Systems and methods for utilizing quasi co-location (QCL) in communication and aware operations

Abstract

Example embodiments relate to methods relating to perceiving quasi co-located reference signals integrated with communications, as well as apparatuses, non-transitory computer-readable media, chips, and computer program products associated with the methods. In one embodiment, a method implemented at a user equipment, UE, is provided. In the method, the UE receives a signaling on quasi-co-location (QCL) information, and the UE receives the signaling on the QCL information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a perception operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or the perception operation. The UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. In this manner, mutually quasi-co-located reference signals between communication and perceptual operations may be addressed. Performance and efficiency for communication or perceptual operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals may be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable media, and chips relating to quasi-co-location (QCL) reference signals for sensing and communication integration. Background Technology

[0002] Communication and sensing operations can be scheduled in separate time-frequency resources or in a shared spectrum with time-domain separation. Typically, sensing operations can be for distance, ranging, or azimuth estimation, so sensing signals can often have a larger (or much larger) bandwidth (BW) than data communications, where throughput and spectral efficiency are of interest. Communication operations refer to the transmission of data or control information between user equipment (UE) and the network (e.g., base station), between UEs, and between base stations. Sensing operations refer to measurements performed via sensing signals, where such measurements can include estimations of distance, ranging, size, and / or azimuth of a UE or target object. Accordingly, communication signals and sensing signals may be similar or dissimilar in aspects such as carrier frequency band, component carriers, signal bandwidth, and signal waveform.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to continuously improve the design or configuration of communication signals, sensing signals, or both to enhance the performance of communication operations, sensing operations, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide schemes related to quasi-co-location (QCL), and in particular schemes related to QCL reference signals for sensing and communication integration.

[0005] 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.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method implemented at a user equipment (UE) is provided. In the method, the UE receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information (in some embodiments, the signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information may include signaling configuring or indicating the quasi-co-location (QCL) information). The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of a communication operation or a sensing operation. The UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. In this manner, the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0007] In some embodiments, the QCL relationship includes a QCL type. A QCL type identifies one or more channel attributes. Channel attributes include Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, spatial receiver parameters, or any combination thereof. In this way, for a QCL RS configuration, the association type of characteristics related to propagation or channel features can be optionally configured, and the performance and efficiency of measurements for these aspects can be improved.

[0008] In some embodiments, QCL information includes one or more features of a first signal, wherein the one or more features can be used to enhance the detection of a second signal. Features include frequency band, component carrier, bandwidth portion identifier (ID), beamforming information, or mobility information. Therefore, one or more QCL modes can be configured to cover sensing or communication measurement purposes of interest.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first operation is a communication operation, and the second operation is a sensing operation. In this way, the first signal corresponding to the communication operation can be used to help improve the performance and efficiency of sensing measurements.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first operation is a sensing operation, and the second operation is a communication operation. The second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal. In this way, the sensing signal from the sensing operation can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode the communication signal in the communication operation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, which include the sensing signal waveform and / or sensing sequence configuration. In this way, the performance and detection efficiency of communication operations for mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the service signal includes a data signal or a control signal. In this way, QCL information obtained from measurements of the sensing signal can be used to more reliably detect a second signal as a data or control transmission.

[0013] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode cell common reference signals, UE-specific reference signals, or group common reference signals in communication operations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), a beam-based synchronization signal, a time-indexed synchronization signal, a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS), a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), or a preamble. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode one or more of these reference signals during communication operations.

[0015] In some embodiments, receiving signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information includes receiving QCL information via medium access control (MAC), control element (CE), radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI), or any combination thereof. In this way, QCL information can be configured flexibly.

[0016] In some embodiments, in this method, the UE further receives a first signal corresponding to the first operation and performs a measurement of the first signal based on QCL information. Receiving a second signal based on the QCL information includes: performing the reception of the second signal based on the measurement of the first signal performed. In this way, the previously received first signal can facilitate a second operation corresponding to the second signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the measurement of the first signal includes channel estimation, channel measurement, or both. Therefore, the first and second signals transmitted from a co-located or quasi-co-located point can mutually benefit from channel estimation and signal measurement at the receiving end.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first signal is received before the second signal is received. In this way, the second operation can utilize the previously received first signal to enhance its measurement and detection quality.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first operation is a communication operation. The first signal may be a reference signal. The reference signal may include one of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS). Measurement of the first signal includes channel estimation, positioning measurement, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof. In this way, based on the reference signal which serves as an auxiliary signal in the communication operation, AoA estimation can help detect sensing signals in the sensing operation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first operation is a sensing operation. The first signal can be a sensing signal or a sensing reference signal. Measurement of the first signal includes Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, transmission delay, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof. Thus, based on the sensing signal, which serves as an auxiliary signal in the sensing operation, AoA estimation can be used to assist in channel estimation and signal measurement in communication operations.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second signal and the first signal are received from different co-located or quasi-co-located (QCLed) devices. In this way, the receiver can utilize the propagation characteristics of multiple signals emitted from the co-located or quasi-co-located point.

[0022] In a second aspect, a method implemented at a network device is provided. In this method, the network device sends signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is either a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or sensing operation. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0023] In some embodiments, the QCL relationship includes a QCL type. A QCL type identifies one or more channel attributes. Channel attributes include Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, spatial receiver parameters, or any combination thereof. In this way, for a QCL RS configuration, the association type of attributes related to propagation or channel characteristics can be optionally configured, and the performance and efficiency of measurements for these aspects can be improved.

[0024] In some embodiments, QCL information includes one or more features of the first signal. These features include frequency band, component carrier, bandwidth portion identifier (ID), beamforming information, and mobility information. Therefore, one or more QCL modes can be configured to cover sensing or communication measurement purposes of interest.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first operation is a communication operation, and the second operation is a sensing operation. In this way, the first signal corresponding to the communication operation can be used to help improve the performance and efficiency of sensing measurements.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first operation is a sensing operation, and the second operation is a communication operation, wherein the second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal. In this way, the sensing signal in the sensing operation can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode the communication signal in the communication operation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, which may include a sensed signal waveform, a sensed sequence configuration, or both. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0028] In some embodiments, the service signals include data signals or control signals. In this way, more reliable detection of service signals as data or control transmissions can be achieved.

[0029] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode cell common reference signals, UE-specific reference signals, or group common reference signals during communication operations.

[0030] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), a beam-based synchronization signal, a time-indexed synchronization signal, a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS), a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), or a preamble. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode one or more of these reference signals during communication operations.

[0031] In some embodiments, signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information includes transmitting QCL information via medium access control (MAC), control element (CE), radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI), or any combination thereof. In this way, QCL information can be configured flexibly.

[0032] In some embodiments, in this method, the network device further transmits a first signal corresponding to the first operation and a second signal corresponding to the second operation. The first signal is transmitted before the second signal. In this way, the second operation can utilize the previously received first signal to enhance its measurement and detection quality.

[0033] Thirdly, a method implemented at the UE is provided. In this method, the UE receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, wherein the QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation. The UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. In this manner, the performance and efficiency of sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0034] In some embodiments, the UE also receives a first signal corresponding to a communication operation. The first signal includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS). Additionally, the UE performs a measurement of the first signal based on QCL information. The measurement of the first signal includes channel estimation, positioning measurement, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof. Receiving a second signal based on QCL information includes receiving the second signal according to the measurement of the first signal performed. In this manner, based on the reference signal used as an auxiliary signal in the communication operation, AoA estimation can help detect sensing signals in the sensing operation.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at the UE is provided. In this method, the UE receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation. The UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0036] In some embodiments, the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, which may include a sensed signal waveform, a sensed sequence configuration, or both. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal. In this way, the sensing signal in the sensing operation can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode the communication signal in the communication operation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the service signal includes a data signal or a control signal. In this way, more reliable detection of the second signal used for data or control transmission can be achieved.

[0039] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode cell common reference signals, UE-specific reference signals, or group common reference signals during communication operations.

[0040] In some embodiments, the reference signal includes a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), a beam-based synchronization signal, a time-indexed synchronization signal, a low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS), a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), or a preamble. In this way, the sensed signal can serve as an auxiliary signal to help detect / decode one or more of these reference signals during communication operations.

[0041] In some embodiments, the UE also receives a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation. The first signal includes a sensing signal or a sensing reference signal. The UE performs a measurement of the first signal based on QCL information. The measurement of the first signal includes Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, transmission delay, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof. Receiving a second signal based on QCL information includes receiving the second signal according to the measurement of the first signal performed. In this way, based on the sensing signal, which serves as an auxiliary signal in the sensing operation, AoA estimation can contribute to channel estimation and signal measurement in communication operations.

[0042] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation. The second operation is the other of a communication operation or a sensing operation. The one or more processors are configured to receive the second signal based on the QCL information. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to transmit signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or sensing operation. In this way, the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0044] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation. The one or more processors are configured to perform reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. In this way, the performance and efficiency of sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0045] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation. The one or more processors are configured to perform reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. Thus, the performance and efficiency of communication operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0046] In a ninth aspect, a system is provided. This system includes means according to the fifth, seventh, or eighth aspect and / or the sixth aspect. In this manner, the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing mutually quasi-co-located signals can be improved.

[0047] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, having instructions on the medium that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a device to perform a method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0048] In an eleventh aspect, a chip is provided, including at least one processing circuit, the at least one processing circuit being configured to perform a method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0049] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A This illustration shows an exemplary environment in which some embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented; Figure 1B An exemplary communication system in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 1C Examples of EDs and base stations in some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 1D Examples of units or modules in a device to which some embodiments of this disclosure may be applied are shown; Figure 1E Another exemplary communication system in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 1F Examples of SMFs to which some embodiments of this disclosure may be applied are shown; Figure 2 Exemplary processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 3 Examples are shown of RS (e.g., DRMS) in communications according to some embodiments of this disclosure being used by QCL for sensing operations; Figure 4 Examples are shown of sensing signals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure that can be QCLed for data transmission in communication operations (together with RS); Figure 5 Examples of communication RS of the QCL used for sensing measurements are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 Examples of sensing signals of the QCL used for communication measurements are shown according to other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 7 A flowchart is shown of an exemplary method implemented at a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 9 A flowchart is shown of another exemplary method implemented at the UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 10 A flowchart is shown of yet another exemplary method implemented at the UE according to other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a device that can be used to implement some embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

[0052] The principles of this disclosure will now be described in conjunction with 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 specifically described below.

[0053] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0054] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment needs to include specific features, structures, or characteristics. The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that, whether explicitly described or not, those skilled in the art will recognize how such features, structures, or characteristics can be combined with other embodiments to achieve the desired result.

[0055] It should be understood that although terms such as "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. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0056] 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,” “an,” and “the” used herein include the plural meaning. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having” as used herein are used to indicate the presence of a feature, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0057] 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.

[0058] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to a terminal equipment or a module / chip within such a terminal equipment. A terminal equipment can refer to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to: user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, vehicular equipment for V2X communication (where X represents pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / network), integrated access and backhaul (IAB), small data transmission (SDT), mobility, multicast and broadcast services (MBS), positioning, dynamic / flexible duplex in commercial networks, reduced capability (RedCap) devices, and high-altitude platforms including satellites and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Spacecraft or aircraft in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) of a platform (HAP), including extended reality (XR) devices that include different types of reality (e.g., augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR)), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) commonly referred to as drones (which are aircraft without human pilots), devices on high-speed trains (HSTs), or image capture devices (e.g., digital cameras, sensors, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices, or internet devices that enable wireless or wired internet access and browsing), etc."Terminal equipment" may also have "multicast / broadcast" features to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, software delivery over wireless means, group communications, and IoT applications. "Terminal equipment" may also contain one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), referred to as multi-SIMs. The term "terminal equipment" may be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, user station, mobile terminal, user terminal, wireless device, or a reduced-capability terminal equipment.

[0059] The devices used in this document other than terminal devices, such as servers, network functions, devices that are part of the data plane / control plane of the core network, or radio access network (RAN) nodes, can be referred to as network devices. A network device can be a network equipment or a module / chip of the aforementioned network equipment. The term "network equipment" refers to a device capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage area that a terminal device can communicate with. Examples of network equipment include, but are not limited to: NodeB (or NB), evolved NodeB (or eNodeB or eNB), next-generation NodeB (or gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), remote radio unit (RRU), radio head (RH), remote radio head (RRH), IAB node, low-power nodes such as femtonodes and piconodes, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), network control repeater, etc. In other embodiments, the term "network device" may refer to a device on the core network side. For example, a network device may be an entity / unit on the core network side, such as a network function on the control plane or a network function on the data plane. In other embodiments, the term "network device" may refer to a device in the data network. For example, a network device may be an entity / unit on the data network side, such as a network server, an application server, etc.

[0060] Terminal or network devices can possess artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities. This typically includes a model trained on extensively collected data for a specific function, which can be used to predict information. For example, a terminal or network device can operate within several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (410MHz to 7125MHz), FR2 (24.25GHz to 71GHz), 71GHz to 114GHz, bands above 100GHz, and terahertz (THz). It can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) applications, the terminal device may have more than one connection to the network device. The terminal or network device can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-duplex modes.

[0061] Network devices can have network energy saving and self-organizing network (SON) / minimization of drive test (MDT) capabilities. Terminals can have power saving functions.

[0062] The embodiments disclosed herein can be executed in test equipment (e.g., signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal equipment, test network equipment, channel simulator).

[0063] This disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocol currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to: fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G Advanced Networks, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks, Ultra Wideband (UWB) networks, or sixth generation (6G) networks.

[0064] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” or “maximum,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection can be made from many functional alternatives used, and that this selection is not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise superior to other options.

[0065] As used herein, the term "circuit system" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. For example, a circuit system can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit system can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including one or more digital signal processors, software, and one or more memories that work together to enable devices such as terminal devices or network devices to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit system can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, which requires software / firmware to operate, but may be absent when operation does not require software. The term "circuit system" as used herein also encompasses only hardware circuitry or one or more processors, or a portion of hardware circuitry or one or more processors, and the implementation of the software and / or firmware accompanying that hardware circuitry or one or more processors.

[0066] Since communication signals and sensing signals can be transmitted from co-located points such as network nodes (e.g., base stations) or network devices (e.g., UEs), these signals can be correlated in terms of propagation characteristics, which may be useful for channel estimation and / or signal measurement at the receiver. Therefore, communication signals and sensing signals transmitted from co-located or quasi-co-located points can mutually benefit from each other in channel estimation and signal measurement at the receiver.

[0067] Current new radio (NR) networks explore the integration of sensing and communication, where both can benefit from each other. However, no such scheme currently exists to handle the mutual QCL reference signal between communication and sensing operations. Improving the performance and efficiency of communication or sensing operations utilizing signals with mutual QCLs remains an unsolved problem.

[0068] For the purpose of explanation, the following will be combined with Figures 1A to 10 The principles and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are presented. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the inventive concept of some embodiments of this disclosure and to implement the solutions as presented herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0069] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Some examples of 6G system architectures are shown. Specifically, Figure 1A An exemplary environment in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown. References Figure 1A , Figure 1AThis is a non-limiting illustrative example providing a simplified schematic of a communication system. Communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, 6G, or later) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 120j (collectively referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other or connected to one or more network nodes (170a and 170b, collectively referred to as 170) within radio access network 120. Core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100. Furthermore, communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0070] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system 100-1 is illustrated. Generally, communication system 100-1 enables multiple wireless or wired units to transmit data and other content. The purpose of communication system 100-1 may be to provide content such as voice, data, video, and / or text via broadcast, multicast, and unicast. Communication system 100-1 can operate by sharing resources such as carrier spectrum bandwidth among its constituent components. Communication system 100-1 may include terrestrial communication systems and / or non-terrestrial communication systems. Communication system 100-1 can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, and mobility). Communication system 100-1 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 multi-layered heterogeneous network. Compared to traditional communication networks, heterogeneous networks can achieve better overall performance through efficient multi-link joint operation, more flexible function sharing, and faster physical layer link switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

[0071] Terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems can be considered as subsystems of a communication system. In the example shown, communication system 100-1 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d (collectively referred to as ED 110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a non-terrestrial communication network 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. RANs 120a and 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 120c, which can generally be referred to as non-terrestrial transmit and receive points (NT-TRPs) 172.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110 can be used to connect to, access, or communicate with any other T-TRP 170a, T-TRP 170b, and NT-TRP 172, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. In some examples, ED 110a can communicate uplink and / or downlink with T-TRP 170a via interface 190a. In some examples, ED 110a, 110b, and 110d can also communicate directly with each other via one or more sidelink air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d can communicate uplink and / or downlink with NT-TRP 172 via interface 190c.

[0073] Air interfaces 190a and 190b can use similar communication technologies, such as any applicable radio access technology. For example, communication system 100-1 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.

[0074] The air interface 190c 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 for multicast transmission between a group of EDs and one or more NT-TRPs.

[0075] 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). One or more other RANs may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RAN 120a and / or RAN 120b. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RAN 120a and RAN 120b and / or ED 110a, ED 110b, and ED 110c 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 (intranets) 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 radio access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0076] Figure 1C An example of the basic component structure of 6G is shown. Specifically, 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, autonomous delivery, and mobility.

[0077] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user equipment used for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) the following devices: user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics device, smart book, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned devices (e.g., communication modules, modems, or chips). Next-generation ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs, hereinafter referred to as T-TRP 170. Also in Figure 3 As shown, NT-TRP is referred to below as NT-TRP 172. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically turned on (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), turned off (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or used in response to one or more of the following: connectivity availability and connectivity necessity.

[0078] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. 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 by at least one antenna 204 or via a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received by 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.

[0079] 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, or on-processor cache.

[0080] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., Figure 1A (A wired interface connecting to the Internet 150). Input / output devices support interaction with users or other devices on the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from the user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0081] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing various operations, including 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, the downlink transmission may be received by receiver 203, possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). Examples of signaling may be reference signals 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 received from T-TRP 170, such as beam angle information (BAI). 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 from T-TRP 170.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The processing components of processor 210, transmitter 201, and receiver 203 can each be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 210, transmitter 201, and receiver 203 can be implemented using special-purpose circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0084] In some implementations, T-TRP 170 may be referred to by other names such as: base station, base transceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network equipment, network-side equipment, transmit / receive node, Node B, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), femtocell, next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network equipment, or ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distribution unit (DU), positioning node, etc. T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, micro BS, relay node, host node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device or a component within the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip).

[0085] In some embodiments, the various parts of T-TRP 170 can 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 a fronthaul, such as a common public radio interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as 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 operating together to serve ED 110 through cooperative multicast or similar methods.

[0086] 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. 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 operations including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to NT-TRP 172, and processing transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received uplink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. Processor 260 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB) and generating system information. In some embodiments, processor 260 also generates beam direction indications, such as BAI, which may 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 may generate signaling, such as for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. It should be noted that, alternatively, the term "signaling" as used herein may be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be sent in control channels such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), while static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in messages sent in data channels such as the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0087] Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processor 260. Scheduler 253 may be included in or operate separately from T-TRP 170. Scheduler 253 may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling grants and / or configuring unscheduled (“configuration grants”) 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.

[0088] Although not shown in the figures, processor 260 may be part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Similarly, although not shown in the figures, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253. Although not shown in the figures, memory 258 may be part of processor 260.

[0089] The processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 can 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, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as FPGA, GPU, or ASIC.

[0090] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as an example of a drone only, it can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form. Furthermore, the NT-TRP 172 may be referred to by other names in some implementations, 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. 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 various operations, including operations related to: 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 a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received uplink transmissions or transmissions received via backhaul 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, such as for configuring 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.

[0091] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown in the figures, a processor 276 may be part of the transmitter 272 and / or receiver 274. Although not shown in the figures, the memory 278 may be part of the processor 276.

[0092] The processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can each be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can be implemented using programmable special-purpose circuitry such as FPGAs, GPUs, or ASICs. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 can actually be multiple NT-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110 via cooperative multicast or similar methods.

[0093] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0094] An example of the basic 6G module structure can be found here. Figure 1D One or more steps of the methods provided in the embodiments herein can be performed by... Figure 1D The corresponding unit or module provided will be executed. Figure 1D Units or modules in devices such as ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172 are illustrated. 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 artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. 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 programmable 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, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, in single or multiple instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The 6G Smart Air Interface is described below. An air interface typically includes numerous components and associated parameters that collectively specify how transmissions are sent and / or received over a wireless communication link between two or more communication devices. For example, an air interface may include one or more components that define 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 transmitting information (e.g., data) over 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 "sidelink"), and / or wireless communication links may support links between non-terrestrial (NT) communication networks and user equipment (UE). Some examples of the components described above are as follows: Example 1: The waveform component can specify the shape and form of the signal being transmitted. Waveform options can include orthogonal multiple access (OFDM) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOA) waveforms. Non-limiting examples of such waveform options include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Filtered OFDM (f-OFDM), Time-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).

[0097] Example 2: The frame structure component can specify the configuration of a frame or frame group. The frame structure component can indicate one or more of the following parameters: time, frequency, pilot signature, encoding, or other parameters for a frame or frame group. Further details on frame structure are discussed below.

[0098] Example 3: The multiple access scheme component 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, such as using 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.

[0099] Example 4: The hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol component can specify how transmission and / or retransmission are performed. Non-limiting examples of transmission and / or retransmission mechanism options include mechanisms for specifying the size of the scheduled data pipeline, signaling mechanisms for transmission and / or retransmission, and retransmission mechanisms.

[0100] Example 5: The encoding and modulation components can specify how the information being transmitted is 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 constellations (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.

[0101] In some embodiments, the air interface can be a "general concept." For example, once the air interface is defined, its components cannot be changed or modified. 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 frequency bands below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (e.g., millimeter wave) for both licensed and unlicensed access. For example, the flexibility of a configurable air interface provided by scalable digital base configuration and symbol duration can allow for optimization of transmission parameters for different spectrum bands and different services / devices. As another example, 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 through channel resource sharing in frequency and time between different services.

[0102] The frame structure is described below. The frame structure is a feature of the physical layer of wireless communication, defining the time-domain signal transmission structure, for example, to implement timing reference and timing alignment of basic time-domain transmission units. Wireless communication between communication devices can take place on time-frequency resources controlled by the frame structure. Alternatively, the frame structure may sometimes be referred to as the wireless frame structure.

[0103] Depending on the frame structure and / or the configuration of frames within the frame structure, it is possible to implement frequency division duplex (FDD) communication and / or time division duplex (TDD) communication and / or full-duplex (FD) communication. FDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring in 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.

[0104] An example of a frame structure is the one specified in Long-Term Evolution (LTE): each frame lasts for 10 ms; each frame has 10 subframes, each lasting for 1 ms; each subframe includes two time slots, each lasting for 0.5 ms; each time slot is used for the transmission of 7 OFDM symbols (assuming a conventional 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 the CP has a fixed length or finite length option); the handover gap between uplink and downlink in TDD must be an integer multiple of the OFDM symbol duration.

[0105] Another example of a frame structure is that of new radio (NR) with the following specifications: support for multiple subcarrier spacings, each corresponding to a corresponding digital basic configuration; the frame structure depends on the digital basic configuration, but in any case, the frame length is set to 10 ms, consisting of 10 subframes, each 1 ms long; and time slots are defined as 14 OFDM symbols, with the slot length depending on the digital basic configuration. For example, the NR frame structure for a standard CP 15 kHz subcarrier spacing (“Digital Basic Configuration 1”) differs from the NR frame structure for a standard CP 30 kHz subcarrier spacing (“Digital Basic Configuration 2”). For the 15 kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 1 ms; for the 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 0.5 ms. The NR frame structure can offer greater flexibility than the LTE frame structure.

[0106] Another example of a frame structure is the example flexible frame structure, such as for 6G networks or higher. 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 redundant 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. Implementations of flexible frame structures include various parameters that can be configurable, such as frame length, subframe length, symbol block length, etc. In some implementations of flexible frame structures, a non-exhaustive list of possible configurable parameters includes the following: (1) Frame: The frame length is not required to be limited to 10 ms, and the frame length can be configurable and 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 is configured based on the application scenario. For example, autonomous vehicles may require relatively fast initial access, in which case the frame length could be set to 5 ms for autonomous vehicle applications. As another example, smart meters on a house may not require fast initial access, in which case the frame length could be set to 20 ms for smart meter applications.

[0107] (2) Subframe Duration: Subframes may or may not be defined in a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. For example, a frame may be defined to include time slots but not subframes. In a frame where subframes are defined, for example for temporal alignment, the duration of the subframes can be configurable. For example, the length of a subframe can 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 can be defined to be the same as the frame length or undefined.

[0108] (3) Time Slot Configuration: Time slots may or may not be defined in a flexible frame structure, depending on the implementation. In a frame where time slots are defined, the definition of the time slots (e.g., in terms of duration and / or the number of symbol blocks) can be configurable. In one embodiment, the time slot configuration is common to all UEs or a group of UEs. In this case, the time slot configuration information can be sent to the UE in a broadcast channel or (multiple) common control channels. In other embodiments, the time slot configuration can be UE-specific, in which case the time slot configuration information can be sent in 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-common, base station-common, UE group-common, or UE-specific.

[0109] (4) Subcarrier spacing (SCS): SCS is a parameter in the Scalable Digital Basic configuration that allows for a possible range of SCS from 15 kHz to 480 kHz. SCS can vary with the frequency of the spectrum and / or the maximum UE speed to minimize the effects of Doppler shift 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 have 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 a more flexible symbol duration. Other examples of frame structures can be used with different SCS.

[0110] (5) Flexible transmission duration of the basic transmission unit: The basic transmission unit can be a symbol block (or alternatively a symbol), typically comprising a redundant portion (called CP) and an information (e.g., data) portion, although in some embodiments, the CP may be omitted from the symbol block. The CP length can be flexible and configurable. The CP length can be fixed within a frame or can vary flexibly within a frame, and the CP length may change from one frame to another, or from one frame group to another, or from one subframe to another, or from one time slot to another, or from one schedule to another. The information (e.g., data) portion can 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 can 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 can be adjusted to accommodate the available duration within a frame.

[0111] (6) Flexible handover gaps: A frame may include a downlink portion for downlink transmission from the base station and an uplink portion for uplink transmission from the UE. A gap may exist between each uplink and downlink portion, which is called a handover gap. The handover gap length (duration) can be configurable. The handover gap duration can be fixed within a frame or can vary flexibly within a frame, and the handover gap duration may change from one frame to another, or from one frame group to another, or from one subframe to another, or from one timeslot to another, or dynamically from one schedule to another.

[0112] The following content relates to cell / carrier / bandwidth part (BWP) / occupied bandwidth. Equipment such as base stations can cover cells. Wireless communication with the device can take place on one or more carrier frequencies. A carrier frequency is called a carrier. 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). A carrier can be on licensed spectrum or unlicensed spectrum. Wireless communication with the device can also, or alternatively, take place on one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs). For example, a carrier can have one or more BWPs. Generally, wireless communication with the device can take place on a spectrum. A spectrum can include one or more carriers and / or one or more BWPs.

[0113] 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 both 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, alternatively or additionally, a cell may include one or more sidelink resources, including sidelink transmit and receive resources.

[0114] A BWP is a set of continuous or non-continuous frequency subcarriers on a carrier, or a set of continuous or non-continuous frequency subcarriers on multiple carriers, or a set of non-continuous or continuous frequency subcarriers. A BWP may have one or more carriers.

[0115] 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. 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, each with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In some embodiments, a BWP may include discontinuous spectrum resources consisting of multiple discontinuous carriers, wherein the first carrier of the discontinuous multiple carriers may be in the mmW band, the second carrier may be in a low-frequency 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.

[0116] Wireless communication can be performed on occupied bandwidth. Occupied bandwidth can be defined as the width of a frequency band, which is below the lower frequency limit and above the upper frequency limit.

[0117] The carrier, BWP, or occupied bandwidth can be dynamically signaled by network devices (e.g., base stations) in physical layer control signaling such as DCI, or semi-statically signaled 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 a function of other parameters known to the UE, or can be fixed (e.g., through standards).

[0118] The following describes the timing reference point. 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.

[0119] It is anticipated that various applications and use cases in future networks may involve 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 frame timing alignment for TDD configurations within adjacent carrier bands or between subbands (or portions of the bandwidth) of a channel or carrier bandwidth.

[0120] This disclosure generally relates to mobile wireless communications, and in specific embodiments, to frame timing alignment / realignment, wherein frame timing alignment / realignment may include timing alignment / realignment based on symbols, time slots, or subframes within a frame, or frame boundaries (therefore, frame timing alignment / realignment has a broader meaning here and is not limited to timing alignment / realignment based solely on frame boundaries). Furthermore, in this application, relative timing with respect to a frame or frame boundary should be interpreted in a broader sense, i.e., a frame boundary refers to the timing point of a frame element within a frame, such as a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame, or the start or end of a frame. In the following, phrases such as "(frame) timing alignment or timing realignment" and "relative timing with respect to frame boundaries" are used in the above-described broader sense.

[0121] In summary, various aspects of this application relate to a network device, such as base station 170 (hereinafter referred to as TRP170), which transmits signaling carrying a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message includes information allowing receiving UE 110 to determine a timing reference point. Based on the timing reference point, frame transmissions by 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 are found in adjacent carrier frequency bands.

[0122] On the TRP 170 side, aspects of this application relate to the use of one or more types of signaling to indicate timing realignment (and / or timing correction) messages. Two example types of signaling are provided here to illustrate these schemes. The first example type of signaling may be referred to as cell-specific signaling, for example, including group common signaling and broadcast signaling. The second example type of signaling may be referred to as UE-specific signaling. One of these two types of signaling, or a combination of the 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 term "UE 110" can be understood to refer generally to a broad category of general wireless communication devices (i.e., network receiving nodes, such as wireless devices, sensors, gateways, and routers) within a cell (i.e., a cell served by TRP 170). A timing reference point is a timing reference time point that can be represented by relative timing with respect to timing points in 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 a possible symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame, or the frame itself. Therefore, a timing reference point can be represented by relative timing relative to the current frame boundary (e.g., the start of the current frame). Alternatively, a timing reference point can be represented by absolute timing based on some standard timing reference such as GNSS (e.g., GPS) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). In the absolute timing version of the timing reference point, the timing reference point can be explicitly specified.

[0123] The timing reference point can support timing adjustments at UE 110. 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 may result in realignment of transmitted frames at the timing reference point. It should be noted that realignment of transmitted frames at the timing reference point can include timing realignment at the timing reference point for one or more UEs and one or more BSs (in a cell or a group of cells) based on symbols, time slots, or subframes within the frame, or the start boundary of the frame, as applies below in this application.

[0124] 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 perform steps to realign the frames at the timing reference point. For example, these steps may include starting the transmission of subsequent frames at the timing reference point.

[0125] Alternatively, before monitoring the timing realignment indication message, UE 110 can send 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 can send a timing realignment indication message to UE 110 including information about the timing reference point, thereby allowing UE 110 to perform timing realignment (and / or timing adjustments including clock timing error correction), wherein timing realignment is performed for the UE and one or more base stations in a cell (or a group of cells) based on symbols, time slots, or subframes or the start boundary of a frame (e.g., within a frame).

[0126] According to various aspects of this application, a TRP 170 associated with a specific cell can send a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message may include sufficient information to allow the message's receiver to obtain a timing reference point. This timing reference point can be used by one or more UEs 110 in a given cell when performing timing realignment (and / or timing adjustments including clock timing error correction).

[0127] According to various aspects of this application, a timing reference point can be represented in a timing realignment indication message relative to a frame boundary (wherein, as previously described and applicable below, a frame boundary can be a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame, or the boundary of a frame). The timing realignment indication message may include a relative timing indication. Relative timing indication The timing reference point is represented as a specific duration that occurs after the frame boundary of a given frame, i.e. Since frame boundaries are crucial for allowing UE110 to determine its timing reference point, it is important for UE110 to know that a given frame with the boundary of interest is important. Accordingly, the timing realignment indication message may also include the system frame number (SFN) for the given frame.

[0128] In 5G NR, the SFN is known to be a value ranging from 0 to 1023 (inclusive). Accordingly, 10 bits can be used to represent the SFN. When the SFN is carried by the SSB, 6 of the 10 bits used for the SFN can be carried through the master information block (MIB), while the remaining 4 bits of the SFN can be carried in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payload.

[0129] Optionally, the timing realignment indication message may also include other parameters. These other parameters may include, for example, a minimum time offset. The minimum time offset determines the duration prior to the timing reference point. UE 110 may use the minimum time offset as a basis for indicating 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.

[0130] The following describes the integration of sensing and communication in 6G. In cellular communication networks, user equipment (UE) location information is typically used to improve various network performance metrics. These performance metrics may include, for example, capacity, agility, and efficiency. Improvements 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.

[0131] Sensing systems can be used to help collect UE pose information, including the UE's position in the global coordinate system, UE velocity and direction of movement in the global coordinate system, orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. "Location" is also called "position," and these two terms are used interchangeably in this document. Well-known examples of sensing systems include Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). While sensing systems can be separated from communication systems, it can be advantageous to use an integrated system to collect information, 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 UE pose and environmental information sensing is a highly challenging and open problem. The difficulty of this problem is related to factors such as the limited resolution of the communication system, the dynamic nature of the environment, and the large number of objects whose electromagnetic properties and positions need to be estimated.

[0132] 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.

[0133] For information on sensing nodes and sensing management functions, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1E . Figure 1EAnother exemplary communication system in which some embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented is shown. Any or all of ED 110 and BS 170 can be sensing nodes in system 100-2. 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 simultaneously. However, some sensing nodes may not perform communication but are dedicated solely to sensing. Sensing agent 174 is an example of a sensing node dedicated solely to sensing. Unlike ED 110 and BS 170, sensing agent 174 does not send or receive communication signals. However, sensing agent 174 may send configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within communication system 100-2. Sensing agent 174 may communicate with core network 130 to transmit information with the rest of communication system 100-2. For example, sensing agent 174 may determine the location of ED 110a and send that information to base station 170a via core network 130. Although Figure 1E Only one sensing agent 174 is shown, but any number of sensing agents can be implemented in the communication system 100-2. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents can be implemented at one or more RAN 120 locations within RAN 120.

[0134] Sensing nodes can combine sensing-based technologies with reference signal-based technologies to enhance UE pose determination. This type of sensing node can also be called a sensing management function (SMF). In some networks, SMF can also be called a location management function (LMF). An SMF can be implemented as a physically independent entity located at core network 130, which is connected to multiple BSs 170. In other aspects of this application, an SMF can be implemented as a logical entity co-located within BS 170 through logic executed by processor 260.

[0135] Figure 1F Examples of SMFs to which some embodiments of this disclosure can be applied are shown. For example... Figure 1FAs shown, when implemented as a physically independent entity, the SMF 176 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 in place of transmitters 282 and receivers 284. A scheduler 283 may be coupled to the processor 290. The scheduler 283 may be included in the SMF 176 or operated independently of 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 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.

[0136] Reference signal-based pose determination techniques belong to the "active" pose estimation paradigm. In this paradigm, the user (UE) who requests pose information participates in the process of determining its own pose. The UE can send or receive (or both send and receive) signals related to the pose determination process. Positioning techniques based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, are other examples of the active pose estimation paradigm.

[0137] Conversely, sensing technologies based on, for example, radar can be considered a "passive" pose determination paradigm. In the passive pose determination paradigm, the target is completely unaware of the pose determination process.

[0138] By integrating sensing and communication into a single system, the system does not need to operate according to a single paradigm. Therefore, the combination of sensing-based and reference signal-based techniques can produce enhanced pose determination.

[0139] Enhanced pose determination can include, for example, obtaining 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 define the TP-to-UE channel with high accuracy. Signals transmitted in other subspaces contribute negligibly to the UE channel. Understanding the UE channel subspace helps reduce the workload required for channel measurement at the UE and channel reconstruction at the network side. 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.

[0140] The following is one aspect of sensing channels. In some embodiments of integrated sensing and communication, sensing and communication use the same radio access technology (RAT). This avoids multiplexing two different RATs under a single carrier spectrum, or avoids the need to provide two different carrier spectra for two different RATs.

[0141] 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.

[0142] At the physical layer, communication and sensing can be performed via different physical channels. For example, a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH-C) is defined for data communication, while a second physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH-S) is defined for sensing. Similarly, separate physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH), PUSCH-C, and PUSCH-S can be defined for uplink communication and sensing.

[0143] In another example, the same PDSCH and PUSCH can also be used for both 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), occupying the same or different frequency bands or bandwidth portions.

[0144] In yet another 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, separate physical layer control channels can be used to carry different control information for communication and sensing. For example, PUCCH-S and PUCCH-C can be used for uplink control of sensing and communication, respectively, and PDCCH-S and PDCCH-C can be used for downlink control of sensing and communication, respectively.

[0145] It is possible to use different combinations of shared and dedicated channels for sensing and communication at the physical, transport, and logical layers.

[0146] Here is one aspect of radar. The term "radar" originates from the phrase "wireless detection and ranging"; however, expressions with different capitalizations (e.g., "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 pose 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.

[0147] Radar systems can be monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic. In a monostatic radar system, the radar transmitter and receiver are co-located, 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 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 networked radar.

[0148] 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 will likely present these same challenges, and perhaps more.

[0149] Here is one aspect of half-duplex and full-duplex communication. Communication nodes can be either half-duplex or full-duplex. A half-duplex node cannot use the same physical resources (time, frequency, etc.) to send and receive simultaneously; conversely, a full-duplex node can use the same physical resources to send and receive. 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., in the millimeter-wave band) and are particularly challenging for small, low-cost devices (e.g., femtocell base stations and UEs).

[0150] 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 under certain constraints, such as in pulse radars with specific duty cycles and ranging capabilities.

[0151] The following is one aspect of sensing signal waveforms and frame structures. The characteristics of a sensing signal, or a signal used for both sensing and communication, include the signal's 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.

[0152] In one embodiment, the sensing signal is a linear chirped signal with bandwidth B and duration T. The use of such linear chirped signals in FMCW radar systems is well-known. The linear chirped signal is generated from a signal at an initial time... initial frequency By the final time final frequency Defined by an increase in frequency, where the relationship between frequency (f) and time (t) can be expressed as: The linear relationship, where, 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 follows: In baseband representation, this linear chirped signal can be expressed as... .

[0153] The following is one aspect of precoding. As used herein, precoding can refer to any one or more encoding operations or modulations 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.

[0154] The following describes the integration of TN and NTN in 6G. Terrestrial communication systems can also be referred to as land-based or ground-based communication systems, but they can also, or alternatively, be implemented on or in water. 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 such cases, it is virtually impossible to deploy terrestrial access point / base station infrastructure in areas such as oceans, mountains, forests, or other remote locations.

[0155] Terrestrial communication systems can be wireless communications using 5G technology and / or next-generation wireless technologies (e.g., 6G or higher). In some examples, terrestrial communication systems may also support some traditional wireless technologies (e.g., 3G or 4G). Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communication systems using satellite constellations such as traditional 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 a local area, such as airborne, balloon, quadcopter, and drone vehicles. In some examples, GEO satellites, LEO satellites, UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs can be horizontal and two-dimensional. In some examples, UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs can be coupled to integrate satellite communications into cellular networks. Emerging 3D vertical networks consist of numerous mobile (excluding geostationary satellites) and high-altitude access points such as UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs.

[0156] The following describes 6G MIMO. 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 ED110, 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 to facilitate 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.

[0157] In recent years, MIMO (Massive MIMO) wireless communication systems using the aforementioned T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 with a large number of antennas 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 of ED 110s (e.g., 40). The large number of antenna elements in the T-TRP 170 and NT-TRP 172 significantly increases the spatial freedom of wireless communication, greatly improving transmission rate, spectral efficiency, and power efficiency, and largely eliminating inter-cell interference. The increased number of antennas allows for smaller and lower-cost antenna elements per unit. 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 ED110s within 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 in both uplink and downlink transmissions, significantly reducing the transmit power of the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 and ED 110, and greatly improving power efficiency. 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 approach orthogonality, thereby eliminating interference and noise between the cell and the user. These numerous advantages make massive MIMO a promising technology for widespread application.

[0158] 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, the Rx antenna may have a ULA antenna array, in which multiple antennas are arranged in a straight line at uniform intervals. When a radio frequency (RF) signal is transmitted through the Tx antenna, the Rx antenna can receive signals reflected and returned from a forward target.

[0159] A non-exhaustive list of possible units or possible configurable parameters or MIMO systems in some embodiments includes: (i) Panel: A unit of an antenna group, antenna array or antenna subarray, which can independently control its Tx beam or Rx beam.

[0160] (ii) Beam: A beam is formed by performing amplitude and / or phase weighting on data transmitted or received at least one antenna port, or by other methods, such as adjusting relevant parameters of the antenna elements. A beam may include a Tx beam and / or an Rx beam. The transmit beam indicates the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted through the antenna. The receive beam indicates the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the radio signal received from the antenna. Beam information may be a beam identifier, or an identifier of one (or more) antenna ports, or a CSI-RS resource identifier, or an SSB resource identifier, or an SRS resource identifier, or other reference signal resource identifier.

[0161] The following describes 6G AI / ML. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology 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 may aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. For 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, and intelligent transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) mode adaptation.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] AI / ML model inference. The process of using a trained AI / ML model to produce a set of outputs from a set of inputs.

[0165] 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.

[0166] AI / ML model testing. Similar to validation, testing is 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 model tuning.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 delivered for inference.

[0169] 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 an over-the-air interface includes parameters of the model structure known to the receiving end, as well as new models with parameters. Delivery can include complete or partial models.

[0170] Lifecycle management (LCM) is crucial for the sustainable operation of AI / ML models on NR air interfaces. 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, the propagation environment of wireless signals changes frequently due to the randomness of wireless channels and the mobility of UEs. However, AI / ML models struggle to maintain optimal performance in all scenarios, and their performance may even degrade sharply in some situations. Therefore, lifecycle management (LCM) of AI / ML models is essential for their sustainable operation on NR air interfaces.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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 (computational and memory costs), latency (timeliness of monitoring results, from model failure to execution of actions), and power consumption. Furthermore, data distribution may change after deployment due to environmental variations; therefore, models based on input or output data distribution should also be considered.

[0173] 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 exemplary feature-label pairs. Supervised learning analyzes the training data and generates an inference function that can be used to map inference data.

[0174] 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 categories). Regression is used when the output of the AI / ML model is real numbers or continuous values.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning technique in which a central node (e.g., a server) and multiple distributed edge nodes (e.g., UE, next generation NodeB, gNB) are used to train AI / ML models.

[0178] 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 a local AI / ML model. Then, the edge nodes can use local data samples to train the 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 the local AI / ML model.

[0179] Upon 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 accordingly. Subsequent iterations proceed very similarly to the first iteration. The server can send the aggregated global model to multiple edge nodes. This process iterates 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.

[0180] 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 corresponding edge nodes.

[0181] AI technologies (including ML technologies) can be applied to communications, including AI-based communications at the physical layer and / or the MAC layer. For the physical layer, AI communications may aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. For example, AI can be used to achieve: channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform generation, multiple access, physical layer unit parameter optimization and updating, beamforming, tracking, sensing and / or localization, etc. For the MAC layer, AI communications can leverage AI 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 within the MAC layer. For example, AI can be used 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, etc.

[0182] AI architectures can involve multiple nodes, which may be organized in either a centralized or distributed mode. Both modes can be deployed in access networks, core networks, edge computing systems, or third-party networks. Centralized training and computing architectures are limited by potentially high communication overhead and strict user data privacy. 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 can operate 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 personalized using custom parameters to meet specific needs, while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing the overall system's spectral efficiency through personalized AI technologies.

[0183] 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 to provide measurement and feedback to accommodate different possible measurements and information that may need to be fed back, depending on the implementation.

[0184] An air interface that uses AI as part of its implementation (e.g., optimizing one or more components of the air interface) is referred to herein as an "AI-enabled air interface". In some embodiments, the AI ​​operations in an AI-enabled air interface can be of two types: both the network and the UE learn the AI; or only the network learns the AI.

[0185] Figure 2 Exemplary processes according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, process 200 involves user equipment (UE) 220 and network device 230. In some examples, network device 230 may send (205) signaling 225 regarding (or for, or including) quasi-co-location (QCL) information. On the UE 220 side, UE 220 may receive (207) signaling 225 regarding (or for, or including) quasi-co-location (QCL) information. In other words, network device 230 may send (205) quasi-co-location (QCL) information, and UE 220 may receive (207) quasi-co-location (QCL) information. It should be noted that signaling 225 regarding QCL information may include signaling for the configuration or indication of quasi-co-location (QCL) information.

[0186] QCL information may include the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. In some examples, the QCL information may include one or more features of the first signal. One or more features of the first signal may be used to enhance the detection of the second signal. In other words, features of the first signal may be used to help (or assist) the detection (or measurement) of various aspects of the second signal. In some examples, the feature may include a frequency band, component carrier, bandwidth portion identifier (ID), beamforming information, or mobility information. In some examples, the QCL relationship between the first and second signals may include a QCL type. Examples of QCL types may include: QCL-typeA, QCL-typeB, QCL-typeC, and QCL-typeD, and one (or more) channel attributes corresponding to such types may include the attributes described in Table 1 below. A QCL type may identify one or more channel attributes. Channel attributes may include one or more of Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, spatial receiver parameters, or any combination thereof. The associated reference signal in the communication operation, or the sensed signal transmitted from a co-located point or quasi-co-located point, may be referred to as a quasi-co-located reference signal. This article will describe the details about QCL further.

[0187] In some examples, on the network device 230 side, during the transmission of signaling 225 regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the network device 230 may transmit QCL information via medium access control (MAC) or control element (CE), radio resource control (RRC) messages or downlink control information (DCI), or a combination thereof. On the UE 220 side, during the reception of signaling 225 regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the UE 220 may receive QCL information via medium access control (MAC) or control element (CE), radio resource control (RRC) messages or downlink control information (DCI), or any combination thereof. For example, the signaling 225 regarding QCL information may be an RRC configuration / configuration message (semi-static signaling) or DCI signaling (dynamic signaling). Some examples of QCL information can also be found in the QCL RS configuration for communication and / or sensing operations, or in some parameters of the sensing / communication QCL mode below.

[0188] The first operation can be either a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation can be either a communication operation or a sensing operation. For example, if the first operation is a communication operation, then the second operation is a sensing operation (and vice versa). Therefore, in some examples, the first operation is a communication operation and the second operation is a sensing operation.

[0189] In other examples, the first operation is a sensing operation, the second operation is a communication operation, and the second signal corresponding to the communication operation may include a service signal or a reference signal. In such examples, the service signal may include a data signal or a control signal. The reference signal may include one of a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal. In some examples, the reference signal may include one of the following signals: demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), synchronization signal block (SSB), beam-based synchronization signal, time-indexed synchronization signal, low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS), low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), or preamble. In some examples, QCL information may include signal generation parameters. Signal generation parameters may include the sensing signal waveform, sensing sequence configuration, or both.

[0190] Based on the QCL information described above, UE 220 can perform (209) receiving the second signal. The second signal received by UE 220 can be sent by network device 230 or other UEs (different from UE 220). In some examples, during the process of receiving the second signal based on the QCL information, UE 220 can perform the reception of the second signal based on the measurement of the first signal performed.

[0191] In some examples, network device 230 may also transmit a first signal corresponding to the first operation. UE 220 may also receive the first signal corresponding to the first operation and may perform a measurement of the first signal based on QCL information. In some examples, the measurement of the first signal may include channel estimation, channel measurement, or both. In some examples, a second signal and the first signal are received from different co-located or quasi-co-located (QCLed) devices.

[0192] In some examples, the first and second signals can be transmitted from network device 230, with the first signal transmitted before the second signal. On the UE 220 side, the first signal is received before the second signal is received. Alternatively, in other examples, the first and second signals can be transmitted from a terminal device different from UE 220 (e.g., another UE). For example, in one scenario, network device 230, which transmits signaling 225, can also transmit the first and second signals. In another scenario, network device 230 transmits QCL signaling (e.g., signaling 225) to configure sidelink (SL) communication, where another UE different from UE 220 will send a signal (e.g., the first signal) to UE 220, where network device 230 may provide QCL signaling configuration only for SL communication. In some examples, before network device 230 sends QCL signaling configuration or indication to UE 220, UE 220 may transmit its capabilities to indicate to network device 230 whether UE 220 can handle or support QCL functionality.

[0193] In some examples, the first operation is a communication operation. The first signal may include one of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS). In such examples, the measurement of the first signal may include channel estimation, positioning measurement, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof.

[0194] In other examples, the first operation is a sensing operation. The first signal may include either a sensing signal or a sensing reference signal. In such examples, the measurement of the first signal may include Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, transmission delay, angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, or any combination thereof.

[0195] Sensing signals can burst in specific patterns across time and frequency resources and can be transmitted periodically or aperiodically. Due to the nature of sensing operations, the bandwidth of the sensing signal may be greater than that of the communication signal, and the communication and sensing signals may overlap in the frequency domain. In future wireless systems, a network node (e.g., a base station) or device (e.g., user equipment, UE) can simultaneously support sensing and communication operations; in other words, sensing and communication signals can be transmitted from the same physical location, for example, from a network node or a network device. Multiple signals transmitted from a co-located point to a receiver may have the same or similar channel characteristics, such as path loss, multipath, Doppler, etc. Therefore, it is important for the receiver to utilize the propagation characteristics of multiple signals emitted from a co-located or quasi-co-located point. For example, a reference signal in communication transmitted from a base station to a receiver and a sensing signal transmitted from a base station to a receiver can be closely correlated in terms of propagation correlation at the receiver and can be used for channel estimation, object location estimation, sensing measurements, etc.

[0196] There is a mutually beneficial relationship between sensing and communication operations in terms of channel and signal measurements. Communication operations can use previously detected sensing signals to enhance their channel estimation based on their own communication reference signal (RS) (e.g., demodulation reference signal (DMRS)). Sensing operations can use previously received communication RS (e.g., DMRS), synchronization signal block (SSB), or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) to enhance the quality of their sensing measurements and detections (e.g., accuracy, resolution, etc.) estimated based on their own sensing signals.

[0197] Therefore, such associated reference signals in communication operations, or sensing signals transmitted from co-location points or quasi-co-location points, are referred to in this application as quasi-co-location reference signals (QCL RS). It should be noted that, for their design purposes such as channel estimation, range / ranging estimation, synchronization, Doppler estimation, or object location estimation, the sensing signal may behave more like a reference signal.

[0198] Synchronization signals and / or reference signals in communication operations may include SSB, beam-based synchronization signals, time-indexed synchronization signals, and DMRS, such as Figure 3 As shown, where, Figure 3Examples of quasi-co-located RS (e.g., DRMS) in communications according to some embodiments of this disclosure for sensing operations are illustrated. These signals may facilitate sensing detection or measurement, and when they are emitted from the same or co-located network nodes, they can be considered as quasi-co-located (QCLed, or simply QCL) reference signals for sensing operations (and communication operations). Reference signals transmitted from the same or co-located network device or UE, such as probe reference signals, preamble signals, and wake-up signals (WUS), can also be considered as QCL reference signals for sensing operations (and communication operations). Figure 3 For example, a reference signal (e.g., DMRS) 301 used for communication may be an example of a first signal mentioned in the embodiments described herein. A signal used for sensing (as shown in 302) may be an example of a second signal mentioned in the embodiments described herein. For example, the reference signal (e.g., DMRS) 301 may be transmitted from a network device (e.g., gNB) to the UE. The sensing signal 302 received at the UE may be transmitted from the network device or reflected from one or more other objects (e.g., buildings). Data used for communication is represented as 303.

[0199] In some embodiments, the sensing UE can receive QCL configurations from the serving cell or neighboring cells (base stations) regarding (communication) SSBs (including per-beam SSBs), low-power wake-up signals (LP-WUS), and low-power synchronization signals (LP-SS) to enable bistatic sensing operations between the network and the sensing UE. Optionally, this can be done via signal reflection from the target object to be sensed. In other embodiments, the sensing UE can receive QCL configurations from the serving cell or neighboring cells (base stations) regarding (communication) DMRS, control and / or data transmission CSI-RS to enable bistatic sensing operations between the network and the sensing UE. Optionally, this can be done via signal reflection from the target object to be sensed. It should be noted that CSI-RS is a reference signal that can be used for channel sounding and measurement in the downlink direction. The UE can use this signal to estimate the quality of the downlink channel and report this quality back to the network via a channel quality indicator (CQI). The network can use this information to adjust modulation, coding rate, beamforming, and other parameters for optimal transmission. CSI-RS can be configured per device rather than per cell to allow for greater flexibility and customization, and can be used for beam management and mobility, as well as for frequency and time tracking, demodulation, and UL-based reciprocity-based precoding.

[0200] Sensing signals can be considered as QCL reference signals used in communication operations to enhance channel estimation, channel quality estimation, positioning measurements, and / or communication synchronization. Because the bandwidth of sensing signals may be wider than that of communication reference signals such as DRMS ​​in data or control channels, ... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 Examples are shown of sensing signals according to some embodiments of this disclosure that can be quasi-co-located (QCLed) for data transmission in communication operations (along with RS). The sensing signals can provide more channel information (e.g., a larger Doppler estimate) in terms of frequency response or frequency domain characteristics than a communication reference signal. Figure 4 In this context, the signal used for sensing (as shown in 401) can be an example of the first signal in the above embodiments. The reference signal used for communication (e.g., DMRS) 402 can be an example of the second signal in the above embodiments. For example, DMRS 402 can be sent from a network device (e.g., gNB) to the UE. The sensing signal 401 received by the UE can be sent from the network device or reflected from one or more other objects (e.g., buildings). The data used for communication is represented as 403.

[0201] Synchronization and reference signals in communication operations, and sensing signals in sensing operations, can operate in the same frequency band, either within or between bands. Therefore, RSs with QCL associations used for communication and sensing operations may experience related or similar channel characteristics, which can depend on one or more operational assumptions, including frequency band, component carrier, beamforming, signal bandwidth, bandwidth part (BWP), and mobility. Therefore, the QCL RS configuration for communication operations and / or sensing operations may include one or more of the following: (1) one or more reference signals, including cell common reference signals, or device-specific reference signals / UE-specific reference signals, such as DRMS, CSI-RS, SRS; (2) one or more cell common reference signals or group common reference signals, including SSB, LP-SS, LP-WUS; (3) one or more sensing signals, including optional signal waveforms, sensing reference signals, and sensing sequence configurations; (4) frequency bands, including below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (including millimeter wave bands); (5) component carriers, including intra-band or inter-band frequency bands; (6) bandwidth part (BWP), including BWP identifier or index, transmission bandwidth, and waveform; (7) beamforming, including time-indexed beams and beam directions; (8) mobility, including speed, ranging, and direction of movement; or (9) one or more QCL types that can describe measurement-related characteristics associated with the QCL.

[0202] For QCL RS configuration, an association type for attributes related to propagation or channel characteristics can also be optionally configured, which can be defined based on the QCL type. The QCL type can be based on communication and sensing operation assumptions; for example, when communication and sensing signals operate in the same (intra-band or inter-band) or adjacent frequency bands, propagation or channel characteristics can include the characteristics shown in Table 1. Table 1 provides examples of QCL types with associated attributes (e.g., propagation or channel characteristics) in the description column.

[0203] Table 1. QCL types of attributes related to propagation or channel characteristics.

[0204] Furthermore, UE-specific awareness and / or communication can be pre-configured or configured in terms of QCL RS, QCL type, resources, and patterns via signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), medium access control-control element (MAC-CE), downlink control information (DCI) or combinations thereof).

[0205] Generally speaking, QCL signals or reference signals in communication operations, sensing operations or other operations can be beneficial for signal detection / measurement or channel estimation in communication and / or sensing operations because, in addition to providing their own signals in communication or sensing operations (e.g., based on their own signals), quasi-co-located signals or reference signals can also provide additional and relevant information for signal detection or channel measurement.

[0206] Several possible embodiments are available to achieve the proposed objectives or solutions, which are briefly described herein and will be described in detail in the following embodiment sections. Further reference can be made to Embodiments 1 and 2 below. In Embodiment 1, details are provided regarding configuring the QCL RS in communication operations for sensing operations. In Embodiment 2, details are provided regarding configuring the QCL sensing signal or the RS for communication operations.

[0207] First, Example 1 will be described. Sensing signal transmission and measurement can include different sensing types, including monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, and multistatic sensing. The sensing target can be any one or more of a device, base station, object (i.e., a passive sensing target), channel measurement, and beamforming information (including beam directions for transmission or reception). Sensing measurement objectives can include one or more of channel estimation, range / ranging estimation, downlink synchronization, uplink synchronization, Doppler estimation, object location estimation, round-trip time (RTT), propagation delay, etc. Different measurement objectives can be performed by one or more sensing operations through one or more sensing types.

[0208] In some embodiments, one or more sensing measurement objectives may be associated with sensing operations for one or more sensing types. To achieve one or more sensing measurement objectives, a sensing QCL mode may include QCL association information about relevant parameters, which may be pre-configured or configured by the network, for example, via RRC or MAC-CE. One or more sensing QCL modes may be configured to cover sensing objectives of interest.

[0209] A sensing QCL mode can be defined or configured based on one or more of the following parameters: (1) one or more reference signals, including cell common reference signals or device-specific reference signals / UE-specific reference signals, such as DRMS, CSI-RS, SRS; (2) one or more cell common reference signals or group common reference signals, including SSB, LP-SS, LP-WUS; (3) one or more sensing signals, including optional signal waveforms, sensing reference signals, and sensing sequence configurations; (4) frequency bands, including below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (including millimeter wave bands); (5) component carriers, including intra-band or inter-band frequency bands; (6) bandwidth part (BWP), including BWP identifier or index, transmission bandwidth, and waveform; (7) beamforming, including time-indexed beams and beam directions; (8) mobility, including speed, ranging, and direction of movement; or (9) one or more QCL types that can describe measurement-related characteristics associated with QCL.

[0210] For frequency band configurations, for example, the new radio (NR) band is the frequency range used for NR technology, which is divided into two main categories: Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2).

[0211] FR1 can include frequency bands below 6 GHz, some of which are legacy bands used by previous standards (e.g., 4G LTE), but FR1 has been expanded to cover potential new spectrum resources from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. FR1 simultaneously supports FDD and TDD duplex modes, as well as supplemental downlink and supplemental uplink.

[0212] FR2 can include frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz, also known as millimeter wave (mmWave) bands. FR2 only supports TDD duplex mode because the high frequency allows for large bandwidth and high data rates. Some common terms for FR2 bands are n257, n258, n260, and n2611.

[0213] For example, a perceptual QCL mode configuration may include one or more of the following parameters: Perceptive QCL mode { Carrier frequency band: n258 CC: cc1 bwp-Id: BWP index 1 Reference signal: SSB (from communication operation) qcl-Type: typeC } In one embodiment, the aforementioned sensing QCL mode can be used to help enhance sensing measurements such as Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, and / or transmission delay. Optionally, another sensing QCL mode can include more parameters in the configuration, such as beam information, duplex mode, antenna configuration, antenna port configuration, different RS, ranging resolution, etc.

[0214] UAV is an abbreviation for unmanned aerial vehicle, referring to an aircraft without any human pilots, crew members, or passengers on board. UAVs can be remotely controlled by a human operator, autonomously controlled by a computer program, or a combination of both. UAVs can be used for various purposes, such as military missions, aerial photography, surveillance, environmental monitoring, product delivery, and entertainment.

[0215] Figure 5 An example of a communication RS of a QCL used for sensing measurements is shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5 This section specifically explains how the QCL communication RS is used for sensing measurements, wherein the communication SSB 501 is configured as a QCL reference signal for sensing operations. SSB 501 can be an example of the first signal in the above embodiments. The signal used for sensing (such as...) Figure 5(Signal 502 in the above embodiment) can be an example of the second signal. For example, SSB 501 can be sent from gNB 510 to UAV 520. As an application of QCL RS for sensing operations, an exemplary process of using QCL SSB 501 to avoid collisions between multiple UAVs 520 is described below: (1) The sensing operation of UAV 520 is configured with reference signal SSB 501 and QCL type (in Table 1). (2) UAV 520 is monitoring SSB 501 and estimating average delay and Doppler shift. (3) The average delay and Doppler shift estimated according to one (or more) communication reference signals can help enhance the sensing measurement of UAV velocity, shape and distance estimation or ranging resolution because the sensing operation can perform sensing measurements based on both its own sensing signal (i.e., signal 502 for sensing) and a received QCL reference signal such as SSB 501. (4) The UAV 520 reports a sensing measurement report to the gNB 510 for better management of multiple UAVs 520 to avoid collisions. The sensing signals received at the UAV 520 may be transmitted from the gNB 510 or reflected from one or more other objects (e.g., building 530).

[0216] It should be noted that UAVs can have different shapes, sizes, and types (depending on their design and function), and can be used in future wireless networks to enhance coverage, relay services between UEs and fixed wireless networks or base stations, and for surveillance or environmental monitoring, etc. Figure 5 One example could be shown, illustrating the application of one or more QCL RS for enhanced sensing measurements.

[0217] Example 2 is described below. In communication, the receiver may need to estimate channel conditions for signal demodulation and channel measurement reporting, and / or perform location estimation, etc. Since sensing signals with (typically) wider (compared to communication) bandwidth can provide channel estimation over a wider spectrum, information from sensing signals can be used for channel condition measurement and / or location estimation in communication. Sensing measurement objectives may include one or more of the following: channel estimation, distance / ranging estimation, downlink synchronization, uplink synchronization, Doppler estimation, object location estimation, RTT, propagation delay, etc., wherein different measurement objectives can be performed using one or more sensing types. Therefore, communication operations can utilize one or more of these sensing measurement objectives and enhance their channel condition estimation and / or location estimation, wherein one (or more) estimations in communication operations can be based on one or more QCL sensing signals and one (or more) of their own reference signals, such as DRMS ​​in the data or control channel, UE-specific CSI-RS, or cell common SSB.

[0218] In some embodiments, one or more QCL modes can be configured for and to achieve different communication measurement objectives (such as channel condition estimation, location estimation, etc.). Different QCL modes used for communication may include QCL association information about relevant parameters, which are pre-configured or configured by the network, for example, via RRC or MAC-CE. One or more QCL modes used for communication can be configured to achieve the communication measurement objective of interest.

[0219] A QCL mode for communication can be defined or configured based on one or more of the following parameters: (1) one or more reference signals, including cell common reference signals or device-specific reference signals / UE-specific reference signals, such as DRMS, CSI-RS, SRS; (2) one or more cell common reference signals or group common reference signals, including SSB, LP-SS, LP-WUS; (3) one or more sensing signals, including optional signal waveforms, sensing reference signals, and sensing sequence configurations; (4) frequency bands, including below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (including millimeter wave bands); (5) component carriers, including intra-band or inter-band frequency bands; (6) bandwidth part (BWP), including BWP identifier or index, transmission bandwidth, and waveform; (7) beamforming, including time-indexed beams and beam directions; (8) mobility, including speed, ranging, and direction of movement; or (9) one or more QCL types that can describe measurement-related characteristics associated with QCL.

[0220] For example, a communication QCL mode configuration may include one or more of the following parameters: Communication QCL mode { Carrier frequency band: n260 CC: cc2 bwp-Id: BWP index 2 Reference signal: Sensing signal (optionally, configuration with more sensing parameters) qcl-Type: typeD } In one embodiment, the aforementioned communication QCL mode can be used to enhance communication channel estimation or measurement, such as Doppler estimation, velocity detection and / or transmission delay, RRT, synchronization, beam direction estimation, and positioning estimation. Optionally, another communication QCL mode can include more parameters in the configuration, such as beam information, duplex mode, antenna configuration, antenna port configuration, different RS, etc.

[0221] For example, Figure 6Examples of using the sensing signals of a QCL for communication measurements according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Specifically, Figure 6 The diagram illustrates how a QCL sensing signal can be used for communication measurements, wherein the sensing signal 601 is configured as a QCL reference signal for communication operations. The sensing signal 601 may be an example of a first signal in the above embodiments. The reference signal (e.g., DMRS) 602 corresponding to the communication operations may be an example of a second signal in the above embodiments. As an example, DMRS 602 may be transmitted from gNB 610 to UAV 620. The sensing signal 601 received at UAV 620 may be transmitted from gNB 510 or reflected from one or more other objects (e.g., building 630). The data used for communication is represented as 603. As an application of the QCL sensing signal 601 for communication operations, an exemplary process for using the QCL sensing signal 601 to enhance communication channel estimation and data transmission is described below: (1) UAV communication is configured with the QCL sensing signal 601 or sensing RS 601 and (in Table 1) the QCL type. (2) UAV A is receiving sensing signal 601, based on which channel estimation and / or angle of arrival (AoA) measurement can be performed. (3) Channel estimation and / or AoA measurement from sensing operation can help enhance communication channel estimation and / or AoA measurement because communication channel estimation and AoA measurement can be performed based on its reference signal (e.g., DMRS) 602 and the sensing signal 601 of QCL. (4) UAV can apply more accurate channel estimation or better beam information for enhanced communication.

[0222] It should be noted that UAVs can have different shapes, sizes, and types (depending on their design and function), and can be used in future wireless networks to enhance coverage, relay services between UEs and fixed wireless networks or base stations, and for surveillance or environmental monitoring, etc. Figure 6 One example illustrates how QCL sensing signals can be used to improve communication efficiency.

[0223] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 implemented at a UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7As shown, at block 710, the UE receives quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The UE may receive the QCL information as part of signaling. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of a communication operation or a sensing operation. At block 720, the UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. An example of a UE performing method 700 could be UE 220. The operations in method 700 performed by the UE can also refer to the embodiments mentioned in process 200 above.

[0224] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 As shown, at block 810, the network device sends quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The network device may send signaling including QCL information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of a communication operation or a sensing operation. An example of a network device performing method 800 may be network device 230. The operations in method 800 performed by the network device may also refer to the embodiments mentioned in process 200 above.

[0225] Figure 9 A flowchart of another exemplary method 900 implemented at the UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 9 As shown, at block 910, the UE receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation. At block 920, the UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. An example of a UE performing method 900 could be UE 220. The operations in method 900 performed by the UE can also be referred to the embodiments mentioned in procedure 200 above.

[0226] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating yet another exemplary method 1000 implemented at a UE according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 10As shown, at block 1010, the UE receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation. At block 1020, the UE performs reception of the second signal based on the QCL information. An example of a UE performing method 1000 could be UE 220. The operations performed by the UE in method 1000 can also refer to the embodiments mentioned in process 200 above.

[0227] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of a device 1100 that can be used to implement some embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, device 1100 may be a component 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 referred to as 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 other embodiments, device 1100 may be a device connected to network infrastructure via a wireless interface, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or other such device that can be classified as user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, device 1100 may be a machine-type communication (MTC) device (also known as a machine-to-machine (M2M) device) or other such device that, while not providing direct service to a user, can be classified as a UE. In some embodiments, device 1100 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 1100 may also be referred to as a mobile device; regardless of whether the device itself is designed to be mobile or capable of being mobile, this term is intended to refer to a device connected to a mobile network. A particular device may utilize all or only a subset of the components shown, and the level of integration may vary from device to device. Furthermore, device 1100 may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0228] Device 1100 typically includes a processor 1102, such as a central processing unit (CPU), and may also include a dedicated processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other such processor), memory 1104, a network interface 1106, and a bus 1108 connecting the various components in device 1100. Device 1100 may also optionally include components such as a mass storage device 1110, a video adapter 1112, and an I / O interface 1116 (as shown by dashed lines).

[0229] Memory 1104 may include any type of non-transitory system memory that can be read by processor 1102, 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 1104 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 1108 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.

[0230] Device 1100 may also include one or more network interfaces 1106, which may include at least one of a wired network interface and a wireless network interface. Figure 11 As shown, network interface 1106 may include a wired network interface for connecting to network 1122, and may also include a radio access network interface 1120 for connecting to other devices via a wireless link. When device 1100 is a network infrastructure element, the radio access network interface 1120 may be omitted for nodes or functions used as PLMN elements rather than elements at the wireless edge (e.g., eNB). When device 1100 is infrastructure located at the wireless edge of the network, both wired and wireless network interfaces may be included. When device 1100 is a wirelessly connected device (e.g., user equipment), the radio access network interface 1120 may be present, and other wireless interfaces such as a Wi-Fi network interface may be used as supplements. Network interface 1106 enables device 1100 to communicate with remote entities (e.g., entities connected to network 1122).

[0231] Mass storage 1110 may include any type of non-transitory storage device for storing data, programs, and other information, and making this data, programs, and other information accessible via bus 1108. Mass storage 1110 may include one or more of solid-state drives, hard disk drives, disk drives, or optical disk drives. In some embodiments, mass storage 1110 may be a remote device of device 1100 and may be accessed via a network interface such as interface 1106. In the illustrated embodiment, mass storage 1110 differs from memory 1104, which includes mass storage 1110, and typically performs storage tasks compatible with higher latency, but its volatility is typically low or nonexistent. In some embodiments, mass storage 1110 may be integrated with heterogeneous memory 1104.

[0232] Optional video adapter 1112 and I / O interface 1116 (shown in dashed lines) provide interfaces for coupling device 1100 to external input and output devices. Examples of input and output devices include a display 1114 coupled to video adapter 1112 and an I / O device 1118 (e.g., a touchscreen) coupled to I / O interface 1116. Other devices may be coupled to device 1100, 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 1100 is part of a data center, I / O interface 1116 and video adapter 1112 may be virtualized and provided via network interface 1106.

[0233] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the device 1200 includes a receiving unit 1202 and an execution unit 1204. The device 1200 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical representation of device 1200 can be a communication device, such as a UE. Alternatively, device 1200 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside a communication device. Specifically, device 1200 can be some programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0234] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 1202 may be configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is either a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or sensing operation. The execution unit 1204 may be configured to receive the second signal based on the QCL information.

[0235] In other embodiments, the receiving unit 1202 may be configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation. The execution unit 1204 may be configured to receive the second signal based on the QCL information.

[0236] In some other embodiments, the receiving unit 1202 may be configured to receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation. The execution unit 1204 may be configured to receive the second signal based on the QCL information.

[0237] In other embodiments, the apparatus 1200 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. Detailed information can be found in the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the device 1300 includes a transmitting unit 1302. The device 1300 can be applied to, for example... Figure 1A The communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical representation of device 1300 can be a communication device, such as a network device. Alternatively, device 1300 can be other devices capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip inside a communication device. Specifically, device 1300 can be some programmable chip, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a system on a chip (SOC).

[0239] In some embodiments, the transmitting unit 1302 may be configured to transmit signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation. The first operation is either a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or the sensing operation.

[0240] In other embodiments, the apparatus 1300 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. Detailed information can be found in the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] It should be noted that the division of units or modules in the above embodiments of this disclosure is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may also be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into one processing unit, or 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.

[0242] When an 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, as 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 execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the 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.

[0243] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides 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.

[0244] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides 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 intended program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible to a computer.

[0245] 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.

[0246] Based on the above embodiments, this disclosure provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions of the communication device described in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data required by the computer device. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0247] 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. Additionally, this disclosure can take 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.

[0248] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of the 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 the 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.

[0249] These computer program instructions may alternatively 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, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing including instruction means. The instruction means implements a particular function in one or more processes in a flowchart and / or one or more blocks in a block diagram.

[0250] These computer program instructions can be alternatively 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, the instructions that 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.

[0251] 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, as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The user equipment (UE) receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the QCL information including a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation, the first operation being either a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation being either the communication operation or the sensing operation. as well as The UE performs the reception of the second signal based on the QCL information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the QCL relationship includes a QCL type, the QCL type identifying one or more channel attributes, the channel attributes including: Doppler shift; Doppler extension; Average delay; Delay spread; or Space receiver parameters.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the QCL information includes one or more features of the first signal, the features including: frequency band; Component carrier; Bandwidth Part Identifier (ID); Beamforming information; or Mobility information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first operation is the communication operation and the second operation is the sensing operation.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first operation is the sensing operation, the second operation is the communication operation, and the second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, and the signal generation parameters include at least one of the following: a sensed signal waveform, or a sensed sequence configuration.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the service signal includes either a data signal or a control signal.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the reference signal includes one of the following: a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the reference signal comprises one of the following: Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS); Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Detection Reference Signal (SRS); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB); Beam-based synchronization signals; Synchronization signals based on time indexes; Low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS); Low Power Wake-up Signal (LP-WUS); or Preamble signal.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information comprises receiving the QCL information via at least one of: Media Access Control (MAC), Control Unit (CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The UE receives the first signal corresponding to the first operation; as well as Based on the QCL information, the measurement of the first signal is performed, wherein, Receiving the second signal based on the QCL information includes: receiving the second signal based on the measurement of the first signal being received.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the measurement of the first signal includes at least one of channel estimation or channel measurement.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the first signal is received prior to the reception of the second signal.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein: The first operation is the communication operation; The first signal includes one of the following: a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS); and The measurement of the first signal includes at least one of the following: channel estimation, positioning measurement, or angle of arrival (AoA) measurement.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The first operation is the sensing operation; The first signal includes either a sensing signal or a sensing reference signal; and The measurement of the first signal includes at least one of the following: Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, transmission delay, or angle of arrival (AoA) measurement.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the second signal and the first signal are received from different co-located or quasi-co-located (QCLed) devices.

17. A method comprising: The network device sends signaling about quasi-co-location (QCL) information, which includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation, wherein the first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or the sensing operation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the QCL relationship includes a QCL type, the QCL type identifying one or more channel attributes, the channel attributes including at least one of the following: Doppler shift; Doppler extension; Average delay; Delayed expansion; or Space receiver parameters.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the QCL information includes one or more features of the first signal, the features including: frequency band; Component carrier; Bandwidth portion identifier (ID); Beamforming information; or Mobility information.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first operation is the communication operation and the second operation is the sensing operation.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first operation is the sensing operation, the second operation is the communication operation, and the second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, and the signal generation parameters include at least one of the following: a sensed signal waveform, or a sensed sequence configuration.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the service signal includes either a data signal or a control signal.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the reference signal includes one of a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the reference signal comprises one of the following: Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS); Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Detection Reference Signal (SRS); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB); Beam-based synchronization signals; Synchronization signals based on time indexes; Low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS); Low Power Wake-up Signal (LP-WUS); or Preamble signal.

26. The method of claim 17, wherein the signaling of sending the quasi-co-location (QCL) information comprises sending the QCL information via at least one of the following: Media Access Control (MAC), Control Unit (CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

27. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The network device sends the first signal corresponding to the first operation; as well as The network device sends a second signal corresponding to the second operation, wherein the first signal is sent before the second signal.

28. An apparatus comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the QCL information including a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation, the first operation being one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation being the other of the communication operation or the sensing operation; as well as Based on the QCL information, the second signal is received.

29. An apparatus comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Signaling is sent regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, which includes a QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a first operation and a second signal corresponding to a second operation, wherein the first operation is one of a communication operation or a sensing operation, and the second operation is the other of the communication operation or the sensing operation.

30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 17 to 27.

31. A chip comprising at least one processing circuit configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or claims 17 to 27.

32. A method comprising: The user equipment (UE) receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, which includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation. as well as The UE performs the reception of the second signal based on the QCL information.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: The UE receives the first signal corresponding to the communication operation, the first signal including one of the following: demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), or sounding reference signal (SRS). as well as Based on the QCL information, a measurement of the first signal is performed, wherein the measurement of the first signal includes at least one of the following: channel estimation, positioning measurement, or angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, wherein, Receiving the second signal based on the QCL information includes: receiving the second signal based on the measurement of the first signal being received.

34. A method comprising: The user equipment (UE) receives signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, which includes the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation. as well as The UE performs the reception of the second signal based on the QCL information.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the QCL information includes signal generation parameters, and the signal generation parameters include at least one of the following: a sensed signal waveform, or a sensed sequence configuration.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the second signal corresponding to the communication operation includes a service signal or a reference signal.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the service signal includes either a data signal or a control signal.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the reference signal comprises one of the following: a cell common reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, or a group common reference signal.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the reference signal comprises one of the following: Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS); Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Detection Reference Signal (SRS); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB); Beam-based synchronization signals; Synchronization signals based on time indexes; Low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS); Low Power Wake-up Signal (LP-WUS); or Preamble signal.

40. The method of claim 34, further comprising: The UE receives a first signal corresponding to the sensing operation, the first signal including either a sensing signal or a sensing reference signal; as well as The measurement of the first signal is performed based on the QCL information, and the measurement of the first signal includes at least one of the following: Doppler estimation, velocity detection, ranging measurement, transmission delay, or angle of arrival (AoA) measurement, wherein, Receiving the second signal based on the QCL information includes: receiving the second signal based on the measurement of the first signal being received.

41. An apparatus comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the QCL information including the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a communication operation and a second signal corresponding to a sensing operation; as well as Based on the QCL information, the second signal is received.

42. An apparatus comprising: One or more processors, said one or more processors being configured to: Receive signaling regarding quasi-co-location (QCL) information, the QCL information including the QCL relationship between a first signal corresponding to a sensing operation and a second signal corresponding to a communication operation; as well as Based on the QCL information, the second signal is received.

43. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 32 to 34 or 35 to 40.

44. A chip comprising at least one processing circuit configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 32 to 34 or 35 to 40.

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