Lifecycle management for awareness

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to lifecycle management for awareness. An exemplary method includes receiving, by a terminal device, a perceived type of a perceived feature or a configuration of at least one perceived function; and performing a perceptual or communication operation based on the perceptual type or the configuration of the at least one perceptual function. In this way, an air interface program for implementing a perceptual functional framework is designed.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 583,917, filed September 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to lifecycle management for sensing. Background Technology

[0003] Sensing is the process of acquiring information about one's surroundings. Radio frequency (RF) sensing is the process of transmitting RF signals and acquiring information about the surroundings by receiving and processing those RF signals or their echoes (reflections). For example, sensing can be used to detect information about objects, such as their position, speed, distance, direction, shape, and texture. An integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system refers to a system that multiplexes communication RF signals for sensing. An ISAC system is a networked and collaborative sensing system, not a single, independent radar system. Collaborative sensing can be achieved through integrated communication protocols. In addition to performing sensing operations to acquire information about objects, communication can also be aided by the received sensing results (e.g., a sensing model, which is a model of the surrounding environment). The design of the sensing functional framework and corresponding air interface procedures need to be studied. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments of this disclosure will propose a sensing function framework. Specifically, some embodiments of this disclosure will propose a scheme for the lifecycle management of sensing within the sensing function framework and the corresponding air interface procedures.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, a configuration of a sensing type or at least one sensing function; and performing a sensing or communication operation based on the configuration of the sensing type or the at least one sensing function. In this manner, an air interface program for implementing a sensing function framework is designed.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: sending an indication of the sensing feature and an indication of one or more sensing functions associated with the sensing feature, wherein the sensing feature and the one or more sensing functions are supported by the terminal device; and receiving a configuration of a subset of the one or more sensing functions of the sensing feature, wherein the subset of the one or more sensing functions includes the at least one sensing function. In this way, the terminal device can report one or more functions it supports, and the network device can configure one or more functions supported by the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of sensing or communication operations.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending auxiliary information associated with the sensing capabilities of the terminal device. The auxiliary information includes at least one updated applicable function of the terminal device. In this way, the auxiliary information can facilitate the network device to activate the applicable function of the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of sensing or communication operations.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is identified based on an index, wherein the index is unique within at least one sensing type for one or more sensing features. In this way, by indicating a globally unique sensing type index to all sensing features configured for the terminal device, the terminal device learns the sensing features associated with the identified sensing type. Therefore, the terminal device and the base station have a common understanding of the sensing types and sensing features used for sensing or communication operations.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is identified based on an index of the sensing type and an index of the sensing feature. In this way, by indicating the sensing type index and the sensing feature index, the terminal device learns the sensing feature and the identified sensing type associated with the sensing feature. Therefore, the terminal device and the base station have a common understanding of the sensing type and sensing feature used for sensing or communication operations.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, performing the sensing or communication operation includes: activating the sensing type; and performing the sensing or communication operation when it is determined that the sensing type is activated. In this way, a lifecycle management scheme is proposed, namely, performing a sensing or communication operation for a configured sensing type after the configured sensing type is activated. Sensing types can be pre-configured and can be activated when a corresponding sensing or communication operation is needed, thus reducing the latency of the sensing or communication operation.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, activating the sensing type includes receiving an indication to activate the sensing type. In this way, sensing or communication operations can be performed based on the activated sensing type indicated by the base station. Therefore, the reliability of sensing or communication operations can be improved.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is a first sensing type associated with at least one first sensing function of the sensing feature, and the method further includes: receiving a configuration of a second sensing type associated with at least one second sensing function of the sensing feature. The at least one second sensing function is the same as the at least one first sensing function; or the at least one second sensing function and the at least one first sensing function include different functions. In this way, the terminal device can be configured with multiple sensing types of the sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: deactivating the second sensing type when it is determined that the second sensing type of the sensing feature is activated when an indication to activate the sensing type is received. In this way, the activated sensing type of a sensing feature can be deactivated by activating another sensing type of the same sensing feature. Therefore, a sensing feature only supports one activated sensing type. This reduces the capability required for sensing or communication operations. This approach is particularly suitable for terminal devices with limited capabilities.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, activating the sensing type includes receiving an instruction to activate the sensing feature, wherein the sensing type is the default type of the sensing feature. In this way, the default sensing type of the sensing feature can be activated by activating the sensing feature itself. Therefore, the resource overhead of sensing or communication operations can be reduced.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving an instruction to activate the at least one function. The instruction to activate the at least one function is associated with the sensing type, or the instruction to activate the at least one function is associated with the sensing feature. In this way, multiple activated sensing functions can be supported. Therefore, the latency of sensing or communication operations can be reduced. This approach is particularly suitable for high-capacity terminal devices.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function and a second sensing function. Performing the sensing or communication operation includes: receiving an instruction to activate the first sensing function; deactivating the second sensing function when it is determined that the second sensing function is activated when the instruction to activate the first sensing function is received; and performing the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing function. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing function of the same sensing feature. By performing different sensing functions in different time slots, the terminal device can support the entire sensing feature. This approach is particularly suitable for terminal devices with limited capabilities, such as those supporting only one sensing function in a single time slot.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing feature is a first sensing feature. The method further includes: receiving an instruction to switch to a second sensing feature; ceasing the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing feature; and performing the sensing or communication operation of the second sensing feature. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is a first sensing type. The method further includes: receiving an instruction to switch to a second sensing type of the sensing feature; stopping the sensing or communication operation based on the configuration of the sensing type; and performing the sensing or communication operation of the second sensing type. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing type of the same sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, performing the sensing or communication operation further includes: upon determining that the sensing type is activated, performing the sensing or communication operation of a first sensing function, wherein the first sensing function is a default function of the sensing type. In this way, the default sensing function of the sensing type can be activated by activating the sensing type. Therefore, the resource overhead of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function. Performing the sensing or communication operation further includes: upon determining that the sensing feature is activated, performing the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing function, wherein the first sensing function is a default function of the sensing feature. In this way, the default sensing function of the sensing feature can be activated by activating the sensing feature. Therefore, the resource overhead of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving an instruction to deactivate the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can be instructed to deactivate the sensing or communication operation. This can reduce resource waste in performing the sensing or communication operation in the event of performance degradation of the currently active sensing type. For example, the network device can determine whether to continue or deactivate the sensing or communication operation based on its performance.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving monitoring metrics for the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can monitor the performance of the sensing or communication operation based on the monitoring metrics. Compared to sending sensing results to network devices for performance monitoring, the resource overhead for monitoring the performance of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving reported metrics for the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can determine whether it needs to report the performance of the sensing or communication operation. The user equipment reports the performance of the sensing or communication operation only when needed, thereby reducing the resource overhead of reporting.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending a request for type switching and an indication of the performance of the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the network device can, in response to receiving a request from an end device, determine whether a sensing type switch is needed based on the performance of the sensing or communication operation. The network device can consider the overall network conditions when making the determination, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensing or communication operation.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: sending a request to update the perception type; receiving training data and ground truth information of the perception type after sending the request; and updating the perception type based on the training data and the ground truth information. In this way, a scheme for lifecycle management of updating perception types is proposed.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: receiving auxiliary information for fine-tuning the perception type, wherein the auxiliary information includes anchor point information of the perception type; and fine-tuning the perception type based on the auxiliary information. In this way, the accuracy of the perception type can be improved.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the perception type is associated with a function that acquires information about at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment. In this way, the perception type is defined.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the information regarding at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment is a model of at least one of the environment or the objects within the environment. In this way, a model of the environment or the objects within the environment is obtained by performing a perception-type sensing or communication operation.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple perception types, including the perception type, are associated with the function. In this way, multiple perception types can be configured for functions that acquire information about the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment, thereby improving the flexibility of perception or communication operations.

[0030] In this way, according to the first aspect and its exemplary embodiments, a sensing function framework and corresponding air interface procedures can be defined to facilitate sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility and low resource overhead.

[0031] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending a configuration of a sensing type or at least one sensing function by a network device; and acquiring the performance of sensing or communication operations of the sensing type or the at least one sensing function. In this way, an air interface program for implementing the sensing function framework is designed.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: receiving an indication of the sensing feature and an indication of one or more sensing functions associated with the sensing feature, wherein the sensing feature and the one or more sensing functions are supported by a terminal device; and sending a configuration of a subset of the one or more sensing functions of the sensing feature, wherein the subset of the one or more sensing functions includes the at least one sensing function. In this way, the terminal device can report one or more functions it supports, and the network device can configure one or more functions supported by the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of sensing or communication operations.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving auxiliary information associated with the sensing capabilities of a terminal device, wherein the auxiliary information includes at least one updated applicable function of the terminal device. In this way, the auxiliary information can facilitate the network device to activate the applicable functions of the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of sensing or communication operations.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: determining, based on the auxiliary information, the at least one sensing function that activates the sensing feature; and sending an indication to activate the at least one sensing function of the sensing feature. In this way, schemes for activating sensing functions can be designed, thereby improving the reliability of sensing or communication operations.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is identified based on an index, wherein the index is unique within at least one sensing type for one or more sensing features. In this way, based on a globally unique sensing type index of all sensing features configured for the terminal device, the terminal device and the base station have a common understanding of the sensing types and sensing features used for sensing or communication operations.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is identified based on an index of the sensing type and an index of the sensing feature. In this way, based on the sensing type index and the sensing feature index, the terminal device and the base station have a common understanding of the sensing type and sensing features used for sensing or communication operations.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending an indication to activate the sensing type. In this way, the sensing or communication operation can be performed based on the activated sensing type indicated by the base station. Therefore, the reliability of the sensing or communication operation can be improved.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is a first sensing type associated with at least one first sensing function of the sensing feature. The method further includes sending a configuration of a second sensing type associated with at least one second sensing function of the sensing feature. The at least one second sensing function is the same as the at least one first sensing function; or the at least one second sensing function and the at least one first sensing function include different functions. In this way, the terminal device can configure multiple sensing types for the sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, sending the indication to activate the sensing type includes sending an activation indication that includes an identifier of the sensing type. In this way, a scheme for activating a sensing type is designed. By sending an identifier of the sensing type to be activated, the resource overhead of sensing or communication operations can be reduced.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending an instruction to activate the sensing feature, wherein the sensing type is the default type of the sensing feature. In this way, the default sensing type of the sensing feature can be activated by activating the sensing feature. Therefore, the resource overhead of sensing or communication operations can be reduced.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending an indication to activate the at least one function. The indication to activate the at least one function is associated with the sensing type, or the indication to activate the at least one function is associated with the sensing feature. In this way, multiple activated sensing functions can be supported. Therefore, the latency of sensing or communication operations can be reduced. This approach is particularly suitable for high-capacity terminal devices.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function and a second sensing function. The method further includes: determining a switch of the sensing or communication operation from the second sensing function to the first sensing function; and sending an indication to activate the first sensing function. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing function of the same sensing feature. By executing different sensing functions in different time slots, the terminal device can support the entire sensing feature. This approach is particularly suitable for terminal devices with limited capabilities, such as those supporting only one sensing function in a single time slot.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing feature is a first sensing feature. The method further includes sending an instruction to switch to a second sensing feature. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing type is a first sensing type. The method further includes sending an instruction to switch to a second sensing type of the sensing feature. In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch to another sensing type of the same sensing feature, thereby improving the flexibility of sensing or communication operations.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the sensing or communication operation is associated with a first sensing function, which is the default function of the sensing type. In this way, the default sensing function of the sensing type can be activated by activating the sensing type. Therefore, the resource overhead of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending an instruction to activate the sensing feature. The at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function, which is a default function of the sensing feature, wherein the sensing or communication operation is associated with the first sensing function. In this way, the default sensing function of the sensing feature can be activated by activating the sensing feature. Therefore, the resource overhead of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, obtaining the performance of the sensing or communication operation includes: determining the performance of the sensing type; and based on the performance of the sensing type, determining a third sensing type to activate the sensing feature or to disable the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the network device can monitor the performance of the sensing type and determine whether to continue or disable the sensing or communication operation based on the performance. In the event of a degraded performance of the sensing type, resource waste in performing the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: sending an indication of activating the third sensing type of the sensing feature; or sending an indication of de-enabling the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can be instructed to enable the sensing or communication operation, or continue sensing or communication operation with another sensing type. For example, a network device can determine whether to continue or de-enable the sensing or communication operation. In cases where the performance of the currently activated sensing type degrades, resource waste in performing sensing or communication operations can be reduced.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending monitoring metrics for the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can monitor the performance of the sensing or communication operation based on the monitoring metrics. Compared to sending sensing results to network devices for performance monitoring, the resource overhead for monitoring the performance of the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending reported metrics for the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the user equipment can determine whether it needs to report the performance of the sensing or communication operation, thereby reducing the resource overhead of reporting.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes receiving a request for type switching and an indication of the performance of the sensing or communication operation. In this way, the network device can, in response to a request received from an end device, determine whether a sensing type switch is necessary based on the performance of the sensing or communication operation. The network device can consider the overall network conditions when making this determination, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensing or communication operation.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: determining, based on the performance, whether to activate a third sensing type of the sensing feature or deactivate the sensing or communication operation; and sending an indication to activate the third sensing type of the sensing feature or deactivate the sensing or communication operation based on the performance of the sensing or communication operation reported by the terminal device. In this way, the network device can determine whether to continue or deactivate the sensing or communication operation based on performance. In the event of a performance degradation in the sensing or communication operation, resource waste in performing the sensing or communication operation can be reduced.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a request to update the perception type; and sending training data and ground truth information of the perception type based on the request. In this way, a scheme for lifecycle management of updating perception types is proposed.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the method further includes sending auxiliary information for fine-tuning the perception type, wherein the auxiliary information includes anchor point information of the perception type. This can improve the accuracy of the perception type.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the perception type is associated with a function that acquires information about at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment. In this way, the perception type is defined.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the information regarding at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment is a model of at least one of the environment or the objects within the environment. In this way, a model of the environment or the objects within the environment is obtained by performing a perception-type sensing or communication operation.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, multiple perception types, including the perception type, are associated with the function. In this way, multiple perception types can be configured for functions that acquire information about the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment, thereby improving the flexibility of perception or communication operations.

[0058] In this way, according to the second aspect and its exemplary embodiments, a sensing function framework and corresponding air interface procedures can be defined to facilitate sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility and low resource overhead.

[0059] In a third aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: a transceiver; a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to receive a configuration of a sensing type or at least one sensing function of sensing features via the transceiver; and to perform sensing or communication operations based on the configuration of the sensing type or the at least one sensing function. In this way, a terminal device capable of implementing sensing or communication operations of a sensing type or at least one sensing function can be obtained, thereby facilitating sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility, and low resource overhead.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: a transceiver; a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a configuration of a sensing type or at least one sensing function of sensing features via the transceiver; and to acquire the performance of sensing or communication operations of the sensing type or the at least one sensing function. In this way, a network device can be provided to support sensing or communication operations on the terminal device side, thereby promoting sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility, and low resource overhead.

[0061] In a fifth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising a computer program stored thereon. When executed on at least one processor, the computer program causes the at least one processor to perform the method according to the first or second aspect. In this way, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including a computer program can be provided to support sensing or communication operations, thereby facilitating sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility, and low resource overhead.

[0062] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, including at least one processing circuit for performing the method according to the first or second aspect. In this way, a chip can be provided to support sensing or communication operations, facilitating sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility, and low resource overhead.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the method according to the first aspect. In this way, a computer program product can be provided to support sensing or communication operations, thereby facilitating sensing or communication operations with high accuracy, high flexibility, and low resource overhead.

[0064] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A Examples of network environments in which some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented are shown; Figure 1B An exemplary communication system is shown that can implement some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices and base stations according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 1D This illustration shows units or modules in a device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1E An exemplary sensing system according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 1F Exemplary apparatuses for implementing methods and teachings according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary communication process according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 An exemplary sensing function framework according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 4 Exemplary sensing features according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 5 A block diagram of an electronic device that can be used to implement devices and methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6 Examples of methods implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 7 Examples of methods implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 8 The structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 9 The structure of another device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0068] 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.

[0069] References to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize how such features, structures, or characteristics can be combined with other embodiments to achieve the desired effect, whether explicitly described or not.

[0070] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0071] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “described” as used herein also include the plural forms. It should also be understood that the term “comprising” as used herein is used to specify the presence of said features, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices within a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G), the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, and / or any other currently known or future protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication technologies, future communication technologies and systems embodying this disclosure will inevitably emerge in the future. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the systems described above.

[0073] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as NodeBs (node ​​B, NodeB, or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeB, eNBs), NR NBs (also known as gNBs), Remote Radio Units (RRUs), radio headers (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), WiFi devices, repeaters, low-power nodes (such as femtonodes, piconodes), etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In the following description, the terms "network device," "AP device," "AP," and "access point" are used interchangeably.

[0074] The term "terminal equipment" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, terminal equipment may also be referred to as communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), station (STA), or station equipment or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (e.g., digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, customer-premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, extended reality (XR) devices, and head-mounted displays. Display (HMD), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “site,” “site equipment,” “STA,” “terminal equipment,” “communication equipment,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0075] refer to Figure 1AA simplified schematic diagram of a communication system 100A is provided as an exemplary example (but not limited to). The communication system 100A includes a radio access network 120. The radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, 6G, or later) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more user equipment (UE, also known as electric device (ED)) 110a to 110j (generally referred to as 110) may interconnect with each other or connect to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170) in the radio access network 120. A core network 130 may be part of the communication system 100A and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in the communication system 100A. Furthermore, the communication system 100A includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Other networks 160 may include a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform.

[0076] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system 100B is illustrated. Generally, the communication system 100B enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the communication system 100B may be to provide content such as voice, data, video, and / or text via broadcast, multicast, and unicast. The communication system 100B can operate by sharing resources (e.g., carrier spectrum bandwidth) among its constituent components. The communication system 100B may include terrestrial communication systems and / or non-terrestrial communication systems. The communication system 100B can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, automated delivery and mobility, etc.). The communication system 100B can provide high availability and robustness through the joint operation of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems. For example, integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or components thereof) into a terrestrial communication system can create a heterogeneous network that can be viewed as comprising multiple layers. Compared to traditional communication networks, heterogeneous networks can achieve better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, more flexible function sharing, and faster physical layer link switching.

[0077] Terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems can be considered as subsystems of communication system 100B. In the example shown, communication system 100B includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d (generally referred to as ED110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a non-terrestrial communication network 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. RANs 120a and RAN 120b include corresponding base stations (BSs) 170a and 170b, which can generally be referred to as terrestrial transmit and receive points (T-TRPs) 170a and 170b. The non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes access nodes, which can generally be referred to as non-terrestrial transmit and receive points (NT-TRPs) 172. As mentioned above, other networks 160 may include multi-access edge computing (MEC) platforms.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110 can be used to connect, access, or communicate with any other T-TRP 170a and 170b, NT-TRP 172, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof. In some examples, ED 110a can communicate uplink and / or downlink with T-TRP 170a via interface 190a. In some examples, ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110d can also communicate directly with each other via one or more side-channel air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d can communicate uplink and / or downlink with NT-TRP 172 via interface 190c.

[0079] Air interfaces 190a and 190b can use similar communication technologies, such as any applicable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100B can implement one or more channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190b, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). Air interfaces 190a and 190b can utilize other higher-dimensional signal spaces, which may involve combinations of orthogonal and / or non-orthogonal dimensions.

[0080] The 190c air interface enables communication between the ED 110d and one or more NT-TRP 172s via a wireless link or simply via a link. In some examples, the link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection between a group of EDs and one or more NT-TRPs for multicast transmission.

[0081] RAN 120a and RAN 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c. RAN 120a and RAN 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RAN 120a, RAN 120b, or both. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RAN 120a and RAN 120b or ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c, or both, and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) via a wired communication channel and with the Internet 150, rather than wirelessly (or also wirelessly). PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computers and / or subnets (internal networks) and incorporate protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0082] Figure 1CAnother example of an ED 110 and base stations 170a, 170b, and / or 170c is shown. The ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, automated delivery, and mobility.

[0083] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user equipment used for wireless operation, which may include (or be referred to as) user equipment (UE / user device), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics device, smart book, vehicle, car, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, industrial equipment or apparatus of the above (e.g., communication module, modem, or chip), etc. Future generations of ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs and will be referred to as T-TRP 170 below. Also... Figure 3 As shown, NT-TRP is referred to as NT-TRP 172 below. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be configured to be dynamically or semi-statically turned on (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), turned off (i.e., released, deactivated, or deenabled), and / or in response to one or more of connection availability and connection necessity.

[0084] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown in the figure. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may, for example, be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission through at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received through at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0085] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein, and executed by one or more processing units 210. Each memory 208 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, on-processor cache, etc.

[0086] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., connected to...). Figure 1A (Wired interface to the Internet 150). Input / output devices support interaction with the user or other devices on the network. Each input / output device includes any structure suitable for providing or receiving information from the user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0087] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations related to preparing for uplink transmissions to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing for uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. According to an embodiment, receiver 203 may receive downlink transmissions (using receive beamforming), and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). For example, the signaling may be a reference signal transmitted by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 276 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction indications (e.g., beam angle information (BAI)) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and acquiring system information. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform channel estimation, for example, using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170.

[0088] Although not shown, processor 210 may be part of transmitter 201 and / or receiver 203. Although not shown, memory 208 may be part of processor 210.

[0089] Processor 210, as well as the processing components of transmitter 201 and receiver 203, may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components in processor 210, as well as transmitter 201 and receiver 203, may be implemented using special-purpose circuitry such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0090] In some implementations, T-TRP 170 can be referred to by other names, such as base station, basetransceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network device, network-side device, transmit / receive node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP) or wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network device, or ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), location node, etc. T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, pico BS, relay node, host node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned equipment or a device within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip).

[0091] In some embodiments, the various parts of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located remotely from the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna via a communication link (not shown), sometimes referred to as the fronthaul, such as the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term "T-TRP 170" may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as ED 110 location determination, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding; these modules are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs that work together, for example, through coordinated multicast transmissions, to serve ED 110.

[0092] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown in the figure. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing the following operations: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to NT-TRP 172, and processing transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing uplink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. Processor 260 can also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 also generates beam direction indications, such as BAI, which can be scheduled for transmission by scheduler 253. Processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110, determining the location for deploying NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 can generate signaling, such as for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. It should be noted that "signaling" as used herein may also be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be transmitted in control channels, such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in packets transmitted in data channels such as the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0093] Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processor 260. Scheduler 253 may be included in or operate separately from T-TRP 170, which may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backlink transmissions, including issuing scheduling authorizations and / or configuring schedule-free (“configuration authorization”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 258 for storing information and data. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by processor 260.

[0094] Although not shown, processor 260 may be part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253. Although not shown, memory 258 may be part of processor 260.

[0095] The processor 260, scheduler 253, and processing components of transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, and transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as FPGA, GPU, or ASIC.

[0096] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as a drone only as an example, the NT-TRP 172 can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form. Furthermore, in some implementations, the NT-TRP 172 may have other names, such as a non-terrestrial node, a non-terrestrial network device, or a non-terrestrial base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown in the figure. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be integrated as a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing the following operations: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from T-TRP 170 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing for downlink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing uplink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. In some embodiments, processor 276 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 276 may generate signaling, for example, to configure one or more parameters of ED 110. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but does not implement higher-level functions such as medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layer functions. Since this is only an example, in general, NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0097] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown, a processor 276 may form part of the transmitter 272 and / or receiver 274. Although not shown, the memory 278 may form part of the processor 276.

[0098] The processor 276 and the processing components of the transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors for executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of the processor 276 and the transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 may actually be multiple NT-TRPs that work together, for example, through coordinated multipoint transmissions, to serve ED 110.

[0099] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0100] One or more steps of the exemplary methods provided in this document can be derived from... Figure 1D The corresponding unit or module shown will be executed. Figure 1D Units or modules in the device are shown, for example, in ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172. For example, signals may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals may be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals may be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps may be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) module or a machine learning (ML) module. The corresponding units or modules may be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules may be integrated circuits, such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented by a processor using software, these modules may be retrieved by the processor, in whole or in part, individually or collectively, for processing, in one or more instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0101] Further details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted herein.

[0102] An air interface typically includes numerous components and associated parameters that collectively specify how transmissions are sent and / or received between two or more communication devices via a wireless communication link. For example, an air interface may include defining one or more waveforms, one or more frame structures, one or more multiple access schemes, one or more protocols, one or more coding schemes, and / or one or more modulation schemes for conveying information (e.g., data) via a wireless communication link. Wireless communication links may support links between a radio access network and user equipment (e.g., a "Uu" link), and / or wireless communication links may support links between devices, such as links between two user equipment (e.g., a "side link"), and / or wireless communication links may support links between non-terrestrial (NT) communication networks and user equipment (UE). Below are some examples of the components mentioned above: Waveform components can specify the shape and form of the transmitted signal. Waveform options can include orthogonal multiple access (OFDM) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOA) waveforms. Non-limiting examples of these waveform options include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Filtered OFDM (f-OFDM), Time-Domain Windowed OFDM, Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC), Universal Filtered Multicarrier (UFMC), Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), Wavelet Packet Modulation (WPM), Faster Than Nyquist (FTN) waveforms, and Low Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) waveforms (WF).

[0103] The frame structure component can specify the configuration of a frame or a set of frames. The frame structure component can indicate one or more of the following parameters: time, frequency, pilot signature, code, or other parameters for a frame or a set of frames. More details about the frame structure are discussed below.

[0104] Multiple access scheme components can specify multiple access technology options, including technologies that define how communication devices share the common physical channel, such as: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), Low Density Signature Multicarrier Code Division Multiple Access (LDS-MC-CDMA), Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), Pattern Division Multiple Access (PDMA), Lattice Partition Multiple Access (LPMA), Resource Spread Multiple Access (RSMA), and Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA). In addition, multiple access technology options may include: scheduled access and unscheduled access, also known as unlicensed access; non-orthogonal multiple access and orthogonal multiple access, for example, through dedicated channel resources (e.g., not shared between multiple communication devices); contention-based shared channel resources and non-contention-based shared channel resources; and cognitive radio-based access.

[0105] The Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocol component can specify how transmissions and / or retransmissions are performed. Non-limiting examples of transmission and / or retransmission mechanism options include specifying the scheduled data pipeline size, the signaling mechanism for transmission and / or retransmission, and the mechanism options for the retransmission mechanism.

[0106] Encoding and modulation components specify how the transmitted information can be encoded / decoded and modulated / demodulated for transmission / reception purposes. Encoding can refer to methods of error detection and forward error correction. Non-limiting examples of encoding options include Turbo trellis codes, Turbo product codes, fountain codes, low-density parity-check codes, and polar codes. Modulation can simply refer to a constellation (e.g., including modulation techniques and orders) or more specifically to various types of advanced modulation methods, such as layered modulation and low PAPR modulation.

[0107] In some embodiments, the air interface can be a "generic" concept. For example, once the air interface is defined, the components within it cannot be changed or adjusted. In some implementations, only a limited set of parameters or modes of the air interface can be configured, such as cyclic prefix (CP) length or multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode. In some embodiments, the air interface design can provide a unified or flexible framework to support licensed and unlicensed access in sub-6 GHz bands and above 6 GHz bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands). For example, the flexibility of a configurable air interface provided by scalable parameter sets and symbol durations enables optimization of transmission parameters for different spectrum bands and different services / devices. Furthermore, a unified air interface can be self-contained in the frequency domain, and a frequency-domain self-contained design can support more flexible radio access network (RAN) slicing by sharing channel resources between different services in both frequency and time.

[0108] The frame structure is a feature of the physical layer of wireless communication, defining the time-domain signal transmission structure to achieve timing reference and timing alignment of the basic time-domain transmission units. Wireless communication between communication devices can take place on time-frequency resources controlled by the frame structure. The frame structure is sometimes also referred to as the wireless frame structure.

[0109] Depending on the frame structure and / or the frame configuration within the frame structure, frequency division duplex (FDD) and / or time division duplex (TDD) and / or full duplex (FD) communication can be implemented. FDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring on different frequency bands. TDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring for different durations. FD communication refers to transmission and reception occurring on the same time-frequency resources; that is, the device can simultaneously transmit and receive on the same frequency resources in time.

[0110] An example of a frame structure is the one specified in Long-Term Evolution (LTE): each frame lasts for 10 milliseconds; each frame has 10 subframes, each lasting for 1 millisecond; each subframe includes two time slots, each lasting for 0.5 milliseconds; each time slot is used to transmit 7 OFDM symbols (assuming normal CP); each OFDM symbol has a symbol duration and a specific bandwidth (or partial bandwidth or bandwidth partition) associated with the number of subcarriers and subcarrier spacing; the frame structure is based on OFDM waveform parameters such as subcarrier spacing and CP length (where CP has a fixed length or finite length option); the handover interval between uplink and downlink in TDD must be an integer time equal to the OFDM symbol duration.

[0111] Another example of a frame structure is the frame structure in New Radio (NR) with the following specifications: support for multiple subcarrier spacings, each corresponding to a specific system parameter; the frame structure depends on the system parameters, but in all cases, the frame length is set to 10 milliseconds and consists of ten subframes, each 1 millisecond long; a time slot is defined as 14 OFDM symbols, with the slot length depending on the system parameters. For example, the NR frame structure for a standard CP 15 kHz subcarrier spacing (“Parameter Set 1”) and the NR frame structure for a standard CP 30 kHz subcarrier spacing (“Parameter Set 2”) are different. For the 15 kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 1 millisecond; for the 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 0.5 milliseconds. The NR frame structure can be more flexible than the LTE frame structure.

[0112] Another example of a frame structure is the exemplary flexible frame structure, such as for 6G networks or later. In a flexible frame structure, a symbol block can be defined as the minimum duration that can be scheduled within the flexible frame structure. A symbol block can be a transmission unit with optional redundancy portions (e.g., CP portions) and information portions (e.g., data portions). An OFDM symbol is an example of a symbol block. Alternatively, a symbol block can be referred to as a symbol. Embodiments of flexible frame structures include various parameters that can be configurable, such as frame length, subframe length, symbol block length, etc. A non-exhaustive list of possible configurable parameters in some embodiments of flexible frame structures includes: (1) Frame: The frame length is not limited to 10 milliseconds; the frame length can be configurable and can vary over time. In some embodiments, each frame includes one or more downlink synchronization channels and / or one or more downlink broadcast channels, each of which can be transmitted in different directions using different beamforming. The frame length can have more than one possible value and can be configured based on the application scenario. For example, autonomous vehicles may require relatively fast initial access, in which case the frame length for autonomous vehicle applications can be set to 5 milliseconds. As another example, home smart meters may not require fast initial access, in which case the frame length for smart meter applications can be set to 20 milliseconds.

[0113] (2) Subframe Duration: Subframes may or may not be defined within a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. For example, a frame may be defined to include time slots but not subframes. In frames with defined subframes, for example, for temporal alignment, the duration of the subframes may be configurable. For example, the subframe length may be configured to 0.1 ms, 0.2 ms, 0.5 ms, 1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms, etc. In some embodiments, if subframes are not needed in a particular scenario, the subframe length may be defined to be the same as the frame length, or it may not be defined at all.

[0114] (3) Time Slot Configuration: Time slots may or may not be defined within a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. In frames that define time slots, the definition of the time slots (e.g., in terms of duration and / or number of symbol blocks) can be configurable. In one embodiment, time slot configuration is common to all UEs or a group of UEs. In this case, time slot configuration information can be sent to the UE on a broadcast channel or one or more common control channels. In other embodiments, time slot configuration can be UE-specific, in which case time slot configuration information can be sent on a UE-specific control channel. In some embodiments, time slot configuration signaling can be sent together with frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. In other embodiments, time slot configuration can be sent independently of frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. Typically, time slot configuration can be system-wide, base station-wide, UE group-wide, or UE-specific.

[0115] (4) Subcarrier spacing (SCS): SCS is a parameter in a scalable parameter set that allows the SCS to range from 15 kHz to 480 kHz. The SCS can vary with the spectral frequency and / or maximum UE velocity to minimize the effects of Doppler frequency offset and phase noise. In some examples, there can be separate transmit and receive frames, and the SCS of symbols in the receive frame structure can be configured independently of the SCS of symbols in the transmit frame structure. The SCS in the receive frame can differ from the SCS in the transmit frame. In some examples, the SCS of each transmit frame can be half the SCS of each receive frame. If the SCS differs between the receive and transmit frames, the difference does not necessarily need to be scaled by a factor of 2, for example, if the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) is used instead of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to achieve more flexible symbol duration. Additional examples of frame structures can be used with different SCS.

[0116] (5) Flexible transmission duration of the basic transmission unit: The basic transmission unit may be a symbol block (alternatively referred to as a symbol), which typically includes a redundant portion (referred to as a CP) and an information (e.g., data) portion, but in some embodiments, the CP may be omitted from the symbol block. The CP length may be flexible and configurable. The CP length may be fixed within a frame or flexible within a frame, and the CP length may vary between frames, between frame groups, between subframes, between time slots, or dynamically between schedules. The information (e.g., data) portion may be flexible and configurable. Another possible parameter associated with the definable symbol block is the ratio of the CP duration to the information (e.g., data) duration. In some embodiments, the symbol block length may be adjusted based on channel conditions (e.g., multipath delay, Doppler); and / or delay requirements; and / or available duration. For example, the symbol block length may be adjusted to accommodate the available duration within a frame.

[0117] (6) Flexible handover gap: A frame may include a downlink portion for downlink transmissions originating from the base station and an uplink portion for uplink transmissions originating from the UE. A gap may exist between each uplink portion and the downlink portion, called a handover gap. The handover gap length (duration) may be configurable. The handover gap duration may be fixed within a frame or flexible within a frame, and the handover gap duration may vary between frames, between frame groups, between subframes, between time slots, or dynamically between schedules.

[0118] The concepts of cell, carrier, bandwidth part (BWP), and occupied bandwidth will be introduced below.

[0119] Base stations and other equipment can provide cell coverage. Wireless communication with the device can be conducted via one or more carrier frequencies. These carrier frequencies are referred to as carriers. Alternatively, a carrier can be called a component carrier (CC). A carrier can be characterized by its bandwidth and reference frequency (e.g., the center frequency, minimum frequency, or maximum frequency of the carrier). Carriers can be on licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Wireless communication with the device can also be conducted on one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs). For example, a carrier can have one or more BWPs. More generally, wireless communication with the device can occur on a spectrum. A spectrum can include one or more carriers and / or one or more BWPs.

[0120] A cell may include one or more downlink resources and optionally one or more uplink resources, or a cell may include one or more uplink resources and optionally one or more downlink resources, or a cell may include one or more downlink resources and one or more uplink resources. For example, a cell may include only one downlink carrier / BWP, or only one uplink carrier / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP, or multiple uplink carriers / BWP, or one downlink carrier / BWP and one uplink carrier / BWP, or one downlink carrier / BWP and multiple uplink carriers / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP and one uplink carrier / BWP, or multiple downlink carriers / BWP and multiple uplink carriers / BWP. In some embodiments, a cell may alternatively or additionally include one or more sideline resources, including sideline transmit resources and receive resources.

[0121] A BWP is a set of continuous or discontinuous frequency subcarriers on a carrier, or a set of continuous or discontinuous frequency subcarriers on multiple carriers, or a set of discontinuous or continuous frequency subcarriers, and may have one or more carriers.

[0122] In some embodiments, a carrier may have one or more BWPs. For example, a carrier may have a bandwidth of 20 MHz and consist of one BWP, or a carrier may have a bandwidth of 80 MHz and consist of two adjacent consecutive BWPs, and so on. In other embodiments, a BWP may have one or more carriers. For example, a BWP may have a bandwidth of 40 MHz and consist of two adjacent consecutive carriers, where each carrier has a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In some embodiments, a BWP may include discontinuous spectrum resources consisting of discontinuous multiple carriers, wherein the first carrier in the discontinuous multiple carriers may be in the mmW band, the second carrier may be in a low band (e.g., the 2 GHz band), the third carrier (if present) may be in the THz band, and the fourth carrier (if present) may be in the visible light band. Resources within a carrier belonging to a BWP may be contiguous or discontinuous. In some embodiments, a BWP has discontinuous spectrum resources on a single carrier.

[0123] Wireless communication can occur over occupied bandwidth. Occupied bandwidth can be defined as the width of a frequency band such that the average transmitted power below the lower frequency limit and above the upper frequency limit is equal to a specified percentage β / 2 of the total average transmitted power, for example, β / 2 is 0.5%.

[0124] The carrier, BWP, or occupied bandwidth can be transmitted dynamically by network devices (e.g., in physical layer control signaling such as DCI), semi-statically (e.g., in radio resource control (RRC) signaling or in the medium access control (MAC) layer), or predefined based on the application scenario, or determined by the UE as other parameters known to the UE, or fixed by standards, etc.

[0125] In current networks, frame timing and synchronization are established based on synchronization signals such as the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS). It is worth noting that known frame timing and synchronization strategies involve adding timestamps to frame boundaries, for example, (xx0:yy0:zz), where xx0, yy0, and zz in the timestamp can represent time formats such as hours, minutes, and seconds, respectively.

[0126] It is anticipated that various applications and use cases in future networks may require the use of frames, time slots, and symbols of varying durations to meet different requirements, functions, and Quality of Service (QoS) types. Therefore, using frames of different durations to meet these applications may pose challenges to frame timing alignment across various frame structures. For example, consider the TDD configuration between adjacent carrier frequency bands or subbands (or portions of bandwidth) of a channel or carrier bandwidth, which is frame timing aligned.

[0127] This disclosure generally relates to mobile wireless communications, and in certain embodiments, to frame timing alignment / realignment, wherein such frame timing alignment / realignment may include timing alignment / realignment with respect to the boundaries of a frame or a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame (therefore, frame timing alignment / realignment is more general herein and is not limited to the case where timing alignment / realignment originates only from frame boundaries). Furthermore, in this application, relative timing with respect to a frame or frame boundary should be interpreted in a more general sense, meaning that the frame boundary signifies the timing point of a frame element relative to that frame, such as the start or end of a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame. In the following, the phrases “(frame) timing alignment or timing realignment” and “timing relative to a frame boundary” are used in the more general sense described above.

[0128] In summary, various aspects of this application relate to network devices, such as base station 170 (hereinafter referred to as TRP 170), that transmit signaling carrying a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message includes information allowing the receiving UE 110 to determine a timing reference point. Based on the timing reference point, the frame transmission of UE 110 can be aligned. In some aspects of this application, the aligned frames reside in different subbands of a carrier frequency band. In other aspects of this application, the aligned frames reside in adjacent carrier frequency bands.

[0129] On the TRP 170 side, aspects of this application relate to using one or more types of signaling to indicate timing realignment (or / and timing correction) messages. Two exemplary types of signaling are provided herein to illustrate these schemes. The first exemplary type of signaling may be referred to as cell-specific signaling, for example, including group common signaling and broadcast signaling. The second exemplary type of signaling may be referred to as UE-specific signaling. One or a combination of these two types of signaling can be used to send timing realignment indication messages. Timing realignment indication messages can be shown as a configuration to notify one or more UEs 110 of a timing reference point. In the following, the reference to the term "UE 110" can be understood as a reference to a generalized wireless communication device within the cell (i.e., a network receiving node, such as a wireless device, sensor, gateway, router, etc.), i.e., served by the TRP 170. A timing reference point is a timing reference time point that can be represented by relative timing compared to timing points within a frame (such as symbols, time slots, or subframes within a frame, or the start or end boundary of a frame). For simplicity, the term "frame boundary" will be used below to refer to the boundary of possible symbols, time slots, or subframes within a frame, or the frame itself. Therefore, considering the current frame boundary (e.g., the start of the current frame), the timing reference point can be represented using relative timing. Alternatively, the timing reference point can be represented using absolute timing based on a specific standard timing reference, such as GNSS (e.g., GPS), Coordinated Universal Time ("UTC"), etc. In the absolute timing version of the timing reference point, the timing reference point can be explicitly stated.

[0130] A timing reference point can be shown to allow timing adjustments to be implemented at UE 110. These timing adjustments can be implemented to improve the accuracy of the clock at UE 110. Alternatively or additionally, the timing reference point can support adjustments in future transmissions originating from UE 110. These adjustments can cause the transmitted frames to be realigned at the timing reference point. It should be noted that realigning the transmitted frames at the timing reference point can include timing realignment for one or more UEs and one or more BSs (in a cell or a group of cells) starting from the beginning boundary of a frame or a symbol, time slot, or subframe at the timing reference point, which is applicable to the following applications.

[0131] On the UE 110 side, UE 110 can monitor timing realignment indication messages. In response to receiving a timing realignment indication message, UE 110 can obtain a timing reference point and take steps to perform frame realignment at the timing reference point. For example, these steps may include starting the transmission of subsequent frames at the timing reference point.

[0132] Alternatively, prior to monitoring the timing realignment indication message, UE 110 may send a timing realignment request (i.e., a timing realignment request message) to TRP 170, causing TRP 170 to send a timing realignment indication message. In response to receiving the timing realignment request message, TRP 170 may send a timing realignment indication message to UE 110 including information about the timing reference point, thereby allowing UE 110 to perform timing realignment (or / and timing adjustments including clock timing error correction), wherein the timing realignment is for the UE and one or more base stations in a cell (or a group of cells) and for a frame or in-frame symbol, time slot, or subframe (e.g., the start boundary).

[0133] According to various aspects of this application, the TRP 170 associated with a given cell can send a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message may include sufficient information to enable the message receiver to obtain a timing reference point. The timing reference point can be used by one or more UEs 110 in the given cell when performing timing realignment (or / and timing adjustments including clock timing error correction).

[0134] According to various aspects of this application, a timing reference point can be represented relative to a frame boundary within a timing realignment indication message (wherein, as previously stated and applicable hereinafter, a frame boundary can be the boundary of a frame or a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame). The timing realignment indication message may include a relative timing indication. t. Relative timing indication t represents the timing reference point as a specific duration that occurs after the frame boundary of a particular frame, i.e. Since frame boundaries are crucial for allowing UE 110 to determine its timing reference point, UE 110 must know the boundaries of a given frame that have the frame of interest. Accordingly, the timing realignment indication message may also include the system frame number (SFN) of the specific frame.

[0135] In 5G NR, the value of SFN is known to be in the range of 0 to 1023 (inclusive). Accordingly, 10 bits can be used to represent SFN. When SFN is carried via SSB, 6 of the 10 bits of SFN can be carried through the Master Information Block (MIB), while the remaining 4 bits of SFN can be carried through the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload.

[0136] Optionally, the timing realignment indication message may also include other parameters. For example, other parameters may include the minimum time offset, etc. The minimum time offset can determine the duration prior to the timing reference point. UE 110 may rely on the minimum time offset as an indication, meaning that DL signaling including the timing realignment indication message will allow UE 110 sufficient time to detect the timing realignment indication message to obtain information about the timing reference point.

[0137] The general context for 6G sensing and communication integration will now be described. In cellular communication networks, user equipment (UE) location information is commonly used to improve various network performance metrics. These metrics may include, for example, capacity, agility, and efficiency. This improvement can be achieved when network elements utilize the UE's location, behavior, mobility patterns, etc., within the context of prior information describing the radio environment in which the UE operates.

[0138] Sensing systems can be used to help collect UE attitude information, including the UE's position in the global coordinate system, the UE's speed and direction of movement in the global coordinate system, orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. "Position" is also called "relative position," and these two terms are used interchangeably in this document. Well-known sensing systems include Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). While sensing systems can be separated from communication systems, using an integrated system to collect information can be advantageous, reducing the hardware (and cost) in the system and the time, frequency, or spatial resources required to perform both functions. However, using communication system hardware to perform the sensing of UE attitude and environmental information is extremely challenging and remains an open problem. The difficulty of this problem is related to factors such as the limited resolution of communication systems, the dynamic nature of the environment, and the large number of objects whose electromagnetic properties and positions need to be estimated.

[0139] Therefore, the integration of sensing and communication (also known as the integration of communication and sensing) is an ideal feature in existing and future communication systems.

[0140] Any or all ED 110 and BS 170 can be sensing nodes in the communication system 100E, such as Figure 1E The diagram illustrates an exemplary sensing system according to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. A sensing node is a network entity that performs sensing by sending and receiving sensing signals. Some sensing nodes are communication devices that perform both communication and sensing. However, it is possible that some sensing nodes do not perform communication but are dedicated solely to sensing. Figure 1E and Figure 1BThe difference lies in the presence of a perceptual agent 174 in the communication system 100E, which... Figure 1B The sensing agent 174 is an example of a sensing node dedicated to sensing. Unlike ED 110 and BS 170, sensing agent 174 does not send or receive communication signals. However, sensing agent 174 can transmit configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within the communication system 100E. Sensing agent 174 can communicate with the core network 130 to transmit information with the rest of the communication system 100E. For example, sensing agent 174 can determine the location of ED 110a and send this information to base station 170a via the core network 130. Although in Figure 1E Only one sensing agent 174 is shown, but any number of sensing agents can be implemented in the communication system 100E. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents can be implemented at one or more RANs in RAN 120.

[0141] Sensing nodes can combine sensing-based technologies with reference signal-based technologies to enhance UE attitude determination. This type of sensing node can also be called a sensing management function (SMF). In some networks, the SMF can also be called a location management function (LMF). The SMF can be implemented as a physically independent entity located at core network 130, which is connected to multiple BS 170s. In other aspects of this application, the SMF can be implemented as a logical entity co-located within BS 170s through logic executed by processor 260.

[0142] Figure 1F An exemplary apparatus 100F is shown that can implement the methods and teachings according to this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1F An exemplary SMF 176 is shown, which can be implemented in UE 110, system node 120, or network node 130. As detailed below, SMF 176 can be dedicated to, or include dedicated components, to support the training and / or execution of AI models (e.g., training and / or execution of neural networks).

[0143] like Figure 1FAs shown, when the SMF 176 is implemented as a physically independent entity, it includes at least one processor 290, at least one transmitter 282, at least one receiver 284, one or more antennas 286, and at least one memory 288. Transceivers (not shown) may be used instead of transmitters 282 and receivers 284. A scheduler 283 may be coupled to the processor 290. The scheduler 283 may be included within the SMF 176 or may operate separately from the SMF 176. The processor 290 implements various processing operations of the SMF 176, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions. The processor 290 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in more detail above. Each processor 290 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processor 290 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0144] Attitude determination techniques based on reference signals belong to the "active" attitude estimation paradigm. In this paradigm, the attitude information querier (i.e., the UE) participates in the process of determining the querier's attitude. The querier can send or receive (or both send and receive) signals related to the attitude determination process. Positioning techniques based on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) (such as the Global Positioning System (GPS)) are other examples of the active attitude estimation paradigm.

[0145] In contrast, radar-based sensing technologies, for example, can be considered a "passive" attitude determination paradigm. In the passive attitude determination paradigm, the target is completely unaware of the attitude determination process.

[0146] By integrating sensing and communication into a single system, the system does not need to operate according to a single paradigm. Therefore, combining sensing-based techniques with reference signal-based techniques can achieve enhanced attitude determination.

[0147] For example, enhanced attitude determination can include acquiring UE channel subspace information, which is particularly useful for UE channel reconstruction at the sensing node, especially for beam-based operations and communications. The UE channel subspace is a subset of the entire algebraic space defined in the spatial domain, containing the entire channel from the TP to the UE. Therefore, the UE channel subspace can very accurately define the TP-to-UE channel. Signals transmitted in other subspaces contribute negligibly to the UE channel. Understanding the UE channel subspace helps reduce the workload required for UE-side channel measurement and network-side channel reconstruction. Therefore, combining sensing-based techniques with reference signal-based techniques can significantly reduce the overhead of UE channel reconstruction compared to traditional methods. Subspace information can also facilitate subspace-based sensing to reduce sensing complexity and improve sensing accuracy. In some embodiments of sensing-communication integration, sensing and communication use the same radio access technology (RAT). This avoids multiplexing two different RATs under a single carrier spectrum or providing two different carrier spectrums for two different RATs.

[0148] In embodiments that integrate sensing and communication into a single RAT, a first set of channels can be used to transmit sensing signals, while a second set of channels can be used to transmit communication signals. In some embodiments, each channel in the first set of channels and each channel in the second set of channels is a logical channel, a transport channel, or a physical channel.

[0149] At the physical layer, communication and sensing can be performed through different physical channels. For example, a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH-C) can be defined for data communication, while a second physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH-S) can be defined for sensing. Similarly, separate physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH) PUSCH-C and PUSCH-S can be defined for uplink communication and sensing.

[0150] In another example, the same PDSCH and PUSCH can also be used for communication and sensing, where separate logical layer channels and / or transport layer channels are defined for communication and sensing. It should also be noted that one or more control channels and one or more data channels used for sensing can have the same or different channel structures (formats) and occupy the same or different frequency bands or bandwidth portions.

[0151] For example, the common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and the common physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) are used to carry control information for both sensing and communication. Alternatively, different physical layer control channels can be used to carry different control information for communication and sensing. For instance, PUCCH-S and PUCCH-C can be used for uplink control for sensing and communication respectively, and PDCCH-S and PDCCH-C can be used for downlink control for sensing and communication respectively.

[0152] Sensing and communication can be performed using different combinations of shared channels and dedicated channels at the physical layer, transport layer, and logic layer.

[0153] The term "radar" originates from the phrase "Radio Detection and Ranging" (RADAR); however, expressions with different capitalizations (i.e., Radar and radar) are equally valid and are now more common. Radar is typically used to detect the presence and location of objects. A radar system radiates radio frequency energy and receives the echoes of energy reflected from one or more targets. The system determines the attitude of a given target based on the echoes returning from that target. The radiated energy can be in the form of energy pulses or continuous waves, which can be represented or defined using specific waveforms. Waveforms used in radar include frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and ultra-wideband (UWB) waveforms, among others.

[0154] Radar systems can be monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic. In a monostatic radar system, the radar transmitter and receiver are located in the same location, for example, integrated into a single transceiver. In a bistatic radar system, the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated by a distance equal to or greater than the expected target distance (often referred to as the range). In a multistatic radar system, two or more radar components are spatially distributed but share a common coverage area. Multistatic radar is also known as multisite or mesh radar.

[0155] Ground-based radar applications face challenges such as multipath propagation and shadow attenuation. Another challenge is identifiability, as ground targets share similar physical properties. Integrating sensing into communication systems is likely to encounter similar, or even more, challenges.

[0156] Communication nodes can be half-duplex or full-duplex. Half-duplex nodes cannot use the same physical resources (time, frequency, etc.) to transmit and receive simultaneously; conversely, full-duplex nodes can use the same physical resources for both transmission and reception. Existing commercial wireless communication networks are all half-duplex networks. Even if full-duplex communication networks become a reality in the future, it is expected that at least some nodes in the network will still be half-duplex nodes because half-duplex devices are less complex, less expensive, and consume less power. Specifically, full-duplex implementations are more challenging at higher frequencies (e.g., millimeter-wave bands), and are particularly challenging for small, low-cost devices such as femtocell base stations and UEs.

[0157] Half-duplex nodes present limitations in communication networks, posing further challenges to integrating sensing and communication into devices and systems. For example, both half-duplex and full-duplex nodes can perform bistatic or multistatic sensing, but monostatic sensing typically requires full-duplex capability. Half-duplex nodes can perform monostatic sensing, but with certain limitations, such as in pulse radars with specific duty cycles and ranging capabilities.

[0158] The waveform and frame structure of a sensing signal will now be described. Properties of a sensing signal, or a signal used for both sensing and communication, include its waveform and frame structure. The frame structure defines the signal's time-domain boundaries. The waveform describes the shape of the signal as it changes over time and frequency. Examples of waveforms that can be used for sensing signals include ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses, frequency-modulated continuous waves (FMCW) or "chirps," orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), cyclic prefix (CP)-OFDM, and discrete Fourier transform spread (DFT-s)-OFDM.

[0159] In one embodiment, the sensing signal has a bandwidth of And the duration is A linear chirped signal. This type of linear chirped signal is commonly known due to its use in FMCW radar systems. A linear chirped signal is defined as a signal whose frequency changes from the initial time... initial frequency Increase to final time final frequency , where frequency ( ) and time ( The relationship between ) can be represented as A linear relationship, wherein, Defined as the chirp slope. The bandwidth of a linear chirped signal can be defined as... The duration of a linear chirped signal can be defined as... In baseband representation, this linear chirped signal can be expressed as... .

[0160] As used in this paper, precoding can refer to any one or more encoding or modulation operations that transform an input signal into an output signal. Precoding can be performed in different domains, and typically transforms an input signal in a first domain into an output signal in a second domain. Precoding can include linear operations.

[0161] Terrestrial communication systems can also be called land-based or ground-based communication systems, although they can also be implemented on or under water, or alternatively. Non-terrestrial communication systems can extend the coverage of cellular networks by using non-terrestrial nodes, bridging coverage gaps in underserved areas. This is crucial for ensuring seamless global coverage and providing mobile broadband service to areas with no or insufficient service. In this context, deploying ground access points / base station infrastructure in oceans, mountains, forests, or other remote areas is virtually impossible.

[0162] Terrestrial communication systems can be wireless communication systems using 5G technology and / or next-generation wireless technologies (e.g., 6G or higher). In some examples, terrestrial communication systems may also incorporate some traditional wireless technologies (e.g., 3G or 4G). Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using satellite constellations such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, which broadcast public / popular content to local servers. Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which strike a better balance between large coverage areas and propagation path loss / latency. Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using very low earth orbit (VLEO) stabilized satellite technology, which significantly reduces the cost of launching satellites into low orbit. Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using high altitude platforms (HAPs), which provide low path loss air interfaces for users with limited power budgets. Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (or unmanned aerial systems (UAS)). UAVs can be densely deployed because their coverage can be limited to local areas, such as airborne, balloon, quadcopter, and / or drone vehicles. In some examples, a network consisting of GEO satellites, LEO satellites, UAVs, HAPs, or VLEOs can all be deployed at the same altitude, thus providing a network that can be considered two-dimensional. In some examples, UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs can be coupled to integrate satellite communications into a cellular network. Emerging 3D vertical networks consist of numerous mobile (excluding geostationary satellites) and high-altitude access points such as UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs.

[0163] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology supports signal transmission and reception using antenna arrays composed of multiple antennas to meet high transmission rate requirements. The ED 110, T-TRP 170, and / or NT-TRP mentioned above use MIMO for communication via radio resource blocks. MIMO utilizes multiple antennas at the transmitter and / or receiver to transmit radio resource blocks via parallel radio signals. MIMO can beamform the parallel radio signals for reliable multipath transmission of radio resource blocks. MIMO can also bond parallel radio signals carrying different data to increase the data rate of radio resource blocks.

[0164] In recent years, MIMO (Massive MIMO) wireless communication systems equipped with a large number of antennas in the aforementioned T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 have received widespread attention from academia and industry. In massive MIMO systems, the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 are typically configured with more than ten antenna elements (e.g., 128 or 256), simultaneously serving dozens (e.g., 40) ED 110s. The large number of antenna elements in the T-TRP 170 and NT-TRP 172 can significantly increase the spatial freedom of wireless communication, greatly improve transmission rate, spectral efficiency, and power efficiency, and largely eliminate inter-cell interference. The increased number of antennas allows each antenna element to be manufactured in a smaller size and at a lower cost. Utilizing the spatial freedom provided by the large number of antenna elements, each cell's T-TRP 170 and NT-TRP 172 can simultaneously communicate with multiple ED 110s in the cell on the same time-frequency resources, thereby significantly improving spectral efficiency. The numerous antenna elements of the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 also provide better spatial directivity for each user during uplink and downlink transmissions, resulting in a significant reduction in transmit power and a substantial improvement in power efficiency between the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 and the ED 110. When the number of antennas in the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 is sufficiently large, the random channels between each ED 110 and the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be nearly orthogonal, and the effects of interference and noise between the cell and the user can be eliminated. These numerous advantages make massive MIMO a promising technology for widespread applications.

[0165] A MIMO system may include a receiver connected to a receive (Rx) antenna, a transmitter connected to a transmit (Tx) antenna, and a signal processor connected to both the transmitter and receiver. Each of the Rx and Tx antennas may include multiple antennas. For example, an Rx antenna may have a ULA antenna array, in which multiple antennas are arranged in a row at uniform intervals. When a radio frequency (RF) signal is transmitted through a Tx antenna, the Rx antenna may receive signals reflected and returned from a forward-facing target.

[0166] A non-exhaustive list of possible units or possible configurable parameters or MIMO systems in some embodiments includes: Panel: A unit of an antenna group, antenna array, or antenna subarray, whose Tx or Rx beam can be controlled independently.

[0167] Beam: A beam is formed by performing amplitude and / or phase weighting on data transmitted or received at at least one antenna port, or it can be formed using another method, such as adjusting the relevant parameters of the antenna elements. A beam can include a Tx beam and / or an Rx beam. The transmit beam represents the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through the antenna. The receive beam indicates the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna. Beam information can be a beam identifier, or one or more antenna port identifiers, or a CSI-RS resource identifier, or an SSB resource identifier, or an SRS resource identifier, or other reference signal resource identifier.

[0168] Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be applied to communications, including AI / ML-based communications at the physical layer and / or AI / ML-based communications at higher layers (e.g., the medium access control (MAC) layer). For example, at the physical layer, AI / ML-based communications can aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. At the MAC layer, AI / ML-based communications can leverage AI / ML capabilities to learn, predict, and / or make decisions to solve complex optimization problems using potentially better strategies and / or optimal solutions, such as optimizing functions in the MAC layer, such as intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent modulation and coding scheme (MCS), intelligent hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) strategies, intelligent transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) mode adaptation, etc.

[0169] Here are some terms used in the AI / ML field: Data collection: Data is a crucial component of AI / ML technology. Data collection refers to the process by which network nodes, management entities, or user-defined users (UEs) gather data for AI / ML model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0170] AI / ML model training: AI / ML model training refers to the process of training an AI / ML model by learning the input / output relationship in a data-driven manner and then using the trained AI / ML model for inference.

[0171] AI / ML model inference: The process of using a trained AI / ML model to produce a set of outputs based on a set of inputs.

[0172] AI / ML Model Validation: As a sub-process of training, validation is used to evaluate the quality of AI / ML models using a different dataset than the one used for model training. Validation can help in selecting model parameters that generalize well beyond the dataset used for model training. The trained model parameters can be further tuned through the validation process.

[0173] AI / ML Model Testing: Similar to validation, testing is also a sub-process of training. It is used to evaluate the performance of the final AI / ML model using a different dataset than that used for model training and validation. Unlike AI / ML model validation, testing does not assume subsequent adjustments to the model.

[0174] Online training: Online training refers to an AI / ML training process in which the model used for inference is typically trained continuously in (near) real-time as new training samples arrive.

[0175] Offline training: An AI / ML training process in which a model is trained based on a collected dataset, and then the trained model is used for inference or delivery.

[0176] AI / ML Model Delivery / Transfer: A general term referring to the delivery of an AI / ML model from one entity to another in any way. Delivering an AI / ML model over air includes providing parameters of the model structure known to the receiving end, as well as providing a new model with parameters. Delivery can include a complete model or a partial model.

[0177] Lifecycle management (LCM): When training and / or inferring AI / ML models on a device, the entire AI / ML process needs to be monitored and managed to ensure the performance gains achieved through AI / ML technology. For example, due to the randomness of wireless channels and the mobility of UEs, the propagation environment of wireless signals changes frequently. However, it is difficult for AI / ML models to maintain optimal performance in all scenarios, and performance may even degrade sharply in some scenarios. Therefore, lifecycle management (LCM) of AI / ML models is crucial for the sustainable operation of AI / ML over the NR air interface.

[0178] Lifecycle management encompasses the entire process of applying AI / ML technologies across one or more nodes. Specifically, lifecycle management includes at least one of the following sub-processes: data collection, model training, model identification, model registration, model deployment, model configuration, model inference, model selection, model activation, deactivation, model switching, model rollback, model monitoring, model update, model transmission / delivery, and UE capability reporting. Model monitoring can be based on inference accuracy, including metrics related to key performance indicators (KPIs), or on system performance, including metrics related to system performance KPIs, such as accuracy and relevance, overhead, complexity (computation and memory costs), latency (timeliness of monitoring results, from model failure to recovery), and power consumption. Furthermore, due to environmental changes, data distribution may change after deployment; therefore, models based on input or output data distribution should also be considered.

[0179] Supervised learning: The goal of supervised learning algorithms is to train a model that maps feature vectors (inputs) to labels (outputs) based on training data that includes example feature-label pairs. Supervised learning analyzes the training data and generates an inference function that can be used to map inference data. Supervised learning can be further divided into two types: classification and regression. Classification is used when the output of the AI / ML model is categorical data, i.e., data with two or more classes. Regression is used when the output of the AI / ML model is real numbers or continuous values.

[0180] Unsupervised learning: Unlike supervised learning, where AI / ML models learn to map inputs to target outputs, unsupervised methods learn concise representations of input data without labeled data. These representations can be used for data exploration, analysis, or the generation of new data. A typical example of unsupervised learning is clustering, which explores the hidden structure of the input data and provides classification results.

[0181] Reinforcement Learning: Reinforcement learning is used to solve sequential decision-making problems. It is the process of training an agent's actions based on inputs (states) and feedback signals (rewards) from the environment. In reinforcement learning, the agent interacts with the environment by performing actions to maximize cumulative rewards. Each time the agent performs an action, the current state of the environment may transition to a new state, which in turn brings a corresponding reward. The agent can then perform the next action based on the received reward and the new state in the environment. During the training phase, the agent interacts with the environment to accumulate experience. Because direct interaction with real systems is costly, the environment is typically simulated by a simulator. During the inference phase, the agent can use the optimal decision rules learned from the training phase to achieve the maximum cumulative reward.

[0182] Federated Learning: Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning technique used to train AI / ML models by a central node (e.g., a server) and multiple distributed edge nodes (e.g., UE, next-generation NodeB, "gNB").

[0183] Based on wireless FL technology, the server can provide edge nodes with a set of model parameters (e.g., weights, biases, gradients) describing the global AI / ML model. Edge nodes can use these received global AI / ML model parameters to initialize their local AI / ML model. Then, the edge nodes can use local data samples to train their local AI / ML model, resulting in a trained local AI / ML model. Subsequently, the edge nodes can provide the server with a set of AI / ML model parameters describing their local AI / ML model.

[0184] After receiving multiple sets of AI / ML model parameters describing the corresponding local AI / ML models at multiple edge nodes, the server can aggregate the local AI / ML model parameters reported from multiple UEs and update the global AI / ML model based on this aggregation. Subsequent iterations proceed very similarly to the first iteration. The server can send the aggregated global model to multiple edge nodes. This process is repeated multiple times until the global AI / ML model is finally determined, for example, when the AI / ML model converges or the training stopping condition is met.

[0185] It is worth noting that wireless FL technology does not involve the exchange of local data samples. In fact, local data samples are retained at the respective edge nodes.

[0186] AI technologies (including ML technologies) can be applied in communications, including AI-based communication at the physical layer and / or the MAC layer. For the physical layer, AI communication can aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. For example, AI can be applied to implementations such as channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform generation, multiple access, physical layer element parameter optimization and updating, beamforming, tracking, sensing, and / or localization. For the MAC layer, AI communication can aim to leverage AI capabilities for learning, prediction, and / or decision-making to solve complex optimization problems using potentially better strategies and / or optimal solutions, such as optimizing MAC layer functionality. For example, AI can be applied to achieve: intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent MCS, intelligent HARQ strategies, and / or intelligent transmit / receive mode adaptation.

[0187] AI architectures can involve multiple nodes, organized in either a centralized or distributed manner. Both modes can be deployed in access networks, core networks, edge computing systems, or third-party networks. Centralized training and computing architectures may be subject to significant communication overhead and strict user data privacy constraints. Distributed training and computing architectures can include several frameworks, such as distributed machine learning and federated learning. In some embodiments, the AI ​​architecture may include an intelligent controller that operates as a single agent or multiple agents based on joint optimization or individual optimization. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed to allow corresponding interface links to be customized with custom parameters to meet specific requirements, while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing the overall system's spectral efficiency through personalized AI technologies.

[0188] The new protocols and signaling mechanisms are provided to operate within and switch between different operating modes, including switching between AI and non-AI modes, and also to provide measurement and feedback to accommodate different possible measurements and information that may require feedback, depending on the implementation.

[0189] An air interface that uses AI as part of an implementation (e.g., optimizing one or more components of the air interface) will be referred to herein as an “AI-enabled air interface”. In some embodiments, two types of AI operations may exist in an AI-enabled air interface: both the network and the UE learn; or only the network learns.

[0190] Perception is the process of acquiring information about one's surroundings. Perception can be broadly categorized into RF sensing and non-RF sensing. RF sensing is the process of acquiring information about one's surroundings by sending RF signals and receiving and processing those RF signals or their echoes (reflections). Non-RF sensing is the process of acquiring information about one's surroundings through non-RF signals (such as those from cameras or other sensors). In this disclosure, the term "perception" refers to RF sensing (unless otherwise specified).

[0191] Sensing can be used to detect information about objects, such as their position, speed, distance, direction, shape, and texture. Sensing can be divided into active sensing (also known as device-based sensing) and passive sensing (also known as device-free sensing). In active sensing, the sensor sends an RF signal to the object being sensed. The sensor can detect the RF signal and obtain sensing information from it, or measure some intermediate information, which is fed back to the sensor to assist in obtaining sensing information. In passive sensing, the sensor sends an RF signal to the object being sensed, detects the reflected echo of the RF signal, and obtains sensing information from the echo. The object may or may not include certain identification (ID) information (e.g., RF tags), such as environmental IoT devices. As an example of passive sensing, a radar system sends RF signals to locate, detect, and track targets. Typically, a radar system is a standalone system designed for a specific application.

[0192] Generally, from the perspective of the transmitter and receiver, there are three types of sensing: monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, and multistatic sensing. In monostatic sensing, the transmitter and receiver are the same device. In bistatic sensing, the transmitter and receiver are different devices. For example, a BS transmits a sensing signal, and a UE receives the sensing signal. In multistatic sensing, one or more transmitters and one or more receivers can be decomposed into a set of N bistatic Tx-Rx pairs, where N>1. For example, one BS transmits a sensing signal, and two UEs (including UE1 and UE2) receive the sensing signal. The first bistatic Tx-Rx pair includes the BS and UE1, and the second bistatic Tx-Rx pair includes the BS and UE2.

[0193] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems refer to systems that multiplex communication RF signals for sensing. An ISAC system is a networked and collaborative sensing system, not a single, independent radar system. Collaborative sensing can be achieved through integrated communication protocols. A functional framework for sensing needs to be designed, such as sensing within ISAC, especially the air interface procedures for sensing management.

[0194] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 2000 implemented in a perception function framework according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figures 1A to 1F Describe process 2000. Process 2000 may involve terminal device 2010 and network device 2070. Terminal device 2010 may be implemented as follows: Figures 1A to 1E ED 110 in the middle. Network device 2070 can be implemented as Figures 1A to 1E T-TRP 170 or Figures 1B to 1ENT-TRP 172 in [the context of this information]. It should be understood that in [the context of this information]... Figure 2 The steps and their order are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that process 2000 may also include additional boxes not shown and / or omit some boxes shown, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Process 2000 may relate to a perceptual functional framework, examples of which will be referenced. Figure 3 To describe in more detail.

[0195] like Figure 2 As shown, network device 2070 sends a configuration 2002 for a sensing type or at least one sensing function, specifying the sensing feature (2001). Terminal device 2010 receives the configuration 2002 (2003) and performs a sensing or communication operation (2004) based on the configuration 2002. Network device 2070 obtains the performance of the sensing or communication operation (2005) specifying the sensing type or at least one sensing function. For example, terminal device 2010 may perform a sensing operation. Alternatively, terminal device 2010 may perform a communication operation, wherein the sensing results can assist terminal device 2010 in performing the communication operation.

[0196] In some embodiments, a perception type is associated with a function that acquires information about at least one of the characteristics of an environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment. A perception type can be a perception model or a perception result. In embodiments of this disclosure, when referring to "perception type," "perception model" or "perception result" may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the information about at least one of the characteristics of an environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment is a model of at least one of the environment or objects within the environment. For example, a perception type can be associated with a function that reconstructs the physical world, including environment reconstruction, channel reconstruction (e.g., via a ray tracing scheme), target reconstruction, digital twins, etc. The information acquired for a perception type can be a model of the environment and / or objects, or a perception result of the environment and / or objects. In some embodiments, multiple perception types, including a perception type, are associated with functions. For example, a terminal device 2010 may be configured with multiple perception models for reconstructing the physical world.

[0197] In some embodiments, perception types are identified based on an index, where the index is unique across at least one perception type for one or more perception features. For example, a perception feature may have one or more perception types, each configured with a corresponding ID. The perception type ID can be globally unique for all perception features configured for the terminal device 2010. In this way, the terminal device 2010 learns the associated perception feature by indicating the perception type ID.

[0198] In some embodiments, perception types are identified based on an index of the perception type and an index of the perception feature. For example, a perception feature may have one or more perception types, each configured with a corresponding ID. The perception type ID may be locally unique within the perception feature.

[0199] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may send an indication of a sensing feature and an indication of one or more sensing functions associated with the sensing feature to network device 2070. The sensing feature and one or more functions are supported by terminal device 2010. Network device 2070 may send a configuration of a subset of one or more sensing functions of the sensing feature. The subset of one or more sensing functions includes at least one sensing function. That is, terminal device 2010 may report the sensing features it supports and the one or more sensing functions it supports. Network device 2070 may configure one or more functions supported by terminal device 2010 for the sensing feature according to the capabilities of terminal device 2010. In this disclosure, the term "subset" may be understood as all or part.

[0200] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may send auxiliary information associated with the sensing capabilities of terminal device 2010 to network device 2070. The auxiliary information includes at least one updated applicable function of terminal device 2010. Network device 2070 may determine at least one sensing function to activate the sensing feature based on the auxiliary information and send an indication to terminal device 2010 to activate at least one sensing function of the sensing feature. For example, due to changes in memory, battery, and other hardware, one or more applicable functions of terminal device 2010 for sensing features may change accordingly. Terminal device 2010 may send auxiliary information to report its updated one or more applicable functions. Network device 2070 may activate one or more applicable functions accordingly.

[0201] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may activate a sensing type to perform a sensing or communication operation. After determining that a sensing type is activated, terminal device 2010 may perform a sensing or communication operation. In some exemplary implementations, terminal device 2010 may receive an instruction to activate a sensing type and then activate the sensing type. In a more specific example, the instruction to activate a sensing type may include an activation instruction that includes an identifier of the sensing type.

[0202] In some embodiments, the perception type is a first perception type associated with at least one first perception function of the perception feature. The terminal device 2010 can receive configuration of a second perception type associated with at least one second perception function of the perception feature. The at least one second perception function is the same as the at least one first perception function. Alternatively, the at least one second perception function and the at least one first perception function may include different functions. For example, in the perception type of the perception feature, there may be one or more functions associated with that perception type. Different perception types may be associated with the same or different functions.

[0203] In some embodiments, if a second perception type of a perception feature is activated when an indication to activate a first perception type is received, the terminal device 2010 can deactivate the second perception type. That is, for a given perception feature, only one active perception type is supported. The network device 2070 can indicate a type switch by sending an indication of the perception type to be activated, and can correspondingly deactivate the currently active perception type.

[0204] In some embodiments, to activate a sensing type, the terminal device 2010 may receive an instruction to activate a sensing feature, wherein the sensing type is the default type of the sensing feature. That is, a sensing feature may have a default sensing type. When a sensing feature is activated, the default sensing type of the sensing feature can be activated.

[0205] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may receive an instruction to activate at least one function. The instruction to activate at least one function is associated with a sensing type. For example, for a sensing type, one or more active sensing functions are supported. Network device 2070 may indicate the activation of one or more sensing functions for a sensing type. That is, the activation of a function may be sensing type-specific. Alternatively, the instruction to activate at least one function is associated with a sensing feature. For example, network device 2070 may indicate the activation of multiple sensing functions for a sensing feature. That is, the activation of a function may be sensing feature-specific. For more capable terminal devices, multiple activated sensing functions can reduce sensing latency.

[0206] In some embodiments, at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function and a second sensing function. Network device 2070 can determine a switching of sensing or communication operations from the second sensing function to the first sensing function and send an instruction to terminal device 2010 to activate the first sensing function. Terminal device 2010 can receive the instruction to activate the first sensing function. If the second sensing function is activated when the instruction to activate the first sensing function is received, terminal device 2010 can deactivate the second sensing function and perform the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing function. That is, the terminal device can support only one sensing function in a time slot. The network device can indicate the switching of sensing functions for the same sensing feature by indicating the activation of the sensing function to be activated. By executing different sensing functions in different time slots, the terminal device can support the entire sensing feature.

[0207] In some embodiments, the sensing feature is a first sensing feature. Terminal device 2010 can receive an instruction from network device 2070 to switch to a second sensing feature; stop performing sensing or communication operations with the first sensing feature; and perform sensing or communication operations with the second sensing feature. That is, the network device can instruct the switching of the sensing feature. As a specific example, suppose terminal device 2010 is currently performing an environment reconstruction sensing feature. After static environment reconstruction is completed, network device 2070 can instruct terminal device 2010 to switch to moving target detection to obtain moving target information in the environment.

[0208] In some embodiments, the sensing type is a first sensing type. Terminal device 2010 can receive an instruction from network device 2070 to switch to a second sensing type for the sensing feature, stop performing sensing or communication operations based on the configuration of the sensing type, and perform sensing or communication operations of the second sensing type. That is, network device 2070 can instruct the switching of the sensing type for the sensing feature. As a specific example, for the sensing feature of object detection, the first sensing type is used for monostatic sensing, the second sensing type is used for bistatic sensing, where the terminal device is a sensing transmitter, and the third sensing type is used for bistatic sensing, where the terminal device is a sensing receiver. Network device 2070 can instruct terminal device 2010 to switch from the second sensing type to the third sensing type according to the sensing frame structure.

[0209] In some embodiments, when a sensing type is determined to be activated, the terminal device 2010 may perform a sensing or communication operation of a first sensing function, wherein the first sensing function is the default function of the sensing type. That is, a sensing type may have a default sensing function. When a sensing type is activated, the default sensing function of the sensing type can be activated. For example, when a sensing type is enabled for the terminal device, a default activated function may exist. The identification (ID) of the default activated function of the sensing type can be configured or predefined. In some embodiments, when a sensing type is enabled for the terminal device, multiple default activated functions may exist.

[0210] In some embodiments, at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function. Network device 2070 can send an indication to activate the sensing feature. Upon determining that the sensing feature is activated, terminal device 2010 can perform a sensing or communication operation using the first sensing function, where the first sensing function is the default function of the sensing feature. That is, the sensing feature can have a default sensing function. When the sensing feature is activated, the default sensing function of the sensing feature can be activated. For example, when the sensing feature is enabled on the terminal device, a default activated function may exist. The identification (ID) of the default activated function of the sensing feature can be configured or predefined. In some embodiments, when the sensing feature is enabled on the terminal device, multiple default activated functions may exist.

[0211] In some embodiments, when acquiring the performance of sensing or communication operations, network device 2070 can determine the performance of a sensing type and, based on the performance of the sensing type, determine a third sensing type to activate sensing features or disable sensing or communication operations. Network device 2070 can send an indication to activate a third sensing type or an indication to disable sensing or communication operations. Correspondingly, terminal device 2010 can receive an indication to prohibit sensing or communication operations from network device 2070. That is, sensing monitoring can be implemented on the network device side. The network device can indicate switching or disabling of sensing types based on the monitoring results.

[0212] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may receive monitoring metrics for sensing or communication operations from network device 2070. For example, terminal device 2010 may monitor and evaluate the performance of sensing or communication operations based on monitoring metrics. If terminal device 2010 detects that a sensing type is inapplicable, terminal device 2010 may request to switch, update, or deactivate the sensing type. In one specific example, if a sensing type of static environment map is activated for sensing features of channel prediction, then when terminal device 2010 senses multiple moving targets in the vicinity, terminal device 2010 may request to switch to another sensing type or fall back to a non-sensing mode. In another specific example, if a sensing type of environment map (site-specific map) is activated for sensing features of channel prediction, then when terminal device 2010 moves to another site, terminal device 2010 may request to switch to another sensing type of environment map for that site.

[0213] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may receive reported metrics for sensing or communication operations. For example, terminal device 2010 may monitor the performance of sensing or communication operations and report the performance of sensing or communication operations when the performance meets the reported metrics. In this way, terminal device 2010 does not need to report unnecessary sensing or communication operation information to network device 2070.

[0214] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may send a request for type switching and an indication of the performance of sensing or communication operations to network device 2070. Network device 2070 may, based on performance, determine whether to activate a third sensing type of sensing features or disable sensing or communication operations, and send an indication to terminal device 2010 to activate the third sensing type of sensing features or disable sensing or communication operations. That is, sensing monitoring can be implemented on the terminal device side. Based on reports from the terminal device, network device may instruct the switching or disabling of sensing types based on monitoring results.

[0215] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 may send a request to network device 2070 to update the perception type. Upon receiving the request, network device 2070 may send training data and ground truth information for the perception type to terminal device 2010. Terminal device 2010 may then update the perception type based on the training data and ground truth information. In other words, terminal device 2010 may send a perception type update request to network device, and network device may send training data and associated ground truth information to terminal device to assist terminal device in updating the perception type. In this way, perception parameters can be flexibly updated over time as the device experiences different scenarios / configurations / sites, improving the accuracy of the perception type.

[0216] In some embodiments, terminal device 2010 can receive auxiliary information from network device 2070 for fine-tuning the sensing type, and fine-tune the sensing type based on the auxiliary information. The auxiliary information includes anchor point information for the sensing type. For example, network device 2070 can send information about anchor devices with known locations to terminal device 2010. Terminal device 2010 can calibrate the sensing results based on the anchor device information.

[0217] Figure 3 An exemplary sensing function framework 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the sensing function framework 300 may also include additional boxes not shown and / or omit some of the boxes shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0218] like Figure 3 As shown, the sensing function framework 300 may include physical entities that implement the sensing data collection function 301, sensing modeling function 302, sensing management function 303, sensing application function 304, and sensing result storage function 305. It should be understood that the terminology used for these functions is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. The sensing data collection function 301 may also be referred to as a data collection function, 3GPP sensing data collection function 301, 3GPP and non-3GPP sensing data collection function 301, data measurement function, or sensing measurement function, etc. The sensing modeling function 302 may also be referred to as a sensing result processing function, sensing information processing function, sensing data processing function, sensing measurement processing function, environmental information processing function, target information processing function, environmental and target information processing function, etc. The sensing management function 303 may also be referred to as a sensing control function, sensing result management function, etc. The sensing application function 304 may also be referred to as a sensing action function, sensing function in the RAN, sensing usage function, sensing use case function, sensing-assisted communication function, sensing service function, sensing-assisted communication and sensing service function, etc. The sensing result storage function 305 can also be called sensing storage function, RAN storage function, local RAN storage function, RAN and core network storage function, etc.

[0219] The perception data collection function 301 can be used to provide input data to the perception modeling function 302, the perception management function 303, and the perception application function 304. Examples of input data provided by the perception data collection function 301 to other functions may include measurements from the UE or different network entities, where the measurements may be RF sensing measurements or non-RF sensing measurements (light detection and ranging (LIDAR), cameras, video, sensors, etc.).

[0220] For example, the perception data collection function 301 can provide perception data for modeling 311 to the perception modeling function 302. The perception data for modeling 311 can also be referred to as training data. The perception data for modeling 311 may include data required as input to the perception modeling function 302, such as data used for perception analysis. For example, the perception data for modeling 311 may include auxiliary information from the perception modeling function 302.

[0221] The sensing data collection function 301 can provide monitoring data 312 to the sensing management function 303. The monitoring data 312 may include data required as input to the sensing management function 303.

[0222] The sensing data collection function 301 can provide motion data 313 to the sensing application function 304. The motion data 313 may include data required as input to the sensing application function 304.

[0223] In some embodiments, the perception modeling function 302 can be used to reconstruct the physical world (i.e., acquire a model of the physical world), including environment reconstruction, channel reconstruction (e.g., via a ray tracing scheme), target reconstruction, digital twins, etc. After acquiring the perception results, the perception modeling function 302 can deliver the perception results 314 (e.g., a trained perception model or an updated perception model) to the perception results storage function 305. Alternatively or additionally, the output 314 of the perception modeling function 302 (e.g., partial perception results) can be delivered to the core network or a third party 306 to provide perception services to the core network or the third party 306 via the RAN. In this disclosure, perception results or perception models can be collectively referred to as perception types.

[0224] In some embodiments, the perceptual modeling function 302 may be AI-enabled, for example, using AI to derive perceptual results. The perceptual modeling function 302 may request specific information for training the perceptual model and avoid receiving unnecessary information. In some embodiments, if necessary, the perceptual modeling function 302 may be responsible for data processing, for example, performing data preprocessing and cleaning, formatting, and transformation based on the training data delivered by the perceptual data collection function 301.

[0225] In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may be responsible for performing perception control on the perception modeling function 302 and the perception application function 304, and may monitor the perception output of the perception application function 304. If the perception result is no longer applicable, the perception management function 303 may request the perception modeling function 302 to retrain the perception model, and the perception management function 303 may instruct the perception application function 304 to switch perception models.

[0226] In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may be used to receive monitoring data 312 (e.g., ground truth data) from the perception data collection function 301. Perception performance can be evaluated after comparing the perception output with the ground truth data via the perception management function 303. In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may be used to receive the output 317 of the perception application function 304. The output 317 of the perception application function 304 may include the performance of the perception application function 304.

[0227] In some embodiments, if specific information derived from the perception application function 304 or from performance monitoring in the perception management function 303 is suitable for improving the perception model trained in the perception modeling function 302, the perception management function 303 may send a performance feedback message or a remodeling request 315 to the perception modeling function 302. For example, when the perception management function 303 observes that the current perception model's perception performance is insufficient, it may send a performance feedback message or a remodeling request 315 to the perception modeling function 302. In a more specific example, for channel construction, a perception model can be generated based on a static environment map, but when there are many moving targets in the environment, resulting in excessive signal reflection, the channel construction model is not applicable. In this case, the perception management function 303 may send the current perception performance, including the current perception output and its accuracy, resolution, etc., to the perception modeling function 302. Additionally or alternatively, the perception management function 303 may request the perception modeling function 302 to retrain the model and request an updated perception model.

[0228] In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may send a perception model selection / deactivation / switching / rollback message 318 to the perception application function 304. For example, when the perception management function 303 observes that the perception performance of the current perception model is not good enough, the perception management function 303 may send a model switching signaling to the perception application function 304 to instruct the perception application function 304 to switch to another perception model, or it may send a rollback signaling to instruct the perception application function 304 to use a non-perception mode. In some embodiments, when there are multiple candidate perception models, the perception management function 303 may instruct the perception application function 304 to use the perception model and activate or deactivate one or more candidate perception models.

[0229] In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may send a perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316 to the perception result storage function 305 to request the model from the perception application function 304. The perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316 may be an initial model transmission request or an updated model transmission request.

[0230] In some embodiments, the perception application function 304 can be used to provide output 317 to the perception management function 303. For example, the perception application function 304 can be used to provide perception decision output or perception inference output (e.g., prediction or detection). For example, target detection, channel prediction. The perception application function 304 can also be responsible for performing actions based on perception results. For example, the perception application function 304 can trigger or execute corresponding actions based on perception decisions or predictions, and can trigger actions directed at other entities or itself. The perception application function 304 can also be responsible for data preparation (e.g., data preprocessing and cleaning, formatting and transformation) based on the action data 313 delivered by the data collection function 301.

[0231] The perception application function 304 can generate the output of the perception model and send the output of the perception model to nodes that have explicitly requested them (e.g., by subscription) or nodes that have been affected by actions based on the output from the perception application function 304.

[0232] The perception result storage function 305 can be used to store perception models, such as reconstructed physical world data (e.g., environment maps, targets, and their locations). The storage location can be within the RAN (e.g., on the BS and / or UE side) or outside the RAN (e.g., in the core network or a third party). The perception result storage function 305 can receive perception results 314 (e.g., perception models) from the perception modeling function 302. This model can be the model trained for the first time or a retrained / updated model.

[0233] The perception result storage function 305 can receive a perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316 from the perception management function 303. Upon receiving the perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316, the perception result storage function 305 can perform a perception result transmission or perception model transmission 319 to the perception application function 304. For example, the perception result storage function 305 can send a corresponding perception result or perception model to the perception application function 304 based on the perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316. In some embodiments, the perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316 can indicate a requested result ID or model ID, and the perception result storage function 305 sends a model with the requested model ID. Alternatively, the perception result transmission or perception model transmission request 316 can indicate a perception function ID and / or perception performance requirements (e.g., perception accuracy, perception distance / velocity / angular resolution), and then the perception result storage function 305 can deliver a model that meets the indicated perception function and / or perception performance requirements.

[0234] It should be understood that the physical entities of the various functions in the perception function framework 300 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the physical entities of the perception functions in the perception function framework 300 can be located in the UE, BS, core network, or third party. The physical entities of different perception functions can be located in the same physical entity or in different physical entities.

[0235] The preceding text described the perception function framework 300 supporting perception procedures in the network from the perspective of each function. The following text will detail the air interface procedures within the perception function framework 300 from the perspective of a perception LCM. A perception LCM has characteristics such as perception modeling, perception actions, perception monitoring, and perception updates. A perception LCM can be implemented as a perception function-based LCM or a perception type-based LCM. In a perception function-based LCM, the LCM procedure is provided for a given function by some perception operations. In a perception type-based LCM, the LCM procedure is provided for a perception type (e.g., perception model) with a type ID (e.g., model ID) and related information by some perception operations.

[0236] In some embodiments, perception can be performed on the UE side. To avoid perception failure, it is necessary to identify the perception functions supported by the UE. For example, the UE can report, for example, one or more functions it supports for a given perception feature (i.e., perception use case) through a UE capability report. Examples of perception use cases may include, but are not limited to: environment reconstruction, channel prediction, intrusion detection, pedestrian / animal intrusion detection, rainfall monitoring, transparent perception, flood monitoring, intrusion detection around smart homes, perception for railway intrusion detection, perception-assisted vehicle control and navigation, detection and tracking of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in factories, flight trajectory tracking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), perception at intersections (with / without obstacles), network-assisted perception to avoid UAV collisions, perception for UAV intrusion detection, perception for traffic management at tourist attractions, contactless sleep monitoring services, protection of perceived information, health monitoring, continuity of non-intrusive health monitoring services, sensor group use cases, perception for parking space determination, and seamless extended reality. Reality (XR) streaming, UAV / vehicle / pedestrian detection near smart grid equipment, collision avoidance for autonomous mobile robots in smart factories, roaming for motion monitoring and perception services, perception-based immersive experiences, precise perception for vehicle control and navigation services, search and rescue or capture for public safety, vehicle perception in advanced driver assistance systems, gesture identification for application navigation and immersive interaction, perception for vehicle control and navigation services when not served by RAN, blind spot detection, and integrated perception and positioning in factory lobbies.

[0237] Sensing features can be associated with indexes. In some embodiments, the UE can report indexes of its supported feature indices, as well as one or more indices of one or more functions it supports within the feature. Table 1 provides examples of indices for sensing features and the sensing functions associated with them. One or more sensing functions are defined in a sensing feature that enables sensing (i.e., a sensing feature). For example, three sensing functions are associated with a sensing feature for environment reconstruction with feature index #1: imaging (with function index #1-1), localization (with function index #1-2), and channel mapping (with function index #1-3). Two sensing functions are associated with a sensing feature for channel prediction with feature index #2: angle prediction via ray tracing on the environment map (with function index #2-1) and power prediction via ray tracing on the environment map (with function index #2-2).

[0238] Table 1 Examples of perceptual features and associated perceptual functions

[0239] The status of a function can include configured, activated, and deactivated. For example, a UE can report one or more functions it supports to the BS. In a more specific example, a UE can report the index #1 of a supported sensing feature and the indices #1-1, #1-2, and #1-3 of the functions supported within that feature. It should be noted that function indices #1-1, #1-2, and #1-3 are for illustrative purposes only; other function indices are also possible. For example, function indices could be #1, #2, and #3, and the BS can configure functions within a sensing feature, meaning that functions are associated with sensing features.

[0240] Depending on the UE's capabilities, the BS can send the configuration of one or more functions of the sensing features supported by the UE to the UE. Accordingly, the UE can be configured with one or more functions of the sensing features, which may be some or all of the supported functions of the supported features. In some embodiments, the configured functions are deactivated by default after configuration. Alternatively, at least one function of the sensing features may be activated by default.

[0241] In some embodiments, the BS can send signaling to activate or deactivate at least one of one or more configured / identified functions of the UE. A configured / identified function can be activated based on an activation request from the BS. One or more activated awareness functions can be some or all of the identified or configured functions. In some embodiments, one or more applicable functions of the UE may change accordingly due to changes in memory, battery, and other hardware. The UE can send auxiliary information to report its updated one or more applicable functions, and the BS can then activate the applicable functions accordingly.

[0242] In a specific example, a sensing feature with feature index 1 and sensing functions with function indices 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 within that sensing feature can be configured to the UE. The BS can send activation signaling including function indices 1-1 and 1-2 to instruct the UE to activate the function indices with function indices 1-1 and 1-2. In some examples, before receiving the activation signaling, the UE can report the applicable functions with function indices 1-1 and 1-2 to the BS. The BS can then send activation signaling to instruct the UE to activate the applicable functions with function indices 1-1 and 1-2.

[0243] For sensing features, a UE can have one or more sensing types (e.g., sensing models), such as scenario / configuration / sensing method specific types (including site-specific configuration / channel conditions). For example, a UE can be configured with one or more sensing types (e.g., sensing models) for sensing features. Each sensing type can be associated with an ID. The type ID (e.g., model ID) is used to align the common understanding between the BS and the UE regarding sensing types (e.g., sensing models) and / or sensing capabilities.

[0244] In the first specific example, for the perception characteristics of channel prediction, the perception type / model is associated with an environment map (e.g., a site-specific map). When the UE moves to another location, a different perception type / model associated with another environment map (i.e., another site-specific map) can be used.

[0245] In the second specific example, for the perception features of environmental reconstruction, the first perception type / model is for static environment reconstruction, the second perception type / model is for static environment reconstruction of moving targets (low speed), and the third perception model is for rainy environment reconstruction.

[0246] In the third specific example, for the perception features of object detection, the first perception type is used for monostatic perception, the second perception type is used for bistatic perception, where the UE is the perception transmitter, and the third perception type is used for bistatic perception, where the UE is the perception receiver.

[0247] In some embodiments, one or more functions may be associated with the same perception type (e.g., perception model) of the perceived features. The same or different functions may be associated with different perception types. In a specific example, for the perception features of object detection, the first perception type is monostatic perception via RF signaling. Function #0 for the first perception type is object presence detection, function #1 for the first perception type is distance detection, and function #2 for the first perception type is velocity detection. The second perception type is monostatic perception combining RF signaling and non-RF sensing (e.g., camera). Function #0 for the second perception type is object presence detection, function #1 for the second perception type is distance detection, function #2 for the second perception type is velocity detection, and function #3 for the second perception type is shape detection.

[0248] Figure 4 Exemplary sensing features according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, perception feature 401 is configured with index n. Within perception feature 401, one or more perception types (e.g., perception models) exist. Perception types are configured with IDs. For example, perception type 411 can be configured with perception type ID 0, and perception type 412 can be configured with perception type ID N. In some embodiments, the perception type ID can be locally unique within a perception feature. That is, the same perception type ID can be assigned to two perception types within different perception features. When indicating a specific perception type, the BS needs to send both the index of the perception feature and the ID of the perception type within the perception feature to the UE. Alternatively, the perception type ID can be globally unique for all perception features configured for the UE. In this way, by indicating the perception type ID, the UE learns the perception feature associated with the perception type. One or more perception functions can be associated with a perception type. Each perception function can be configured with a function index. For example, function 421 with index x0 and function 422 with index xm can be associated with perception type 411. Function 423 with index x1 and function 424 with index xm2 can be associated with perception type 412.

[0249] In this way, a method for determining perception identifiers between the BS and UE is defined, including perception function identifiers, perception type identifiers, configuration function identifiers, and activated perception function identifiers.

[0250] Back Figure 3In some embodiments, within the perception function framework 300, the BS can configure at least one perception feature and one or more perception functions within each perception feature to the UE. In a perception function-based LCM, the network can activate one or more perception features and corresponding perception types. In a perception type-based LCM, the network can activate one or more perception features and corresponding perception functions. The UE can determine the perception model of the perception procedure based on the activated perception features and perception functions. The UE can then execute the perception procedure according to the configuration from the BS. The format and / or content of the UE perception report data can be associated with the activated perception functions.

[0251] In some embodiments, the sensing features and / or sensing types (e.g., sensing models) and / or sensing functions can change during sensing. In a first specific example, the BS can send a switching indication for sensing functions of the same sensing feature to the UE. For example, the UE may support only one sensing function in a time slot. The UE can be instructed to switch from the current sensing function to another sensing function of the same sensing feature. By performing different sensing functions in different time slots, the UE can support the entire sensing feature. In a second specific example, the BS can send an indication to the UE to activate multiple sensing functions of the sensing feature. For example, for a high-capacity UE, multiple activated sensing functions can reduce sensing latency. In a third specific example, the BS can send a switching indication for sensing features to the UE. For example, the UE is currently performing a sensing feature for environment reconstruction. After static environment reconstruction is complete, the BS can instruct the UE to switch to moving target detection to obtain moving target information in the static environment. In a fourth specific embodiment, the BS can send a switching indication for the sensing type (sensing model) of the sensing feature to the UE. For example, for a sensing feature for object detection, a first sensing type is used for monostatic sensing, a second sensing type is used for bistatic sensing, where the UE is a sensing transmitter, and a third sensing type is used for bistatic sensing, where the UE is a sensing receiver. The BS can instruct the UE to switch from the second perception type to the third perception type based on the perception frame structure.

[0252] In some embodiments, one or more sensing features can be activated / deactivated for the UE. For example, the BS can activate one or more sensing features from the configured sensing features, or activate one or more sensing features supported by the UE (e.g., based on the UE capability report identifier). A sensing feature supports only one active sensing type. The BS can send higher-layer signaling or DCI to the UE to indicate type activation or type switching. For example, the DCI for activating a sensing type or switching to a sensing type can be implemented as {feature index, activated sensing type ID} or {feature index, activated model ID}. In some embodiments, the sensing type can be activated by default when the sensing feature is enabled. That is, when the sensing feature is enabled for the UE, a default activated sensing type ID can exist. The default activated sensing type ID can be predefined; for example, type ID 0 can be predefined as the default activated sensing type. Alternatively, the default activated sensing type ID can be configured by the BS.

[0253] In some embodiments, the UE may support one or more active sensing functions of the same sensing type. The BS may send an indication to the UE to activate / deactivate one or more sensing functions. In some implementations, activation / deactivation may be type-specific. For example, different sensing types associated with the same sensing feature may have different one or more active sensing functions. The BS may send an indication to the UE implemented as {feature index, active sensing type ID, one or more active sensing functions} to indicate one or more sensing functions to be activated. Alternatively, activation / deactivation may be feature-specific. For example, different sensing types associated with the same sensing feature may have the same one or more active sensing functions. The BS may send an indication to the UE implemented as {feature index, one or more active sensing functions} to indicate one or more sensing functions to be activated.

[0254] In some embodiments, the sensing function can be activated by default when the sensing feature / type is enabled. That is, when the sensing feature / type is enabled for the UE, a default-activated sensing function ID can exist. The default-activated sensing function ID can be predefined; for example, function ID 0 can be predefined as the default-activated sensing function. Alternatively, the default-activated sensing function ID can be configured by the BS. The format and / or content of the UE sensing report data can be associated with the activated sensing feature and the activated sensing function.

[0255] In some embodiments, the perception management function 303 may be responsible for performing perception control on the perception modeling function 302 and the perception application function 304, and may monitor the perception output of the perception application function 304. If the perception result is no longer applicable, the perception management function 303 may request the perception modeling function 302 to retrain the perception model, and may instruct the perception application function 304 to switch perception models.

[0256] Perception type monitoring can be implemented on the UE side or the BS side. In the first implementation, perception type monitoring can be implemented on the BS side. For example, the BS can send an instruction to the UE to switch perception types or disable perception functions.

[0257] In the second implementation, perception type monitoring can be implemented on the UE side. For example, the UE can send a request for type switching (including fallback to non-perception mode) and perception performance to the BS. Based on reports from the UE, the BS can instruct the UE to switch to another perception model / perception type, or instruct the UE to enable perception. Optionally, the BS can send monitoring metrics to the UE. Alternatively or additionally, the BS can send reporting metrics to the UE. The UE can evaluate the performance of the perception type. When the UE determines that the perception type is inapplicable based on monitoring metrics and / or reporting metrics, the UE can send a request for type switching (including fallback to non-perception mode) and perception performance to the BS. In the first specific example, if the activated perception feature is channel prediction and the activated perception type is a static environment map, when the UE perceives multiple moving targets in the vicinity, the UE can send a request for type switching or a request to fall back to non-perception mode to the BS. In the second specific example, if the activated sensing feature is channel prediction and the activated sensing type is site-specific environment map, then when the UE moves to another site (or the cell edge of a site), the UE can send a request for type switching to the BS. Based on the UE's report, the BS can instruct the UE to switch to another sensing model / sensing type, or instruct the UE to enable sensing.

[0258] In some embodiments, perception parameters can be flexibly updated over time as the scenarios / configurations / sites experienced by the UE change. For example, the UE can send a perception model update request to the BS based on the changed scenarios / configurations / sites. The BS can send training data and associated ground truth information to the UE to assist in updating the perception model. The BS can send auxiliary information to assist the UE in fine-tuning the perception model. For example, the BS can send anchor point information (e.g., information about target objects at known locations) to the UE, and the UE can calibrate the perception results based on the auxiliary information.

[0259] In this way, methods related to perception management are defined, including perception activation, perception monitoring, and perception updating.

[0260] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a device 500 that can be used to implement some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, device 500 may be an element of a communication network infrastructure, such as a base station (e.g., a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation NodeB (sometimes called a gNodeB or gNB)), a home subscriber server (HSS), a packet gateway (PGW), or a serving gateway (SGW), or various other nodes or functions in a core network (CN) or a Public Land Mobility Network (PLMN). In some embodiments, device 500 may be a device connected to network infrastructure via a wireless interface, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or other device that can be classified as user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, device 500 may be a machine-type communications (MTC) device (also known as a machine-to-machine (M2M) device) or other such device that can be classified as a UE (although it does not provide direct service to users). In some embodiments, device 500 may be a roadside unit (RSU), a vehicle UE (V-UE), a pedestrian UE (P-UE), or an infrastructure UE (I-UE). In some scenarios, device 500 may also be referred to as a mobile device; this term is intended to indicate a device connected to a mobile network, regardless of whether the device itself is designed for mobility or has mobility capabilities. A particular device may utilize all the components shown or only a subset of the components, and the level of integration may vary from device to device. Furthermore, device 500 may include multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0261] Device 500 typically includes a processor 502, such as a central processing unit (CPU), and may also include a dedicated processor such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other such processors, memory 504, a network interface 506, and a bus 508 connecting the various components of device 500. Device 500 may also optionally include components such as a mass storage device 510, a video adapter 512, and an I / O interface 516 (as shown by dashed lines).

[0262] Memory 504 may include any type of non-transitory system memory that can be read by processor 502, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, memory 504 may include more than one type of memory, such as ROM used at power-on and DRAM used to store programs and data during program execution. Bus 508 may be one or more of several bus architectures of any type, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus.

[0263] Device 500 may also include one or more network interfaces 506, which may include at least one of wired network interfaces and wireless network interfaces. Figure 5 As shown, network interface 506 may include a wired network interface for connecting to network 522, and may also include a wireless access network interface 520 for connecting to other devices via a wireless link. When device 500 is a network infrastructure element, the wireless access network interface 520 may be omitted for nodes or functions that are elements at the wireless edge (e.g., eNB) rather than at the wireless edge of the network. When device 500 is infrastructure located at the wireless edge of the network, both the wired network interface and the wireless network interface may be included. When device 500 is a wirelessly connected device (e.g., user equipment), the wireless access network interface 520 may be present and may be supplemented by other wireless interfaces such as a Wi-Fi network interface. Network interface 506 enables device 500 to communicate with remote entities (e.g., entities connected to network 522).

[0264] Mass storage device 510 may include any type of non-transitory storage device for storing data, programs, and other information and making such data, programs, and other information accessible via bus 508. Mass storage device 510 may include one or more of solid-state drives, hard disk drives, disk drives, or optical disk drives. In some embodiments, mass storage device 510 may be located remotely from device 500 and may be accessed via a network interface such as interface 506. In the illustrated embodiment, mass storage device 510 differs from the included memory 504 and typically performs storage tasks insensitive to high latency, but generally provides low or no volatility. In some embodiments, mass storage device 510 may be integrated with heterogeneous memory 504.

[0265] Optional video adapter 512 and I / O interface 516 (shown as dashed lines) provide interfaces to couple device 500 to external input and output devices. Examples of input and output devices include a display 514 coupled to video adapter 512 and an I / O device 518 (e.g., a touchscreen) coupled to I / O interface 516. Other devices may be coupled to device 500, and more or fewer interfaces may be used. For example, a serial interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may be used to provide interfaces for external devices. Those skilled in the art will understand that in embodiments where device 500 is part of a data center, I / O interface 516 and video adapter 512 may be virtualized and provided via network interface 506.

[0266] Figure 6 Examples of methods for implementing some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In some embodiments, method 600 can be implemented at a device in a communication network, such as... Figure 2 The terminal device 2010 shown is illustrated. Alternatively or additionally, method 600 may be implemented in other devices. It should be understood that method 600 may include additional boxes not shown and / or omit some boxes shown, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to… Figure 2 Method 600 is described from the perspective of terminal device 2010.

[0267] In method 600, at 610, the terminal device receives a configuration of a sensing type or at least one sensing function of a sensing feature. At 620, the terminal device performs a sensing or communication operation based on the configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function.

[0268] Figure 7Examples of methods for implementing some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown. In some embodiments, method 700 can be implemented at a device in a communication network, such as... Figure 2 The network device 2070 is shown. Alternatively or additionally, method 700 may be implemented in other devices. It should be understood that method 700 may include additional boxes not shown and / or omit some boxes shown, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2 Method 700 is described from the perspective of network device 2070.

[0269] In method 700, at 710, the network device sends a configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function of the sensing features. At 720, the network device acquires the performance of the sensing or communication operation of the sensing type or at least one sensing function.

[0270] Figure 8 The structure of an apparatus 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, device 800 includes a receiving unit 802 and an execution unit 804. Device 800 can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical representation of device 800 can be a communication device, such as a UE. Device 800 can also be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor, chip, etc. inside a communication device. Specifically, device 800 can be some programmable chips, such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0271] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 802 may be used to receive the sensing type of the sensing feature or the configuration of at least one sensing function. The execution unit 804 may be used to perform sensing or communication operations based on the sensing type or the configuration of at least one sensing function.

[0272] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 800 may include various other units or modules that can be used to perform various operations or functions described in conjunction with the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] It should be noted that the division of units or modules in the above embodiments of this disclosure is exemplary and merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are also possible. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically independently, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0274] When the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this disclosure can essentially be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device) or processor to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0275] Figure 9 The structure of an apparatus 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown, device 900 includes a transmitting unit 902 and an acquiring unit 904. Device 900 can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1 and can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical representation of device 900 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Device 900 can also be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor, chip, etc. inside a communication device. Specifically, device 900 can be some programmable chips, such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0276] In some embodiments, the sending unit 902 may be used to send the sensing type of the sensing feature or the configuration of at least one sensing function. The acquiring unit 904 may be used to acquire the performance of the sensing or communication operation of the sensing type or at least one sensing function.

[0277] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 900 may include various other units or modules that can be used to perform various operations or functions described in conjunction with the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] It should be noted that the division of units or modules in the above embodiments of this disclosure is exemplary and merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are also possible. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically independently, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0279] When the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this disclosure can essentially be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device) or processor to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0280] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0281] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, it causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. By way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0282] Based on the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a chip. This chip is used to read a computer program stored in a memory to implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0283] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions of the communication device involved in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0284] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a purely hardware embodiment, a purely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can be in the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0285] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products provided herein. It should be understood that computer program instructions can be used to implement each process and / or block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a machine such that these instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for implementing a specific function in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0286] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium capable of instructing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, thereby causing the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium to produce an article of art including instruction means. The instruction means implements a specific function in one or more processes in a flowchart and / or one or more boxes in a block diagram.

[0287] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operations and steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus, thereby generating a computer-implemented process. Therefore, these instructions, which execute on a computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing one or more processes in a flowchart and / or one or more boxes in a block diagram.

[0288] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method, characterized in that, include: The terminal device receives the sensing type of the sensing features or the configuration of at least one sensing function. as well as Perform sensing or communication operations based on the configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Sending an indication of the sensing feature and an indication of one or more sensing functions associated with the sensing feature, wherein the sensing feature and the one or more sensing functions are supported by the terminal device; The configuration of receiving a subset of one or more sensing functions of the sensing features, wherein the subset of one or more sensing functions includes the at least one sensing function.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Send auxiliary information associated with the sensing capabilities of the terminal device; The auxiliary information includes at least one updated applicable function of the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The perception type is identified based on an index, wherein the index is unique in at least one perception type for one or more perception features.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The perception type is identified based on the index of the perception type and the index of the perception feature.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Performing the sensing or communication operation includes: Activate the perception type; When it is determined that the perception type is activated, the perception or communication operation is performed.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Activating the perception type includes: Receive an instruction to activate the perception type.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The perception type is a first perception type associated with at least one first perception function of the perception feature, and the method further includes: Receive a configuration for a second perception type associated with at least one second perception function of the perception feature, wherein: The at least one second sensing function is the same as the at least one first sensing function; or The at least one second sensing function and the at least one first sensing function include different functions.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: When the indication to activate the perception type is received, and the second perception type of the perception feature is being activated, the second perception type is deactivated.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Activating the perception type includes: Receive an instruction to activate the sensing feature, wherein the sensing type is the default type of the sensing feature.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive an instruction to activate at least one of the functions. in: The indication to activate at least one of the functions is associated with the perception type, or The instruction to activate the at least one function is associated with the perceptual feature.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function and a second sensing function, and performing the sensing or communication operation includes: Receive an instruction to activate the first sensing function; When it is determined that the second sensing function is being activated when the instruction to activate the first sensing function is received, the second sensing function is deactivated. The sensing or communication operation performed by the first sensing function.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The perceptual feature is a first perceptual feature, and the method further includes: Receive an instruction to switch to the second sensing feature; Stop performing the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing feature; and Perform the sensing or communication operation of the second sensing feature.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The perception type is a first perception type, and the method further includes: Receive an instruction to switch to a second perception type of the perception feature; Based on the configuration of the perception type, stop performing the perception or communication operation; and Perform a sensing or communication operation of the second sensing type.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Performing the sensing or communication operation further includes: When it is determined that the perception type is activated, the perception or communication operation of the first perception function is performed, wherein the first perception function is the default function of the perception type.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function, and performing the sensing or communication operation further includes: When it is determined that the sensing feature is activated, the sensing or communication operation of the first sensing function is performed, wherein the first sensing function is the default function of the sensing feature.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive an instruction to disable the sensing or communication operation.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive monitoring metrics used for the sensing or communication operations.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive reported metrics for the sensing or communication operations.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a request for type switching and an indication of the performance of the sensing or communication operation.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a request to update the perception type; After sending the request, receive the training data and ground truth information of the perception type; The perception type is updated based on the training data and the ground truth information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive auxiliary information for fine-tuning the perception type, wherein the auxiliary information includes anchor point information of the perception type; as well as The perception type is fine-tuned based on the auxiliary information.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The perception type is associated with the function of acquiring information about at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The information regarding at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment is a model of the environment or the objects within the environment.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, Multiple perception types, including the perception type, are associated with the function.

26. A method, characterized in that, include: The network device sends the sensing type of the sensing features or the configuration of at least one sensing function; as well as The performance of the sensing or communication operation of the sensing type or at least one sensing function is obtained.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Also includes: Receives an indication of the sensing feature and an indication of one or more sensing functions associated with the sensing feature, wherein the sensing feature and the one or more sensing functions are supported by a terminal device; and The configuration of a subset of one or more sensing functions of the sensing feature is sent, wherein the subset of one or more sensing functions includes the at least one sensing function.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive auxiliary information associated with the sensing capabilities of the terminal device, wherein the auxiliary information includes at least one updated applicable function of the terminal device.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the auxiliary information, determine the at least one sensing function that activates the sensing feature; as well as Send an instruction to activate at least one sensing function of the sensing feature.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that, The perception type is identified based on an index, wherein the index is unique in at least one perception type for one or more perception features.

31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that, The perception type is identified based on the index of the perception type and the index of the perception feature.

32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an instruction to activate the perception type.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The perception type is a first perception type associated with at least one first perception function of the perception feature, and the method further includes: Send a configuration of a second perception type associated with at least one second perception function of the perception feature, wherein: The at least one second sensing function is the same as the at least one first sensing function; or The at least one second sensing function and the at least one first sensing function include different functions.

34. The method according to any one of claims 32 or 33, characterized in that, Sending the indication to activate the perception type includes: Send an activation indication that includes the identifier of the perception type.

35. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an instruction to activate the sensing feature, wherein the sensing type is the default type of the sensing feature.

36. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an instruction to activate at least one of the functions. in: The indication to activate at least one of the functions is associated with the perception type, or The instruction to activate the at least one function is associated with the perceptual feature.

37. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that, The at least one sensing function includes a first sensing function and a second sensing function, and the method further includes: Determine the switching of the sensing or communication operation from the second sensing function to the first sensing function; Send an instruction to activate the first sensing function.

38. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 37, characterized in that, The perceptual feature is a first perceptual feature, and the method further includes: Send an instruction to switch to the second sensing feature.

39. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 38, characterized in that, The perception type is a first perception type, and the method further includes: Send an instruction to switch to the second perception type of the perception feature.

40. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The sensing or communication operation is associated with a first sensing function, and the first sensing function is the default function of the sensing type.

41. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an instruction to activate the perceived feature; The at least one of the sensing functions includes a first sensing function, and the first sensing function is the default function of the sensing feature, wherein the sensing or communication operation is associated with the first sensing function.

42. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 41, characterized in that, Acquiring the performance of the sensing or communication operation includes: Determine the performance of the perception type; and Based on the performance of the perception type, determine a third perception type to activate the perception feature or to deactivate the perception or communication operation.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an indication of the third sensing type to activate the sensing feature; or Send an instruction to enable the sensing or communication operation.

44. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 44, characterized in that, Also includes: Send monitoring metrics for the sensing or communication operations.

45. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 45, characterized in that, Also includes: Send reported metrics for the sensing or communication operations.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 26 to 46, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a request for type switching and an indication of the performance of the sensing or communication operation.

47. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the performance, determine a third perception type to activate the perception feature or to deactivate the perception or communication operation. as well as Send an instruction to activate the third sensing type of the sensing feature or to deactivate the sensing or communication operation.

48. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 48, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a request to update the perception type; Based on the request, the training data and ground truth information of the perception type are sent.

49. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that, Also includes: Send auxiliary information for fine-tuning the perception type, wherein the auxiliary information includes anchor information of the perception type.

50. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 50, characterized in that, The perception type is associated with the function of acquiring information about at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment.

51. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that, The information regarding at least one of the characteristics of the environment or the characteristics of objects within the environment is a model of the environment or the objects within the environment.

52. The method according to claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, Multiple perception types, including the perception type, are associated with the function.

53. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is used for: The transceiver receives the configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function of the sensing features; and Perform sensing or communication operations based on the configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function.

54. A network device, characterized in that, include: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is used for: The transceiver transmits the configuration of the sensing type or at least one sensing function of the sensing features; and The performance of the sensing or communication operation of the sensing type or at least one sensing function is obtained.

55. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 53.

56. A chip, characterized in that, It includes at least one processing circuit configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 53.

57. A computer program product, characterized in that, It is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 53.

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