Scheduling of sensing and communication operations

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to scheduling of sensing operations and / or communication operations. In one aspect, a first device transmits a first level DCI for indicating that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation is to be scheduled. Further, the first device transmits a second level DCI for scheduling at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation. In this manner, scheduling of sensing operations and / or communication operations may be simplified. In addition, overhead of sensing operations and communication operations may be reduced.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 587,749, filed on October 4, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of communications, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for scheduling sensing operations and communication operations. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of communication technologies, future wireless networks (such as 6G networks) may support an important feature: integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Communication operations are used to provide the transmission of data or control information between user equipment (UE) and the network (e.g., base stations), between UEs, and / or between base stations. Sensing operations are used to provide measurements via sensing signals, and these measurements may include estimates of the distance, range, size, and / or orientation of UEs or target objects. Communication signals and sensing signals may be the same or different in terms of, for example, carrier frequency band, component carriers, signal bandwidth, or signal waveform. However, various technologies associated with sensing and / or communication operations may require further improvement or optimization to enhance sensing performance, communication performance, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Overall, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a scheme for scheduling sensing operations and / or communication operations.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting first-level downlink control information (DCI), the first-level DCI indicating at least one of sensing operations or communication operations to be scheduled; and transmitting second-level DCI, the second-level DCI used to schedule at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing operations and / or communication operations is simplified. Therefore, the overhead of sensing operations and / or communication operations is reduced.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for at least one of sensing or communication operations: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation for the second-level DCI; time resource allocation for the second-level DCI; indication of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the control resource set (CORESET) carrying the second-level DCI; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in the sensing operation; set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; demodulation reference signal (DMRS) mode for communication operations; sensing signal waveform for sensing operations; sensing sequence configuration; DCI format for the second-level DCI; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; modulation and coding scheme. Scheme (MCS); an indicator in the MCS table; an indication of one of the sensing or communication operations, to perform rate matching of one of the sensing or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the two operations; or an indication of at least one quasi-co-located (QCLed) reference signal (RS). In this way, it is possible to indicate which operation(s) should be scheduled.

[0007] In some embodiments, two or more bits may be used to indicate at least one of the sensing or communication operations to be scheduled. In this way, two or more bits may be used to indicate which operation(s) should be scheduled.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first combination of two or more bits may indicate a sensing operation to be scheduled, a second combination of two or more bits may indicate a communication operation to be scheduled, and a third combination of two or more bits may indicate both the sensing operation and the communication operation to be scheduled. In this way, at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation to be scheduled can be indicated by two or more bits.

[0009] In some embodiments, other combinations of two or more bits indicate at least one of the following: system information update; warning type; message skip notification; priority indication for resource use of at least one of sensing or communication operations; indication of a quasi-co-location reference signal; transceiver type indication; transceiver type switching indication; activation indication for configured or reserved resource use; or deactivation indication for configured or reserved resource use. In this way, two or more additional bits can be used to indicate specific signaling or notifications.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one sensing type may include at least one of the following: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and a receiver in a user equipment (UE); bistatic sensing between a UE and a base station (BS) or between UEs; bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and UEs; or multistatic sensing, including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from more than two participating nodes. In this way, the first-level DCI can indicate different sensing types.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in the sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; DMRS mode for the communication operation; sensing signal waveform for the sensing operation; sensing sequence configuration; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS; indicator of the MCS table; indication for one of the sensing operations or communication operations, to perform rate matching for one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation; indication for at least one QCLedRS; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; hybrid automatic repeat request (HAR). The request (HARQ) process identifier (identity, ID); new data indicator; indication of need for more sensing operations; at least one redundant version for communication; at least one repeatable sensing resource and mode; at least one area ID; communication range requirement; sensing range requirement; priority of resource usage for one of the sensing or communication operations in the event of resource usage conflicts between sensing and communication operations; rate matching for one of the sensing or communication operations; request for channel state information (CSI) reporting; or broadcast type. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing or communication operations.

[0012] In some embodiments, the broadcast type may include at least one of the following: unicast, multicast, or broadcast. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different broadcast types.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sensing operation can be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI can include at least one of the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. In this way, the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID can be provided for the sidelink sensing operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI can indicate both sensing and communication operations to be scheduled, and the sensing and communication operations are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. In this way, downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) synchronization and time-advanced (TA) adjustments can be performed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be carried by two control channels, and the two control channels can be located in the same core set or in two different core sets. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be carried flexibly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be multiplexed in a variety of ways.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI can be carried by a control channel, and the second-level DCI can be carried by a data channel. In this way, the second-level DCI can be carried in a variety of ways.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may include: sending configuration information indicating a set of configurations for at least one of sensing operations or communication operations, wherein a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations. This approach can reduce overhead.

[0019] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be sent via radio resource control (RRC) messages or medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be sent in a variety of ways.

[0020] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled; and receiving second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing and communication operations is simplified. Consequently, the overhead of sensing and communication operations is reduced.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for at least one of sensing or communication operations: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation for the second-level DCI; time resource allocation for the second-level DCI; indication of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the control resource set (CORESET) carrying the second-level DCI; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in sensing operations; set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; demodulation reference signal (DMRS) mode for communication operations; sensing signal waveform for sensing operations; sensing sequence configuration; DCI format of the second-level DCI; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; modulation and coding scheme. Scheme (MCS); an indicator in the MCS table; an indication of one of the sensing or communication operations, to perform rate matching of one of the sensing or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the two operations; or an indication of at least one quasi-co-located (QCLed) reference signal (RS). In this way, it is possible to indicate which operation(s) should be scheduled.

[0022] In some embodiments, two or more bits may be used to indicate at least one of the sensing or communication operations to be scheduled. In this way, two or more bits may be used to indicate which operation(s) should be scheduled.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first combination of two or more bits may indicate a sensing operation to be scheduled, a second combination of two or more bits may indicate a communication operation to be scheduled, and a third combination of two or more bits may indicate both the sensing operation and the communication operation to be scheduled. In this way, at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation to be scheduled can be indicated using two or more bits.

[0024] In some embodiments, other combinations of two or more bits may indicate at least one of the following: system information update; warning type; message skip notification; priority indication for resource use in at least one of sensing or communication operations; indication of a quasi-co-location reference signal; transceiver type indication; transceiver type switching indication; activation indication for configured or reserved resource use; or deactivation indication for configured or reserved resource use. In this way, additional two or more bits may be used to indicate specific signaling or notifications.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one sensing type may include at least one of the following: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and a receiver in a user equipment (UE); bistatic sensing between a UE and a base station (BS), or between UEs; bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and UEs; or multistatic sensing, including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from more than two participating nodes. In this way, the first-level DCI can indicate different sensing types.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmit or receive direction in the sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; DMRS mode for the communication operation; sensing signal waveform for the sensing operation; sensing sequence configuration; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS; indicator of the MCS table; indication for one of the sensing operation or communication operation, to perform rate matching for one of the sensing operation or communication operation in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation; indication for at least one QCLedRS; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; hybrid automatic repeat request (HAR). The request (HARQ) process identifier (identity, ID); new data indicator; indication of need for more sensing operations; at least one redundant version for communication; at least one repeatable sensing resource and mode; at least one area ID; communication range requirement; sensing range requirement; priority of resource usage for one of the sensing or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between sensing and communication operations; rate matching for one of the sensing or communication operations; request for channel state information (CSI) reporting; or broadcast type. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing or communication operations.

[0027] In some embodiments, the broadcast type may include at least one of the following: unicast, multicast, or broadcast. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different broadcast types.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sensing operation can be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may further include at least one of the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. In this way, the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID can be provided for the sidelink sensing operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI can instruct both sensing and communication operations to be scheduled, and that the sensing and communication operations are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. In this way, downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) synchronization and time-advanced (TA) adjustments can be performed.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be carried by two control channels, which can be located in the same core set or in two different core sets. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be carried flexibly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be multiplexed in a variety of ways.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI can be carried by a control channel, and the second-level DCI can be carried by a data channel. In this way, the second-level DCI can be carried in a variety of ways.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method may include: receiving configuration information indicating a set of configurations for at least one of sensing operations or communication operations, wherein a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations. In this manner, overhead can be reduced.

[0034] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be received via radio resource control (RRC) messages or a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be received in a variety of ways.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method may include, after receiving a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI, performing at least one of the following: communicating with a BS; communicating with at least one other UE; performing monostatic sensing in an indicated transmission or reception direction; performing bistatic sensing between a UE and a BS, or between two UEs; performing bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmission or reception direction; performing multistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing receiver ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI. In this manner, sensing operations or communication operations may be scheduled based on the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI.

[0036] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates sensing and communication operations to be scheduled; and sending second-level DCI, which is used to schedule the sensing and communication operations. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing and communication operations is simplified. Consequently, the overhead of sensing and communication operations is reduced.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI may further include the DCI format of the second-level DCI. In this way, the DCI format of the second-level DCI can be indicated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for sensing operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; sensing signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; at least one bandwidth portion; or at least one sensing type. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing operations.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one sensing type may include at least one of the following: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and a receiver in a user equipment (UE); bistatic sensing between a UE and a base station (BS) or between UEs; bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and UEs; or multistatic sensing, including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from more than two participating nodes. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different sensing types.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for communication operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; or at least one bandwidth portion. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for communication operations.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sensing operation can be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI can include at least one of the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. In this way, the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID can be provided for the sidelink sensing operation.

[0042] In some embodiments, one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may further include at least one of the following: an indication of one of the sensing operations or communication operations, to perform rate matching on one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and communication operations; a priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and communication operations; an indication of at least one quasi-co-located (QCLed) reference signal (RS); a configuration of separate beams or shared beams; or a configuration of separate antennas. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can flexibly carry additional information.

[0043] In some embodiments, sensing and communication operations can be aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. In this way, downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) synchronization and time-advanced (TA) adjustments can be performed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be multiplexed in a variety of ways.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method may include: sending configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations and communication operations, wherein a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for sensing operations and communication operations. This reduces overhead.

[0046] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be sent via radio resource control (RRC) messages or medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be sent in a variety of ways.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates sensing and communication operations to be scheduled; and receiving second-level DCI, which is used to schedule the sensing and communication operations. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing and communication operations is simplified. Consequently, the overhead of sensing and communication operations is reduced.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI may further include the DCI format of the second-level DCI. In this way, the DCI format of the second-level DCI can be indicated.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for sensing operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; sensing signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; at least one bandwidth portion; or at least one sensing type. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing operations.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least one sensing type may include at least one of the following: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and a receiver in a user equipment (UE); bistatic sensing between a UE and a base station (BS) or between UEs; bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and UEs; or multistatic sensing, including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from more than two participating nodes. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different sensing types.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for communication operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; or at least one bandwidth portion. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for communication operations.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sensing operation can be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI can include at least one of the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. In this way, the sensing source ID or the sensing target ID can be provided for the sidelink sensing operation.

[0053] In some embodiments, one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may further include at least one of the following: an instruction for one of the sensing operations or communication operations to perform rate matching in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; a priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; an instruction for at least one quasi-co-located (QCLed) reference signal (RS); a configuration of separate beams or shared beams; or a configuration of separate antennas. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can flexibly carry additional information.

[0054] In some embodiments, sensing and communication operations can be aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. In this way, downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) synchronization and time-advanced (TA) adjustments can be performed.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains. In this way, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be multiplexed in a variety of ways.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method may include: receiving configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations and communication operations, wherein a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for sensing operations and communication operations. This approach can reduce overhead.

[0057] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be received via radio resource control (RRC) messages or a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be sent in a variety of ways.

[0058] In some embodiments, the method may further include: after receiving the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI, performing at least one of the following: communicating with the BS; communicating with at least one other UE; performing monostatic sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; performing bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS or between the UEs; performing bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; performing multistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or the sensing receiver ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI. In this manner, sensing operations or communication operations can be scheduled based on the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI.

[0059] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations; and sending dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules the sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set used for the sensing operations. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing operations is simplified, thereby reducing the overhead of sensing operations.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may include at least one of the following: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; sensing signal waveform; sensing sequence configuration; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS; indicator of the MCS table; indication for at least one QCLed RS; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process identity (ID); new data; indication that more sensing operations are needed; at least one redundant version for repeatable sensing resources; at least one mode for repeatable sensing resources; at least one area ID; at least one range requirement; request for channel state information (CSI) reporting; or broadcast type. In this way, the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing operations can be indicated.

[0061] In some embodiments, the broadcast type may include at least one of the following: unicast, multicast, or broadcast. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different broadcast types.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one configuration can indicate the sensing timing, which includes at least one sensing waveform, at least one time-frequency resource region, at least one carrier frequency, at least one bandwidth part (BWP), at least one time-frequency hopping pattern, and at least one subcarrier spacing. In this way, DCI signaling for sensing operations can be simplified.

[0063] In some embodiments, the multiple time-frequency modes in the sensing timing can differ in terms of time-frequency resources and transition modes. In this way, time-frequency resources and transition modes can be flexibly configured.

[0064] In some embodiments, time-frequency resources and transition patterns can be indexed. This reduces overhead.

[0065] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may indicate at least one of the following: the time point at which sensing begins; at least one time-frequency resource to be used, the at least one time-frequency resource being indexed using at least one resource index; at least one transition mode to be used, the at least one transition mode being indexed using at least one transition mode index; at least one carrier frequency band; or at least one component carrier. In this way, DCI signaling for sensing operations can be simplified.

[0066] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be received via radio resource control (RRC) messages or a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be received in a variety of ways.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations; receiving dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules the sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations; and performing the sensing operations based on the dedicated DCI. Therefore, the scheduling of sensing operations is simplified, thereby reducing the overhead of the sensing operations.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may include at least one of the following: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; sensing signal waveform; sensing sequence configuration; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS; indicator of the MCS table; indication for at least one QCLed RS; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process identity (ID); new data; indication that more sensing operations are needed; at least one redundant version for repeatable sensing resources; at least one mode for repeatable sensing resources; at least one area ID; at least one range requirement; request for channel state information (CSI) reporting; or broadcast type. In this way, the configuration of time-frequency resources and associated parameters for sensing operations can be indicated.

[0069] In some embodiments, the broadcast type includes at least one of the following: unicast, multicast, or broadcast. In this way, the second-level DCI can indicate different broadcast types.

[0070] In some embodiments, at least one configuration can indicate the sensing timing, which includes at least one sensing waveform, at least one time-frequency resource region, at least one carrier frequency, at least one bandwidth part (BWP), at least one time-frequency hopping pattern, and at least one subcarrier spacing. In this way, DCI signaling for sensing operations can be simplified.

[0071] In some embodiments, the multiple time-frequency modes in the sensing timing can differ in terms of time-frequency resources and transition modes. In this way, time-frequency resources and transition modes can be flexibly configured.

[0072] In some embodiments, time-frequency resources and transition patterns can be indexed. This reduces overhead.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may indicate at least one of the following: the time point at which sensing begins; at least one time-frequency resource to be used, the at least one time-frequency resource being indexed using at least one resource index; at least one transition mode to be used, the at least one transition mode being indexed using at least one transition mode index; at least one carrier frequency band; or at least one component carrier. In this way, DCI signaling for sensing operations can be simplified.

[0074] In some embodiments, the configuration set can be received via radio resource control (RRC) messages or a medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE). In this way, the configuration set can be received in a variety of ways.

[0075] In some embodiments, performing a sensing operation may include: performing monostatic sensing in an indicated transmit or receive direction; performing bistatic sensing between a UE and a BS or between UEs; performing bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmit or receive direction; and performing multistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmit or receive direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing receiver ID may be included in a dedicated DCI. In this manner, sensing operations can be scheduled based on a dedicated DCI.

[0076] In a seventh aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: transmit first-level downlink control information (DCI), the first-level DCI indicating at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation to be scheduled; and transmit second-level DCI for scheduling at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

[0077] In an eighth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), the first-level DCI indicating that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled; and receive second-level DCI, the second-level DCI being used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

[0078] In a ninth aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: transmit first-level downlink control information (DCI), the first-level DCI indicating sensing operations and communication operations to be scheduled; and transmit second-level DCI, the second-level DCI used to schedule sensing operations and communication operations.

[0079] In a tenth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates sensing operations and communication operations to be scheduled; and receive second-level DCI, which is used to schedule the sensing operations and communication operations.

[0080] In an eleventh aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: transmit configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations; and transmit dedicated downlink control information (DCI) that schedules the sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations.

[0081] In a twelfth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: receive configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations; receive dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules the sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration in the configuration set for the sensing operations; and perform the sensing operations based on the dedicated DCI.

[0082] In a thirteenth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, comprising a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the first or sixth aspects.

[0083] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided, including at least one processing circuit for performing the method according to any one of the first or sixth aspects.

[0084] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that can be 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 or sixth aspects.

[0085] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A An exemplary communication system is shown that can implement exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figure 1B An exemplary communication system is shown that can implement exemplary embodiments of the present invention; Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices (EDs) and base stations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 1D Examples of units or modules in a device related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 1E Examples of sensing management functions (SMFs) related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 1F Examples of sensing and communication operations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 2A An exemplary signaling diagram of an exemplary process according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 2B Another exemplary signaling diagram of an exemplary process according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 2C Another exemplary signaling diagram of an exemplary process according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 An example of a two-level DCI for sensing operations according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 An example of a two-level DCI for communication operations according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 An example of a two-level DCI for sensing and communication operations is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 Examples of dedicated DCI signaling for sensing operations according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown; Figure 7 A flowchart of a method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A flowchart of a method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A flowchart of a method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 10 A flowchart of a method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 11 A flowchart of a method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 12 A flowchart of a method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 13 This is a block diagram of a device that can be used to implement some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The principles of the invention will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described merely to illustrate and assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the invention, and do not impose any limitations on the scope of the invention. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0089] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those known to a person skilled in the art.

[0090] References to "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc., in this invention indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is assumed that, whether explicitly described or not, the influence of such feature, structure, or characteristic on other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0091] It should be understood that while terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only 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 items.

[0092] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “described” as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “having,” and / or “including,” as used herein, specify the presence of said features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0093] Figure 1A An exemplary communication system 100A is shown, which can implement exemplary embodiments of the present invention. (See reference...) Figure 1A This simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided as an illustrative example, but not a limitation. Communication system 100A includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 can be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, 6G or later) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more communication electronic devices (EDs) 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j (generally referred to as 110) can be interconnected with each other or connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170) in radio access network 120. Core network 130 can be part of the communication system and can depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100A. Furthermore, communication system 100A includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0094] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system is shown that can implement exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Typically, communication system 100B enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of communication system 100B may be to provide content such as voice, data, video, signaling, and / or text via broadcast, multicast, and unicast. Communication system 100B can operate by sharing resources (e.g., carrier spectrum bandwidth) among its constituent components. Communication system 100B may include terrestrial communication systems and / or non-terrestrial communication systems. Communication system 100B can provide a wide range of communication services and applications (e.g., earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.). Communication system 100B can provide high availability and robustness through the joint operation of terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems. For example, integrating a non-terrestrial communication system (or components thereof) into a terrestrial communication system can realize a heterogeneous network comprising multiple layers. 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.

[0095] Terrestrial communication systems can also be called land-based or ground-based communication systems, but they can also be implemented on or under water. Non-terrestrial communication systems can extend the coverage of cellular networks through non-terrestrial nodes, thereby filling coverage gaps in underserved areas. This is crucial for ensuring seamless global coverage and providing mobile broadband services to areas with no or insufficient service, as it is nearly impossible to implement terrestrial access point / base station infrastructure in oceans, mountains, forests, or other remote areas.

[0096] 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 accommodate some traditional wireless technologies (e.g., 3G or 4G). Non-terrestrial communication systems can be communications using satellite constellations, such as traditional geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites that broadcast public / popular content to local servers; low earth orbit (LEO) satellites that strike a better balance between wide coverage and propagation path loss / latency; technologies that stabilize satellites in very low earth orbit (VLEO) to significantly reduce the cost of launching satellites into lower orbits; high altitude platforms (HAPs) that provide low path loss air interfaces for users with limited power budgets; or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (or unmanned aerial systems (UAS)) that can be densely deployed because their coverage can be limited to local areas, such as airborne equipment, balloons, quadcopters, drones, etc. In some examples, GEO satellites, LEO satellites, UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs can be horizontal and two-dimensional. In some examples, UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs are coupled to integrate satellite communications into cellular networks. Emerging 3D vertical networks consist of numerous mobile (unlike geostationary satellites) and high-altitude access points (such as UAVs, HAPs, and VLEOs).

[0097] Terrestrial communication systems and non-terrestrial communication systems can be considered subsystems of a communication system. Figure 1BIn the example shown, communication system 100B includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d (generally referred to as ED 110), radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a non-terrestrial communication network 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. RANs 120a and 120b include corresponding base stations (BSs) 170a and 170b, which may generally be referred to as terrestrial transmit and receive points (T-TRPs) 170a and 170b. The non-terrestrial communication network 120c includes access nodes 172, which may generally be referred to as non-terrestrial transmit and receive points (NT-TRPs) 172 or sensing agents 172.

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, any ED 110 can be used to connect, access, or communicate with any T-TRP 170a and 170b and NT-TRP 172, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof. In some examples, ED 110a can perform uplink and / or downlink transmission with T-TRP 170a via terrestrial air interface 190a. In some examples, ED 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can also communicate directly with each other via one or more sidelink air interfaces 190b. In some examples, ED 110d can perform uplink and / or downlink transmission with NT-TRP 172 via non-terrestrial air interface 190c.

[0099] Air interfaces 190a and 190b can use similar communication technologies, such as any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100B can implement one or more channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190b, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), direct Fourier transform spread OFDMA (DFT-OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). Air interfaces 190a and 190b can utilize other high-dimensional signal spaces, which may involve combinations of orthogonal and / or non-orthogonal dimensions.

[0100] The 190c air interface enables communication between the ED 110d and one or more NT-TRP 172s via a wireless link, or simply a link. For some examples, a link is a dedicated connection for unicast transmission, a connection for broadcast transmission, or a connection for multicast transmission between a group of ED 110s and one or more NT-TRP 172s.

[0101] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c. RANs 120a and 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RANs 120a, RAN 120b, or both. Core network 130 may also act as a gateway access between (i) RANs 120a and 120b and / or EDs 110a, 110b, and 110c, and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, Sensing Agent 172, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of ED 110a, 110b, and 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or other than wireless communication), ED 110a, 110b, and 110c may also communicate with service providers or exchanges (not shown) via wired communication channels and with the Internet 150. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computers and subnets (intranets) or both, incorporating protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). ED 110a, 110b, and 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0102] Any or all of ED 110 and BS 170 can be sensing nodes in system 100B. A sensing node is a network entity that performs sensing by sending and receiving sensing signals. Some sensing nodes are communication devices that perform both communication and sensing. However, some sensing nodes may not perform communication but are dedicated solely to sensing. A sensing agent is an example of a sensing node dedicated solely to sensing. Unlike ED 110 and BS 170, a sensing agent does not send or receive communication signals. However, a sensing agent can transmit configuration information, sensing information, signaling information, or other information within communication system 100B. The sensing agent can communicate with core network 130 to communicate with the remaining devices in communication system 100B. For example, a sensing agent can determine the location of ED 110a and send that information to base station 170a via core network 130. Although the sensing agent... Figure 1B The sensing agents are not shown, but any number can be implemented in the communication system 100B. In some embodiments, one or more sensing agents can be implemented at one or more RAN 120s.

[0103] Figure 1C Examples of electronic devices (EDs) and base stations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figure 1C As shown, another example of an ED 110 and base stations 170a, 170b, and / or 170c is provided. 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 communications (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), metaverse, digital twins, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0104] Each ED 110 represents any end-user equipment suitable for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as): user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics device, smartbook, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, such as watch, head-mounted device, wearable device such as a pair of glasses, industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned devices (e.g., communication modules, modems, or chips), etc. Future generations of ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Each base station 170a and 170b is a T-TRP, hereinafter referred to as T-TRP 170. Figure 1C As also shown, NT-TRP will be referred to as NT-TRP 172 below. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically turned on (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), turned off (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of the availability and necessity of the connection.

[0105] ED 110 includes a transmitter 111 and a receiver 113 coupled to one or more antennas 104. Only one antenna 104 is shown in the figure. One, some, or all of the antennas 104 may also be panels. For example, the transmitter 111 and receiver 113 may be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver may be integrated into a processor (e.g., processor 117). The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 104 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received through at least one antenna 104. 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 104 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0106] ED 110 includes at least one memory 115. Memory 115 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 115 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by one or more processing units (e.g., processor 117). Each memory 115 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, on-processor cache, etc.

[0107] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., connected to...). Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Wired interface of Internet 150 in the network). Input / output devices support interaction with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from the user, such as operation via speakers, microphones, keypads, keyboards, displays, or touchscreens, including network interface communication.

[0108] ED 110 includes a processor 117 for performing operations, including operations related to preparing uplink transmissions to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. According to an embodiment, downlink transmissions may be received by receiver 113, possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 117 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (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 117 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction indications (e.g., beam angle information (BAI)) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 117 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and acquiring system information. In some embodiments, processor 117 may perform channel estimation using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170.

[0109] Although not shown, processor 117 may form part of transmitter 111 and / or receiver 113. Although not shown, memory 115 may form part of processor 117.

[0110] The processing components of processor 117, transmitter 111, and receiver 113 may be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 115). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 117, transmitter 111, and receiver 113 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmable field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0111] The T-TRP 170 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as base station, base-transceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network device, network-side device, transmit / receive node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network device, ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. The T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, pico BS, relay node, host node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device or a component of the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip).

[0112] In some embodiments, the portions of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located remotely from the device housing the antenna 256 of T-TRP 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna 256 via a communication link (not shown) sometimes referred to as a fronthaul (such as a common public radio interface (CPRI)). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as determining the location of ED 110, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding; these modules are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna 256 of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs operating together to provide services such as coordinated multicast to ED 110.

[0113] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 181 and at least one receiver 183 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown in the figure. One, some, or all of the antennas 256 may also be panels. Transmitter 181 and receiver 183 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 182 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., multiple input multiple output (MIMO) precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to transmissions received in the uplink or via backhaul may include receiving beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. Processor 182 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, processor 182 also generates beam direction indications, such as BAI, that can be scheduled for transmission by scheduler 184. Processor 182 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110, determining the deployment location of NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, processor 182 may generate signaling, such as one or more parameters for configuring ED 110 and / or one or more parameters for NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 182 is transmitted by transmitter 181. It should be noted that the term "signaling" used herein may also 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).

[0114] Scheduler 184 may be coupled to processor 182. Scheduler 184 may be included within T-TRP 170 or may operate separately from T-TRP 170. Scheduler 184 may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling authorizations and / or configuring schedule-free (“configuration authorization”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 185 for storing information and data. Memory 185 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 185 may store software instructions or modules executed by processor 182 for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein.

[0115] Although not shown, processor 182 may form part of transmitter 181 and / or receiver 183. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 182 may implement scheduler 184. Although not shown, memory 185 may form part of processor 182.

[0116] The processing components of processor 182, scheduler 184, transmitter 181, and receiver 183 may be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 185). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 182, scheduler 184, transmitter 181, and receiver 183 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry (e.g., FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC).

[0117] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as an example of a drone only, it can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form, such as an aerial platform, satellite, or other aerial platforms like international mobile communication base stations and unmanned aerial vehicles, which will be discussed below. Furthermore, the NT-TRP 172 may be known 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 186 and a receiver 187 coupled to one or more antennas 108. Only one antenna 108 is shown in the figure. One, some, or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 186 and receiver 187 may be integrated into a transceiver. NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 188 for performing operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from T-TRP 170 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 transmissions received in the uplink link or via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulating received symbols, and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, processor 188 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 188 may generate signaling, such as for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but not higher-level functions such as those at the medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layers. Since this is only an example, more generally, the NT-TRP 172 can implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0118] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 189 for storing information and data. Although not shown, a processor 188 may form part of a transmitter 186 and / or a receiver 187. Although not shown, the memory 189 may form part of the processor 188.

[0119] The processing components of processor 188, transmitter 186, and receiver 187 may be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 189). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 188, transmitter 186, and receiver 187 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry (e.g., a programmable FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC). In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 may actually be multiple NT-TRPs operating together to coordinate services such as multicast transmission ED 110.

[0120] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but for clarity these components are omitted.

[0121] Figure 1D Examples of units or modules in a device related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. One or more steps of the methods of the various embodiments provided herein can be derived from... Figure 1D The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 1D The diagram illustrates units or modules within a device, such as in ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172. For example, signals may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals may be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals may be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps may be performed by 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 the units or modules may be integrated circuits, such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, CPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented, for example, using software executed by a processor, then these modules may be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, in one or more instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0122] Additional 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.

[0123] Sensing nodes can combine sensing-based and reference signal-based techniques to enhance UE attitude determination. This type of sensing node can also be called a sensing management function (SMF). In some networks, the SMF can also be called a location management function (LMF). The SMF can be implemented as a physically independent entity located at core network 130 and connected to multiple BSs 170. In other aspects of this application, the SMF can be implemented as a logical entity commonly located within BS 170 by logic executed by processor 182. Figure 1E Examples of sensing management functions (SMFs) related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0124] like Figure 1E As shown, when implemented as a physically independent entity, the SMF 176 includes at least one processor 194, at least one transmitter 192, at least one receiver 196, one or more antennas 195, and at least one memory 199. Transmitters 192 and receivers 196 may be replaced by transceivers (not shown). A scheduler 198 may be coupled to the processor 194. The scheduler 198 may be included within the SMF 176 or may operate separately from the SMF 176. The processor 194 implements various processing operations of the SMF 176, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions. The processor 194 may also be configured to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments detailed above. Each processor 194 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. For example, each processor 194 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0125] Attitude determination techniques based on reference signals belong to the "active" attitude estimation paradigm. In this paradigm, the user (UE) that queries attitude information participates in the process of determining the UE's attitude. The UE can send or receive (or both) signals related to the attitude determination process. Positioning techniques based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (such as Global Positioning System (GPS)) are other examples of the active attitude estimation paradigm.

[0126] In contrast, sensing technologies (such as radar-based ones) can be considered a “passive” attitude determination paradigm. In the passive attitude determination paradigm, the target is insensitive to the attitude determination process.

[0127] 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 techniques and reference signal-based techniques can produce enhanced attitude determination.

[0128] For example, enhanced attitude determination can include acquiring UE channel subspace information, which is particularly useful for UE channel reconstruction at the sensing node, especially for beam-based operations and communications. The UE channel subspace is a subset of the entire algebraic space defined in the spatial domain, encompassing the entire channel from the TP to the UE. Therefore, the UE channel subspace defines the TP-UE channel with very high accuracy. The contribution of signals transmitted in other subspaces to the UE channel is negligible. Understanding the UE channel subspace helps reduce the workload required for channel measurement at the UE and channel reconstruction on the network side. Therefore, the combination of sensing-based and reference signal-based techniques can achieve UE channel reconstruction with less overhead compared to traditional methods. Subspace information can also facilitate subspace-based sensing to reduce sensing complexity and improve sensing accuracy.

[0129] In some embodiments of integrated sensing, the same radio access technology (RAT) is used for both sensing and communication. This avoids the need to multiplex two different RATs under a single carrier spectrum, or to use two different carrier spectrums for two different RATs.

[0130] In one embodiment of RAT-based sensing integration, a first channel set can be used to transmit sensing signals, and a second channel set can be used to transmit communication signals. In some embodiments, each channel in the first channel set and each channel in the second channel set is a logical channel, a transport channel, or a physical channel.

[0131] At the physical layer, communication and sensing can be performed via separate 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.

[0132] 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 the control channels(s) and data channels(s) used for sensing can have the same or different channel structures (formats) and occupy the same or different frequency bands or bandwidth portions.

[0133] In 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 separate 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.

[0134] At each of the physical, transport, and logical layers, different combinations of shared and dedicated channels can be used for sensing and communication.

[0135] The term RADAR originates from the word "radio detection and ranging"; however, expressions with different capitalizations (i.e., "Radar" and "radar") are equally valid and are now more common. Radar is typically used to detect the presence and location of objects. A radar system radiates radio frequency energy and receives the echoes of energy reflected from one or more targets. The system determines the attitude of a given target based on the echoes returning from that target. The radiated energy can be in the form of energy pulses or continuous waves, which can be represented or defined using specific waveforms. Examples of waveforms used in radar include frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) waveforms and ultra-wideband (UWB) waveforms.

[0136] Radar systems can be monostatic, bistatic, or multistatic. In a monostatic radar system, the radar transmitter and receiver are located in the same location, for example, integrated into a transceiver. In a bistatic radar system, the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated, with the separation distance being equivalent 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 distinct but share a common coverage area. Multistatic radar is also known as multisite or mesh radar.

[0137] Ground-based radar applications face challenges such as multipath propagation and shadowing impairment. Another challenge is identification capability, as ground targets share similar physical properties. Integrating sensing into communication systems is likely to encounter these same challenges, or even more.

[0138] 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 defining waveforms, frame structures, multiple access schemes, protocols, coding schemes, and / or modulation schemes for transmitting information (e.g., data) over a wireless communication link. A wireless communication link 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 link"), and / or wireless communication links may support links between a non-terrestrial (NT) communication network and user equipment (UE). Some examples of the aforementioned components are given below: The waveform component specifies the shape and form of the transmitted signal. Waveform options can include orthogonal multiple access (OFDM) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NMO) 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 peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) waveforms. The frame structure component specifies the configuration of frames or frame groups. The frame structure component can indicate one or more of the following parameters for a frame or frame group: time, frequency, pilot signature, code, or other parameters. Further details on frame structure are discussed below.

[0139] Multiple access scheme components can specify multiple access technology options, including technologies that define how communication devices share the common physical channel, such as: time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), low density signature multicarrier code division multiple access (LDS-MC-CDMA), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), pattern division multiple access (PDMA), lattice partition multiple access (LPMA), resource spread multiple access (RSMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA). In addition, multiple access technology options may include: scheduled access and unscheduled access, also known as unlicensed access; non-orthogonal multiple access and orthogonal multiple access, for example, via 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.

[0140] The Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocol component can specify how transmissions and / or retransmissions are performed. Non-limiting examples of transmission and / or retransmission mechanism options include mechanisms for specifying the size of the scheduled data pipeline, signaling mechanisms for transmission and / or retransmission, and retransmission mechanisms.

[0141] The coding and modulation components specify how the transmitted information is encoded / decoded and modulated / demodulated for transmission / reception. Encoding can refer to methods of error detection and forward error correction. Non-limiting examples of coding options include turbo lattice codes, turbo product codes, fountain codes, low-density parity-check codes, and polar codes. Modulation can simply refer to constellations (including, for example, modulation techniques and orders), or more specifically, to various types of advanced modulation methods such as layered modulation and low PAPR modulation.

[0142] In some embodiments, the air interface can be a "one-size-fits-all" concept. For example, once the air interface is defined, the components within it cannot be changed or adapted. In some implementations, only a limited number 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 uniform or flexible framework to support frequencies below 6 GHz and frequencies above 6 GHz (e.g., millimeter wave) for both licensed and unlicensed access. For example, the flexibility of a configurable air interface provided by a scalable set of parameters and symbol durations can allow for transmission parameter optimization for different spectrum bands and different services / devices. As another example, a uniform air interface can be self-contained in the frequency domain, and a frequency-domain self-contained design can support more flexible radio access network (RAN) slicing by sharing channel resources between different services in both frequency and time.

[0143] A frame structure is a feature of the physical layer of wireless communication that defines the structure of time-domain signal transmission. For example, it allows for timing references and timing adjustments of basic time-domain transmission units. Wireless communication between devices can occur on time-frequency resources controlled by the frame structure. A frame structure is sometimes also referred to as a wireless frame structure.

[0144] Depending on the frame structure and / or the frame configuration within the frame structure, frequency division duplex (FDD) and / or time division duplex (TDD) and / or full duplex (FD) communication may be performed. FDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring on different frequency bands. TDD communication refers to transmissions in different directions (e.g., uplink and downlink) occurring within different durations. FD communication refers to transmission and reception occurring on the same time-frequency resources; that is, the device can simultaneously send and receive on the same frequency resources in time.

[0145] An example of a frame structure is the frame structure in Long-Term Evolution (LTE), which has the following specifications: each frame lasts for 10 ms; each frame has 10 subframes, each with a duration of 1 ms; each subframe includes two time slots, each with a duration of 0.5 ms; each time slot is used to transmit 7 OFDM symbols (assuming normal CP); each OFDM symbol has a symbol duration and a specific bandwidth (or partial bandwidth or bandwidth partition) related to the number of subcarriers and subcarrier spacing; the frame structure is based on OFDM waveform parameters such as subcarrier spacing and CP length (where CP has a fixed length or finite length option); in TDD, the handover interval between uplink and downlink links needs to be an integer multiple of the OFDM symbol duration.

[0146] Another example of a frame structure is the frame structure in New Radio (NR), which has the following specifications: it supports multiple subcarrier intervals, each corresponding to a specific parameter set; the frame structure depends on the parameter set, but in any case, the frame length is set to 10 ms, each frame consists of 10 subframes, each subframe being 1 ms long; time slots are defined as 14 OFDM symbols; the time slot length depends on the parameter set. For example, the NR frame structure with a normal CP 15 kHz subcarrier interval (“Parameter Set 1”) and the NR frame structure with a normal CP 30 kHz subcarrier interval (“Parameter Set 2”) are different. For the 15 kHz subcarrier interval, the time slot length is 1 ms; for the 30 kHz subcarrier interval, the time slot length is 0.5 ms. The NR frame structure may offer greater flexibility than the LTE frame structure.

[0147] Another example of a frame structure is the exemplary flexible frame structure, such as for 6G networks or later. In a flexible frame structure, a symbol block can be defined as a minimum time duration that can be scheduled within the flexible frame structure. A symbol block can be a transmission unit with optional redundancy portions (e.g., CP portions) and information portions (e.g., data portions). An OFDM symbol is an example of a symbol block. A symbol block can also be referred to as a symbol. Embodiments of flexible frame structures include various configurable parameters, such as frame length, subframe length, symbol block length, etc. A non-exhaustive list of possible configurable parameters in some embodiments of flexible frame structures includes: (1) Frame: The frame length is not limited to 10 ms and 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 transmit in different directions through different beamforming. The frame length can have more than one possible value and can be configured based on the application scenario. For example, autonomous vehicles may require relatively fast initial access, in which case the frame length for autonomous vehicle applications can be set to 5 ms. As another example, smart meters on a house may not require fast initial access, in which case the frame length for smart meter applications can be set to 20 ms.

[0148] (2) Subframe Duration: Depending on the implementation, subframes may be defined in a flexible frame structure or not. 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 may be configurable. For example, a subframe may be configured to have a length of 0.1 ms, 0.2 ms, 0.5 ms, 1 ms, 2 ms, or 5 ms, etc. In some embodiments, if subframes are not needed in a particular scenario, the subframe length may be defined to be the same as the frame length or may not be defined.

[0149] (3) Time Slot Configuration: Depending on the implementation, time slots may be defined in a flexible frame structure or not. In a frame where time slots are defined, the definition of the time slots (e.g., in terms of duration and / or number of symbol blocks) may 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 may be sent to the UEs in a broadcast channel or one or more common control channels. In other embodiments, the time slot configuration may be UE-specific, in which case the time slot configuration information may be sent in a UE-specific control channel. In some embodiments, time slot configuration signaling may be sent together with frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. In other embodiments, time slot configuration may be sent independently of frame configuration signaling and / or subframe configuration signaling. Typically, time slot configuration may be system-common, base station-common, UE group-common, or UE-specific.

[0150] (4) Subcarrier spacing (SCS): SCS is a parameter in a scalable set of parameters that can support SCS ranging from 15 kHz to 480 kHz. SCS can vary with the spectral frequency and / or maximum UE velocity to minimize the effects of Doppler shift and phase noise. In some examples, separate transmit and receive frames can exist, and the symbol SCS in the receive frame structure can be configured independently of the symbol SCS in the transmit frame structure. The SCS in the receive frame can differ from the SCS in the transmit frame. In some examples, the SCS of each transmit frame can be half the SCS of each receive frame. If the SCS differs between the receive and transmit frames, the difference does not necessarily need to be scaled by a factor of 2, for example, if the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) is used instead of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to achieve a more flexible symbol duration. Other examples of frame structures can be used with different SCS.

[0151] (5) Flexible transmission duration of the basic transmission unit: The basic transmission unit can be a symbol block (alternatively referred to as a symbol), which typically includes a redundant portion (referred to as a CP) and an information (e.g., data) portion, although in some embodiments, the CP can be omitted from the symbol block. The CP length can be flexible and configurable. The CP length can be fixed within a frame or flexible within a frame, and the CP length can change as a frame changes to another frame, or as a frame group changes to another frame group, or as a subframe changes to another subframe, or as a time slot changes to another time slot, or dynamically as a schedule changes to another schedule. 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 suit the available duration within a frame.

[0152] (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. There may be a gap between each uplink portion and the downlink portion, called a handover gap. The handover gap length (duration) can be configurable. The handover gap duration can be fixed within a frame or flexible within a frame. The handover gap duration can change as the frame changes to another frame, or as the frame group changes to another frame group, or as the subframe changes to another subframe, or as the time slot changes to another time slot, or dynamically as the scheduling changes to another scheduling.

[0153] Equipment such as base stations can provide coverage over a cell. Wireless communication with the equipment can take place on one or more carrier frequencies. These carrier frequencies are referred to as carriers. A carrier can also be called a component carrier (CC). A carrier can be characterized by its bandwidth and reference frequency (e.g., the center frequency, lowest frequency, or highest frequency of the carrier). Carriers can be on licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Alternatively, wireless communication with the equipment can take place on one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs). For example, a carrier can have one or more BWPs. More generally, wireless communication with the equipment can be conducted on a spectrum. A spectrum can include one or more carriers and / or one or more BWPs.

[0154] 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, which include sidelink transmit and receive resources.

[0155] A BWP is a set of continuous or discontinuous frequency subcarriers on a carrier, or a set of continuous or discontinuous frequency subcarriers on multiple carriers, or a set of discontinuous or continuous frequency subcarriers, which may have one or more carriers.

[0156] In some embodiments, a carrier may have one or more BWPs. For example, a carrier may have a bandwidth of 20 MHz and include one BWP, or a carrier may have a bandwidth of 80 MHz and include two adjacent consecutive BWPs, etc. In other embodiments, a BWP may have one or more carriers. For example, a BWP may have a bandwidth of 40 MHz and include two adjacent consecutive carriers, each with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In some embodiments, a BWP may include discontinuous spectrum resources consisting of discontinuous multiple carriers, wherein the first carrier in the discontinuous multiple carriers may be in the mmW band, the second carrier may be in a low-frequency band (such as 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. The resources belonging to a BWP on a carrier may be continuous or discontinuous. In some embodiments, a BWP has discontinuous spectrum resources on a carrier.

[0157] Wireless communication can be performed on a defined bandwidth. The defined bandwidth can be defined as the width of the frequency band, which extends from below the lower frequency limit to above the upper frequency limit.

[0158] The carrier, BWP, or occupied bandwidth can be dynamically signaled by network devices (e.g., in physical layer control signaling) (e.g., DCI), or semi-statically signaled (e.g., in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or in the medium access control (MAC) layer), or predefined based on the application scenario; or determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE, or can be fixed by, for example, standards.

[0159] In current networks, frame timing and synchronization are based on synchronization signals, such as the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS). It should be noted that known frame timing and synchronization strategies involve adding timestamps to frame boundaries, for example (xx0:yy0:zz), where xx0, yy0, and zz can represent time formats such as hours, minutes, and seconds, respectively.

[0160] It is anticipated that different applications and use cases in future networks may involve using frames, time slots, and symbols with different periods to meet different requirements, functions, and quality of service (QoS) types. Therefore, using frames with different periods to meet these applications may pose challenges to frame timing alignment between different frame structures. For example, consider frame timing alignment for TDD configurations between adjacent carrier bands or sub-bands (or portions of bandwidth) of a channel / carrier bandwidth.

[0161] This invention generally relates to mobile wireless communications, and in certain embodiments, to frame timing alignment / realignment, wherein frame timing alignment / realignment may include timing alignment / realignment with respect to the boundaries of symbols, time slots, or subframes within a frame; or frames (therefore, frame timing alignment / realignment here is more general and not limited to the case where timing alignment / realignment comes only from frame boundaries). Furthermore, in this application, timing relative to a frame or frame boundary should be interpreted in a more general sense, i.e., a frame boundary means the timing point of a frame element within a frame, such as the timing point of a symbol, time slot, or subframe (the start or end) within a frame or the timing point of a frame. In the following, the phrases "(frame) timing alignment or timing realignment" and "timing relative to a frame boundary" are used in the more general sense described above.

[0162] In summary, aspects of this application relate to network devices, such as base station 170, hereinafter referred to as TRP 170, that transmit signaling carrying a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message includes information allowing receiving UE 110 to determine a timing reference point. Based on the timing reference point, frame transmissions of UE 110 can be aligned. In some aspects of this application, the aligned frames reside in different subbands of a carrier frequency band. In other aspects of this application, aligned frames exist in adjacent carrier frequency bands.

[0163] On the TRP 170 side, aspects of this application relate to using one or more types of signaling to indicate timing realignment (or / and timing correction) messages. Two exemplary types of signaling are provided herein to illustrate these schemes. The first exemplary type of signaling may be referred to as cell-specific signaling, examples of which include group common signaling and broadcast signaling. The second exemplary type of signaling may be referred to as UE-specific signaling. One or a combination of these two types of signaling can be used to send a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message may be shown as a configuration to notify one or more UEs 110 of a timing reference point. In the following, the reference to the term "UE 110" can be understood to refer to a broad category of wireless communication devices within the cell (i.e., network receiving nodes, such as wireless devices, sensors, gateways, routers, etc.), i.e., served by TRP 170. A timing reference point is a timing reference moment that can be represented by relative timing based on timing points in a frame (e.g., symbols, slots, or subframes in the frame, or the start or end boundary of the frame). For simplicity, the term "frame boundary" will be used below to denote the boundary of a possible symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame; or a frame. Therefore, a timing reference point can be represented using relative timing based on the current frame boundary (e.g., the start of the current frame). Alternatively, a timing reference point can be represented using absolute timing based on a specific standard timing reference, such as GNSS (e.g., GPS), Coordinated Universal Time ("UTC"), etc. In the absolute timing version of the timing reference point, the timing reference point can be explicitly stated.

[0164] A timing reference point can be shown to support timing adjustments at UE 110. Timing adjustments can be implemented to improve the accuracy of the clock at UE 110. Additionally or alternatively, a timing reference point can be shown to support adjustments in future transmissions from UE 110. These adjustments can be shown as realigning frames transmitted at the timing reference point. It should be noted that realigning transmitted frames at the timing reference point can include timing realigning from the (start boundary) of a symbol, time slot, or subframe within a frame; or for frames at the timing reference point for one or more UEs and one or more BSs (in a cell or a group of cells), which is applicable to the following applications.

[0165] On the UE 110 side, UE 110 can monitor timing realignment indication messages. In response to receiving a timing realignment indication message, UE 110 can obtain a timing reference point and take steps to realign the frame at the timing reference point. For example, these steps may include starting the transmission of subsequent frames at the timing reference point.

[0166] Alternatively, prior to monitoring the timing realignment indication message, UE 110 may send a timing realignment request (i.e., a timing realignment request message) to TRP 170, causing TRP 170 to send a timing realignment indication message. In response to receiving the timing realignment request message, TRP 170 may send a timing realignment indication message to UE 110 including information about the timing reference point, thereby allowing UE 110 to perform timing realignment (or / and timing adjustments including clock timing error correction), wherein the timing realignment is based on the in-frame symbol, time slot, or subframe (e.g., the start boundary of a time slot); or on frames for a UE and one or more base stations in a cell (or a group of cells).

[0167] According to various aspects of this application, the TRP 170 associated with a given cell can send a timing realignment indication message. The timing realignment indication message may include sufficient information to allow the message's receiver to obtain a timing reference point. The timing reference point may be used by one or more UEs 110 in the given cell when performing timing realignment (or / and timing adjustments including clock timing error correction).

[0168] According to various aspects of this application, the timing reference point can be represented relative to a frame boundary within a timing realignment indication message (wherein, as previously described and will be applied throughout the application, a frame boundary can be the boundary of a symbol, slot, or subframe within a frame; or a frame). The timing realignment indication message can include a relative timing indication Δt. It can be shown that the relative timing indication Δt indicates that the timing reference point occurs after a specific duration (i.e., Δt) following the frame boundary of a given frame. Since frame boundaries are important for allowing UE 110 to determine the timing reference point, it is important for UE 110 to know which given frame has the frame boundary of interest. Accordingly, the timing realignment indication message may also include the system frame number (SFN) of the given frame.

[0169] In 5G NR, the SFN is 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 in the master information block (MIB), and the remaining 4 bits can be carried in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payload.

[0170] Optionally, the timing realignment indication message may include other parameters. For example, other parameters may include a minimum time offset. The minimum time offset may be the duration of time prior to the timing reference point. UE 110 may rely on the minimum time offset as an indication that the DL signaling (including the timing realignment indication message) will give UE 110 sufficient time to detect the timing realignment indication message to obtain information about the timing reference point.

[0171] User equipment (UE) location information is commonly used in cellular communication networks to improve various network performance metrics. These metrics may include, for example, capacity, agility, and efficiency. Improvements can be achieved when network components utilize the UE's location, behavior, mobility patterns, etc., within the context of prior information describing the wireless environment in which the UE is operating.

[0172] Sensing systems can be used to help collect UE attitude information, including the UE's position in a global coordinate system, its speed and direction of movement in the global coordinate system, orientation information, and information about the wireless environment. "Location" is also called "position," and the two terms are used interchangeably herein. Well-known examples of sensing systems include radio detection and ranging (RADAR) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR). While sensing systems can be decoupled from communication systems, it is 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 the sensing of UE attitude and environmental information is a highly challenging and open problem. The difficulty of this problem relates 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.

[0173] Therefore, integrated sensing and communication (also known as integrated communication and sensing) is an ideal feature in existing and future communication systems.

[0174] Communication nodes can be half-duplex or full-duplex. Half-duplex nodes cannot simultaneously use the same physical resources (time, frequency, etc.) to send and receive; conversely, full-duplex nodes can use the same physical resources to send and receive. Existing commercial wireless communication networks are all half-duplex. Even if full-duplex communication networks become practical in the future, it is expected that at least some nodes in the network will still be half-duplex.

[0175] 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 signal's shape as a function of time and frequency. Examples of waveforms that can be used for sensing signals include ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) or "linear frequency modulation," orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), cyclic prefix (CP)-OFDM, and discrete fourier transform spread spectrum (DFT-S)-OFDM.

[0176] In one embodiment, the sensing signal is a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal with bandwidth B and duration T. Such LFM signals are commonly known from their use in FMCW radar systems. The LFM signal is characterized by a frequency that modulates from an initial time... initial frequency By the final time final frequency The definition of frequency is added. f The relationship between time (t) and time (t) can be expressed as a linear relationship. ,in Defined as the frequency modulation slope. The bandwidth of a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal can be defined as... Furthermore, the duration of a linear frequency modulated signal can be defined as... This linear frequency modulated signal can be represented in baseband as .

[0177] The term "precoding" as used herein can refer to any encoding operation(s) or modulation(s) that transforms 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.

[0178] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology allows an antenna array with multiple antennas to perform signal transmission and reception to meet high transmission rate requirements. The ED 110, T-TRP 170, and / or NT-TRP mentioned above use MIMO for communication over radio resource blocks. MIMO utilizes multiple antennas on the transmitter and / or receiver to transmit radio resource blocks via parallel radio signals. MIMO can beamform the parallel radio signals for reliable multipath transmission of radio resource blocks. MIMO can also bond parallel radio signals carrying different data to increase the data rate of radio resource blocks.

[0179] In recent years, MIMO (Massive MIMO) wireless communication systems with the aforementioned T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172, featuring a large number of antennas, have garnered widespread attention from academia and industry. In massive MIMO systems, the T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 typically have more than 10 antenna elements (such as 128 or 256) and simultaneously serve dozens of ED 110s (such as 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 rates, spectral efficiency, and power efficiency, and largely eliminating inter-cell interference. The increased number of antennas allows for the manufacture of each antenna element in a smaller size and at a lower cost. Utilizing the spatial freedom provided by the large number of antenna elements, each cell's T-TRP 170 and NT-TRP 172 can simultaneously communicate with multiple ED 110s 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 allow each user to have better spatial directivity for uplink and downlink transmissions, thereby 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 be nearly orthogonal, and the effects of cell-user interference and noise can be eliminated. These advantages make massively multi-level MIMO a promising technology for applications.

[0180] 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 the receiver. Each of the Rx and Tx antennas may include multiple antennas. For example, an Rx antenna may have a ULA antenna array, in which multiple antennas are arranged in rows at even intervals. When a radio frequency (RF) signal is transmitted through a Tx antenna, the Rx antenna can receive signals reflected and returned from a forward target.

[0181] Possible units or possible configurable parameters, or in some embodiments a non-exhaustive list of MIMO systems, include: Panel: A unit of an antenna group, antenna array, or antenna subarray that can independently control its Tx or Rx beam.

[0182] Beam: A beam is formed by performing amplitude and / or phase weighting on data transmitted or received by at least one antenna port, or it can be formed 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 signal strength distribution formed in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted through the antenna. The receive beam indicates the signal strength distribution in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna. Beam information may be a beam identifier, or identifiers of (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.

[0183] Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be applied to communications, including AI- or machine learning (ML)-based communications at the physical layer and / or AI / ML-based communications at higher layers (e.g., the medium access control (MAC) layer). For example, at the physical layer, AI / ML-based communications can aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. At the MAC layer, AI / ML-based communications can leverage AI / ML capabilities for learning, prediction, and / or decision-making to solve complex optimization problems with 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. The following are some terms used in the AI / ML field: Data collection: Data is a crucial component of AI / ML technologies. Data collection is the process by which network nodes, management entities, or user-defined users (UEs) gather data for the purposes of AI / ML model training, data analysis, and inference.

[0184] AI / ML model training: AI / ML model training is 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.

[0185] AI / ML model inference: The process of using a trained AI / ML model to produce an output set based on an input set.

[0186] 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 select model parameters that generalize to datasets other than those used for model training. The trained model parameters can be further tuned through the validation process.

[0187] AI / ML Model Testing: Similar to validation, testing is also a sub-process of training. It is used to evaluate the performance of the final AI / ML model using a different dataset than that used for model training and validation. Unlike AI / ML model validation, testing does not assume subsequent adjustments to the model.

[0188] Online training: Online training refers to the AI / ML training process in which the model used for inference is typically trained continuously in (near) real-time as new training samples arrive.

[0189] Offline training: The AI / ML training process in which a model is trained on a collected dataset and then delivered or transmitted for inference.

[0190] AI / ML Model Transfer: This is a general term referring to the transfer of an AI / ML model from one entity to another in any way. Transferring an AI / ML model over the air includes both parameters of the model structure known to the receiving end and new models with parameters. The delivery can contain a complete model or a partial model.

[0191] Lifecycle management (LCM): When an AI / ML model is trained and / or inferred on a device, it is necessary to monitor and manage the entire AI / ML process to ensure the performance gains achieved by the AI / ML technology. For example, due to the randomness of wireless channels and the mobility of UEs, the propagation environment of wireless signals often changes. However, it is difficult for AI / ML models to maintain optimal performance in all scenarios, and in some scenarios, performance may even degrade sharply. Therefore, lifecycle management (LCM) of AI / ML models is crucial for the sustainable operation of AI / ML over the NR air interface. Lifecycle management covers the entire process of AI / ML technology applied to one or more nodes. Specifically, it 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 transfer / delivery, and UE capability reporting. Model monitoring can be based on inference accuracy, including metrics related to key performance indicators (KPIs), or on system performance, including metrics related to system performance KPIs, such as accuracy and relevance, overhead, complexity (computational and memory costs), latency (timeliness of monitoring results, from model failure to action), and power consumption. Furthermore, due to environmental changes, data distribution may change after deployment; therefore, models based on either input or output data distribution should also be considered.

[0192] Supervised learning: The goal of a supervised learning algorithm is to train a model that maps feature vectors (inputs) to labels (outputs) based on training data, which includes exemplary feature-label pairs. Supervised learning analyzes the training data and generates an inference function that can be used to map inference data. Supervised learning can be further divided into two types: classification and regression. Classification is used when the output of an AI / ML model is a category, i.e., it has two or more categories. Regression is used when the output of an AI / ML model is a real number or continuous value.

[0193] 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 input data and provides classification results.

[0194] Reinforcement Learning: Reinforcement learning is used to solve sequential decision-making problems. It is the process of training an intelligent agent to take actions based on inputs (states) and feedback signals (rewards) from the environment. In reinforcement learning, the intelligent agent interacts with the environment by taking actions to maximize cumulative rewards. Whenever the intelligent agent takes an action, the current state in the environment may transition to a new state, which in turn brings an associated reward. The intelligent agent can then take its next action based on the received reward and the new state in the environment. During the training phase, the intelligent agent interacts with the environment to gather experience. Because direct interaction with real systems is costly, simulators are typically used to model the environment. During the inference phase, the intelligent agent can use the optimal decision rules learned during training to achieve the maximum cumulative reward.

[0195] Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning technique used to train AI / ML models by a central node (e.g., a server) and multiple decentralized edge nodes (e.g., UEs, next generation NodeBs, gNBs).

[0196] 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 then use these global AI / ML model parameters to initialize their local AI / ML model. The edge nodes can then train their local AI / ML model using local data samples, resulting in a trained local AI / ML model. Finally, the edge nodes can provide the server with a set of AI / ML model parameters describing their local AI / ML model.

[0197] After receiving sets of AI / ML model parameters describing the corresponding local AI / ML models at multiple edge nodes, the server can aggregate the local AI / ML model parameters reported from multiple UEs and update the global AI / ML model based on this aggregation. Subsequent iterations are very similar to the first iteration. The server can send the aggregated global model to multiple edge nodes. This process is repeated iteratively until the global AI / ML model is considered finalized, for example, when the AI / ML model converges or the training stopping condition is met.

[0198] It should be noted 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.

[0199] 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 can aim to optimize component design and / or improve algorithm performance. For example, AI can be applied in conjunction with implementations of: channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform generation, multiple access, physical layer component parameter optimization and updating, beamforming, tracking, sensing, and / or localization. For the MAC layer, AI communications can aim to leverage AI capabilities for learning, prediction, and / or decision-making to solve complex optimization problems with potentially better strategies and / or optimal solutions, such as optimizing functions within the MAC layer. For example, AI can be applied to achieve: intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent MCS, intelligent HARQ strategies, and / or intelligent transmit / receive mode adaptation.

[0200] AI architectures can involve multiple nodes, which can be organized in one of two modes (centralized and distributed), both of which 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 protection. 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 perform 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 with custom parameters to meet specific needs, while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing overall system spectral efficiency through personalized AI technologies.

[0201] New protocols and signaling mechanisms are provided for operation within and switching between different operating modes, including switching between AI and non-AI modes, as well as for measurement and feedback to accommodate different possible measurements and information that may require feedback, depending on the implementation.

[0202] An air interface that uses AI as part of its implementation (e.g., optimizing one or more components of the air interface) will be referred to herein as an "AI-enabled air interface". In some embodiments, AI operations in an AI-enabled air interface can be learned in two ways: either both the network and the UE learn the AI; or only the network application learns the AI.

[0203] Future wireless networks (such as 6G networks) can support an important feature: integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Communication operations are used to provide the transmission of data or control information between user equipment (UE) and the network (e.g., base stations), between UEs, and / or between base stations. Sensing operations are used to provide measurements via sensing signals, which may include estimates of the distance, range, size, and / or orientation of UEs or target objects. Figure 1F Examples of sensing and communication operations related to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. For example... Figure 1F As shown, sensing and communication operations occur between the BS, U users (e.g., user 1...user U), and K passively sensed targets (e.g., target 1...target K), where any of the K passively sensed targets may, for example, reflect the sensing signal instead of transmitting or receiving it. Communication and sensing signals are transmitted between the BS, U users, and K passively sensed targets. The communication and sensing signals may be similar or dissimilar in terms of carrier frequency band, component carrier, signal bandwidth, or signal waveform. Sensing signal transmission and measurement may include different sensing types, such as monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, and multistatic sensing, where the sensing targets may include one or more of the following: devices, base stations, objects (i.e., passively sensed targets), channel measurements, and beamforming information (including beam directions for transmission or reception).

[0204] However, since communication and sensing may require more or shared resources and spectrum, how to schedule sensing and communication operations and effectively utilize resources between them is an important problem that needs to be solved. Communication and sensing operations can be scheduled separately in the time domain, either in separate time-frequency resources or in a shared spectrum. Typically, sensing operations can be estimated for distance, range, or orientation, making the signal bandwidth (BW) of the sensed signal often much larger than that of (data) communication, where throughput and spectral efficiency are more important.

[0205] Sensing signals can burst in certain patterns on time and frequency resources and can be transmitted periodically or aperiodically. Due to the nature of sensing operations, the bandwidth of sensing signals may be larger than that of communication signals, and communication and sensing signals may overlap in the frequency domain. In future wireless systems, a network node (e.g., a base station) or terminal device (e.g., user equipment, UE) can simultaneously support sensing and communication operations. In other words, a network node or terminal device can transmit and / or receive sensing signals, communication signals, or both signals in different duplex modes (e.g., time division duplex (TDD), frequency division duplex (FDD), full duplex (FD), etc.).

[0206] In communication operations, UE transmission or reception is scheduled by downlink control information (DCI). In sensing operations, sensing signal transmission or reception can also be scheduled via DCI. To support sensing and / or communication operations, a single network framework and signaling mechanism (e.g., using DCI, RRC, Media Access Control elements, or combinations thereof) can be used to schedule sensing operations, communication operations, or both. Systems and schemes for a unified integrated sensing and communication framework and signaling are designed.

[0207] According to embodiments of the present invention, a scheme for scheduling sensing operations and / or communication operations is provided. In one aspect, a first device sends a first-level DCCI indicating that at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations should be scheduled. Subsequently, the first device sends a second-level DCCI for scheduling at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations. In this manner, the scheduling of sensing operations and / or communication operations is simplified. Therefore, the overhead of sensing operations and communication operations is reduced. The following will be combined with... Figures 2A to 19 The principles and implementation methods of the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail.

[0208] Figures 2A to 2C Signaling diagrams of different exemplary processes according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Process 200A may involve a first device 201 and a second device 202. Figure 2A The first device 201 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of network node 170. Figure 2A The second device 202 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of communication electronic device 110 in the process. It should be understood that although process flow 200A has been... Figure 1AThe process is described in the communication system 100A, but it can also be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0209] In process flow 200A, first device 201 sends (210) a first-level DCI 212 to second device 202. The first-level DCI 212 indicates at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation to be scheduled. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives (214) the first-level DCI 212 from first device 201. In other words, the first-level DCI may include information for indicating the operation(s) ...

[0210] The first-level DCI 212 is included in a two-level DCI (also known as a two-level DCI) within a unified framework for sensing and communication operations. The unified framework may include at least one shared scheduler or at least one shared DCI to indicate one or both of the sensing and communication operations, and includes associated resource allocation(s) and operational parameters. The two-level DCI also includes a second-level DCI.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI may include at least one of the following information for sensing or communication operations: at least one carrier frequency band, such as 6 GHz, a band below 6 GHz, and a band above 6 GHz; a duplex mode, such as TDD or FDD; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; a set of parameters to be used; an antenna configuration or configuration index, for example, the antenna configuration or configuration index may include a beamforming configuration or index, the details of which have been provided by the RRC; frequency resource allocation for the second-level DCI; time resource allocation for the second-level DCI; an indication of the PDCCH in the CORESET for carrying the second-level DCI; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in the sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources, for example, reserved resources may be used for activation / notification, deactivation, default use (e.g., reserved or unused); and a resource reservation period, for example, a resource reservation period. The following may be used for reservation purposes: DMRS mode for communication operations; sensing signal waveform for sensing operations; sensing sequence configuration; DCI format of the second-level DCI, optionally, DCI format among multiple DCI formats; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration or antenna port indication; MCS, for example, based on 5 bits or more of one or more MCS tables that may be individually indicated in the first-level DCI or other messages; MCS table indicator, for example, an additional MCS table indicator that will be used in one or more MCS tables defined, pre-configured, or configured by higher-level signaling (e.g., RRC); indication for one of the sensing operations or communication operations, to perform rate matching for one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a conflict in resource usage between the sensing operations and communication operations; indication of at least one QCLed RS; or at least one index of at least one RS indicating which operation the reference signal is used for; or any combination of two or more of the above.

[0212] In some embodiments, two or more bits in the first-level DCI (corresponding to one or more first fields in the first-level DCI) may be used to indicate the operation type. The operation type may include a sensing operation, a communication operation, or both a sensing operation and a communication operation. Two or more bits may also indicate any other type of information, such as special signaling or notification. For example, if two bits are used, in four combinations of values ​​for the two bits (e.g., “00”, “01”, “10”, and “11”): three options may indicate a sensing operation, a communication operation, or both a sensing operation and a communication operation; and the fourth option may be reserved or may be used to indicate any other information, including special signaling or notification. In another example, if three bits are used, in eight combinations: three options may indicate one of the following: a sensing operation, a communication operation, or both a sensing operation and a communication operation; and the remaining five options may be used for special signaling or notification. Special signaling or notifications may include one or more of the following: system information updates, various types of warnings (such as security, weather forecasts, etc.), skip notifications about certain messages (such as paging, measurement, resource preemption, rate matching, etc.), priority indications about resource usage for sensing and / or communication, quasi-co-location reference signal indications, transceiver type (e.g., low-power transceiver, high-power transceiver) indications / switches, configured resource usage activation, or configured resource usage deactivation, or combinations thereof.

[0213] In another embodiment, a combination of values ​​for one or more bits in the first-level DCI may correspond to a second field (or multiple second fields) in the first-level DCI used only for special signaling or notification, which may be used to indicate the special signaling or notification. In other words, one or more bits of the (multiple) second fields may be (multiple) dedicated fields or (multiple) dedicated bits for special signaling or notification. Accordingly, the (multiple) indication fields in the first-level DCI used for special signaling or notification may differ from other (multiple) indication fields (e.g., the first field) used for operation type (e.g., sensing, communication, or both). A combination of one or more bits may indicate one or more of the following special signaling or notifications: system information update, warning type, skip notification about a message, priority indication of resource usage for at least one of sensing or communication operations, indication of quasi-co-located reference signal, transceiver type indication, transceiver type switching indication, activation indication of configured or reserved resource usage, deactivation indication of configured or reserved resource usage, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0214] Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensing type may include: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and a receiver in the UE, bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS or between UEs, bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the BS, or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the UE, multistatic sensing including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from two or more participating nodes, or any combination of two or more of the above items.

[0215] Continue to refer to Figure 2A First device 201 sends (216) second-level DCI 218 to second device 202. Second-level DCI 218 schedules at least one of sensing operations or communication operations. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives (220) second-level DCI 218 from first device 201.

[0216] For example, a Level 2 DCI can actually schedule transmissions or receptions for sensing and / or communication operations. A Level 2 DCI may include information for detecting or decoding signals for sensing and / or communication operations. For communication operations, if the HARQ-ACK feedback information includes ACK or NACK, if the HARQ-ACK feedback information only includes NACK, or if no HARQ-ACK feedback information is available, the Level 2 DCI may include indications regarding HARQ actions. For sensing operations, optionally, the Level 2 DCI may include measurement reports from the UE, or may also include sensing commands from the network. A Level 2 DCI may use multiple fields to include information for sensing operations, communication operations, or both.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include the following information for at least one of sensing or communication operations: at least one carrier frequency band, such as 6 GHz, a band below 6 GHz, and a band above 6 GHz; a duplex mode, such as TDD or FDD; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; a set of parameters to be used; an antenna configuration or configuration index, for example, the antenna configuration or configuration index may include a beamforming configuration or index, the details of which have been provided by the RRC; frequency resource allocation for sensing and / or communication operations, which may be indicated by configured BWPs and BWP indices, and the BWPs configured for sensing operations may be associated with one or more BWPs configured for communication operations; time resource allocation, for example, a time-domain mode may be indicated for sensing operations, and for both sensing and communication operations, the relative start or end time between the two operations (e.g., symbol, time slot, subframe, frame) may be indicated; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; and the transmission or reception direction in the sensing operation. A set of reserved time or frequency resources, for example, reserved resources may be used for activation / notification, deactivation, default use (e.g., reserved or not used); resource reservation period, for example, resource reservation period or indication may be used for reservation purposes; DMRS mode for communication operation; sensing signal waveform for sensing operation; sensing sequence configuration; numbering of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS, for example, based on 5 bits or more of one or more MCS tables that may be indicated respectively in Level 1 DCI or other messages; MCS table indicator, for example, an MCS table indicator that will be used in one or more MCS tables defined, pre-configured or configured by higher-layer signaling (such as RRC); indication for one of the sensing operation or communication operation, to perform rate matching for one of the sensing operation or communication operation in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation; regarding at least one QCLed RS indication; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; HARQ procedure ID, such as a HARQ procedure number with 4 or more bits; new data indicator indicating the number of transmissions; indicator requiring more sensing operations; at least one redundant version of the communication; at least one repeatable sensing resource and mode; at least one area ID indicating the area location of the UE or target object; communication range requirement; sensing range requirement; priority of resource usage in one of the sensing or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between sensing and communication operations; rate matching in one of the sensing or communication operations; request for CSI reporting; or broadcast type, or any combination of two or more of the above items.

[0218] It should be understood that for the scheduling of both sensing and communication operations, resources and operational parameters can be selected or indicated from the information listed above. Resources and operational parameters can be scheduled as two separate sets for sensing and communication; or they can be placed in a single set, where some resources or operational parameters can be shared for both sensing and communication operations.

[0219] Additionally, the (transmission) broadcast type may include unicast, multicast, broadcast, or any combination of two or more of the above. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing operation may be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may include at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. For example, a two-level DCI may be applied to a sidelink sensing operation, and the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may include additional information such as the sensing source ID and / or sensing target ID in (multiple) sidelinks.

[0220] Furthermore, Level 1 DCI can indicate both sensing and communication operations to be scheduled, which are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. For example, sensing and communication operations between the same UE, different UEs, or base stations can be time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point, for example, to achieve synchronization of (multiple) DL and / or UL, to obtain time-advanced (TA) adjustments, etc.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be carried by two control channels, which can be located in the same CORESET or in two different CORESETs. In this example, in such a two-level DCI scheme, the DCI from the network side can be carried by two control channels (such as PDCCH channels), which can be defined within one configured CORESET area or in two configured CORESET areas. To avoid or reduce blind detection of the second-level DCI, location information or a location index on the control channel (e.g., a PDCCH candidate) used to carry the second-level DCI can be provided in the first-level DCI. If the two control channels used to carry the two-level DCI are in separate CORESET areas, additional information about the CORESET area (or CORESET index) for transmitting the second-level DCI can be provided in the first-level DCI (i.e., optionally). It should be understood that the first-level DCI can be configured in the cell common, group common, or UE-specific search space within the CORESET area, and the second-level DCI can also be configured in the cell common, group common, or UE-specific search space within the CORESET area or another CORESET area. Additionally, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI can be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

[0222] Alternatively, the first-level DCI can be carried by a control channel, and the second-level DCI can be carried by a data channel. For example, the first-level DCI can be transmitted in the PDCCH, and the second-level DCI can be transmitted in the data channel, and the second-level DCI can be multiplexed with data in the data channel. In this case, the first-level DCI can schedule the time-frequency resources and associated parameters of the data channel, and optionally include multiplexing parameters for the transmission of the second-level DCI and data traffic. Depending on the content indicated by the first-level DCI, the second-level DCI may or may not include the time-frequency resources and associated parameters of the data channel. In this way, the parameters included in the first-level DCI can be supplemented for the transmission of data services.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first device 201 may also send configuration information to the second device 202. The configuration information indicates a set of configurations for at least one of sensing operations or communication operations. The first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing operations or communication operations. Additionally, the configuration set may be sent via an RRC message or a MAC CE.

[0224] For DCI indication of resources and parameters used for sensing operations and / or communication operations using two-level DCI, all or a subset of the aforementioned resources and parameters can be pre-configured or configured via higher-level signaling (such as RRC messages or MAC CE). Then, the two DCIs can use the configured resource or parameter indexes, where applicable, for more efficient indication to reduce overhead or DCI payload.

[0225] Accordingly, the second device 202 can also receive configuration information from the first device 201. The configuration information indicates a set of configurations for at least one of sensing or communication operations. The first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing or communication operations. Additionally, the configuration set can be received via an RRC message or a MAC CE.

[0226] Alternatively or additionally, the second device 202 may, after receiving the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI, perform at least one of the following: communicate with the BS; communicate with at least one other UE; perform monostatic sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; perform bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS or between the UEs; perform bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; perform multistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or the sensing reception ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI.

[0227] Figure 3 An example of a two-level DCI for sensing operations according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 3As shown, the first DCI (i.e., the first-level DCI) uses a DCI format to indicate the sensing operations to be scheduled in the second DCI (i.e., the second-level DCI). The DCI format can be defined by a standard, pre-configured or configured by RRC, MAC-CE, etc. The second DCI schedules the time-frequency (TF) resources and one or more associated parameters for the aforementioned sensing operations. For example, the second DCI may include scheduling information including sensing TF resources (such as S1, S2), (multiple) time transmission (TX) or reception (RX) modes, (multiple) time hopping and / or frequency hopping modes, sensing waveforms, frequency bands used for sensing operations, BWP or BWP index, etc. In addition, one or more sensing types from multiple sensing types can be indicated, such as monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, multistatic sensing, etc. Sensing operations can be performed between UE-base station, different UEs, the same UE (i.e., for monostatic sensing), (multiple) UE sensing targets, (multiple) BS sensing targets, or combinations of these sensing pairs as sensing groups. In some embodiments, two-level DCI can be applied to sidelink link sensing operations, wherein the indication may include additional information such as the sensing source ID and / or sensing target ID in the sidelink(s) link(s).

[0228] Figure 4 An example of a two-level DCI for communication operations is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention. Similar to sensing operations, the first DCI (i.e., the first-level DCI) uses a DCI format to indicate the communication operation to be scheduled in the second DCI (i.e., the second-level DCI). The second DCI schedules the TF resources and one or more associated parameters for the communication operation as described above. For example, the second DCI may include scheduling information including communication TF resources (e.g., C1, C2), (multiple) TX or RX time and / or frequency patterns, (multiple) time-hopping and / or frequency-hopping patterns, sensing waveforms, the frequency band of the communication operation, BWP or BWP index, etc.

[0229] Now for reference Figure 2B This diagram illustrates another exemplary signaling diagram of an exemplary process according to some embodiments of the present invention. Process 200B may involve a first device 201 and a second device 202. Figure 2B The first device 201 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of network node 170. Figure 2B The second device 202 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of communication electronic device 110 in the example. It should be understood that although process flow 200B has been... Figure 1A The process is described in the communication system 100A, but it can also be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0230] In process flow 200B, first device 201 sends (230) a first-level DCI 232 to second device 202. The first-level DCI 232 indicates the sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives (234) a first-level DCI 232 from first device 201. In other words, the two-level DCI indicates both the sensing and communication operations with resource and parameter configurations. Additionally, the first-level DCI may also include the DCI format of the second-level DCI. The DCI format may be defined by a standard, pre-configured or configured by RRC messages or MAC-CE, etc.

[0231] Continue to refer to Figure 2B First device 201 sends (236) second-level DCI 238 to second device 202. Second-level DCI 238 schedules sensing and communication operations. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives (240) second-level DCI 238 from first device 201. Second-level DCI schedules TF resources and one or more associated parameters for sensing and communication operations.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include the following information for sensing operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; sensing signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; at least one bandwidth portion; or at least one sensing type, or any combination of two or more of the above items.

[0233] In the example, for sensing operations, the second-level DCI may include scheduling information such as sensing TF resources, (multiple) time transmission or reception modes, (multiple) time hopping and / or frequency hopping modes, sensing waveforms, sensing operation bands, BWP or BWP index, etc.

[0234] Additionally, at least one sensing type may include: monostatic sensing between a transmitter and receiver in the UE, bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS or between UEs, bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE, multistatic sensing including a sensing group configuration for bistatic sensing from more than two participating nodes, or any combination of two or more of the above. For example, one or more sensing types among a plurality of sensing types may be indicated, such as monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, multistatic sensing, etc. Sensing operations may be performed between UE-base station, different UEs, the same UE (i.e., for monostatic sensing), (multiple) UE sensing targets, (multiple) BS sensing targets, or combinations of these sensing pairs as sensing groups.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second-level DCI may include the following information for communication operations: frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; transmission or reception direction; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; signal waveform; at least one carrier frequency band; or at least one bandwidth portion; or any combination of two or more of the above items.

[0236] In the example, for communication operations, the second-level DCI may include scheduling information such as communication TF resources, (multiple) time transmission or reception modes, (multiple) time hopping and / or frequency hopping modes, signal waveforms, operating frequency bands, BWP or BWP index, etc.

[0237] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing operation can be a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI can include at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation. For example, a two-level DCI scheme can be adapted to sidelink communication operations by adding sidelink source ID and / or sidelink target ID.

[0238] Furthermore, one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI may also include: an instruction for one of the sensing operations or communication operations to perform rate matching on one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and communication operations; a priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operations or communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and communication operations; an instruction for at least one QCLed RS; a configuration of separate beams or shared beams; a configuration of separate antennas; or any combination of two or more of the above items.

[0239] In the example, the resources allocated between communication and sensing operations can overlap, potentially leading to resource usage conflicts. Furthermore, an operational signal (such as a reference signal) can benefit other operations used for signal detection or measurement. Therefore, rate matching indications between sensing and communication, as well as priority of resource usage and / or QCL reference signal configuration, can be included in one of the two-level DCI. Additionally, separate antennas / beams or shared beams can be configured for sensing and communication operations, and shared beams can be configured using duplex modes (e.g., TDD, FDD, etc.), rate matching, or silence settings.

[0240] In some embodiments, the sensing operation and the communication operation may be time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point. Additionally, the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI may be time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

[0241] Alternatively or additionally, the first device 201 may send configuration information to the second device 202. The configuration information may indicate a set of configurations for sensing and communication operations, with a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicating at least one configuration in the configuration set for sensing and communication operations. Additionally, the configuration set may be sent via an RRC message or a MAC CE.

[0242] Accordingly, the second device 202 can receive configuration information from the first device 201. The configuration information may indicate a set of configurations for sensing and communication operations, with a first-level DCI and a second-level DCI indicating at least one configuration within the configuration set for sensing and communication operations. Additionally, the configuration set can be received via an RRC message or a MAC CE.

[0243] Alternatively or additionally, the second device 202 may also perform at least one of the following after receiving the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI: communicating with the BS; communicating with at least one other UE; performing monostatic sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; performing bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS or between the UEs; performing bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; performing multistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or the sensing reception ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI.

[0244] Figure 5 An example of a two-level DCI for sensing and communication operations is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the first DCI indicates the sensing and communication operations to be scheduled in the second DCI, as well as the associated second-level DCI format to be used. The second DCI schedules TF resources and one or more associated parameters for the sensing and communication operations. For example, the second-level DCI may include scheduling information including communication TF resources (such as C), TX or RX time and / or frequency parameters, sensing TF resources (e.g., S, TX modes), sensing waveforms, etc.

[0245] Now for reference Figure 2C The diagram illustrates a signaling diagram of an exemplary process according to some embodiments of the present invention. Process 200C may involve a first device 201 and a second device 202. Figure 2C The first device 201 in the middle can be Figure 1A Example of network node 170. Figure 2C The second device 202 in the middle can be Figure 1AExample of a communication electronic device 110. It should be understood that although process flow 200C has been... Figure 1A The process is described in the communication system 100A, but it can also be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0246] In process flow 200C, first device 201 sends configuration information 252 (250) to second device 202. Configuration information 252 indicates a configuration set for sensing operations. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives configuration information 252 (254) from first device 201.

[0247] Continue to refer to Figure 2C First device 201 sends (256) dedicated DCI 258 to second device 202. Dedicated DCI 258 schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations. On the other side of the communication, second device 202 receives (260) dedicated DCI 258 from first device 201. The dedicated DCI can provide the sensing operations with the resources required for the sensing operations and one or more related parameters, which can be used in conjunction with... Figure 2A or Figure 2B The same as described in [the text].

[0248] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may include at least one of the following: at least one carrier frequency band; duplex mode; at least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; at least one subcarrier spacing to be used; antenna configuration; frequency resource allocation; time resource allocation; at least one reference frequency domain location; at least one reference time location; at least one sensing type; transmission or reception direction in sensing operation; a set of reserved time or frequency resources; resource reservation period; sensing signal waveform; sensing sequence configuration; number of at least one DMRS port; antenna port configuration; MCS; indicator of the MCS table; indication for at least one QCLed RS; time hopping mode; frequency hopping mode; HARQ process ID; new data; indication that more sensing operations are needed; at least one redundant version for repeatable sensing resources; at least one mode for repeatable sensing resources; at least one area ID; at least one range requirement; request for CSI report; broadcast type; or any combination of two or more of the above items. Additionally, the broadcast type may include at least one of the following: unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

[0249] Alternatively or additionally, at least one configuration may indicate a sensing timing, which includes at least one sensing waveform, at least one time-frequency resource region, at least one carrier frequency, at least one BWP (in one component carrier or different component carriers), at least one time-frequency hopping pattern, and at least one subcarrier spacing. Furthermore, the multiple time-frequency patterns in the sensing timing may differ in terms of time-frequency resources and hopping patterns. Additionally, the time-frequency resources and hopping patterns may be indexed.

[0250] In some embodiments, at least one configuration may indicate: the time point at which sensing timing begins; at least one time-frequency resource to be used, indexed using at least one resource index; at least one hopping pattern to be used, indexed using at least one hopping pattern index; at least one carrier band; at least one component carrier; or any combination of two or more of the foregoing. Additionally, the configuration set may be sent via an RRC message or a MAC CE.

[0251] For example, dedicated DCI signaling for sensing operations can simplify the DCI format or DCI payload information. Compared to communication signals, sensing operations can be associated with simplified transmit or receive signals. Furthermore, sensing operations can have repeatable and periodic patterns configured with start time, end time, activation duration, and periodicity. Dedicated DCI fields can have reduced bits to indicate when sensing begins, and to indicate which time-frequency resources and / or hopping patterns are used using configured resource indices and / or hopping pattern indices. Additionally, carrier bands and / or component carriers can be dynamically indicated.

[0252] Continue to refer to Figure 2C Based on a dedicated DCI, the second device 202 performs (262) sensing operations. For example, performing sensing operations may include: performing monostatic sensing in an indicated transmission or reception direction; performing bistatic sensing between a UE and a BS or between two UEs; performing bistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmission or reception direction; performing multistatic sensing between a UE, a sensing target, and a BS, or between a UE, a sensing target, and a UE in an indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing reception ID may be included in the dedicated DCI.

[0253] Figure 6 Examples of dedicated DCI signaling for sensing operations according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figure 6 As shown, a dedicated DCI can indicate sensing time-frequency resources (e.g., S1, S2), transition patterns, waveforms, or indices of these resources or parameters, which are pre-configured or configured by higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC messages or MAC CE).

[0254] Given the above, the detection of DCI in a PDCCH channel may involve blind detection of multiple PDCCH candidates, where the size of the DCI can vary depending on its format, such as the DCI format used for DL, UL, etc. It is desirable that a DCI allocating resources and parameters only for a sensing operation, a DCI allocating resources and parameters only for a communication operation, or a DCI allocating resources and parameters for both sensing and communication operations can have different message payloads. Therefore, one approach to shared DCI signaling can be designed as a two-level system: the first-level DCI may include information indicating which operation(s) should be scheduled, and the second-level DCI may include the configuration of time-frequency resources(s) and associated operational parameters(s).

[0255] The first-level DCI may include one or more of the following information: which operation is to be scheduled, and at least two bits may be used for that indication; at least one time-frequency resource allocation or at least one resource index at at least one PDCCH location for the second-level DCI transmission; priority of resource usage; and rate matching indication for sensing operations and / or communication operations.

[0256] Level 2 DCI may include one or more of the following: at least one time-frequency resource allocation or resource index for sensing operation, communication operation, or both sensing operation and communication operation; associated operating parameters for transmission or reception, including one or more of at least one carrier frequency band, at least one component carrier, at least one bandwidth portion, parameter set, signal waveform, at least one reference signal, at least one transceiver type, etc.; at least one sensing type, such as monostatic sensing, bistatic sensing, or multistatic sensing operation, and / or the signal mode to be transmitted or received; signal measurement indicators and / or measurement configuration (or indicated by one or more indexes); priority of resource use; rate matching indication for sensing operation and / or communication operation; QCL reference signal.

[0257] Furthermore, dedicated signaling can be designed for sensing operations that are separate from communication operations. A new DCI format is needed for sensing indication. Since the configuration of sensing operations may be simpler than that of communication operations in terms of signal structure, the new DCI format can have smaller payload information, which can reduce DCI overhead.

[0258] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2A Method 700 is described from the perspective of the first device 201. It should be understood that method 0... In block 710, the first device sends a first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. In block 720, the first device sends a second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation. It should be noted that method 700 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the first device 201, as referenced above. Figure 2A The signaling process described in 200A.

[0259] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2A Method 800 is described from the perspective of the second device 202. It should be understood that method 800 may include additional actions not shown and / or some actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this aspect.

[0260] In block 810, the second device receives first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. In block 820, the second device receives second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation. It should be noted that method 800 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the second device 202, as referenced above. Figure 2A The signaling process described in 200A.

[0261] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 900 implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2B Method 900 is described from the perspective of the first device 201. It should be understood that method 900 may include additional actions not shown and / or some actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this aspect.

[0262] In block 910, the first device sends first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates the sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. In block 920, the first device sends second-level DCI, which is used to schedule the sensing and communication operations. It should be noted that method 900 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the first device 201, as referenced above. Figure 2B The signaling process described in 200B.

[0263] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1000 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2B Method 1000 is described from the perspective of the second device 202. It should be understood that method 1000 may include additional actions not shown and / or some actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this aspect.

[0264] In block 1010, the second device receives first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. In block 1020, the second device receives second-level DCI, which is used to schedule sensing and communication operations. It should be noted that method 1000 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the second device 202, as referenced above. Figure 2B The signaling process described in 200B.

[0265] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1100 implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2C Method 1100 is described from the perspective of the first device 201. It should be understood that method 1100 may include additional actions not shown and / or some actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this aspect.

[0266] In block 1110, the first device sends configuration information indicating a set of configurations for the sensing operation. In block 1120, the first device sends dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules the sensing operation and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operation. It should be noted that method 1100 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the first device 201, as referenced above. Figure 2C The signaling process described in 200C.

[0267] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1200 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For ease of discussion, reference will be made to... Figure 2C Method 1200 is described from the perspective of the second device 202. It should be understood that method 1200 may include additional actions not shown and / or some actions shown may be omitted, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this aspect.

[0268] In block 1210, the second device receives configuration information indicating a set of configurations for the sensing operation. In block 1220, the second device receives dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules the sensing operation and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operation. In block 1230, the second device performs the sensing operation based on the dedicated DCI. It should be noted that method 1200 may also include various other operations that can be performed by the second device 202, as referenced above. Figure 2C The signaling process described in 200C.

[0269] Figure 13This is a block diagram of a device 1300 that can be used to implement some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, device 1300 may be an element of a communication network infrastructure, such as a base station (e.g., a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next-generation NodeB (sometimes called a gNodeB or gNB)), a home subscriber server (HSS), a packet gateway (PGW), or a serving gateway (SGW), or various other nodes or functions in a core network (CN) or public land mobility network (PLMN). In other embodiments, device 1300 may be a device connected to network infrastructure via a wireless interface, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or other device that can be classified as user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, device 1300 may be a machine-type communications (MTC) device (also known as a machine-to-machine (M2M) device), or other such devices that, although not providing direct service to users, can be classified as UEs. In some embodiments, device 1300 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 1300 may also be referred to as a mobile device; this term is intended to reflect a device connected to a mobile network, regardless of whether the device itself is designed for mobility or is capable of movement. A particular device may use all of the components shown or only a subset of those components, and the degree of integration between devices may vary. Furthermore, device 1300 may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0270] Device 1300 typically includes a processor 1302, such as a central processing unit (CPU), and may also include a dedicated processor, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or other such processor, memory 1304, a network interface 1306, and a bus 1308 for connecting the components of device 1300. Optionally, device 1300 may also include components such as a mass storage device 1310, a video adapter 1312, and an I / O interface 1316 (shown by dashed lines).

[0271] Memory 1304 may include any type of non-transient system memory readable by processor 1302, 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 1304 may include more than one type of memory, such as ROM used at power-on and DRAM storing programs and data used during program execution. Bus 1308 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.

[0272] Device 1300 may also include one or more network interfaces 1306, which may include at least one of wired network interfaces and wireless network interfaces. Figure 13 As shown, network interface 1306 may include a wired network interface for connecting to network 1322, and may also include a wireless access network interface 1320 for connecting to other devices via a wireless link. When device 1300 is a network infrastructure element, the wireless access network interface 1320 may be omitted for nodes or functions that are elements at the wireless edge (e.g., eNB) rather than at the wireless edge of the network. When device 1300 is infrastructure at the wireless edge of the network, both wired and wireless network interfaces may be included. When device 1300 is a wirelessly connected device, such as a user equipment, the wireless access network interface 1320 may be present, and it may be supplemented by other wireless interfaces such as a WiFi network interface. Network interface 1306 enables device 1300 to communicate with remote entities, such as those connected to network 1322.

[0273] Mass storage 1310 may include any type of non-transient storage device for storing data, programs, and other information, and making such data, programs, and other information accessible via bus 1308. Mass storage 1310 may include one or more of solid-state drives, hard disk drives, disk drives, or optical disk drives. In some embodiments, mass storage 1310 may be located remotely at device 1300 and may be accessed via a network interface such as interface 1306. In the illustrated embodiments, mass storage 1310 differs from the memory 1304 that includes it and typically performs storage tasks compatible with higher latency, but typically provides less volatility or no volatility. In some embodiments, mass storage 1310 may be integrated with heterogeneous memory 1304.

[0274] Optional video adapter 1312 and I / O interface 1316 (shown in dashed lines) provide interfaces for coupling device 1300 to external input and output devices. Examples of input and output devices include a display 1314 coupled to video adapter 1312 and an I / O device 1318, such as a touchscreen, coupled to I / O interface 1316. Other devices may be coupled to device 1300 and may utilize more or fewer interfaces. For example, a serial interface (not shown) such as a universal serial bus (USB) may be used to interface to external devices. Those skilled in the art will understand that in embodiments where device 1300 is part of a data center, I / O interface 1316 and video adapter 1312 may be virtualized and provided via network interface 1306.

[0275] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1400 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, the device 1400 includes a transmitting unit 1402 and a transmitting unit 1404. The device 1400 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1400 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1400 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1400 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).

[0276] In some embodiments, the transmitting unit 1402 may be configured to transmit first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. The transmitting unit 1404 may be configured to transmit second-level DCI for scheduling at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

[0277] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1400 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described in conjunction with the above method embodiments. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0278] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device 1500 provided in some embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the device 1500 includes a receiving unit 1502 and a receiving unit 1504. The device 1500 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1500 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1500 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1500 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).

[0279] In some embodiments, receiving unit 1502 may be configured to receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. Receiving unit 1504 may be configured to receive second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation.

[0280] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1500 may include various other units or modules that can be used to perform the various operations or functions described in conjunction with the above method embodiments. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device 1600 provided in some embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the device 1600 includes a transmitting unit 1602 and a transmitting unit 1604. The device 1600 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1600 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1600 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1600 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).

[0282] In some embodiments, the transmitting unit 1602 may be configured to transmit first-level downlink control information (DCI) to indicate sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. The transmitting unit 1604 may be configured to transmit second-level DCI to schedule sensing and communication operations.

[0283] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1600 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. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0284] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1700 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 17 As shown, the device 1700 includes a receiving unit 1702 and a receiving unit 1704. The device 1700 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1700 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1700 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1700 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).

[0285] In some embodiments, receiving unit 1702 can be configured to receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. Receiving unit 1704 can be configured to receive second-level DCI, which is used to schedule sensing and communication operations.

[0286] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1700 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. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1800 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 18 As shown, the device 1800 includes a transmitting unit 1802 and a transmitting unit 1804. The device 1800 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1800 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1800 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1800 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).

[0288] In some embodiments, the transmitting unit 1802 may be configured to transmit configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations. The transmitting unit 1804 may be configured to transmit dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for sensing operations.

[0289] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1800 may include various other units or modules that can be configured to perform the various operations or functions described in conjunction with the method embodiments above. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the method embodiments above, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1900 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 19 As shown, the device 1900 includes a receiving unit 1902, a receiving unit 1904, and an execution unit 1906. The device 1900 can be applied to... Figure 1AThe communication system shown can implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments. Optionally, the physical manifestation of device 1900 can be a communication device, such as a network device or a UE. Alternatively, device 1900 can be another device capable of implementing the functions of a communication device, such as a processor or chip within the communication device. Specifically, device 1900 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).

[0291] In some embodiments, receiving unit 1902 may be configured to receive configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations. Receiving unit 1904 may be configured to receive dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for sensing operations. Transmitting unit 1906 may be configured to perform sensing operations based on the dedicated DCI.

[0292] In some other embodiments, the apparatus 1900 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. Details can be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0293] It should be noted that the division of units or modules in the above embodiments of the present invention is merely an example and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention 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.

[0294] When the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, essentially, or all or part of the technical solution, can be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in the storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps described in the embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0295] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0296] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is run 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 device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0297] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present invention also provide a chip. The chip is used to read a computer program stored in a memory to implement any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0298] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present invention provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions related to the communication device described in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and another discrete device.

[0299] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided in the form of a method, system, or computer program product. Therefore, the present invention can be presented as a purely hardware embodiment, a purely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can be presented as 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.) comprising computer-usable program code.

[0300] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to the invention. 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, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or another programmable data processing device to generate a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, 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.

[0301] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium capable of instructing a computer or another 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 art including instruction means. The instruction means implement one or more processes in a flowchart and / or one or more blocks in a block diagram, providing a specific function.

[0302] These computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or another programmable data processing device to perform a series of operations and steps within the computer or another programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process. Therefore, the instructions that execute within the computer or another programmable device provide steps for implementing one or more processes in a flowchart and / or one or more blocks in a block diagram.

[0303] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from the scope of protection of this invention. Therefore, this invention is intended to cover these modifications and variations, as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Send a first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates at least one of the sensing or communication operations to be scheduled. Send a second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation for the second-level DCI; Time resource allocation for the second-level DCI; Indication used to carry the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in the Control Resource Set (CORESET) of the second-level DCI; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; Demodulation reference signal DMRS mode used for the communication operation; The sensing signal waveform used for the sensing operation; Sensing sequence configuration; DCI format used for the second-level DCI; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; Modulation and coding scheme (MCS); Indicators in the MCS table; An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the two operations; or Indication of at least one quasi-co-located QCLed reference signal RS.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein two or more bits are used to indicate at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation to be scheduled.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first combination of two or more bits indicates the sensing operation to be scheduled, the second combination of two or more bits indicates the communication operation to be scheduled, and the third combination of two or more bits indicates both the sensing operation and the communication operation to be scheduled.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the other combinations of values ​​for said two or more bits indicate at least one of the following: System information update; Warning type; Regarding skipping notifications for messages; Priority indication for resource usage of at least one of the sensing operations or the communication operations; Indication of quasi-co-located reference signals; Indicator of transceiver type; The transceiver type switching indication; Activation instructions for the use of configured or reserved resources; or The configuration or reserved resources use a deactivation instruction.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one sensing type comprises at least one of the following: Monopolar sensing between transmitter and receiver in user equipment (UE); Bipolar sensing between UE and base station BS or between UEs; Bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS; or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE; or Multi-base sensing, including sensing group configurations for bi-base sensing from more than two participating nodes.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the sensing operation or the communication operation: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; DMRS mode for the communication operation; The sensing signal waveform used for the sensing operation; Sensing sequence configuration; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; MCS; Indicators in the MCS table; An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on the one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; Indication for at least one QCLed RS; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier ID; New data indicator; More instructions for sensing operations are needed; At least one redundant version for communication; At least one repeatable sensing resource and pattern; At least one region ID; Communication range requirements; Sensing range requirements; In the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation, the priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operation or the communication operation; Rate matching of one of the sensing operations or the communication operations; Request for a Channel State Information (CSI) report; or Broadcast type.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the broadcast type includes at least one of the following: Unicast; Multicast; or broadcast.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensing operation is a side-link sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI includes at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the side-link sensing operation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first-level DCI indicates both the sensing operation and the communication operation to be scheduled, and the sensing operation and the communication operation are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are carried by two control channels, and the two control channels are located in the same CORESET or in two different CORESETs.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first-level DCI is carried by a control channel and the second-level DCI is carried by a data channel.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: Send configuration information indicating a set of configurations for at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the configuration set is sent via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE).

16. A method comprising: Receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. Receive a second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation for the second-level DCI; Time resource allocation for the second-level DCI; Indication used to carry the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in the Control Resource Set (CORESET) of the second-level DCI; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; Demodulation reference signal DMRS mode used for the communication operation; The sensing signal waveform used for the sensing operation; Sensing sequence configuration; The DCI format of the second-level DCI; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; Modulation and coding scheme (MCS); Indicators in the MCS table; An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the two operations; or Indication of at least one quasi-co-located QCLed reference signal RS.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein two or more bits are used to indicate at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation to be scheduled.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first combination of two or more bits indicates the sensing operation to be scheduled, the second combination of two or more bits indicates the communication operation to be scheduled, and the third combination of two or more bits indicates both the sensing operation and the communication operation to be scheduled.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the other combination of values ​​of said two or more bits indicates at least one of the following: System information update; Warning type; Regarding skipping notifications for messages; Priority indication for resource usage of at least one of the sensing operations or the communication operations; Indication of quasi-co-located reference signals; Indicator of transceiver type; The transceiver type switching indication; Activation instructions for the use of configured or reserved resources; or The configuration or reserved resources use a deactivation instruction.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one sensing type comprises at least one of the following: Monopolar sensing between transmitter and receiver in user equipment (UE); Bistatic sensing between UE and base station BS, or between UEs; Bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS; or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE; or Multi-base sensing, including sensing group configurations for bi-base sensing from more than two participating nodes.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the sensing operation or the communication operation: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; DMRS mode for the communication operation; The sensing signal waveform used for the sensing operation; Sensing sequence configuration; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; MCS; Indicators in the MCS table; An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on the one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; Indication for at least one QCLed RS; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier ID; New data indicator; More instructions for sensing operations are needed; At least one redundant version for communication; At least one repeatable sensing resource and pattern; At least one region ID; Communication range requirements; Sensing range requirements; In the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation, the priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operation or the communication operation; Rate matching of one of the sensing operations or the communication operations; Request for a Channel State Information (CSI) report; or Broadcast type.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the broadcast type includes at least one of the following: Unicast; Multicast; or broadcast.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the sensing operation is a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI further includes at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the first-level DCI indicates that both the sensing operation and the communication operation are to be scheduled, and the sensing operation and the communication operation are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are carried by two control channels, the two control channels being located in the same CORESET or in two different CORESETs.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the first-level DCI is carried by a control channel and the second-level DCI is carried by a data channel.

29. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, further comprising: Receive configuration information, the configuration information indicating a set of configurations for at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the configuration set is received via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

31. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 30, further comprising: After receiving the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI, perform at least one of the following: Communicating with BS; Communicate with at least one other UE; Perform monobase sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Perform bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS, or between the UE and the UE; Bistatic sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Multi-base sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing reception ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI.

32. A method comprising: Send first-level downlink control information (DCI), which is used to indicate the sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. A second-level DCI is sent, which is used to schedule the sensing operation and the communication operation.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first-level DCI further includes the DCI format of the second-level DCI.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the sensing operation: Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; Transmission or reception direction; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Sensing signal waveform; At least one carrier frequency band; At least one bandwidth portion; or At least one sensing type.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one sensing type comprises at least one of the following: Monopolar sensing between transmitter and receiver in user equipment (UE); Bipolar sensing between UE and base station BS or between UEs; Bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS; or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE; or Multi-base sensing, including sensing group configurations for bi-base sensing from more than two participating nodes.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the communication operation: Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; Transmission or reception direction; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; signal waveform; At least one carrier frequency band; or At least one bandwidth portion.

37. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the sensing operation is a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI includes at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI further comprises at least one of the following: An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on the one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; In the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation, the priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operation or the communication operation; Indication of at least one quasi-co-located QCLed reference signal RS; Separate beam or shared beam configuration; or Configuration of separate antennas.

39. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the sensing operation and the communication operation are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

41. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 40, further comprising: Send configuration information indicating a set of configurations for the sensing operation and the communication operation, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for the sensing operation and the communication operation.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the configuration set is sent via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE).

43. A method comprising: Receive first-level downlink control information (DCI), which is used to indicate sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. The second-level DCI is received, which is used to schedule the sensing operation and the communication operation.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first-level DCI further includes the DCI format of the second-level DCI.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the sensing operation: Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; Transmission or reception direction; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Sensing signal waveform; At least one carrier frequency band; At least one bandwidth portion; or At least one sensing type.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the at least one sensing type comprises at least one of the following: Monopolar sensing between transmitter and receiver in user equipment (UE); Bistatic sensing between UE and base station BS, or between UEs; Bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS; or bistatic sensing between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE; or Multi-base sensing, including sensing group configurations for bi-base sensing from more than two participating nodes.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the second-level DCI includes at least one of the following information for the communication operation: Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; Transmission or reception direction; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; signal waveform; At least one carrier frequency band; or At least one bandwidth portion.

48. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the sensing operation is a sidelink sensing operation, and at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI includes at least one of the sensing source ID or sensing target ID in the sidelink sensing operation.

49. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI further comprises at least one of the following: An instruction for one of the sensing operations or the communication operations to perform rate matching on the one of the sensing operations or the communication operations in the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operations and the communication operations; In the event of a resource usage conflict between the sensing operation and the communication operation, the priority of resource usage for one of the sensing operation or the communication operation; Indication of at least one quasi-co-located QCLed reference signal RS; Separate beam or shared beam configuration; or Configuration of separate antennas.

50. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein the sensing operation and the communication operation are time-aligned and synchronized with a time reference point.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI are time-division multiplexed, frequency-division multiplexed, or multiplexed in both the time and frequency domains.

52. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 51, further comprising: Receive configuration information, the configuration information indicating a set of configurations for the sensing operation and the communication operation, wherein the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI indicate at least one configuration in the configuration set for the sensing operation and the communication operation.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the configuration set is received via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

54. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 53, further comprising: After receiving the first-level DCI and the second-level DCI, perform at least one of the following: Communicating with BS; Communicate with at least one other UE; Perform monobase sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Perform bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS, or between the UE and the UE; Bistatic sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Multi-base sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in an indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing reception ID may be included in at least one of the first-level DCI or the second-level DCI.

55. A method comprising: Send configuration information, which indicates a set of configurations for sensing operations; Send a dedicated downlink control information (DCI) that schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the at least one configuration includes at least one of the following: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; Sensing signal waveform; Sensing sequence configuration; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; MCS; Indicators in the MCS table; Indication for at least one QCLed RS; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier ID; New data; More instructions for sensing operations are needed; At least one redundant version for repeatable sensing resources; At least one mode for repeatable sensing resources; At least one region ID; At least one range requirement; Request for a Channel State Information (CSI) report; or Broadcast type.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the broadcast type includes at least one of the following: Unicast; Multicast; or broadcast.

58. The method of any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein the at least one configuration indicates a sensing timing, the sensing timing including at least one sensing waveform, at least one time-frequency resource region, at least one carrier frequency, at least one bandwidth portion (BWP), at least one time-frequency hopping mode, and at least one subcarrier interval.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the plurality of time-frequency modes in the sensing timing are different in terms of time-frequency resources and transition modes.

60. The method of claim 58 or 59, wherein the time-frequency resources and the transition pattern are indexed.

61. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 60, wherein the at least one configuration indicates at least one of the following: The point in time when sensing begins; The at least one time-frequency resource to be used is indexed using at least one resource index; At least one transition pattern to be used, wherein the at least one transition pattern is indexed using at least one transition pattern index; At least one carrier frequency band; or At least one component carrier.

62. The method according to any one of claims 55 to 61, wherein the configuration set is received via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

63. A method comprising: Receive configuration information, which indicates a set of configurations for sensing operations; Receive dedicated downlink control information (DCI), which schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations; The sensing operation is performed based on the dedicated DCI.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the at least one configuration includes at least one of the following: At least one carrier frequency band; Duplex mode; At least one component carrier associated with at least one channel bandwidth; At least one subcarrier interval to be used; Antenna configuration; Frequency resource allocation; Time and resource allocation; At least one reference frequency domain location; At least one reference time location; At least one sensing type; The direction of transmission or reception during sensing operations; A collection of reserved time or frequency resources; Resource reservation period; Sensing signal waveform; Sensing sequence configuration; The number of at least one DMRS port; Antenna port configuration; MCS; Indicators in the MCS table; Indication for at least one QCLed RS; Time-skip mode; Frequency hopping mode; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier ID; New data; More instructions for sensing operations are needed; At least one redundant version for repeatable sensing resources; At least one mode for repeatable sensing resources; At least one region ID; At least one range requirement; Request for a Channel State Information (CSI) report; or Broadcast type.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the broadcast type includes at least one of the following: Unicast; Multicast; or broadcast.

66. The method of any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the at least one configuration indicates a sensing timing, the sensing timing including at least one sensing waveform, at least one time-frequency resource region, at least one carrier frequency, at least one bandwidth portion (BWP), at least one time-frequency hopping mode, and at least one subcarrier interval.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the plurality of time-frequency modes in the sensing timing are different in terms of time-frequency resources and transition modes.

68. The method of claim 66 or 67, wherein the time-frequency resources and the transition pattern are indexed.

69. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 68, wherein the at least one configuration indicates at least one of the following: The point in time when sensing begins; The at least one time-frequency resource to be used is indexed using at least one resource index; The at least one jump pattern to be used is indexed using at least one jump pattern index; At least one carrier frequency band; or At least one component carrier.

70. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the configuration set is received via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (MAC CE).

71. The method according to any one of claims 63 to 70, wherein performing the sensing operation comprises: Perform monobase sensing in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Perform bistatic sensing between the UE and the BS, or between the UE and the UE; Bistatic sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction; Multi-base sensing is performed between the UE, the sensing target, and the BS, or between the UE, the sensing target, and the UE in the indicated transmission or reception direction, wherein the sensing source ID or sensing reception ID may be included in the dedicated DCI.

72. A first device, comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: The receiver transmits a first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. A second-level DCI is transmitted via the transceiver, the second-level DCI being used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

73. A second device, comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: The receiver receives first-level downlink control information (DCI), which indicates that at least one of a sensing operation or a communication operation should be scheduled. The transceiver receives a second-level DCI, which is used to schedule at least one of the sensing operation or the communication operation.

74. A first device comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: The transceiver transmits first-level downlink control information (DCI), which is used to indicate sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. The second-level DCI is transmitted via the transceiver. The second-level DCI is used to schedule the sensing operation and the communication operation.

75. A second device comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: The transceiver receives first-level downlink control information (DCI), which is used to indicate sensing and communication operations to be scheduled. The transceiver receives a second-level DCI, which is used to schedule the sensing operation and the communication operation.

76. A first device comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Configuration information is transmitted via the transceiver, the configuration information indicating a configuration set for sensing operations; The transceiver transmits Dedicated Downlink Control Information (DCI), which schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations.

77. A second device comprising: transceiver; The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Configuration information is received via the transceiver, the configuration information indicating a set of configurations for sensing operations; The transceiver receives Dedicated Downlink Control Information (DCI), which schedules sensing operations and indicates at least one configuration from the configuration set for the sensing operations. The sensing operation is performed based on the dedicated DCI.

78. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 71.

79. A chip comprising at least one processing circuit configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 71.

80. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor; A non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 71.

81. A computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 71.

Images