Systems and methods for integrating sensing and communication configurations

Abstract

A system and method for reference signaling design and configuration are proposed. The first unit can determine sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). The first unit can transmit the sensing-related information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for sensing information related to communications. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a standards organization, is currently in the process of specifying a new radio interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR) and the next-generation packet core network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core Network (5GC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the implementation of different data services and needs, the elements of the 5GC (also known as network functions) have been simplified, some software-based and some hardware-based, allowing them to be adapted as needed. Satellite communication is one of the typical scenarios for non-terrestrial networks in the 3GPP standard. Furthermore, satellites will play an increasingly critical role in providing coverage and resilience in 6G. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is another important topic in 6G research. Currently, ISAC technology can provide the integration of sensing and communication functions for the upgrade of 5G commercial networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address problems related to one or more issues raised in the prior art, and to provide additional features that will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specifications, and the following detailed description. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of illustration rather than limitation, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art who read this disclosure that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments that still fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium that can determine sensing-related information associated with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information. Communication can be from the first unit to a second unit, or from the first unit through a fourth unit to a third unit.

[0005] In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the seventh and eighth units. In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the fifth and sixth units. In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) information between the fifth and ninth units.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first unit, second unit, third unit, fourth unit, fifth unit, sixth unit, seventh unit, eighth unit, or ninth unit may include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam. The wireless device may include at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE); a network node; a base station (BS); a server; a transmit / receive point (TRP); a sensing function (SF); an access management function (AMF); or a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, the sensing area may be associated with the wireless device.

[0007] In some embodiments, sensing-related information may include at least one of the following: one or more sensing configurations; one or more causes of sensing errors; one or more configuration identifiers (IDs) for sensing; or one or more sensing units. One or more sensing configurations may include at least one of the following: one or more parameters; area information; one or more sensing nodes; sensing node information; association of areas of one or more transmitting devices; association of areas of one or more receiving devices; association of areas of one or more transmitting and receiving pairs; information of transmitting devices; information of receiving devices; pairing information of transmitting and receiving devices; one or more sensing reference signals; one or more resource sets; one or more resources; one or more sensing modes; distance-related information; angle information; synchronization information; one or more elevation angles; one or more azimuth angles; one or more reference signal received path power (RSRPP) information; or one or more reference signal received power (RSRP) information.

[0008] In some embodiments, one or more sensing modes may include at least one of the following: gNB sensing mode; gNB and user equipment (UE) coordinated sensing mode; gNB single sensing mode; UE single sensing mode; gNB dual sensing mode; UE dual sensing mode; UE to gNB dual sensing mode; or gNB to UE dual sensing mode. In some embodiments, distance-related information may include at least one of the following: distance; or distance-related uncertainty. Angle information may include at least one of the following: angle of arrival (AOA); angle of departure (AOD); or angle uncertainty. Synchronization information may include at least one of the following: synchronization source; synchronization source type; reference point; relative time difference; or reference cell identifier (ID). One or more RSRPP information or one or more RSRP information may be based on at least one of the following: channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); sounding reference signal (SRS); demodulation reference signal (DM-RS); physical side link feedback channel (PSFCH); physical side link control channel (PSCCH); physical side link control channel (PSSCH); phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); synchronization signal block (SSB); or sensing-related signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cause of one or more errors may include at least one of the following: undefined; out of range; measurement limit not met; sample size not met; measurement quantity not met; requested accuracy not met; sensing target failure; sensing method failure; one or more sensing configurations not met; boundary constraints not met; vertical measurement requirements not met; quality of service (QoS) not met; or connection cannot be established. In some embodiments, one or more configuration IDs may be associated with at least one of the following: physical frequency layer, bandwidth portion (BWP), or component carrier (CC). In some embodiments, communication may include at least one of the following actions: sending, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, requesting, responding, forwarding, exchanging, performing, transmitting, measuring, or multicasting.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second unit may communicate sensing-related information with the first unit, and the second unit is associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), with the first unit being associated with the ISAC. The first unit may determine sensing-related information. In some embodiments, the first or second unit may include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam. The wireless device may include at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE); a network node; a base station (BS); a server; a transmit / receive point (TRP); a sensing function (SF); an access management function (AMF); or a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, the sensing area may be associated with the wireless device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings or specification, details various exemplary embodiments of the present solution. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only exemplary embodiments of the present solution to aid the reader's understanding. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0012] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented; Figure 2 Block diagrams of example base station and user equipment apparatuses according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 3 Example implementations of features for gNB single static sensing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 4 Example implementations of features for gNB dual static sensing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figure 5 An example implementation of features for UE-to-gNB dual static sensing according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 6 Example implementations of features for gNB-to-UE dual static sensing according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 7 Example implementations of features for dual static sensing of a UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 8 Example implementations of features for UE single static sensing according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 9 Example implementations of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 10 Example implementations of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 11 Example implementations of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 12 Example implementations of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 13 Example implementations of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; and Figure 14A flowchart illustrating an example method for communicating sensing related information according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment Figure 1 An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated, in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented. In the following discussion, wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as “network 100”. Such an example network 100 includes base station 102 (hereinafter referred to as “BS 102”; also referred to as a wireless communication node) and user equipment device 104 (hereinafter referred to as “UE 104”; also referred to as a wireless communication device) capable of communicating with each other via communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. Figure 1 In this context, BS102 and UE 104 are contained within the corresponding geographical boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating within its allocated bandwidth to provide sufficient radio coverage to its intended users.

[0014] For example, BS 102 can operate within its allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 can communicate via downlink radio frame 118 and uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are generally described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that can practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of this solution, such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0015] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of this solution is shown. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating characteristics that do not need to be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, as described above, system 200 can be used in applications such as... Figure 1 The wireless communication environment 100 is a wireless communication environment in which communication (e.g., transmission and reception) data symbols are used.

[0016] System 200 typically includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). BS 202 includes a BS (Base Station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 220 when necessary. UE 204 includes a UE (User Equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 240 when necessary. As described herein, BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand that system 200 may further include, in addition to Figure 2 Any number of modules other than those shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are typically described according to their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art, when learning the concepts described herein, can implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each specific application; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] According to some embodiments, UE transceiver 230, which may be referred to herein as "uplink" transceiver 230, includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, BS transceiver 210, which may be referred to herein as "downlink" transceiver 210, includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to downlink antenna 212 in a time-division duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to uplink antenna 232 to receive transmissions via wireless transmission link 250 while downlink transmitter is coupled to downlink antenna 212. Conversely, the operation of the two transceivers 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 to receive transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250 simultaneously with the uplink transmitter being coupled to the uplink antenna 232. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in duplex direction.

[0019] UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 that are appropriately configured to support specific wireless communication protocols and modulation schemes. In some illustrative embodiments, UE transceiver 210 and base transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and associated protocols in application. Rather, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0020] According to various embodiments, BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femtocell, or a picocell. In some embodiments, UE 204 may be implemented in various types of user devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable computing devices, etc. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, content-addressable memory, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this way, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0021] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or any actual combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also include non-volatile memory for storing instructions executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0022] Network communication module 218 typically represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, enabling base station transceiver 210 to communicate with conventional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this way, network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and variations thereof refer to means a means, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc., physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0023] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") defines the conceptual and logical layout of network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven sub-components or layers, each representing a set of concepts providing services to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines logical networks and efficiently describes computer packet transmission using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer or the Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer may be other layers.

[0024] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to create and use this solution. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of this solution after reading this disclosure. Therefore, this solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and shown herein. Furthermore, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this solution. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, this solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0025] 2. Systems and methods for designing and configuring reference signaling. Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology is poised to introduce a new type of cellular / mobility-related service that combines communication and sensing capabilities within existing 5G network infrastructure. ISAC leverages the power of New Radio (NR) bands, whether in the FR2 or FR1 frequency range, to provide users with a range of services and functions, including target detection, trajectory tracking, and monitoring. The higher frequency bands in FR2 offer greater bandwidth, making them ideal for accommodating large arrays of antennas capable of seamlessly integrating wireless sensing and communication within a single gNB (e.g., a base station). ISAC technology paves the way for the integration of sensing and communication capabilities, enhancing the capabilities of commercial networks. In some embodiments, the unit may include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam.

[0026] Example 1 of implementation: Requesting parameters or configurations between regions The first unit can communicate with the second unit to request, measure, or configure parameters related to sensing by the first, second, and / or third units. The first, second, or third unit can include at least one of the following: a wireless device / communication unit, a sensing area, or a beam. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, communication between the first and second units can refer to: a first wireless device (located in and / or sensing the first sensing area) using a first beam and / or a second beam to communicate with a second wireless device (located in and / or sensing the second sensing area). In the field of wireless communication, seamless information exchange is crucial for effective sensing in various scenarios. To achieve this, the first unit (e.g., the first communication unit) can communicate with the second unit (e.g., the second communication unit) to facilitate the request, measurement, or configuration of basic parameters. Communication can include at least one of the following actions: sending, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, requesting, responding, forwarding, exchanging, performing, transmitting, measuring, or multicasting. For example, the first unit can send sensing-related information related to Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) to the second unit. The first unit can receive sensing-related information related to ISAC from the second unit. The first unit can broadcast sensing-related information associated with ISAC to multiple units. This sensing-related information plays a crucial role in the sensing of objects or entities, not only through requesting and measuring units but also potentially utilizing / applying to third units. This collaborative communication allows for dynamic adjustment of the sensor, collection of precise measurements, and configuration of settings, all tailored to optimize sensing operation. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth units may each include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam. In some embodiments, the sensing area may be mapped or associated with a device.

[0027] In some embodiments, sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) may include one or more sensing configurations. One or more sensing configurations may include / indicate / specify / describe at least one of the following: one or more parameters; area information; one or more sensing nodes; sensing node information; receiving device information; association of areas of one or more transmitting devices; association of areas of one or more receiving devices; association of areas of one or more transmitting and receiving pairs; information of transmitting devices; information of receiving devices; a list of information for transmitting devices; a list of information for receiving devices; pairing information for transmitting and receiving devices; one or more sensing reference signals; one or more resource sets; one or more resources; one or more sensing modes; distance-related information; angle information; synchronization information; one or more elevation angles; one or more azimuth angles; one or more reference signal received path power (RSRPP) information; or one or more reference signal received power (RSRP) information.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, measurements, parameters, or configurations may include at least one of the following: a sensing signal, a resource set, a resource, a sensing mode, distance-related information, angle information, synchronization information, elevation angle, azimuth angle, RSRPP information, or RSRP information. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing signal may represent a sensing reference signal. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing mode may include, but is not limited to, a gNB sensing mode or a coordinated sensing mode between the gNB and the UE. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing mode may include, but is not limited to, gNB single sensing, UE single sensing, gNB dual sensing, UE dual sensing, UE-to-gNB dual sensing, or gNB-to-UE dual sensing. Alternatively or additionally, distance-related information may include, but is not limited to, distance or distance uncertainty. Alternatively or additionally, angle information may include, but is not limited to, angle of arrival (AOA), angle of departure (AOD), or angle uncertainty. Alternatively or additionally, synchronization information may include elements such as synchronization source, synchronization source type, reference antenna / node / device point, relative time difference, relative time difference of sensing reference cells, or reference cell ID. Alternatively or additionally, RSRP / RSRPP information may refer to Received Signal Reference Power (RSRP) or Received Signal Reference Power per Location (RSRPP), which may be associated with at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Probe Reference Signal (SRS); Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS); Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSSCH); Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PT-RS); Synchronization Block (SSB); or any sense-related signal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device may be a user equipment (UE), network node, base station, local server, transmit / receive point (TRP), sensing function, access management function (AMF), sensing function (SF), or location management function (LMF). Alternatively or additionally, an area may be mapped or associated with the device. Alternatively or additionally, measurements may utilize control signals or channels. Alternatively or additionally, the control channel may include any of the following: physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), physical downlink control channel (PSCCH), or physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). In some embodiments, the control channel may include any of the following: physical sensing control channel (PSCCH), sensing-related physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or sensing-related physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, control signaling may include sensing control information, sidelink control information (SCI), downlink control information (DCI), media access control element (MAC CE), uplink control information (UCI), non-access stratum (NAS), higher layer information from the upper layer, or system information block x (SIBx), where x is an integer. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing signal may be a sensing reference signal.

[0031] Figure 3 An example implementation structure of features for single static sensing of a gNB according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object or gNB) can determine sensing-related information associated with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via a reference signal and / or a sensing signal.

[0032] Figure 4 Example implementation structures of features for gNB dual static sensing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object or gNB) can determine sensing-related information associated with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via a reference signal and / or a sensing signal. In some embodiments, the sensing object can communicate the sensing-related information to the gNB via a sensing signal.

[0033] Figure 5 Example implementation structures for features of UE-to-gNB dual static sensing according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object, gNB, or UE) can determine sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via a reference signal. In some embodiments, the gNB can communicate the sensing-related information via a communication link with the UE.

[0034] Figure 6 Example implementation structures for features of gNB-to-UE dual static sensing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object, gNB, or UE) can determine sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via sensing signals. In some embodiments, the gNB can communicate the sensing-related information via a communication link with the UE.

[0035] Figure 7Example implementation structures of features for dual static sensing of a UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object, gNB, or UE) can determine sensing-related information associated with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via a reference signal or a sensing signal. In some embodiments, the gNB can communicate the sensing-related information via a communication link with the UE.

[0036] Figure 8 Example implementation structures of features for single static sensing of a UE according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. A first unit (e.g., a sensing object, gNB, or UE) can determine sensing-related information associated with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information via a reference signal or a sensing signal. In some embodiments, the gNB can communicate the sensing-related information via a communication link with the UE.

[0037] Figure 9 Example implementation structures of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. The sensing function (SF) can communicate sensing-related information with the receiving node or area. For example, the SF can send / report configuration measurements or requests to the receiving node or area.

[0038] Figure 10 Example implementation structures of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. A sensing function (SF) can communicate sensing-related information with a receiving unit or a transmitting unit. For example, the SF can send / report configuration measurements or requests to the receiving unit. The receiving unit and the transmitting unit can be in one device or different devices.

[0039] Figure 11 Example implementation structures of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. The sensing function (SF) can communicate sensing-related information with multiple units via an intermediate unit (e.g., unit 1). For example, units 2, 3, etc., up to unit n, can send / report configuration measurements to the SF via unit 1.

[0040] Figure 12 Example implementation structures of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. The sensing function (SF) can communicate sensing-related information with multiple units. For example, unit 4 can broadcast / multicast measurement or request information with units 1, 2, and 3.

[0041] Figures 3 to 8The reference signal or sensing signal in the signal may be associated with at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Probe Reference Signal (SRS); Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS); Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSSCH); Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PT-RS); Synchronization Block (SSB); or any sensing-related signal.

[0042] Example of implementation method 2: Reason for error The first unit can be designed to communicate one or more sensing causes or error causes. The first unit may have the ability to communicate / relay these causes to the second unit. These causes or errors can be linked to various entities, including the first unit itself, the second unit, or even a third unit.

[0043] Furthermore, causes or error reasons encompass a wide range of potential problems within the sensing process. One or more error reasons may include at least one of the following: undefined; out of range; measurement limitations not met; sample size not met; measurement quantity not met; requested accuracy not met; target malfunction; sensing method malfunction; one or more sensing configurations not met; boundary constraints not met; vertical measurement requirements not met; quality of service (QoS) standards not met; or inability to establish a connection. These may include measurements that are outside the expected range or do not meet specified standards. Sensing method malfunctions and measurements that do not meet specified parameters or constraints are also covered. This can extend to situations where the number of measurements or samples is lower than required, or where no target is identified within the sensing range. Additionally, issues related to vertical measurements are considered, such as insufficient data or failure to meet QoS standards. Causes also include situations where the required level of accuracy cannot be achieved or predefined constraints are not met. In terms of QoS, this involves various dimensions of accuracy and response time, including horizontal accuracy, vertical accuracy, azimuth accuracy, elevation accuracy, response time, and whether vertical coordinates are required. Angle-related parameters such as angle of arrival (AOA) and angle of departure (AOD) may also be considered. These parameters can be refined to meet specific requirements. Furthermore, the measurement or sample can be speed-dependent, adding another layer of flexibility to the sensing process.

[0044] Constraints or requests associated with these reasons may involve angle, speed, reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received power per port (RSRPP), distance, or range. These constraints or requests may affect the available bandwidth, and the range or constraints may further depend on factors such as angle, speed, RSRP, RSRPP, or distance. Additionally, the range or constraints may be related to the size of the available bandwidth.

[0045] Figure 13 Example implementation structures of features for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Unit 1 can communicate sensing-related information with Unit 2. For example, communicating sensing-related information may include at least one of the following steps: Step 1: Unit 1 may send a request for sensing-related information to Unit 2; and / or Step 2: Unit 2 may provide a reason indication. If any of the requested sensing-related information from Step 1 is not provided in Step 2, Unit 1 may assume that the requested sensing-related information is not supported or is currently unavailable at Unit 2. If none of the sensing-related information requested in Step 1 can be provided by Unit 2, Unit 2 may return any information that can be provided in a message, including a reason indication for not providing the sensing-related information. If Step 1 does not occur, Unit 2 may determine that sensing-related information can be provided to Unit 1.

[0046] Example 3 of implementation: Control signaling for sensing nodes Configuration, pre-configuration, or reconfiguration via control signaling includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following elements: area information, transmitting device information, receiving device information, a list of transmitting device information, a list of receiving device information, information related to transmitting and receiving devices, or association with the area of ​​one or more transmitting / receiving devices.

[0047] In some embodiments, area information may refer to an area identifier (ID). In some embodiments, information about the transmitting or receiving device may refer to a device ID. In some embodiments, the device ID may belong to a cell ID or a UE ID. In some embodiments, the first unit may communicate control signaling. In some embodiments, communication actions include any one of sending, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, requesting, responding, forwarding, exchanging, executing, transmitting, measuring, or multicasting. In some embodiments, the first unit may communicate control signaling to the second unit.

[0048] In some embodiments, control signaling may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: sensing control information, sidelink control information (SCI), downlink control information (DCI), media access control element (MAC CE), uplink control information (UCI), non-access stratum (NAS), higher layer information from the upper layer, or system information block marked as SIBx, where "x" represents an integer.

[0049] Table 1 shows the association of regions for one or more transmitting / receiving devices.

[0050]

[0051] Table 2 shows the association of regions for one or more transmitting / receiving devices.

[0052]

[0053] Table 3 shows the association of regions for one or more transmit / receive pairs.

[0054]

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, one or more transmit and receive pairs may exist within a given area. Alternatively or additionally, one or more priorities may be assigned to these transmit and receive pairs. Alternatively or additionally, the unit may be configured or pre-configured to use the transmit and receive pair with the highest priority. Alternatively or additionally, the unit may be configured or pre-configured to use the transmit and receive pair. Alternatively or additionally, if the transmit and receive pair with the highest priority is idle or inactive, the unit may avoid using the transmit and receive pair. Alternatively or additionally, if the transmit and receive pair with the highest priority is idle or inactive, the unit may choose to use a transmit and receive pair with a lower priority.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, if the highest priority transmit and receive pair is idle or inactive, and no transmit or receive node is reserved, the unit may abandon the use of that transmit and receive pair. Alternatively or additionally, if the highest priority transmit and receive pair is idle or inactive, and no transmit or receive node is reserved, the unit may determine / select to use a transmit and receive pair with a lower priority.

[0057] Example 4 of implementation: Recommendation of sensing nodes The first unit can communicate or apply a communication / sensing busy / idle ratio unit or a sensing priority. In some embodiments, the first unit can communicate with a second unit using a communication / sensing busy / idle ratio unit or a sensing priority. In some embodiments, the communication / sensing busy / idle ratio unit or sensing priority can be associated with the first unit. In some embodiments, the communication / sensing busy / idle ratio unit or sensing priority can be associated with the second unit. In some embodiments, the communication / sensing busy / idle ratio unit or sensing priority can be associated with a third unit.

[0058] In some embodiments, the priority can be the priority of sensing a related signal or sensing a reference signal. In some embodiments, the priority can be represented by one or more integers. In some embodiments, the priority can be such that a value of "000" in the priority field corresponds to a priority value of "1", a value of "001" in the priority field corresponds to a priority value of "2", and so on.

[0059] In some embodiments, priority can be configured such that a value of 1 represents the highest priority and a value of 8 represents the lowest priority.

[0060] Implementation Example 5: Resource Configuration A configuration ID can be associated with one or more physical frequency layers, bandwidth portions (BWPs), or component carriers (CCs). In some embodiments, a configuration ID can also be associated with one or more time resources. The unit of a time resource can be any of the following: symbol, time slot, millisecond (ms), frame, or a specific duration. Alternatively, a physical frequency layer can exist within a BWP, frequency carrier, or CC.

[0061] In some embodiments, time resources may be indicated by control signaling. In some embodiments, configuration IDs may be indicated by control signaling. Additionally, one or more physical frequency layers, BWPs, or CCs may also be indicated by control signaling.

[0062] It should be understood that one or more features from the above / below embodiments are not unique to a particular embodiment, but can be combined in any way (e.g., in any priority and / or order, simultaneously or otherwise).

[0063] Figure 14 A flowchart of method 1400 for signal transmission and reception is shown. Method 1400 can be used in conjunction with this document. Figures 1 to 13 It may be implemented by any one or more of the detailed components and devices. In summary, in some embodiments, method 1400 may be performed by a first unit (e.g., a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam). Depending on the embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in method 1400. At least one aspect of the operation relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0064] The first unit can determine (e.g., acquire, obtain, measure, generate, process) sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). The first unit can communicate the sensing-related information. This communication can be from the first unit to the second unit, or from the first unit through the fourth unit to the third unit.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate (e.g., transmit and / or receive) sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the seventh and eighth units. In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the fifth and sixth units. In some embodiments, the fifth unit may communicate sensing-related information with the sixth unit, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) information between the fifth and ninth units.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first unit, second unit, third unit, fourth unit, fifth unit, sixth unit, seventh unit, eighth unit, or ninth unit may include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam. The wireless device may include at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE); a network node; a base station (BS); a server; a transmit / receive point (TRP); a sensing function (SF); an access management function (AMF); or a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, the sensing area may be associated with the wireless device (e.g., close to the wireless device, at a distance from its sensing coverage area, or within its sensing coverage area).

[0067] In some embodiments, sensing-related information may include at least one of the following: one or more sensing configurations; one or more causes of sensing errors (e.g., source, cause, explanation); one or more configuration identifiers (IDs) used for sensing; or one or more sensing units. One or more sensing configurations may include at least one of the following: one or more parameters; area information; one or more sensing nodes; sensing node information; association of areas of one or more transmitting devices; association of areas of one or more receiving devices; association of areas of one or more transmitting and receiving pairs; information of transmitting devices; information of receiving devices; pairing information of transmitting and receiving devices; one or more sensing reference signals; one or more resource sets; one or more resources; one or more sensing modes; distance-related information; angle information; synchronization information; one or more elevation angles; one or more azimuth angles; one or more reference signal received path power (RSRPP) information; or one or more reference signal received power (RSRP) information.

[0068] In some embodiments, one or more sensing modes may include at least one of the following: gNB sensing mode; gNB and user equipment (UE) coordinated sensing mode; gNB single sensing mode; UE single sensing mode; gNB dual sensing mode; UE dual sensing mode; UE to gNB dual sensing mode; or gNB to UE dual sensing mode. In some embodiments, distance-related information may include at least one of the following: distance; or distance-related uncertainty. Angle information may include at least one of the following: angle of arrival (AOA); angle of departure (AOD); or angle uncertainty. Synchronization information may include at least one of the following: synchronization source; synchronization source type; reference point; relative time difference; or reference cell identifier (ID). One or more RSRPP information or one or more RSRP information may be based on at least one of the following: channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); sounding reference signal (SRS); demodulation reference signal (DM-RS); physical side link feedback channel (PSFCH); physical side link control channel (PSCCH); physical side link control channel (PSSCH); phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); synchronization signal block (SSB); or sensing-related signal.

[0069] In some embodiments, one or more error causes may include at least one of the following: undefined; out of range; measurement limit not met; sample size not met; measurement quantity not met; requested accuracy not met; sensing target failure; sensing method failure; one or more sensing configurations not met; boundary constraints not met; vertical measurement requirements not met; quality of service (QoS) not met; or connection cannot be established. In some embodiments, one or more configuration IDs may be associated with at least one of the following: physical frequency layer, bandwidth portion (BWP), or component carrier (CC). In some embodiments, communication may include at least one of the following actions: sending, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, requesting, responding, forwarding, exchanging, performing, transmitting, measuring, or multicasting.

[0070] In some embodiments, a second unit associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) may communicate sensing-related information with a first unit associated with ISAC. The first unit may determine sensing-related information. In some embodiments, the first or second unit may include at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam. The wireless device may include at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE); a network node; a base station (BS); a server; a transmit / receive point (TRP); a sensing function (SF); an access management function (AMF); or a location management function (LMF). In some embodiments, the sensing area may be associated with the wireless device.

[0071] While various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of the present solution. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0072] It should also be understood that any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., herein does not generally limit the number or order of these elements. Rather, these designations are used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or between multiple instances of a single element. Therefore, references to first and second elements do not imply that only two elements can be used, nor do they imply that the first element must somehow precede the second element.

[0073] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referenced in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code in conjunction with instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module" for convenience), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of function. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0075] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or executed by integrated circuits (ICs), including general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, modules, and circuits may further include antennas and / or transceivers for communication with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0076] If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium capable of transferring a computer program or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer.

[0077] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of such elements for performing the relevant functions described herein. Furthermore, for the purposes of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the relevant functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0078] Additionally, in embodiments of this solution, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be employed. It should be understood that, for clarity, embodiments of this solution have been described above with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains can be used without departing from this solution. For example, a function illustrated as being performed by a separate processing logic element or controller may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means of providing the described functionality and do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0079] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The first unit determines sensing-related information associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC); as well as The sensing-related information is communicated by the first unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The communication is from the first unit to the second unit, or from the first unit through the fourth unit to the third unit.

3. A method comprising: The fifth and sixth units communicate sensing-related information, which is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the seventh and eighth units; The fifth unit communicates sensing-related information with the sixth unit, and the sensing-related information is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) between the fifth unit and the sixth unit; or The fifth unit communicates sensing-related information with the sixth unit, and the sensing-related information is related to the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) information between the fifth unit and the ninth unit.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The first unit, the second unit, the third unit, the fourth unit, the fifth unit, the sixth unit, the seventh unit, the eighth unit, or the ninth unit includes at least one of the following: a wireless device, a sensing area, or a beam.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The wireless device includes at least one of the following: User equipment (UE); Network nodes; Base station (BS); server; Transmit / Receive Point (TRP); Sensing function (SF); Access Management Function (AMF); or Location Management Function (LMF).

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The sensing area is associated with the wireless device.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The sensing-related information includes at least one of the following: One or more sensing configurations; One or more causes of sensing errors; One or more configuration identifiers (IDs) used for sensing; or One or more sensing units.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more sensing configurations include at least one of the following: One or more parameters; Regional information; One or more sensing nodes; Sensing node information; The association of regions of one or more transmitting devices; The association of regions of one or more receiving devices; The association of one or more send and receive pairs of regions; Send device information; Information received from the device; The pairing information between the transmitting device and the receiving device; One or more sensing reference signals; One or more resource sets; One or more resources; One or more sensing modes; Distance-related information; Angle information; Synchronize information; One or more elevation angles; One or more azimuth angles; One or more Reference Signal Receive Path Power (RSRPP) information; or One or more Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more sensing modes include at least one of the following: gNB sensing mode; gNB and user equipment (UE) coordinated sensing mode; gNB single sensing mode; UE single sensing mode; gNB dual sensing mode; UE dual sensing mode; UE to gNB dual sensing mode; or gNB to UE dual sensing mode.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The distance-related information includes at least one of the following: distance; or uncertainty related to the distance.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The angle information includes at least one of the following: angle of arrival (AOA); angle of departure (AOD); or angle uncertainty.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The synchronization information includes at least one of the following: synchronization source; synchronization source type; reference point; relative time difference; or reference unit identifier (ID).

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more RSRPP messages or the one or more RSRP messages are based on at least one of the following: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS); Probe Reference Signal (SRS); Demodulation Reference Signal (DM-RS); Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH); Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSSCH); Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PT-RS); Synchronization Signal Block (SSB); or Sensing Related Signal.

14. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The cause of the one or more errors includes at least one of the following: Undefined; Out of range; Measurement limitations are not met; The sample size requirement is not met; The required measurement quantity is not met; The required accuracy is not met. Detect target fault; Sensing method failure; One or more of the aforementioned sensing configurations are not satisfied; Boundary constraints are not satisfied; The vertical measurement requirement is not met. Does not meet Quality of Service (QoS) standards; or Unable to establish a connection.

15. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more configuration IDs are associated with at least one of the following: physical frequency layer, bandwidth portion (BWP), or component carrier (CC).

16. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The communication includes at least one of the following actions: sending, receiving, broadcasting, unicasting, requesting, responding, forwarding, exchanging, executing, transmitting, measuring, or multicasting.

17. A method comprising: The second unit communicates with the first unit to sense relevant information, the second unit being associated with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), and the first unit being associated with the ISAC, wherein the first unit determines the sense-related information.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. An apparatus comprising At least one processor is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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