Beam skew radar operation with reconfigurable smart surface device

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods, including computer programs encoded on a storage medium, for radar sensing. A wireless device transmits (314, 414) a broadband radar signal towards a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device (122). The wireless device receives (320, 420) a first reflection of the broadband radar signal, the first reflection indicating a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with the first object detection. The wireless device transmits (330, 430), towards the RIS device (122), narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions. The wireless device receives (334, 434) a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal, the second reflection associated with a second object detection.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,832, filed September 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to radar operation using reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS) and / or adaptive phase-changing devices (APD). Background Technology

[0004] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifies a radio interface known as Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) (5G NR). The architecture of a 5G NR wireless communication system includes a 5G core (5GC) network, a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), and user equipment (5G UE). Compared to previous generations of cellular communication systems, the 5G NR architecture aims to provide increased data rates, reduced latency, and / or increased capacity.

[0005] Generally, wireless communication systems provide various telecommunications services (e.g., telephony, video, data, messaging, etc.) based on multiple access technologies (such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)) that support communication with multiple users. Improvements in mobile broadband have continued the development of such wireless communication technologies. For example, adaptive phase-changing devices (APDs) and reconfigurable smart surfaces (RISs) are being implemented for next-generation communication systems (e.g., sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology), and particularly for radar sensing. For instance, radar sensing in densely populated urban environments can be challenging because the presence of obstructions (e.g., buildings, trees, pedestrians, vehicles, etc.) can potentially block the line-of-sight (LOS) between the radar transmitter and the target / object. These obstructions can create shadow areas, which are regions where radar signals cannot reach the target on a direct path without reflection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a simplified overview of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of all anticipated aspects. It neither identifies key or important elements of all aspects nor describes the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0007] Adaptive Phase Changing Devices (APDs) and Reconfigurable Smart Surfaces (RISs) can extend radar coverage into shadowed areas by reflecting and / or redirecting received radar signals from the surface of the APD / RIS toward the target / object. However, broadband millimeter-wave (mmWave) (or terahertz (THz) waves or higher) communication supported by APDs / RISs suffers from beam skew effects. Beam skew is a phenomenon caused by the frequency dependence of the amplitude of the phase shift in analog beamforming. Beam skew adversely affects the received radar signal, which in turn can affect the angular resolution of the radar system. For example, in a radar system with a phased array antenna utilizing broadband radar signals, the phase difference between signals transmitted from multiple antenna elements varies because the phase difference depends on the instantaneous carrier frequency. In this case, where the radar system utilizes broadband radar signals, the instantaneous carrier frequency is scanned across the frequency band. The changing phase difference results in a changing beam direction (also known as beam skew). Beam skew causes errors in the estimation of the direction of arrival (DOA) and degrades the antenna gain.

[0008] The aspects of this disclosure address the aforementioned and other deficiencies by implementing a two-step process for radar sensing, such as utilizing RIS. In one example, the UE receives beam deflection information from a network entity, which includes at least one of a beam deflection angle or a beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector. The UE sends a request message to the network entity for resource granting to perform wideband radar processing. The UE uses the resource granting to transmit a wideband radar signal. When the UE detects a reflection of the wideband signal, the UE sends a second request message to perform narrowband radar processing. In another example, the network entity is the transmitter of the radar signal, and when the network entity detects a wideband signal, the network entity transmits a narrowband radar signal.

[0009] According to some aspects, the wireless device transmits a wideband radar signal toward the RIS device. The wireless device receives a first reflection of the wideband radar signal, which indicates a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection. The wireless device transmits a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions. The wireless device receives a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal, which is associated with a second object detection.

[0010] According to some aspects, the RIS device receives broadband radar signals from network entities to scan the RIS phase vector. The RIS device measures the reflection of the broadband radar signals to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector. The RIS device sends RIS beam deflection information, which includes the beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of the broadband radar signals, to the network entities. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An illustration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment is shown, the wireless communication system including a plurality of user equipments (UEs) and network entities communicating through one or more cells.

[0012] Figures 2A to 2B This is an illustration of an example environment for implementing beam deflection radar operation according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a signaling diagram illustrating communication between a user equipment (UE), a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device, and a network entity for beam deflection radar operation according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a signaling diagram illustrating the communication between a RIS device and a network entity for beam deflection radar operation according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method at the UE according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for wireless communication at a network entity according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a wireless communication method at a RIS device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a hardware implementation of an example UE device according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a hardware implementation of one or more example network entities according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figure 1A diagram 100 illustrates a wireless communication system associated with multiple cells 190. The wireless communication system includes user equipment (UE) 102 and base station / network entity 104. Some base stations may include an aggregated base station architecture, and others may include a decomposed base station architecture. The aggregated base station architecture utilizes a radio protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node. The decomposed base station architecture utilizes a protocol stack physically or logically distributed across two or more units (e.g., radio unit (RU) 106, distributed unit (DU) 108, central unit (CU) 110). For example, CU 110 is implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DU 108s may co-locate with CU 110, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. DU 108 may be implemented to communicate with one or more RU 106s. Any of RU 106, DU 108, and CU 110 can be implemented as a virtual unit, such as a virtual radio unit (VRU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual central unit (VCU). Base station / network entity 104 (e.g., an aggregated base station or a decomposed unit of a base station, such as RU 106 or DU 108) can be referred to as a transmit / receive point (TRP).

[0021] The operation and / or network design of base station 104 can be based on the aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, a decomposed base station architecture can be utilized in an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) network, or a Virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) (which may also be referred to as a Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN)). Decomposition can include distributing functionality across two or more units located in various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing the functionality of at least one unit, which allows for flexibility in network design. Various units in the decomposed base station architecture or decomposed RAN architecture can be configured to communicate with at least one other unit via wired or wireless communication. For example, base stations 104d, 104e and / or RUs 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d can communicate with UEs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and / or 102s via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links based on a Uu interface. In the example, multiple RUs 106 and / or base stations 104 can simultaneously serve UE 102, such as through intra-cell and / or inter-cell access links between UE 102 and RUs 106 / base stations 104.

[0022] RU 106, DU 108, and CU 110 may include (or may be coupled to) one or more interfaces configured to transmit or receive information / signals via wired or wireless transmission media. For example, a wired interface may be configured to transmit or receive information / signals via a wired transmission media, such as a fronthaul link 160 between RU 106d and a baseband unit (BBU) 112 of base station 104d associated with cell 190d. BBU 112 includes DU 108 and CU 110, and may also have a wired interface (e.g., a midhaul link) configured between DU 108 and CU 110 for transmitting or receiving information / signals between DU 108 and CU 110. In a further example, a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) may be configured to transmit and / or receive information / signals via a wireless transmission medium, such as information transmitted between RU 106a in cell 190a and base station 104e in cell 190e via inter-cell communication beams 136-138 of RU 106a and base station 104e.

[0023] RU 106 can be configured to implement low-level functionality. For example, RU 106 is controlled by DU 108 and can correspond to a logical node that manages RF processing functions or low-level PHY functionality, such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction, and filtering. The functionality of RU 106 can be based on functional partitioning, such as low-level functional partitioning.

[0024] RU 106 can send or receive over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 102. For example, RU 106b of cell 190b communicates with UE 102b of cell 190b via a first set of communication beams 132 of RU 106b and a second set of communication beams 134b of UE 102b. These two sets of communication beams may correspond to inter-cell communication beams or, in some examples, inter-cell communication beams. For example, UE 102b of cell 190b can communicate with RU 106a of cell 190a via a third set of communication beams 134a of UE 102b and a fourth set of communication beams 136 of RU 106a. DU 108 can control both the real-time and non-real-time characteristics of control plane and user plane communications of RU 106.

[0025] Any combination of RU 106, DU 108, and CU 110, or a reference to them individually, may correspond to base station 104. Therefore, base station 104 may include at least one of RU 106, DU 108, or CU 110. Base station 104 provides UE 102 with access to the core network. Base station 104 may relay communication between UE 102 and the core network (not shown). Base station 104 may be associated with macro cells of higher-power cellular base stations and / or small cells of lower-power cellular base stations. For example, cell 190e may correspond to a macro cell, while cells 190a-190d may correspond to small cells. Small cells include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc. A network including at least one macro cell and at least one small cell may be referred to as a "heterogeneous network".

[0026] Transmissions from UE 102 to base station 104 / RU 106 are called uplink (UL) transmissions, while transmissions from base station 104 / RU 106 to UE 102 are called downlink (DL) transmissions. Uplink transmissions can also be called reverse link transmissions, and downlink transmissions can also be called forward link transmissions. For example, RU 106d uses the antenna of base station 104d in cell 190d to send downlink / forward link communication to UE 102d, or receive uplink / reverse link communication from UE 102d, based on the Uu interface associated with the access link between UE 102d and base station 104d / RU 106d.

[0027] The communication link between UE 102 and base station 104 / RU 106 can be based on multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link can be associated with one or more carriers. UE 102 and base station 104 / RU 106 can utilize up to a total of Yx Each carrier allocated in MHz carrier aggregation Y MHz (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz, 400 MHz, 800 MHz, 1600 MHz, 2000 MHz, etc.) spectrum bandwidth, of which x Each component carrier (CC) is used for communication in each of the uplink and downlink directions. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other along the spectrum. In the example, uplink and downlink carriers may be allocated asymmetrically, with more or fewer carriers allocated to the uplink or downlink. A component carrier may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be associated with a primary cell (PCell), and the secondary component carriers may be associated with secondary cells (SCells).

[0028] Some UEs, such as UEs 102a and 102s, can perform device-to-device (D2D) communication via sidelinks. For example, sidelink communication / D2D links utilize the spectrum of the Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) associated with uplink and downlink communication. Such sidelink / D2D communication can be performed by various wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, and NR systems.

[0029] UE 102 and base station 104 / RU 106 may each include multiple antennas. These multiple antennas may correspond to antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays that facilitate beamforming operation. For example, RU 106b transmits downlink beamforming signals to UE 102b based on a first set of communication beams 132 in one or more transmit directions of RU 106b. UE 102b may receive downlink beamforming signals from RU 106b based on a second set of communication beams 134b in one or more receive directions of UE 102b. In a further example, UE 102b may also transmit uplink beamforming signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) to RU 106b based on a second set of communication beams 134b in one or more transmit directions of UE 102b. RU 106b may receive uplink beamforming signals from UE 102b in one or more receive directions of RU 106b. UE 102b can perform beam training to determine the optimal reception and transmission directions for beamforming signals. The transmission and reception directions of UE 102 and base station 104 / RU 106 can be the same or different.

[0030] In a further example, the beamformed signal can be transmitted between the first base station / RU 106a and the second base station 104e. For example, base station 104e of cell 190e can transmit the beamformed signal to RU 106a based on communication beam 138 in one or more transmit directions of base station 104e. RU 106a can receive the beamformed signal from base station 104e of cell 190e based on RU communication beam 136 in one or more receive directions of RU 106a. In a further example, base station 104e transmits a downlink beamformed signal to UE 102e based on communication beam 138 in one or more transmit directions of base station 104e. UE 102e receives the downlink beamformed signal from base station 104e based on UE communication beam 130 in one or more receive directions of UE 102e. UE 102e can also transmit uplink beamforming signals to base station 104e based on UE communication beam 130 in one or more transmission directions of UE 102e, so that base station 104e can receive uplink beamforming signals from UE 102e in one or more reception directions of base station 104e.

[0031] Base station 104 may include and / or be referred to as a network entity. That is, a "network entity" may refer to base station 104 or at least one element of base station 104, such as RU 106, DU 108, and / or CU 110. Base station 104 may also include and / or be referred to as Next Generation Evolved Node B (ng-eNB), Next Generation NB (gNB), Evolved NB (eNB), access point, base transceiver, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), TRP, network node, network device, or other related terms. Base station 104 or the entity at base station 104 may be implemented as an IAB node, relay node, sidelink node, aggregated (monolithic) base station, or a decomposed base station including one or more RU 106, DU 108, and / or CU 110. Aggregated or decomposed base station sets may be referred to as Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN). In some examples, UE 102a operates in dual connectivity (DC) with base station 104e and base station / RU 106a. In such cases, base station 104e can be the primary node, and base station / RU 106a can be the secondary node.

[0032] One or more UEs 102 may include radar device 103e, and one or more base stations 104e may include radar device 103g. UE 102 may communicate with base station 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links 178. The downlink portion of access link 178 may be combined with radar signals to generate combined radar and communication signals. Such combined radar and communication signals may use orthogonal time-frequency spatial (OTFS) modulation or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. UE 102 may use the uplink portion of access link 178 to send information to network entity 104. UE 102 may perform radar sensing for imaging the environment or determining information about objects based on reflections 176 of radar signals 174 reflected from reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device 122. Network entity 104e communicates with RIS device 122 using access link 179 for control and / or data communication.

[0033] The RIS device 122, also known as a smart reflective surface (IRS), includes multiple antenna elements tunable to interact (passively or actively) with electromagnetic waves. For example, a passive RIS may include an array of antenna elements of subwavelength size with properties such as reflection, negative refraction, absorption, or scattering. The RIS controller 164 applies or configures the phase vectors of the RIS elements to change the reflection properties (e.g., vary the output direction of the reflected radio waves). In some cases, the configuration of the RIS elements uses principles similar to beamforming (using antenna elements to control the direction of the wavefront by weighting amplitude and / or phase). Therefore, even when the device and the RIS are kept in a relatively constant position relative to each other, the device can configure the RIS to generate reflected beams in various directions by controlling the phase vectors and other configuration aspects at the RIS. In some examples, the RIS device and the adaptive phase-changing device (APD) may be used interchangeably in the description.

[0034] Still referencing Figure 1 In some respects, any UE in UE 102 may include a UE RIS radar component 140 configured to transmit a broadband radar signal toward the RIS device 122 and receive a first reflection of the broadband radar signal. The first reflection indicates a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection. The UE RIS radar component 140 is also configured to transmit a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device 122 corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions and receive a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal. The second reflection is associated with a second object detection.

[0035] In some aspects, any base station or network entity of base station 104 may include a base station (BS) RIS radar assembly 150 configured to transmit a broadband radar signal toward RIS device 122 and receive a first reflection of the broadband radar signal. The first reflection indicates a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection. The BS RIS radar assembly 150 is also configured to transmit a narrowband radar signal toward RIS device 122 corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions and receive a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal. The second reflection is associated with a second object detection.

[0036] In some respects, any RIS in RIS 122 may include a RIS radar component 166 configured to receive a broadband radar signal from network entity 104 to scan the RIS phase vector, measure the reflection of the broadband radar signal to obtain a beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector, and send RIS beam deflection information to network entity 104, the RIS beam deflection information including the beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of the broadband radar signal.

[0037] therefore, Figure 1 A wireless communication system that can be implemented in conjunction with one or more other figures described herein is described. Furthermore, although the following description may focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein are applicable to other similar fields, such as 5G-Advanced and future versions, LTE, LTE-advanced (LTE-A), and other wireless technologies such as 6G.

[0038] Figure 2A An example environment 200 for implementing beam deflection radar operation according to some embodiments is shown. Environment 200 includes UE 102 (e.g., with...). Figure 1 (corresponding to element 102e) and network entity 104 (e.g., with Figure 1 (Corresponding to element 104e). UE 102 can be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, cellular phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, smart appliance, vehicle-based communication system, or Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0039] refer to Figure 2AUE 102 can act as a radar transmitter to perform radar sensing using RIS device 122. Radar sensing can be used to image the environment or determine information about objects 116 in the environment based on distance, Doppler, and / or angular information determined from reflections of radar signal 174. Radar signal 174 includes defined waveforms such as frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), pulse waveforms, OTFS waveforms, or chirped waveforms, and other examples of defined waveforms. Radar sensing can be used for automotive radar, for example, to detect the environment around a vehicle, nearby vehicles or objects, and to detect information for intelligent cruise control, collision avoidance, etc. Radar signal sensing can also be used for gesture recognition, such as human activity recognition, hand movement recognition, facial expression recognition, key press detection, sign language detection, etc. Radar signal sensing can be used to acquire contextual information, such as position detection, tracking, orientation determination, distance estimation, etc. Radar sensing can be used to image the environment, for example, to provide a three-dimensional (3D) map for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) applications. Radar devices can be used to provide high-resolution positioning, for example, for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

[0040] Network entity 104 communicates with UE 102 using access link 178 (e.g., wireless downlink 178A) for control and / or data communication. For example, network entity 104 transmits control information and downlink data to UE 102. UE 102 transmits control information and uplink data 178B to network entity 104. The downlink portion 178A or the uplink portion 178B of access link 178 can be combined with radar signals to generate combined radar and communication signals. Network entity 104 communicates with RIS device 122 using access link 179 for control and / or data communication. For example, network entity 104 transmits control information to RIS device 122.

[0041] Figure 2AExample 200 is shown where UE 102 is using RIS device 122 to perform radar sensing to sense object 116. Object 116 may be blocked by obstacles 114 (e.g., walls, windows, water vapor, human bodies, etc.). Obstacle 114 may be stationary or moving. Therefore, obstacle 114 prevents UE 102 from having a line-of-sight (LOS) with object 116. In another case, object 116 may be located in a densely populated area with significant path loss. For example, a densely populated area may be an urban environment crowded with stationary or moving objects. Due to the dense population, channel attenuation may be significant, resulting in weak reflections of the signal received by the radar receiver. In a further case, obstacle 114 may cause weak radio signal coverage, which can degrade the quality of service. Therefore, the RIS device is deployed together with the radar system to support radar sensing of the object, thereby overcoming the problems described above.

[0042] like Figure 2A As shown, the RIS device 122 acts as an assistant to help UE 102 perform radar sensing by establishing a radar object propagation path to sense an object 116 that has no line-of-sight (LOS) with the radar transmitter (e.g., UE 102). In this way, by extending the radar coverage between the radar transmitter and the object, the RIS device 122 can assist radar sensing operations even when there is no LOS between the radar transmitter and the object. For example, the RIS device 122 can be mounted on a building to detect objects (e.g., drones) that may fall into non-line-of-sight (N-LOS) areas due to the height of the building.

[0043] Because an obstacle 114 exists between UE 102 and object 116, UE 102 sends radar signal 174 toward RIS device 122 to establish a radar-object propagation path. RIS device 122 receives radar signal 174, reflects radar signal 174 from its surface, and directs the reflected portion of the radar signal toward object 116. Radar signal 174 arrives at the surface of RIS device 122 at a certain angle of incidence, and radar signal 174 can be redirected toward object 116 at a certain angle of reflection. RIS device 122 adaptively adjusts the phase of each reflecting element to amplify the signal received by RIS device 122 in the direction toward object 116. UE 102 receives the reflected portion of radar signal 174 reflected from object 116 as well as the directly received radar signal (unreflected). In response to receiving radar signal 174 (directly or reflected), UE 102 performs radar processing to determine radar signal measurement information including information about object 116. Based on radar signal measurement information, UE 102 calculates the position of object 116.

[0044] In some implementations (in) Figure 2A (not shown in environment 200), although in Figure 2A The diagram shows a single RIS device 122, but multiple RIS devices can be deployed to perform radar sensing with UE 102 and / or network entity 104 to support new wireless technology applications and capabilities. The use of RIS devices can contribute to enhanced capacity, coverage, positioning, security, sensing, wireless power delivery, and environmental backscattering capabilities of wireless technology applications and capabilities. For example, the use of RIS device 122 can help generate a high-precision and accurate map of the surrounding environment (because radar sensing assisted by RIS device 122 enables UE 102 to perform obstacle detection (such as...) Figure 2A (Radar sensing behind obstacles 114 in environment 200).

[0045] Therefore, the UE 102, network entity 104, and RIS device 122 performing radar sensing can overcome the limitations associated with conventional object detection techniques performed by network entity 104 or UE 102. Furthermore, UE 102 and / or network entity 104 can add communication information to the radar signal to obtain a combined radar and communication signal. Figure 2B Variations include network entity 104 performing object detection by sending radar signals, and network entity 104 detecting the reflection of radar signals from objects.

[0046] Figure 2B The diagram shows network entity 104 transmitting radar signal 174 for radar sensing. However, as... Figure 2B As shown, network entity 104 acts as a radar receiver to perform radar sensing using RIS device 122.

[0047] therefore, Figures 1 to 2B An example environment is described, in which various aspects of radar sensing can be combined with aspects of one or more other figures described herein—such as Figures 3 to 8 The aspects shown are used to achieve this.

[0048] Figure 3 It is shown according to such Figure 2A The following is a signaling diagram of example scenario 300 for radar sensing using UE 102 as both a radar transmitter and a radar receiver, as described in some embodiments. Network entity 104 may correspond to a base station or a unit of a base station (e.g., RU 106, DU 108, CU 110, etc.). Although example scenario 300 shows RIS device 122, other implementations may include an APD.

[0049] Network entity 104 sends a 301A broadband radar signal to RIS device 122 to scan RIS phase vectors. In one example, network entity 104 sends the 301A broadband radar signal toward RIS device 122 to obtain multiple RIS phase vectors. RIS device 122 includes multiple elements (e.g., an array of surface elements) to reflect the broadband radar signal, and to coherently combine and beamform the broadband radar signal. Each surface element has a reflection coefficient and a phase shift. In one example, ( Figure 1 (As shown) The RIS controller 164 applies or configures the phase vector of the surface element to change the reflection properties of the RIS device 122 (e.g., changing the output direction of radio wave reflections). Network entity 104 can determine the RIS phase vector based on information from reflections of broadband radar signals (e.g., position, azimuth, orientation). For example, network entity 104 can determine beam skew information (e.g., beam skew angle, beamwidth, etc.) based on broadband radar signals without requiring information from the RIS device 122.

[0050] In some implementations, the RIS device 122 measures the reflection of the 301B broadband radar signal to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector. Network entity 104 can adjust or modify the beam deflection information and the RIS phase vector based on information from the RIS device 122. In one example, based on multiple RIS phase vectors, the RIS device 122 performs measurements (e.g., the direction of the RIS reflected signal) to determine the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector. In another example, based on multiple RIS phase vectors, the RIS device 122 determines the beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector. In this way, the RIS device 122 can perform beam deflection effect calibration based on measurements of the RIS reflected signal direction.

[0051] In some implementations, network entity 104 receives 301C RIS beam deflection information from RIS device 122, which includes a beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of a broadband radar signal. The RIS beam deflection information may also include the beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector. Therefore, as described above, network entity 104 can determine 302 beam deflection information with or without information from RIS device 122.

[0052] UE 102 may send a 304 radar processing capability message to network entity 104, which indicates radar capabilities supported by the UE for radar sensing using RIS device 122. For example, UE 102 may optionally send a 304 radar capability message indicating the UE's radar capabilities to network entity 104 (e.g., UECapabilityInformation(Message). Radar capabilities may include fields indicating at least one of the following: UE capability to perform radar sensing using a RIS device; UE capability to transmit or receive radar signals; or the minimum delay between the time of authorized reception of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and the time of UE 102 performing radar measurement report transmission. Radar capability messages may also include fields indicating at least one of the following: supported radar signal frequency bands and associated bandwidths, supported radar waveforms, antenna array capabilities, maximum radar Doppler resolution, maximum radar range resolution, or maximum angular resolution.

[0053] Network entity 104 sends 306 RIS beam skew information to UE 102. The RIS beam skew information may include the beam skew angle or the beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector.

[0054] UE 102 sends a first radar request message (308) to network entity 104 to request resource authorization to perform broadband radar sensing using RIS device 122. In one example, the first request message includes a field indicating a phase vector mapping for mapping the RIS phase vector to a region of interest associated with object detection. UE 102 may indicate in the first request message the desired RIS phase vector corresponding to a specific region of interest for radar detection of target 116.

[0055] UE 102 may not specify RIS device 122 in its request message, requiring network entity 104 to select RIS device 122 to assist UE 102 in radar sensing. For example, if UE 102 determines to perform radar sensing and sends a 308 Radar Request message to network entity 104, network entity 104 can select RIS device 122 to perform radar sensing with UE 102. In some examples, the serving network entity 104 determines to perform radar sensing directly with UE 102. In other examples, network entity 104 has information associated with the deployment of RIS device 122 within its coverage area and selects RIS device 122 based on the location of UE 102 and / or the object to be detected by radar sensing.

[0056] Network entity 104 can select a RIS device 122 to assist UE 102 in radar sensing based on a request message. For example, network entity 104 can select the RIS device 122 based on its location information. For instance, network entity 104 can select the RIS device 122 that can provide a LOS between UE 102 and object 116 by referring to information about UE 102 included in the radar request message (e.g., UE 102's location, UE 102's speed, or UE 102's orientation). In some other examples, network entity 104 can select the RIS device 122 that is closest to UE 102.

[0057] UE 102 receives 310 an authorization of resources for RIS wideband radar processing. In some aspects, the resources indicate specific time slots in which UE 102 can transmit wideband radar signals. For example, UE 102 may receive downlink control information (DCI) from network entity 104 indicating at least one of the following: frequency resources (e.g., frequency domain resource allocation), timing resources (e.g., time domain resource allocation), power control commands, or radar waveforms. In some examples, UE 102 does not receive the identity of the RIS device 122 that network entity 104 has selected to assist UE 102 in radar sensing. UE 102 utilizes the authorized resources for radar signaling and relies on network entity 104 to receive and relay information related to radar signaling as feedback to UE 102. In some embodiments, the resources for RIS wideband radar processing further indicate conditional resources for transmitting narrowband radar signals. For example, if UE 102 detects an object based on wideband radar signals, the resources may include conditional resources (time / frequency resource allocation) for narrowband radar signals used by UE 102.

[0058] Network entity 104 sends a 312 RIS phase vector to RIS device 122. In one example, network entity 104 may send a 312 Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration message to RIS device 122. For example, RIS device 122 receives a 312 RRC message from network entity 104 (e.g., RRCReconfiguration information). RRCReconfigurationThe message may include phase parameters (e.g., a phase vector) that configure the RIS device 122 to reflect both radar signals 174 and potential communication signals destined for and from object 116. The RRC configuration message indicates the time slot in which the RIS device 122 should reflect the broadband radar signal. This time slot may be the same time slot used for transmitting the broadband radar signal 314 as described below. In some other examples, network entity 104 may transmit 312 Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating the RIS phase vector. In response to receiving 310 resource grant, UE 102 performs radar sensing using the RIS device 122. For example, UE 102 transmits 314 broadband radar signals over the air toward the RIS device 122 using granted radar resources. For example, as described above, UE 102 transmits the broadband radar signal in a specific time slot indicated in the granted radar resources. As previously mentioned, the radar signal may be an OFDM radar signal, an OTFS radar signal, a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar signal, a pulse radar signal, or other types of radar signals. The waveform parameters (e.g., waveform identifiers) indicated in the radar resource grant define the radar signal. For example, network entity 104 sends a waveform identifier 310 to UE 102 via radar resource grant. The waveform identifier indicates the type of waveform to be used for the radar signal. During radar sensing, the radar signal travels through the air and may strike the reflective surface of RIS device 122. RIS device 122 reflects or redirects the broadband radar signal 316 toward object 116.

[0059] UE 102 receives the reflected portion of the broadband radar signal reflected from object 116.

[0060] Based on the reflection of the broadband radar signal, UE 102 detects 322 the narrowband beam direction associated with object detection. For example, if UE 102 detects 322 the narrowband beam direction from the reflection of object 116 based on the broadband radar signal, UE 102 can request narrowband radar processing. When UE 102 receives the reflection of the broadband radar signal during detection 322, the reflection of the broadband radar signal includes the effect of beam skew. The beam skew effect allows UE 102 to identify multiple narrowband beam directions, one of which is the narrowband beam direction that UE 102 should use for the detection of object 116. Therefore, UE 102 tests each of the multiple narrowband beam directions (identified from beam skew) to determine the correct narrowband beam direction to be used for target detection.

[0061] UE 102 sends a 324 request message to network entity 104 requesting resource authorization for performing narrowband radar processing. UE 102 can use narrowband radar signals for higher angular resolution object detection. UE 102 can determine the frequency range of the narrowband radar signals based on beam skew information. In some examples, UE 102 can request multiple narrowband radar signals to perform radar sensing in different directions.

[0062] UE 102 receives from network entity 104 control signaling 326 indicating resource granting for transmitting 330 narrowband radar signals. In some aspects, UE 102 may receive downlink control information (DCI) from network entity 104 indicating at least one of the following: frequency resources (e.g., frequency domain resource allocation), timing resources (e.g., time domain resource allocation), power control commands, or radar waveforms for narrowband radar signals.

[0063] Network entity 104 sends an indication of a RIS phase vector of 328 to RIS device 122 based on at least one of the resource grants. Network entity 104 may send the same RIS phase vector of 328 as described above to RIS device 122.

[0064] In response to receiving resource grant 326, UE 102 sends 330 narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the multiple narrowband beam directions to RIS device 122.

[0065] The RIS device 122 reflects or redirects narrowband radar signals 332 toward the target 116.

[0066] UE 102 detects the reflected portion of the narrowband radar signal reflected from object 116 by 334.

[0067] UE 102 receives 336 reflections of narrowband radar signals reflected from object 116. UE 102 receives the reflections of the narrowband radar signals, and then UE 102 performs radar processing on the received reflections of the narrowband radar signals to determine radar signal measurement information including information about the blocked object 116.

[0068] Although Figure 3 UE 102 is shown as being used for utilizing, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2A The RIS device 122 shown is a radar transmitter and radar receiver for radar sensing, but Figure 4 The description refers to network entity 104 as a means of utilizing, such as Figure 2B Another example scenario 400 shows the RIS device 122 operating as a radar transmitter and radar receiver for radar sensing.

[0069] Figure 4 It shows the result of Figure 2B Example scenario 400 is implemented by network entity 104 as depicted. Network entity 104 may correspond to a base station or a unit of a base station (such as RU 106, DU 108, CU 110, etc.). Figure 4 The processes 301A, 301B, 301C, 302, 312, and 328 are similar. Figure 3 The processes are 301A, 301B, 301C, 302, 312, and 328. Although example scenario 400 shows RIS device 122, other implementations may include APD.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 Network entity 104 sends a 414 broadband radar signal toward RIS device 122.

[0071] RIS redirects or reflects broadband radar signals 416 toward object 116.

[0072] Network entity 104 receives the reflected portion of the broadband radar signal reflected from object 116 by 420.

[0073] Based on the reflection of the broadband radar signal, network entity 104 detects 422 the narrowband beam direction associated with target detection. For example, as described above, the reflection of the broadband radar signal includes beam deflection effects. Network entity 104 identifies multiple narrowband beam directions, one of which is the narrowband beam direction that the network entity should use to detect object 116. Therefore, network entity 104 determines the appropriate narrowband beam direction to be used for object detection based on each of the multiple narrowband beam directions (identified from beam deflection).

[0074] Network entity 104 sends 430 narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the multiple narrowband beam directions toward RIS device 122.

[0075] The RIS device 122 redirects or reflects narrowband radar signals 432 toward the target 116.

[0076] Network entity 104 receives the reflected portion of the narrowband radar signal reflected from object 116 by 434.

[0077] Network entity 104 detects the reflection of a narrowband radar signal 436 from object 116. Network entity 104 then performs radar processing on the received reflection of the narrowband radar signal to determine radar signal measurement information including information about the blocked object 116.

[0078] Figures 5 to 7 The following diagram illustrates the implementation. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more aspects of the method. In particular, Figure 5 This demonstrates the implementation using UE 102 as both a radar transmitter and a radar receiver. Figure 2A and Figure 3 One or more aspects of. Figure 6 This illustrates the implementation using network entity 104 as a radar transmitter, radar receiver, and radar auxiliary device. Figure 2B and Figure 4 One or more aspects of. Figure 7 This is shown as an implementation by RIS device 122. Figures 2A to 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more aspects of.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart 500 depicting an example method of performing radar sensing using the RIS device 122. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7 This method can be executed by UE 102.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 In method 500, UE 102 may optionally send a radar capability message 504 to network entity 104 indicating the UE's ability to perform RIS radar processing. Referring to FIG2, for example, UE 102 may send a radar processing capability message 304 to network entity 104 indicating the radar capabilities supported by the UE for radar sensing using RIS device 122.

[0081] UE 102 receives 506 RIS beam deflection information from network entity 104. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 receives RIS beam deflection information from network entity 104.

[0082] UE 102 sends a 508 First Request Message (or Request Message 508) to network entity 104 for granting first resource authorization for performing wideband radar processing, based on RIS beam skew information. See also... Figure 3 For example, UE 102 sends a first request message 308 to network entity 104 to request resource authorization to utilize RIS device 122 to perform broadband radar sensing.

[0083] UE 102 receives from network entity 104 a first control signaling instruction 510 indicating a first resource authorization for transmitting broadband radar signals. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 receives 310 indicating the authorization of resources for broadband radar sensing.

[0084] UE 102 transmits 514 wideband radar signals toward the RIS device. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 uses authorized resources to send 314 broadband radar signals toward RIS device 122.

[0085] UE 102 receives the first reflection of a 520 wideband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 receives the reflection of a broadband radar signal reflected from object 116 by 320.

[0086] Based on the receipt of the first reflection, UE 102 sends a second request message (524) to network entity 104 for second resource authorization to perform narrowband radar processing. (See reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 sends a 324 request message to network entity 104 for resource authorization to perform narrowband radar sensing.

[0087] UE 102 receives from network entity 104 a second control signaling instruction 526 indicating a second resource authorization for transmitting narrowband radar signals. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 receives control signaling 326 from network entity 104, indicating resource authorization for transmitting narrowband radar signals.

[0088] UE 102 transmits 530 narrowband radar signals toward the RIS device. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 sends 330 narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the multiple narrowband beam directions toward RIS device 122.

[0089] UE 102 receives the second reflection of a 534 narrowband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, UE 102 detects the reflection of a narrowband radar signal from object 116 by 334.

[0090] Figure 5 A method for radar sensing from the UE side is described, while Figure 6 A method for radar sensing from the network entity side is described.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a flowchart depicting an example method for performing radar sensing implemented in network entity 104. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 9 The method can be performed by one or more network entities 104, which may correspond to a base station or a unit of a base station (such as RU 106, DU 108 and / or CU 110).

[0092] In one embodiment, network entity 104 sends a 601A broadband radar signal to RIS device 122 to scan the RIS phase vector to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector. (Reference) Figures 3 to 4 For example, network entity 104 sends a 301A broadband radar signal to RIS device 122 to scan the RIS phase vector.

[0093] Network entity 104 receives 601C RIS beam deflection information from RIS device 122. The RIS beam deflection information includes the beam deflection angle associated with the broadband radar signal. (Reference) Figures 3 to 4 For example, network entity 104 receives 301C RIS beam deflection information from RIS device 122, which includes a beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of a broadband radar signal.

[0094] Network entity 104 may optionally receive from UE 102 a radar capability message 604 instructing the UE to perform RIS radar processing. (See reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 can receive a radar processing capability message 304 from UE 102 indicating the radar capabilities supported by the UE for radar sensing using RIS device 122.

[0095] Network entity 104 sends 606 RIS beam deflection information to UE 102. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 sends 306 RIS beam deflection information to UE 102.

[0096] Network entity 104 receives a first request message (608) from UE 102 for granting first resource authorization for performing wideband radar processing, based on RIS beam skew information. See also... Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 receives 308 from UE 102 for requesting radar resource authorization to perform broadband radar sensing using RIS device 122.

[0097] Network entity 104 sends a first control signaling message (610) to UE 102, indicating a first resource grant for transmitting broadband radar signals. (See reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 sends 310 indicating the authorization of resources for RIS broadband radar processing.

[0098] Network entity 104 sends an instruction for the 612 RIS phase vector to the RIS device based on at least one of a first resource grant or a second resource grant. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 sends 312 RIS phase vectors to RIS device 122.

[0099] Network entity 104 sends a 614-bandwidth radar signal toward the RIS. (Reference) Figure 4 For example, network entity 104 uses authorized resources to send 414 broadband radar signals toward RIS device 122.

[0100] Network entity 104 receives the first reflection of a 620 wideband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 4 For example, network entity 104 receives 420 a reflection of a broadband radar signal reflected from object 116.

[0101] Network entity 104 receives a second request message 624 from the UE for granting second resources for performing narrowband radar processing based on the receipt of the first reflection. (See reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 receives message 324 from UE 2 requesting resource authorization for performing narrowband radar sensing.

[0102] Network entity 104 sends a second control signaling message 626 to the UE, indicating a second resource authorization for the transmission of narrowband radar signals. (See reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 sends control signaling 326 to UE 102, indicating resource authorization for transmitting narrowband radar signals.

[0103] Network entity 104 transmits 630 narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more narrowband beam directions among a plurality of narrowband beam directions toward RIS device 122. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 sends 330 narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the multiple narrowband beam directions toward RIS device 122.

[0104] Network entity 104 receives a second reflection of a 634 narrowband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, network entity 104 detects the reflection of narrowband radar signals reflected from object 116.

[0105] Figure 6 A method for radar sensing from the network entity side is described, while Figure 7 A method for radar sensing from the RIS device side is described.

[0106] Figure 7 This is flowchart 700, depicting an example method for performing radar sensing implemented in a RIS device. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4 This method can be executed by one or more RIS devices 122.

[0107] refer to Figure 7 The RIS device 122 receives 701A broadband radar signals from network entity 104 to scan the RIS phase vector. (Reference) Figure 3For example, RIS device 122 receives broadband radar signals from network entity 104 to scan the RIS phase vector.

[0108] The RIS device 122 measures the reflection of the 701B broadband radar signal to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, the RIS device 122 measures the reflection of the 301B broadband radar signal to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector.

[0109] RIS device 122 sends 701C RIS beam deflection information to network entity 104, which includes a beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of a broadband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, the RIS device 122 transmits 301C RIS beam deflection information, which includes a beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of a broadband radar signal.

[0110] The RIS device 122 receives from network entity 104 an indication 712 of the RIS phase vector associated with the broadband radar signal. (Reference) Figure 3 For example, RIS device 122 receives 312 RIS phase vectors from network entity 104.

[0111] like Figure 8 The UE equipment 802 described above can perform Figure 5 The flowchart 500 method in the example. Figure 9 The one or more network entities 104 can perform Figure 6 The method in flowchart 600.

[0112] Figure 8 Illustration 800 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of UE equipment 802. UE equipment 802 may be UE 102, a component of UE 102, or may implement UE functionality. UE equipment 802 may include an application processor 806, which may have on-chip memory 806'. In the example, application processor 806 may be coupled to a secure digital card (SD) 808 and / or a display 810. Application processor 806 may also be coupled to a sensor module 812, a power supply 814, an additional memory module 816, a camera 818, and / or other related components. For example, sensor module 812 may control a barometer / altimeter, motion sensors (such as an inertial management unit (IMU)), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, a radio-assisted detection and ranging (RADAR) device, a sound navigation and ranging (SONAR) device, a magnetometer, an audio device, and / or other technologies for positioning.

[0113] The UE equipment 802 may further include a wireless baseband processor 826, which may be referred to as a modem. The wireless baseband processor 826 may have on-chip memory 826'. Together with and similar to the application processor 806, the wireless baseband processor 826 may also be coupled to a sensor module 812, a power supply 814, an additional memory module 816, a camera 818, and / or other related components. The wireless baseband processor 826 may additionally be coupled to one or more Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards 820 and / or one or more transceivers 830 (e.g., wireless RF transceivers).

[0114] Within one or more transceivers 830, UE equipment 802 may include a Bluetooth module 832, a WLAN module 834, an SPS module 836 (e.g., a GNSS module), and / or a cellular module 838. The Bluetooth module 832, WLAN module 834, SPS module 836, and cellular module 838 may each include an on-chip transceiver (TRX), or in some cases, only a transmitter (TX) or only a receiver (RX). The Bluetooth module 832, WLAN module 834, SPS module 836, and cellular module 838 may each include a dedicated antenna and / or communicate with one or more other nodes using antenna 840. For example, UE equipment 802 may communicate with another UE (e.g., sidelink communication) and / or with network entity 104 (e.g., uplink / downlink communication) via antenna 840 through transceiver 830, where network entity 104 may correspond to a base station or a base station element (such as RU 106, DU 108, or CU110).

[0115] The wireless baseband processor 826 and application processor 806 may each include computer-readable media / memory 826', 806' respectively. Additional modules of memory 816 may also be considered as computer-readable media / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory 826', 806', 816 may be non-transitory. The wireless baseband processor 826 and application processor 806 may each be responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on computer-readable media / memory 826', 806', 816. This software, when executed by the wireless baseband processor 826 / application processor 806, causes the wireless baseband processor 826 / application processor 806 to perform the various functions described herein. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by the wireless baseband processor 826 / application processor 806 during software execution. The wireless baseband processor 826 / application processor 806 may be a component of UE 102. UE equipment 802 may be a processor chip (e.g., a modem and / or application) and includes only the wireless baseband processor 826 and / or application processor 806. In other examples, UE equipment 802 may be the entire UE 102 and may include additional modules of equipment 802.

[0116] As in Figure 1 Discussions and about Figure 5 In this manner, the UE RIS radar component 140 is configured to transmit a broadband radar signal toward the reconfigurable smart surface RIS device 122; receive a first reflection of the broadband radar signal indicating a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection; transmit a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device 122 corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions; and receive a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal associated with a second object detection.

[0117] The UE RIS radar component 140 may be located within an application processor 806 (e.g., at 140a), a wireless baseband processor 826 (e.g., at 140b), or both the application processor 806 and the wireless baseband processor 826. The UE RIS radar components 140a to 140b may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the stated processes / algorithms, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the stated processes / algorithms, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or a combination thereof.

[0118] Figure 9Illustration 900 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of one or more network entities 104. The one or more network entities 104 may be a base station, a component of a base station, or may implement base station functionality. The one or more network entities 104 may include at least one of RU 106, DU 108, or CU 110, or may correspond to at least one of them. CU 110 may include a CU processor 946, which may have on-chip memory 946'. In some aspects, CU 110 may further include an additional memory module 956 and / or a communication interface 948, both of which may be coupled to the CU processor 946. CU 110 may communicate with DU 108 via a midhaul link 162 (such as an F1 interface between the communication interface 948 of CU 110 and the communication interface 928 of DU 108).

[0119] DU 108 may include a DU processor 926, which may have on-chip memory 926'. In some aspects, DU 108 may further include an additional memory module 936 and / or a communication interface 928, both of which may be coupled to the DU processor 926. DU 108 may communicate with RU 106 via a frontlink 160 between DU 108's communication interface 928 and RU 106's communication interface 908.

[0120] RU 106 may include an RU processor 906, which may have on-chip memory 906'. In some aspects, RU 106 may further include an additional memory module 916, a communication interface 908, and one or more transceivers 930, all of which may be coupled to the RU processor 906. RU 106 may further include an antenna 940, which may be coupled to one or more transceivers 930, such that RU 106 can communicate with UE 102 via the antenna 940 through one or more transceivers 930.

[0121] On-chip memories 906', 926', 946' and additional memory modules 916, 936, 956 can each be considered as computer-readable media / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory can be non-transitory. Each of the processors 906, 926, 946 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the corresponding processor 906, 926, 946, the software causes the processor 906, 926, 946 to perform the various functions described herein. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by the processors 906, 926, 946 during software execution. In the example, the BS RIS radar component 150 can be located at one or more network entities 104, such as at CU 110; at both CU 110 and DU 108; at each of CU 110, DU 108, and RU 106; at DU 108; at both DU 108 and RU 106; or at RU 106.

[0122] As in Figure 1 Discussions and about Figure 6 In this manner, the BS RIS radar assembly 150 is configured to transmit a broadband radar signal toward the reconfigurable smart surface RIS device 122; receive a first reflection of the broadband radar signal indicating a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection; transmit a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device 122 corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions; and receive a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal associated with a second object detection.

[0123] The BS RIS radar component 150 may be located within one or more processors of one or more network entities 104, such as RU processor 906 (e.g., at 150a), DU processor 926 (e.g., at 150b), and / or CU processor 946 (e.g., at 150c). The BS RIS radars 150a-150c may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to execute the stated processes / algorithms, implemented by one or more processors 906, 926, 946 configured to execute the stated processes / algorithms, and stored in a computer-readable medium for use by one or more processors 906, 926, 946, or combinations thereof.

[0124] The specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the processes and flowcharts disclosed herein is illustrative of the exemplary methods. Therefore, the specific order or hierarchy of the boxes in the processes and flowcharts can be rearranged. Some boxes can also be combined or deleted. Dashed lines may indicate optional elements of the diagram. The appended method claims present the elements of various boxes in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented in the claims, processes, and flowcharts.

[0125] The detailed descriptions presented herein, in conjunction with accompanying drawings, depict various configurations, but do not imply that only these configurations are suitable for practicing the concepts described herein. These detailed descriptions include specific details used to provide a comprehensive explanation of the various concepts. However, these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0126] Various aspects of wireless communication systems (such as telecommunications systems) are presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods are described in the following detailed description and are shown in the accompanying drawings by various boxes, components, circuits, processes, call flows, systems, algorithms, etc. (collectively, "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0127] An element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements, can be implemented as a “processing system” including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other similar hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software, which may be referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or others. Software should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, or any combination thereof.

[0128] If the functionality described herein is implemented in software, then such functionality may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible by a computer. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer.

[0129] The aspects, implementations, and / or use cases described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, form factors, sizes, and package arrangements. For example, aspects, implementations, and / or use cases can be generated via integrated chip implementations and other devices based on non-modular components, such as end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchasing devices, medical devices, devices supporting artificial intelligence (AI), devices supporting machine learning (ML), etc. The scope of aspects, implementations, and / or use cases can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular or non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more of the technologies described herein.

[0130] Apparatus incorporating the aspects and features described herein may also include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects and features. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include numerous components for analog and digital purposes, such as hardware components, antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc. The techniques described herein can be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or decomposed components, end-user devices, etc., in various configurations.

[0131] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not limited to the aspects described herein, but should be interpreted in light of the full scope of this disclosure consistent with the language of the claims.

[0132] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, references to singular elements do not imply "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Terms such as "if," "when," and "at" do not imply an immediate temporal relationship or response. That is, these phrases (e.g., "when") do not imply an immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that an action will occur if a certain condition is met, without requiring a specific or immediate temporal constraint on the occurrence of the action. The terms "may," "may," and "can" as used in this disclosure generally carry certain connotations. For example, "may" refers to a permissible feature that may or may not occur, "may" refers to a feature that is likely to occur, and "can" refers to a capability (e.g., being able to). The phrase "for example" generally carries a similar connotation to "may," and therefore, "may" is sometimes excluded from sentences that include "for example" or other similar phrases.

[0133] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the term "some" means one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" include any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, and may include multiple A, multiple B, and / or multiple C, or may include only A, only B, or only C. A set should be interpreted as a set of elements having a number of one or more elements. Terms or articles such as "a," "an," and / or "the" may refer to one of the items, features, elements, etc., following that term or article, or may refer to more than one of the items, features, elements, etc., following that term or article. For example, the expression "a small component" does not exclude references to multiple components, because "multiple components" necessarily includes "a small component." Therefore, the expression "a small component" can be interpreted as "at least one component," or similarly, as "one or more components."

[0134] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply order in time, sequence, numerical value, etc., but are used to distinguish different instances of the term or phrase that follows each ordinal term.

[0135] As used in the specification and drawings, reference numerals are sometimes cross-referenced across drawings to indicate the same or similar features. Features that are identical in multiple drawings can be labeled with the same reference numerals in multiple drawings. Features that are similar but not identical across multiple drawings can be labeled with reference numerals that have different leading numerals but share one or more of the same trailing numerals (e.g., 206, 306, 406, etc., can refer to similar features in the drawings). Therefore, the same numerals can refer to the same action.

[0136] Structural and functional equivalents of elements of all aspects described throughout this disclosure, known or subsequently learned by those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are covered by the claims. The terms “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” etc., may not be substitutes for the term “component.” Therefore, no claim element shall be construed as means plus function unless explicitly stated using the phrase “component for…”. As used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of information, one or more conditions, one or more factors, etc. In other words, unless expressly stated otherwise, the phrase “based on A” (where “A” can be information, conditions, factors, etc.) shall be construed as “at least based on A”.

[0137] The following examples are illustrative only and may be combined with other examples or teachings described herein without limitation.

[0138] Example 1 is a method for radar sensing at a wireless device, the method comprising: transmitting a broadband radar signal toward a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device; receiving a first reflection of the broadband radar signal, the first reflection indicating a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection; transmitting a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions; and receiving a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal, the second reflection being associated with a second object detection.

[0139] Example 2 can be combined with Example 1 and further includes: the first object detection is based on a first position of the object, and the second object detection is based on a second position of the object, the second position having higher accuracy than the first position.

[0140] Example 3 may be combined with any of Examples 1 to 2, and further includes: the wireless device is a User Equipment (UE).

[0141] Example 4 can be combined with Example 3 and further includes: sending a radar capability message to a network entity instructing the UE to perform RIS radar processing, the RIS radar processing including wideband radar processing and narrowband radar processing.

[0142] Example 5 may be combined with any of Examples 3 to 4, and further includes: receiving RIS beam deflection information from the network entity; and sending a first request message to the network entity based on the RIS beam deflection information for granting a first resource for performing the broadband radar processing.

[0143] Example 6 may be combined with any of Examples 3 to 5, and further includes: receiving from the network entity a first control signaling indicating the first resource authorization for transmitting the broadband radar signal.

[0144] Example 7 may be combined with any of Examples 3 to 6, and further includes: sending a second request message to the network entity, based on receiving the first reflection, for the second resource authorization to perform the narrowband radar processing.

[0145] Example 8 may be combined with any of Examples 3 to 7, and further includes: receiving from the network entity a second control signaling indicating the second resource authorization for transmitting the narrowband radar signal.

[0146] Example 9 may be combined with any of Examples 1 to 2, and further includes: the wireless device is a network entity.

[0147] Example 10 can be combined with Example 9 and further includes: receiving from a user equipment (UE) a radar capability message indicating the UE's ability to perform RIS radar processing, the RIS radar processing including wideband radar processing and narrowband radar processing.

[0148] Example 11 may be combined with any of Examples 9 to 10, and further includes: sending RIS beam skew information to the UE; and receiving a first request message from the UE for first resource authorization for performing the broadband radar processing based on sending the RIS beam skew information.

[0149] Example 12 can be combined with Example 11 and further includes: transmitting the RIS beam deflection information based on: transmitting the broadband radar signal to the RIS device to scan the RIS phase vector to obtain a beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector.

[0150] Example 13 can be combined with Example 12 and further includes: receiving the RIS beam deflection information from the RIS device, and further includes: the RIS beam deflection information including the beam deflection angle associated with the broadband radar signal.

[0151] Example 14 may be combined with any of Examples 9 to 13, and further includes: sending to the UE a first control signaling indicating the first resource authorization for the transmission of the broadband radar signal.

[0152] Example 15 may be combined with any of Examples 9 to 14, and further includes: receiving from the UE a second request message for granting a second resource for performing the narrowband radar processing.

[0153] Example 16 may be combined with any of Examples 9 to 15, and further includes: sending to the UE a second control signaling indicating the second resource authorization for the transmission of the narrowband radar signal.

[0154] Example 17 may be combined with any of Examples 9 to 16, and further includes: sending an indication of the RIS phase vector to the RIS device based on at least one of the first resource grant or the second resource grant.

[0155] Example 18 is a method as described in any one of Examples 5 to 8 or 13 to 17, and further includes: the RIS beam skew information includes at least one of a beam skew angle or a beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector.

[0156] Example 19 may be combined with any of Examples 5 to 8 or 13 to 18, and further includes: the first request message includes a field indicating a phase vector mapping for mapping the RIS phase vector to a phase vector mapping associated with the first object detection or the second object detection.

[0157] Example 20 may be combined with any of Examples 6 to 8 or 14 to 19, and further includes: the first control signaling further instructs conditional resources for the transmission of the narrowband radar signal.

[0158] Example 21 may be combined with any of Examples 7 to 8 or 15 to 20, and further includes: the second request message includes a field indicating at least one of the following: a plurality of narrowband radar signals including the narrowband radar signal; or a frequency range associated with the narrowband radar signal, the frequency range being based on the beam skew information.

[0159] Example 22 may be combined with any of Examples 8 or 16 to 21, and further includes: the first control signaling and the second control signaling indicating at least one of the following: a first time and frequency resource for the broadband radar signal, a second time and frequency resource for the narrowband radar signal, a first waveform type for the broadband radar signal, or a second waveform type for the narrowband radar signal.

[0160] Example 23 is a method for radar sensing at a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device, the method comprising: receiving a broadband radar signal from a network entity to scan a RIS phase vector; measuring the reflection of the broadband radar signal to obtain a beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector; and sending RIS beam deflection information to the network entity, the RIS beam deflection information including the beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of the broadband radar signal.

[0161] Example 24 can be combined with Example 23 and further includes: receiving an indication of the RIS phase vector associated with the broadband radar signal from the network entity.

[0162] Example 25 can be combined with Example 24 and further includes: controlling the surface element array based on the indication of the RIS phase vector.

[0163] Example 26 is an apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the apparatus being configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

[0164] Example 27 is an apparatus for radar sensing, the apparatus including a transceiver; a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the processor being configured to: transmit a broadband radar signal toward a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) device; receive a first reflection of the broadband radar signal, the first reflection indicating a plurality of narrowband beam directions associated with a first object detection; transmit a narrowband radar signal toward the RIS device corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions; and receive a second reflection of the narrowband radar signal associated with a second object detection.

[0165] Example 28 can be combined with Example 27 and further includes: the first object detection is based on a first position of the object, and the second object detection is based on a second position of the object, the second position having higher accuracy than the first position.

[0166] Example 29 may be combined with any of Examples 27 to 28, and further includes: the equipment is a user equipment (UE).

[0167] Example 30 can be combined with Example 29 and further includes: the processor is further configured to: send a radar capability message to a network entity instructing the UE to perform RIS radar processing, the RIS radar processing including wideband radar processing and narrowband radar processing.

[0168] Example 31 may be combined with any of Examples 29 to 30, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: receive RIS beam skew information from the network entity; and send a first request message to the network entity based on the RIS beam skew information for granting a first resource for performing the broadband radar processing.

[0169] Example 32 may be combined with any of Examples 29 to 31, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: receive from the network entity a first control signaling indicating the first resource authorization for transmitting the broadband radar signal.

[0170] Example 33 may be combined with any of Examples 29 to 32, and further includes: the processor being configured to: based on receiving the first reflection, send a second request message to the network entity for second resource authorization for performing the narrowband radar processing.

[0171] Example 34 may be combined with any of Examples 29 to 33, and further includes: the processor is further configured to receive from the network entity a second control signaling indicating the second resource authorization for transmitting the narrowband radar signal.

[0172] Example 35 may be combined with any of Examples 27 to 28, and further includes: the equipment is a network entity.

[0173] Example 36 can be combined with Example 35 and further includes: the processor is further configured to receive from the user equipment (UE) a radar capability message instructing the UE to perform RIS radar processing, the RIS radar processing including wideband radar processing and narrowband radar processing.

[0174] Example 37 may be combined with any of Examples 35 to 36, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: send RIS beam deflection information to the UE; and based on sending the RIS beam deflection information, receive from the UE a first request message for granting a first resource for performing the broadband radar processing.

[0175] Example 38 can be combined with Example 37 and further includes: the processor being configured to send the RIS beam deflection information based on the processor being configured to send the broadband radar signal to the RIS device to scan the RIS phase vector to obtain a beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector.

[0176] Example 39 can be combined with Example 38 and further includes: the processor is further configured to receive the RIS beam deflection information from the RIS device, and further includes: the RIS beam deflection information includes the beam deflection angle associated with the broadband radar signal.

[0177] Example 40 may be combined with any of Examples 35 to 39, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: send to the UE a first control signaling indicating the first resource authorization for the transmission of the broadband radar signal.

[0178] Example 41 may be combined with any of Examples 35 to 40, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: receive from the UE a second request message for granting a second resource for performing the narrowband radar processing.

[0179] Example 42 may be combined with any of Examples 35 to 41, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: send to the UE a second control signaling indicating the second resource authorization for the transmission of the narrowband radar signal.

[0180] Example 43 may be combined with any of Examples 35 to 42, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: send an indication of a RIS phase vector to the RIS device based on at least one of the first resource grant or the second resource grant.

[0181] Example 44 may be combined with any one of Examples 31 to 34 or 39 to 43, and further includes: the RIS beam skew information includes at least one of a beam skew angle or a beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector.

[0182] Example 45 may be combined with any of Examples 31 to 34 or 39 to 44, and further includes: the first request message includes a field indicating a phase vector mapping for mapping the RIS phase vector to a phase vector mapping associated with the first object detection or the second object detection.

[0183] Example 46 may be combined with any of Examples 32 to 34 or 40 to 45, and further includes: the first control signaling further instructing conditional resources for the transmission of the narrowband radar signal.

[0184] Example 47 may be combined with any one of Examples 33 to 34 or 41 to 46, and further includes: the second request message includes a field indicating at least one of the following: a plurality of narrowband radar signals including the narrowband radar signal; or a frequency range associated with the narrowband radar signal, the frequency range being based on the beam skew information.

[0185] Example 48 may be combined with any of Examples 34 or 42 to 47, and further includes: the first control signaling and the second control signaling indicating at least one of the following: a first time and frequency resource for the broadband radar signal, a second time and frequency resource for the narrowband radar signal, a first waveform type for the broadband radar signal, or a second waveform type for the narrowband radar signal.

[0186] Example 49 is a reconfigurable smart surface RIS device, the RIS device comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, and further comprising: the processor being configured to: receive a broadband radar signal from a network entity to scan a RIS phase vector; measure the reflection of the broadband radar signal to obtain a beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector; and send RIS beam deflection information to the network entity, the RIS beam deflection information including the beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of the broadband radar signal.

[0187] Example 50 can be combined with Example 49 and further includes: the processor is further configured to receive an indication of the RIS phase vector associated with the broadband radar signal from the network entity.

[0188] Example 51 can be combined with Example 50 and further includes: a surface element array coupled to the processor, and further includes: the processor is further configured to: control the surface element array based on the indication of the RIS phase vector.

Claims

1. A method for radar sensing at a wireless device, comprising: Broadband radar signals (314, 414) are sent toward the reconfigurable smart surface RIS device (122); The first reflection of the broadband radar signal received (320, 420) indicates the direction of a plurality of narrowband beams associated with the first object detection; Send (330, 430) narrowband radar signals corresponding to one or more of the plurality of narrowband beam directions toward the RIS device (122); as well as The second reflection of the narrowband radar signal received (334, 434) is associated with the second object detection.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The first object detection is based on a first position of the object, and the second object detection is based on a second position of the object, the second position having higher accuracy than the first position.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The wireless device is a user equipment (UE) (102).

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: Based on the RIS beam deflection information, a first request message (308) is sent to the network entity (104) for authorization of the first resource for performing the broadband radar processing; as well as Receive (310) a first control signaling from the network entity (104) indicating the first resource authorization for transmitting the broadband radar signal.

5. The method of any one of claims 3 to 4, further comprising: Based on receiving (320) the first reflection, a second request message (324) for granting a second resource for performing narrowband radar processing is sent to the network entity (104); and Receive (326) a second control signaling from the network entity (104) indicating the second resource authorization for transmitting the narrowband radar signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The wireless device is a network entity (104).

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: The broadband radar signal (301A) is sent to the RIS device (122) to scan the RIS phase vector to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector.

8. The method of any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising: Receive (324) a second request message from the user equipment (UE) for granting a second resource for performing narrowband radar processing; as well as Send (326) a second control signaling to the UE indicating the second resource authorization for the transmission of the narrowband radar signal.

9. The method as described in any one of claims 4 to 5 or 8, wherein, The RIS beam skew information includes at least one of the beam skew angle or the beamwidth as a function of the RIS phase vector.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 5 or 8 to 9, wherein, The first request message includes a field indicating a phase vector mapping for mapping the RIS phase vector to a phase vector mapping associated with the first object detection or the second object detection.

11. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 5 or 8 to 10, wherein, The first control signaling further indicates the conditional resources for transmitting the narrowband radar signal.

12. The method as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 5 or 8 to 11, wherein, The second request message includes a field indicating at least one of the following: Multiple narrowband radar signals, including the aforementioned narrowband radar signal; or The frequency range associated with the narrowband radar signal, the frequency range being based on the beam skew information.

13. A method for radar sensing at a reconfigurable smart surface RIS device (122), comprising: Receive (301A) broadband radar signals from network entity (104) to scan the RIS phase vector; Measure the reflection of the broadband radar signal (301B) to obtain the beam deflection angle associated with the RIS phase vector; as well as Send (301C) RIS beam deflection information to the network entity (104), the RIS beam deflection information including the beam deflection angle associated with the reflection of the broadband radar signal.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Receive (312, 388) an indication of the RIS phase vector associated with the broadband radar signal from the network entity (104); as well as The surface element array is controlled based on the indication of the RIS phase vector.

15. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, the processor being coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the apparatus being configured to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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