbol (i.e., l The starting points are different, different beam directions are applied to different symbols, and different sequences are applied to different symbols. For example... Figure 15 As shown by reference numeral 1520 in the figure, multiple symbols (e.g., the first symbol and the third symbol, or the fifth symbol and the seventh symbol) can be combined or aggregated for target sensing. For example, given that the symbol indices of the multiple aggregated symbols start at the same point, beams with the same direction are applied to the multiple symbols, and thus the same sequence is used.

[0151] Figure 16A Figure 1600A illustrates an example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the in-symbol level according to some embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 16A As shown by reference numeral 1610 in the figure, different parts within an OFDM symbol use different beams and different sequences, and correspond to different beam indices (i.e., Beam id ).like Figure 16A As indicated by reference numeral 1620 in the accompanying drawings, two or more portions within a single OFDM symbol (e.g., the first and third portions, or the fifth and seventh portions) may use the same beam and therefore the same sequence, and correspond to the same beam index. Figure 16A As shown by reference numeral 1630 in the figure, parts within an OFDM symbol (e.g., the first part, the third part, the fifth part, and the seventh part) may use the same beam and therefore the same sequence, and correspond to the same beam index.

[0152] Although Figure 15 and Figure 16A The gap between two valid symbols or portions shown is equal to the symbol length or portion length, but these gaps are merely examples. The length of the gap may be greater than or less than the length of the valid RS portion. Figure 16BFigure 1600B illustrates another example configuration for sensing RS sequences at the in-symbol level according to some embodiments of this disclosure. As... Figure 16B As shown, the gap between the parts within the symbol is equal to the total length of the two parts.

[0153] Figure 17 Figure 1700 illustrates an example of the transmission of a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 17 As shown by reference numeral 1710 in the figure, π / 2-BPSK modulation can be performed at the Tx sensing node after the bit generation of the sequence. A discrete Fourier transform (DFT) can be performed on the π / 2-BPSK modulated signal. After the DFT, RE mapping and OFDM modulation are performed. A CP is added to the OFDM modulated signal, and then the signal is transmitted. The Rx sensing node can receive the signal reflected by the object. After processing including CP removal, OFDM demodulation, and RE demapping, an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) is performed on the processed signal. Measurement estimation can then be performed.

[0154] like Figure 17 As shown by reference numeral 1720 in the figure, after bit generation, multiple sequences for RS are generated within a single symbol, each sequence corresponding to a valid portion, and zeros may be padded between the multiple sequences. Then, the entire signal of length N is obtained. A DFT is performed on the entire signal, including the padded zeros for the silence samples. In some embodiments, the length N is equal to the number of DFT points. When the π / 2-BPSK sequence consists of several parts, N includes the silence samples within the OFDM symbol.

[0155] In some implementations, if the Tx sensing node and the Rx sensing node are different nodes, or if the Tx sensing node and the Rx sensing node are the same node and that node is capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving sensing RS, then the terminal device 110 can slide the receiving window after the IDFT to obtain each Rx sensing signal corresponding to each valid portion.

[0156] In some implementations, if the Tx sensing node and the Rx sensing node are the same node, but the node cannot simultaneously transmit and receive sensing RS, the terminal device 110 may zero-fill the duration of the Tx sensing signal and the duration of the switching between Tx and Rx for receiving the signal before OFDM demodulation. Figure 18 Figure 1800 illustrates an example of receiving a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 18As shown, this represents the duration of zero-filling into the Tx sensing signal before OFDM demodulation, as well as the duration of switching between Tx and Rx for signal reception.

[0157] In some implementations, this configuration may indicate that the RS is a π / 2-BPSK sequence, and may also indicate a power boost value determined based on the ratio of the sample length of the RS to the length of silent samples in the symbol. In other words, when gaps or silent samples exist within the symbol, a power boost may be applied in the time domain based on the ratio of the gap length to the length of the effective sequence.

[0158] In some implementations, this configuration may also indicate that when the terminal device 110 is used to transmit and receive RS but cannot transmit and receive RS simultaneously, the length of the silent sample is longer than the length of the valid RS sample.

[0159] In some implementations, the sequence type and scrambling index of the sequence may be included in the configuration of the RS sequence, and other parameters may be indicated by the configuration of the RS mode. In some implementations, the configuration of the RS sequence may include the sequence type and scrambling index, as well as the length of the effective sequence in each section and the position of the effective sequence in each section. Alternatively, the sequence of all samples within the symbol including the zero sample may be considered as a whole.

[0160] By using the π / 2-BPSK sequence as the sensing RS, a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) can be achieved, and good correlation performance with random gold sequences can be obtained.

[0161] In some implementations, RS may be a ZC sequence. In some implementations, the ZC sequence of RS may be determined based on the following equation (9).

[0162] (9) in , δ It is equal to the comb size of the RE used for RS in the frequency domain, and . α Represents the phase shift factor of RS. Indicates the maximum number of cyclic shift values. This represents the cyclic shift value of the sequence indicated by higher-level parameters. u This represents the group index of RS, and v Represents the underlying sequence index of RS. In some implementations, v =0.

[0163] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the phase shift factor of the RS based on a cyclic shift value associated with the comb size of the RE in one of the resource block groups used for the RS. In some implementations, if the comb size is 1, the cyclic shift value... The number of cyclic shift values ​​can be selected from the range 0-15, 0-23, 0-31, or 0-47. The values ​​are 16, 24, 32, or 48, respectively. In some implementations, if the comb tooth size is 3, the cyclic shift value is... Selectable from the range 0-11 or 0-15, where the maximum number of cyclic shift values ​​is... The values ​​are 12 or 16 respectively. In some implementations, if the comb tooth size is 6, the cyclic shift value is... Selectable from the range 0-5 or 0-7, where the maximum number of cyclic shift values ​​is... The values ​​are 6 or 8 respectively. In some implementations, if the comb tooth size is 12, the cyclic shift value is... The value can be selected from the range 0-1 or 0-3, where the maximum number of cyclic shift values ​​is... They are 2 or 4 respectively.

[0164] δ Maximum number of cyclic shift values Example mappings between them can be described in Table 4 below. In some implementations, δ This corresponds to the comb tooth size of the RE used for RS.

[0165] Table 4 In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on at least one of the following: hopping configuration, the identifier of the serving cell of terminal device 110, the sensing mode of sensing operation, the symbol index associated with RS, or the beam index associated with RS.

[0166] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the sensing mode of the sensing operation. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (10) or (10').

[0167] (10) or (10') in u This represents the group index of RS, and This indicates the sequence ID of the RS. If the RS was sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), . ,in l This indicates the index of the symbol associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction, and l 0 represents the first symbol index of all RS symbols.

[0168] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of RS based on the symbol index associated with RS. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (11) or (11').

[0169] (11) or (11') in u This represents the group index of RS, and The sequence ID indicating the RS. ,in l This indicates the index of the symbol associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction, and l 0 represents the first symbol index of all RS symbols.

[0170] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of the RS based on the beam index associated with the RS. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (12) or (12').

[0171] (12) or (12') in u Represents the group index of RS. The sequence ID indicating the RS, and Beam id This indicates the beam index associated with RS. In some implementations, Beam id This can be determined from QCL information or by having an ascending spatial relationship based on the indexes of the associated resources. For example, the SSB index can be considered first, followed by the CSI-RS index.

[0172] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the group index of the RS based on the symbol index associated with the RS and the sensing mode of the sensing operation. For example, the group index may be determined based on the following equation (13) or (13') or (13'').

[0173] (13) or (13') or (13'') in u This represents the group index of RS, and This indicates the sequence ID of the RS. If the RS was sent from a network device, then... Otherwise (if RS is sent from the terminal device), . ,in l This indicates the index of the symbol associated with RS or the index of the first symbol used for energy aggregation of echo signals from the same direction, and l 0 represents the first symbol index of all RS symbols.

[0174] In some implementations, terminal device 110 may determine the base sequence index based on the sensing pattern of the sensing operation (i.e., v For example, for each group ( u (This allows for the definition of more than one basic sequence.) If the RS is sent from a network device, then... If RS is sent from the terminal device, then .

[0175] Figure 19 Figure 1900 illustrates an example generated from a sequence of sensed RS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 19 As indicated by reference numeral 1910 in the attached figure, the same sequence can be used for all symbols of RS. For example... Figure 19 As indicated by reference numeral 1920 in the accompanying figure, energy accumulation for a given sensing area or target is taken into account, therefore the same sequence is used for symbols within the symbol group. Figure 19 As shown in the attached figure 1930, different sequences are used for different symbols. For example... Figure 19 As indicated by reference numeral 1940 in the accompanying figures, different sequences of beams with different symbols are used for different symbols. For example... Figure 19 As indicated by reference numeral 1950 in the figure, different sequences are used for different symbols, but the same beam can be used between symbols for a group of symbols.

[0176] It should be understood that the sequence for RS can also be determined similarly on the NW side.

[0177] Continue to refer to Figure 14 Based on this configuration, terminal device 110 can transmit RS 1440 for sensing operations. In some embodiments, terminal device 110 can apply a power boost value to the transmission of RS.

[0178] This concludes the description of the design of the sensing RS sequence in conjunction with process 1400. Process 1400 allows for the dynamic configuration of the sensing RS sequence and enhances sensing operation.

[0179] It should be understood that the operations described in conjunction with procedures 200 and 1400 can be performed individually or in any suitable combination.

[0180] Example implementation of the method Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide communication methods implemented at terminal devices and network devices. These methods will be referenced below. Figure 20 and Figure 21 Describe it.

[0181] Figure 20 Example communication method 2000 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For example, method 2000 can be implemented as follows: Figure 1 The method is executed at terminal device 110 as shown. For discussion purposes, method 2000 will be referred to below. Figure 1 The method is described in the context of terminal device 110. It should be understood that method 2000 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown in the figures may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0182] At block 2010, terminal device 110 receives configuration from network device 120, the configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal for sensing operation: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of the mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode.

[0183] In some implementations, the time-domain information may indicate the number of symbols used for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silent symbols among the symbols, a set of silent portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol.

[0184] In some embodiments, the reference signal may be a PRS, and the number of symbols may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12. In some embodiments, the reference signal may be an SRS, and the number of symbols may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 8, or 12.

[0185] In some implementations where the reference signal is PRS and the number of symbols is 1, the starting symbol in the symbols is fixed at the symbol with a long cyclic prefix.

[0186] In some implementations, the cyclic prefix type of the reference signal may be associated with the subcarrier spacing of the reference signal. The cyclic prefix type may indicate a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix with a length longer than the normal cyclic prefix. The extended cyclic prefix may be selected from a group comprising multiple extended cyclic prefixes for the subcarrier spacing.

[0187] In some embodiments, the frequency domain information may indicate at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups used for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group within a resource block group, the location of a resource block group within a resource block group, or the comb size of a resource element within a resource block group. In some embodiments, the comb size of a resource element may be selected from a group including one resource element and at least one of two, three, four, six, eight, or twelve resource elements. In some embodiments, the number of portions within a symbol may be associated with the comb size of a resource element.

[0188] At box 2020, terminal device 110 performs the transmission or reception of reference signals based on this configuration.

[0189] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may also transmit its capabilities for sensing operations to network device 120. In some embodiments, this capability may indicate at least one of the following: whether terminal device 110 supports multiple time windows for receiving signals; the step size of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110; the maximum number of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110; the time interval between the start and end time windows of the multiple time windows; transceiver mode switching delay for sensing operations; or whether terminal device 110 supports both the transmission and reception of reference signals.

[0190] In some implementations, the pattern of the reference signal used for sensing operations may be associated with the requirements of the sensing operations. In some implementations, these requirements may include at least one of sensing distance, sensing speed, or sensing angle.

[0191] In some implementations where the reference signal is a PRS used to sense objects other than terminal device 110, the sequence of the reference signal is a ZC sequence.

[0192] In some implementations, the terminal device 110 may perform the transmission or reception of reference signals by applying a first beam to a first group of symbols in a symbol and applying a second beam to a second group of symbols in that symbol; or by applying a third beam to a first group of portions in a portion of a symbol and applying a fourth beam to a second group of portions in a portion of a symbol.

[0193] Method 2000 allows for the definition of the sensing RS and associated signaling patterns. This enables consideration of framework complexity and flexibility during the design of the sensing RS, and ensures sensing performance.

[0194] Figure 21 Example communication method 2100 implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For example, method 2100 may be implemented as follows: Figure 1 The method is executed at network device 120 shown. For discussion purposes, method 2100 will be referred to below. Figure 1 The method 2100 is described in the context of network device 120. It should be understood that the method 2100 may include additional boxes not shown and / or some boxes shown in the figures may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0195] like Figure 21 As shown, at block 2110, network device 120 determines a configuration that includes at least one of the following for a reference signal for sensing operations of terminal device 110: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of the mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode.

[0196] In some implementations, the time-domain information may indicate the number of symbols used for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silent symbols among the symbols, a set of silent portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol.

[0197] In some embodiments, the reference signal may be a PRS, and the number of symbols may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12. In some embodiments, the reference signal may be an SRS, and the number of symbols may be selected from the group consisting of 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 8, or 12.

[0198] In some implementations where the reference signal is PRS and the number of symbols is 1, the starting symbol in the symbols is fixed at the symbol with a long cyclic prefix.

[0199] In some implementations, the cyclic prefix type of the reference signal may be associated with the subcarrier spacing of the reference signal. The cyclic prefix type may indicate a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix with a length longer than the normal cyclic prefix. The extended cyclic prefix may be selected from a group comprising multiple extended cyclic prefixes for the subcarrier spacing.

[0200] In some embodiments, the frequency domain information may indicate at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups used for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group within a resource block group, the location of a resource block group within a resource block group, or the comb size of a resource element within a resource block group. In some embodiments, the comb size of a resource element may be selected from a group including one resource element and at least one of two, three, four, six, eight, or twelve resource elements. In some embodiments, the number of portions within a symbol may be associated with the comb size of a resource element.

[0201] At box 2120, network device 120 sends the configuration to terminal device 110.

[0202] In some embodiments, network device 120 may also receive from terminal device 110 a capability for sensing operations. In some embodiments, this capability may indicate at least one of the following: whether terminal device 110 supports multiple time windows for receiving signals; the step size of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110; the maximum number of the multiple time windows supported by terminal device 110; the time interval between the start and end time windows of the multiple time windows; transceiver mode switching delay for sensing operations; or whether terminal device 110 supports both the transmission and reception of reference signals.

[0203] In some implementations, network device 120 may determine its configuration based on the requirements of sensing operation, which may include at least one of sensing range, sensing speed, or sensing angle.

[0204] In some implementations where the reference signal is a PRS used to sense objects other than terminal device 110, the sequence of the reference signal is a ZC sequence.

[0205] Method 2100 allows for the definition of the sensing RS and associated signaling patterns. This enables consideration of framework complexity and flexibility during the design of the sensing RS, and ensures sensing performance.

[0206] It should be understood that the operations of methods 2000 and 2100 correspond at least to the combination Figure 2 The process described is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0207] Example Implementation of the Device Figure 22 This is a simplified block diagram of device 2200 suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. Device 2200 can be considered as follows: Figure 1Another example of the implementation of the terminal device 110 or network device 120 is shown. Therefore, device 2200 may be implemented or be implemented as at least a part of the terminal device, the network device, or the core network element at the terminal device 110, the network device 120, or the core network element 130.

[0208] As shown in the figure, device 2200 includes a processor 2210, a memory 2220 coupled to the processor 2210, a suitable transceiver 2240 coupled to the processor 2210, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 2240. The memory 2210 stores at least a portion of a program 2230. Depending on requirements, the transceiver 2240 can be used for bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The transceiver 2240 may include at least one of a transmitter 2242 or a receiver 2244. The transmitter 2242 and receiver 2244 may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 2240 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, the S1 / NG interface for communication between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and eNBs / gNBs, the Un interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and relay nodes (RNs), or the Uu interface for communication between eNBs / gNBs and terminal equipment.

[0209] Assume that program 2230 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 2210, enable device 2200 to operate according to embodiments of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 1 to 21 The embodiments discussed herein may be implemented by computer software executable by processor 2210 of device 2200, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Processor 2210 may be configured to implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of processor 2210 and memory 2220 may form a processing unit 2250 suitable for implementing various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0210] Memory 2220 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, 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. Although only one memory 2220 is shown in device 2200, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 2200. Processor 2210 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of the following: as non-limiting examples, general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Device 2200 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-dependent on a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0211] In some implementations, the terminal device includes circuitry configured to: receive configuration from a network device, the configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal used for sensing operations: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and perform transmission or reception of the reference signal based on the configuration, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silence symbols among the symbols, a set of silence portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0212] In some implementations, the network device includes circuitry configured to: determine a configuration including at least one of the following for a reference signal for sensing operations of a terminal device: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix type, time-domain information of a mode, or frequency-domain information of the mode; and transmit the configuration to the terminal device, wherein the time-domain information indicates the number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of the following: a set of silent symbols among the symbols, a set of silent portions among a portion of a symbol, a gap between symbols, a gap between portions of a symbol, or a gap after a symbol; and wherein the frequency-domain information indicates at least one of the following: the number of resource block groups for the reference signal, the size of a resource block group among the resource block groups, the position of a resource block group among the resource block groups, or the comb size of resource elements in a resource block group among the resource block groups.

[0213] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware and software circuitry. For example, a circuit can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device (such as a terminal device or network device) to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor (such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof) that requires software / firmware to operate, but which may be absent when operation is not required. As used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses a specific implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor alone, or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0214] Generally, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0215] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in program modules) that execute on a target real or virtual processor in a device to perform the functions described above. Figures 1 to 21 The described process or method. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined in various implementation schemes or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions used for a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0216] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0217] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program used by or in connection 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. Machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electrical, 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 disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0218] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or to perform all the illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. While several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0219] Although this disclosure has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, the terminal device comprising: a processor configured to cause the terminal device to: receive, from a network device, a configuration comprising at least one of a subcarrier spacing, a cyclic prefix type, time domain information of a pattern, or frequency domain information of the pattern, for a reference signal of a sensing operation; and perform transmission or reception of the reference signal based on the configuration, wherein the time domain information indicates a number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of: a set of mute symbols among the symbols, a set of mute parts among parts in one of the symbols, a gap between the symbols, a gap between parts in one of the symbols, or a gap after the symbols; and wherein the frequency domain information indicates at least one of: a number of resource block groups for the reference signal, a size of one of the resource block groups, a location of one of the resource block groups, or a comb size of resource elements in one of the resource block groups.

2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein a number of the parts is associated with the comb size of resource elements.

3. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS), and the number of symbols is selected from a group comprising 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12, or wherein the reference signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS), and the number of symbols is selected from a group comprising 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 8, or 12.

4. The terminal device of claim 3, wherein the comb size of resource elements is selected from a group comprising 1 resource element and at least one of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12 resource elements.

5. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS), and the number of symbols is 1, and a starting symbol of the symbols is fixed at a symbol with a long cyclic prefix.

6. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the cyclic prefix type of the reference signal is associated with the subcarrier spacing of the reference signal, and the cyclic prefix type indicates a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix having a length longer than a length of the normal cyclic prefix, the extended cyclic prefix selected from a group of multiple extended cyclic prefixes for the subcarrier spacing.

7. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: transmit, to the network device, a capability of the terminal device for the sensing operation, the capability indicating at least one of: whether the terminal device supports multiple time windows for receiving a signal; a step size of the multiple time windows supported by the terminal device; a maximum number of the multiple time windows supported by the terminal device; a time interval between a start time window and an end time window among the plurality of time windows; a transceiver mode switching delay for the sensing operation; or whether the terminal device supports both the transmission and the reception of the reference signal.

8. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the pattern of the reference signal for the sensing operation is associated with a requirement of the sensing operation, the requirement comprising at least one of a sensing distance, a sensing speed, or a sensing angle.

9. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS) for sensing an object other than the terminal device, and a sequence of the reference signal is a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence.

10. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is caused to perform the transmission or the reception of the reference signal by: applying a first beam to a first set of the symbols and a second beam to a second set of the symbols; or applying a third beam to a first set of the portions in the one of the symbols and a fourth beam to a second set of the portions in the one of the symbols.

11. A network device, the network device comprising: a processor configured to cause the network device to: determine a configuration comprising at least one of the following for a reference signal of a sensing operation of a terminal device: a subcarrier spacing, a cyclic prefix type, time domain information of a pattern, or frequency domain information of the pattern; and transmit the configuration to the terminal device, wherein the time domain information indicates a number of symbols for the reference signal, and at least one of: a set of mute symbols among the symbols, a set of mute portions among the portions in one of the symbols, a gap between the symbols, a gap between the portions in one of the symbols, or a gap after the symbols; and wherein the frequency domain information indicates at least one of: a number of resource block groups for the reference signal, a size of one of the resource block groups, a location of one of the resource block groups, or a comb size of resource elements in one of the resource block groups.

12. The network device of claim 11, wherein a number of the portions is associated with the comb size of resource elements.

13. The network device of claim 11, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS), and the symbol number is selected from a group comprising 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 6, or 12, or wherein the reference signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS), and the symbol number is selected from a group comprising 1 and at least one of 2, 4, 8, or 12.

14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the comb size of resource elements is selected from a group comprising at least one of 1 resource element and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12 resource elements.

15. The network device of claim 11, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS) and the number of symbols is 1 and a starting symbol of the symbols is fixed at a symbol with a long cyclic prefix.

16. The network device of claim 11, wherein the cyclic prefix type of the reference signal is associated with the subcarrier spacing of the reference signal and the cyclic prefix type indicates a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix having a length longer than a length of the normal cyclic prefix, the extended cyclic prefix selected from a group comprising a plurality of extended cyclic prefixes for the subcarrier spacing.

17. The network device of claim 11, wherein the network device is further caused to: receive, from the terminal device, a capability of the terminal device for the sensing operation, the capability indicating at least one of: whether the terminal device supports a plurality of time windows for receiving a signal; a step size of the plurality of time windows supported by the terminal device; a maximum number of the plurality of time windows supported by the terminal device; a time interval between a starting time window and an ending time window among the plurality of time windows; a transceiver mode switching delay for the sensing operation; or whether the terminal device supports both the transmission and the reception of the reference signal.

18. The network device of claim 11, wherein the network device is caused to determine the configuration by: determining the configuration based on a requirement of the sensing operation, the requirement comprising at least one of a sensing range, a sensing speed, or a sensing angle.

19. The network device of claim 11, wherein the reference signal is a positioning reference signal (PRS) for sensing an object other than the terminal device and a sequence of the reference signal is a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence.

20. A method performed by a terminal device, the method comprising: receiving, from a network device, a configuration comprising at least one of a subcarrier spacing, a cyclic prefix type, time domain information of a pattern, or frequency domain information of the pattern of a reference signal for a sensing operation; and performing a transmission or a reception of the reference signal based on the configuration, wherein the time domain information indicates a number of symbols for the reference signal and at least one of: a set of mute symbols among the symbols, a set of mute parts among parts in one of the symbols, a gap between the symbols, a gap between parts in one of the symbols, or a gap after the symbols; and wherein the frequency domain information indicates at least one of: a number of resource block groups for the reference signal, a size of one of the resource block groups, a location of one of the resource block groups, or a location of one of the resource block groups. a comb size of resource elements in one of the resource block groups. a comb size of resource elements in one of the resource block groups.

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