Service continuity for sensing targets

Abstract

Various aspects of this disclosure relate to apparatus, processors, and methods for sensing service continuity of a target. In one aspect, if a sensing function (SF) determines that a target will not be within the sensing coverage of a first base station, the SF sends a first request related to sensing service continuity of the target to a second base station. The SF receives a first response to the first request from the second base station. By implementing embodiments of this disclosure, service continuity guarantees can be supported in network-based and UE-related sensing scenarios within the SF control architecture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to apparatus, processors, and methods for ensuring service continuity for sensing targets, and in particular for ensuring service continuity in integrated sensing and communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices (such as base stations), which may also be referred to as eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device (such as a base station) may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), or other suitable terms. The wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing the resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)). Furthermore, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across a variety of radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth-generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology, and other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth-generation (6G)).

[0003] Wireless sensing has long been a separate technology developed alongside mobile communication systems. Positioning may be the only sensing service currently available in mobile communication systems (e.g., until 5G). General sensing will become a new feature integrated into 6G mobile communication systems or other future communication systems. Further improvements to sensing operations in various sensing and / or communication systems may be needed to provide better sensing performance or other performance characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and systems for supporting service continuity for sensing targets, and particularly for service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication systems.

[0005] In a first aspect of the solution, an apparatus for performing a sensing function (SF) includes: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the apparatus: based on determining that a target will not be within the sensing coverage of a first base station, sends a first request to a second base station relating to service continuity for sensing the target; and receives a first response to the first request from the second base station.

[0006] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to: send a second request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for obtaining information related to one or more base stations, wherein the second request also indicates a required area for sensing a target; receive a second response to the second request from the AMF; and determine a second base station based on the information related to the one or more base stations.

[0007] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the information associated with one or more base stations includes at least one of the following: the identifier (ID) of one or more base stations; the location of one or more base stations; the type of one or more base stations, wherein the type includes at least macro stations or micro stations; or the coverage area of ​​one or more base stations.

[0008] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to: determine a second base station based on another piece of information relating to one or more base stations, wherein the other piece of information includes at least one of the following: the sensing capabilities of one or more base stations; the sensing modes supported by one or more base stations; the available sensing resources of one or more base stations; or test results from one or more base stations, wherein one or more base stations are triggered by the apparatus to test a sensing task for a sensing target, and the test results are compared to determine whether one or more base stations are eligible for use as a sensing target.

[0009] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the first request includes target-related information, and the target-related information includes at least one of the following: the target's velocity; the target's direction of movement; the target's position; or the target's size.

[0010] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to send updated information related to the target to a first base station.

[0011] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the first request includes a sensing mode, and the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configurations for the first base station and the second base station when the sensing mode includes a cooperative mode.

[0012] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configuration by: receiving a first sensing configuration for the first base station from a first base station; and sending the first sensing configuration to a second base station.

[0013] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is also configured to coordinate the sensing configuration by notifying the first base station of the second base station and the sensing mode.

[0014] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configurations by: receiving a first sensing configuration for the first base station from a first base station; receiving a second sensing configuration for the second base station from a second base station; determining a third sensing configuration for the first base station; determining a fourth sensing configuration for the second base station; and transmitting the third sensing configuration and the fourth sensing configuration to the first base station and the second base station, respectively.

[0015] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the first response to a first request includes the acceptance of a sense.

[0016] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, a first response to a first request includes a rejection of sensing due to at least one of the following: high workload, limited sensing resources, lack of sensing capability, or lack of sensing UE, and the first response to a first request also includes a reason for rejection and auxiliary information, including when a second base station is available or when a sensing UE is available.

[0017] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to send a sensing stop indication to other base stations when the target is within the sensing coverage of the sensing base station and the reception quality of the sensing reference signal (RS) from the sensing base station is higher than a configured or pre-configured threshold.

[0018] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the first request includes a requirement for sensing a user equipment (UE), and the requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred UE location; preferred UE mobility; expected UE sensing capability; or required UE location accuracy.

[0019] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, a first response to a first request includes information relating to one or more sensing UEs within the coverage area of ​​a second base station, and the information relating to one or more sensing UEs includes at least one of the following: an identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs; the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs; the location of one or more sensing UEs and associated location accuracy; or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0020] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, in the absence of a sensing UE, a first response to a first request indicates that there is no sensing UE, and includes auxiliary information including when the sensing UE is available.

[0021] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to: coordinate sensing configurations for sensing UEs within the coverage areas of the first base station and the second base station based on a first response to a first request.

[0022] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configurations for a first base station and a sensing UE by: receiving sensing configurations for support of the first base station from the first base station; receiving sensing configurations for support of the sensing UE from a second base station; determining sensing configurations for the first base station; determining sensing configurations for the sensing UE; transmitting sensing configurations for the first base station to the first base station; and transmitting sensing configurations for the sensing UE to the sensing UE via the second base station.

[0023] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, when the second base station accepts the first request, the first response to the first request further includes information related to one or more sensing UEs, and the information related to one or more sensing UEs includes at least one of the following: an identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs; the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs; the location of one or more sensing UEs and the associated location accuracy; or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0024] In a second aspect of the solution, a second base station includes: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a first request from a sensing function (SF) via the transceiver, the first request relating to service continuity for sensing a target outside the sensing coverage of the first base station; and send a response to the first request to the SF via the transceiver.

[0025] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the first request includes target-related information, and the target-related information includes at least one of the following: the target's speed; the target's direction of movement; the target's location; or the target's size.

[0026] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the first request includes a sensing mode, and the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configurations for the first and second base stations when the sensing mode includes a cooperative mode.

[0027] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the processor is also configured to coordinate the sensing configuration by receiving a first sensing configuration for the first base station from the SF.

[0028] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the processor is also configured to coordinate sensing configuration by receiving a first sensing configuration for the first base station from the first base station.

[0029] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the processor is also configured to coordinate sensing configurations by: sending a second sensing configuration for the second base station to the SF; and receiving a fourth sensing configuration for the second base station determined by the SF from the SF.

[0030] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the response to the first request includes the acceptance of sensing.

[0031] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the response to the first request includes a rejection of sensing due to at least one of the following: high workload, limited sensing resources, lack of sensing capability, or lack of sensing UE, and the response to the first request also includes a reason for rejection and auxiliary information, including when the second base station is available or when the sensing UE is available.

[0032] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the first request includes a requirement for sensing a user equipment (UE), and the requirement includes at least one of the following: preferred UE location; preferred UE mobility; expected UE sensing capability; or required UE location accuracy.

[0033] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the response to the first request includes information relating to one or more sensing UEs within the coverage area of ​​the second base station, and the information relating to one or more sensing UEs includes at least one of the following: an identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs; the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs; the location of one or more sensing UEs and associated location accuracy; or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0034] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, in the absence of a sensing UE, the response to the first request indicates that there is no sensing UE and includes auxiliary information, including when the sensing UE is available.

[0035] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the processor is further configured to coordinate sensing configurations for sensing UEs within the coverage areas of the first base station and the second base station based on a response to a first request.

[0036] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, the processor is also configured to coordinate sensing configurations for the first base station and the sensing UE by: sending a supporting sensing configuration for the sensing UE to the SF; receiving a sensing configuration for the sensing UE from the SF; and sending a sensing configuration for the sensing UE to the sensing UE.

[0037] In some implementations of the second base station described herein, when the second base station accepts a first request, the response to the first request further includes information related to one or more sensing UEs, and the information related to one or more sensing UEs includes at least one of the following: the identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs; the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs; the location of one or more sensing UEs and the associated location accuracy; or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0038] In a third aspect of the solution, an apparatus for performing access and mobility management functions (AMF) includes: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the apparatus: receives from a sensing function (SF) a request for acquiring information related to one or more base stations, wherein the request further indicates a required area for sensing a target; and sends a response to the request to the SF.

[0039] In some implementations of the apparatus described herein, the information associated with one or more base stations includes at least one of the following: the identifier (ID) of one or more base stations; the location of one or more base stations; the type of one or more base stations, wherein the type includes at least macro stations or micro stations; or the coverage area of ​​one or more base stations.

[0040] In a fourth aspect of the solution, a first base station includes: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: coordinate a sensing configuration between the first base station and a second base station or between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station, wherein the sensing configuration is for sensing a target that will be outside the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station.

[0041] In some implementations of the first base station described herein, the processor is also configured to perform coordination of sensing configurations between the first base station and the second base station by sending a first sensing configuration for the first base station to the sensing function (SF).

[0042] In some implementations of the first base station described herein, the processor is further configured to perform coordination of sensing configurations between the first base station and the second base station by: being notified of the second base station and sensing mode via a sensing function (SF); and sending the first sensing configuration for the first base station to the second base station.

[0043] In some implementations of the first base station described herein, the processor is further configured to perform coordination of sensing configurations between the first base station and the second base station by sending a first sensing configuration for the first base station to the sensing function (SF) and receiving a third sensing configuration for the first base station determined by the SF.

[0044] In some implementations of the first base station described herein, the processor is further configured to coordinate the sensing configuration between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station by: sending sensing configuration for support of the first base station to the sensing function (SF); and receiving sensing configuration for the first base station determined by the SF from the SF.

[0045] In a fifth aspect of the solution, a processor for wireless communication includes: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the controller: based on determining that a target will not be within the sensing coverage of a first base station, sends a first request to a second base station relating to service continuity for sensing the target; and receives a first response to the first request from the second base station.

[0046] In a sixth aspect of the solution, a processor for wireless communication includes: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the controller: receives a first request from a sensing function (SF) relating to service continuity for sensing a target outside the sensing coverage of a first base station; and sends a response to the first request to the SF.

[0047] In a seventh aspect of the solution, a processor for wireless communication includes: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the controller: receives from a sensing function (SF) a request for acquiring information related to one or more base stations, wherein the request also indicates a desired area for sensing a target; and sends a response to the request to the SF.

[0048] In an eighth aspect of the solution, a processor for wireless communication includes: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to the at least one memory and configured such that the controller: performs coordination of a sensing configuration between a first base station and a second base station or between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station, wherein the sensing configuration is for sensing a target that will be outside the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station.

[0049] In a ninth aspect of the solution, a method for performing a sensing function (SF) includes: sending a first request to a second base station related to service continuity for sensing the target, based on determining that the target will not be within the sensing coverage area of ​​a first base station; and receiving a first response to the first request from the second base station.

[0050] In a tenth aspect of the scheme, a method performed by a second base station includes: receiving a first request from a sensing function (SF) related to service continuity for sensing a target outside the sensing coverage of a first base station; and sending a response to the first request to the SF.

[0051] In the eleventh aspect of the solution, a method performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) includes: receiving from a Sensing Function (SF) a request for obtaining information related to one or more base stations, wherein the request also indicates a required area for sensing a target; and sending a response to the request to the SF.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect of the solution, a method performed by a first base station includes: coordinating a sensing configuration between the first base station and a second base station or between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station, wherein the sensing configuration is for sensing a target that will be outside the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station.

[0053] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system that supports service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0055] Figures 2A-2C The illustration shows an example of a network-based sensing scenario.

[0056] Figures 3A-3C The illustration shows an example of a sensing scenario involving the UE.

[0057] Figure 4 An example signaling process for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is illustrated.

[0058] Figure 5 An example process for selecting one or more neighboring base stations for target sensing according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0059] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example process for SF to start / stop one or more sensing modes for a selected base station according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 7The illustration depicts an example process for UEs to cooperate within the coverage areas of a first base station and a second base station to sense / track a sensed target, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 8 An example process for SF to trigger a second base station to sense / track a sensed target is illustrated according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0062] Figure 9 An example of a device supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0063] Figure 10 An example of a processor supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is illustrated.

[0064] Figure 11 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 12 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0066] Figure 13 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 14 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not impose any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0069] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0070] References to "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiments(s) may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same(s) embodiments(s). Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) affecting such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the scope of their knowledge.

[0071] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may also be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of the embodiments, and similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0072] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0073] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as 5G NR, LTE, LTE-A Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will also be future types of communication technologies and systems in which this disclosure can be embodied. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0074] As used herein, the term "network device" generally refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices can access and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, Evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NRNB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Header (RH), infrastructure equipment for V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication, Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), Receiver Point (RP), Remote Radio Header End (RRH), relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtoBS, picoBS), etc., depending on the terminology and technology used.

[0075] As used herein, the term "terminal device" generally refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), end-user equipment, subscriber station (SS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices (e.g., remote surgical equipment), industrial equipment (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0076] Various aspects of this disclosure are described in the context of wireless communication systems.

[0077] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more network entities 102 (also referred to as network devices (NEs)), one or more UEs 104, a core network 106, and a packet data network 108. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 5G network, such as an NR network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of 4G and 5G networks, or other suitable radio access technologies, including IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G. In addition, the wireless communication system 100 can support technologies such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0078] One or more network entities 102 may be distributed throughout a geographic area to form a wireless communication system 100. One or more of the network entities 102 described herein may be, include, or may be referred to as network nodes, base stations, network elements, radio access networks (RANs), base transceiver stations, access points, NodeBs, eNodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. Network entities 102 and UE 104 may communicate via communication link 110, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, network entities 102 and UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, send signaling) via a Uu interface.

[0079] Network entity 102 may provide a geographic coverage area 112 for which network entity 102 supports services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area 112. For example, network entity 102 and UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals associated with services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) based on one or more wireless access technologies. In some implementations, network entity 102 may be mobile, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas 112 may be associated with different network entities 102. The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0080] One or more UEs 104 (such as UE 104-1 or UE 104-2) may be distributed throughout the geographic area of ​​the wireless communication system 100. UE 104 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, remote unit, handheld device, subscriber device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, etc. Alternatively or additionally, UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, etc. In some implementations, UE 104 may be stationary within the wireless communication system 100. In some other implementations, UE 104 may be mobile within the wireless communication system 100.

[0081] One or more UEs 104 can be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates some examples of UE 104. UE 104 is capable of communicating with various types of devices, such as network entity 102, other UEs 104, or network devices (e.g., core network 106, packet data network 108, relay equipment, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or another network device). Figure 1 As shown. Alternatively or concurrently, UE 104 may support communication with other network entities 102 or UE 104 that may be used as relays in wireless communication system 100.

[0082] UE 104 can also support direct wireless communication with other UE 104s via communication link 114. For example, UE 104 can support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular V2X deployments, communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidechain. For example, UE 104 can support direct wireless communication with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[0083] Network entity 102 may support communication with core network 106 or with another network entity 102, or both. For example, network entity 102 may interface with core network 106 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). Network entities 102 may communicate with each other via backhaul links 116 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or another network interface). In some implementations, network entities 102 may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between network entities 102). In some other implementations, network entities 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via core network 106). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 may include sub-components, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). An ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network transport entities (which may be referred to as radio headends, smart radio headends, or transmit-receive points (TRPs)).

[0084] In some implementations, network entity 102 can be configured with a decomposed architecture that can utilize protocol stacks physically or logically distributed across two or more network entities 102, such as an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a Virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., a Cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, network entity 102 may include one or more of the following: a CU, a DU, a Radio Unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., a near real-time RIC, a non-real-time RIC), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0085] An RU can also be referred to as a radio headend, intelligent radio headend, remote radio headend (RRH), remote radio unit (RRU), or transmit-receive point (TRP). In a decomposed RAN architecture, one or more components of network entity 102 can be co-located, or one or more components of network entity 102 can be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some implementations, one or more network entities 102 in a decomposed RAN architecture can be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0086] The functional decomposition between CU, DU, and RU can be flexible and can support different functions based on the functions performed at the CU, DU, or RU (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions, and any combination thereof). For example, a protocol stack functional decomposition can be used between the CU and DU, allowing the CU to support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DU to support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU can host upper-layer protocol layer (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) functions and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Serving Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). The CU can connect to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs can host lower-layer protocol layer functions and signaling, such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., Physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer), and each can be at least partially controlled by the CU 160.

[0087] Alternatively, a functional split of the protocol stack can be employed between the DU and RU, allowing the DU to support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU to support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU can support one or more different cells (e.g., via one or more RUs). In some implementations, the functional split between the CU and DU, or between the DU and RU, can be within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer can be performed by one of the CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by different items in the CU, DU, or RU).

[0088] The CU can be further functionally divided into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU can be connected to one or more DUs via mid-range communication links (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and the DUs can be connected to one or more RUs via fronthaul communication links (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interfaces). In some implementations, the mid-range or fronthaul communication links can be implemented based on interfaces (e.g., channels) between layers of a protocol stack supported by the respective network entity 102 communicating via such communication links.

[0089] Core network 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. Core network 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), access and mobility management functions (AMF)) and user plane entities that route packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entities may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signaling bearers, etc.) of one or more UEs 104 served by one or more network entities 102 associated with core network 106.

[0090] Core network 106 can communicate with packet data network 108 via one or more backhaul links 116 (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). Packet data network 108 may include application server 118. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with application server 118. UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, etc.) with core network 106 via network entity 102. Core network 106 can use the established session (e.g., an established PDU session) to route services (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between UE 104 and application server 118. A PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between UE 104 and core network 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of core network 106).

[0091] In the wireless communication system 100, network entity 102 and UE 104 can use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support different resource structures. For example, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, network entity 102 and UE 104 can support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). Network entity 102 and UE 104 can support various frame structures based on one or more digital technologies.

[0092] One or more digital technologies may be supported in the wireless communication system 100, and the digital technologies may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix. The first digital technology (e.g., μ =0) can be associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first digital technique (e.g., ...) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) is... μ =0) can utilize one time slot per subframe. Second digital technologies (e.g., μ =1) can be associated with the second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. The third digital technology (e.g., μ =2) can be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth digital technology (e.g., μ =3) can be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth digital technology (e.g., μ =4) can be associated with the fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and the normal cyclic prefix.

[0093] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to frames (also called radio frames). Each frame can have a duration, for example, 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame can include multiple subframes. For example, each frame can include 10 subframes, and each subframe can have a duration, for example, 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame can have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame can have the same duration.

[0094] Alternatively or concurrently, the time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) can be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more digital technologies supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, a first digital technology, a second digital technology, a third digital technology, a fourth digital technology, and a fifth digital technology (i.e., ...) associated with corresponding subcarrier intervals of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz. μ =0、 μ =1、 μ =2、 μ =3、 μ =4) One time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and 16 time slots per subframe can be used, respectively. Each time slot can include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots in a subframe can depend on the digital technique. For a normal cyclic prefix, a time slot can include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., for a 60kHz subcarrier spacing), a time slot can include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per time slot, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame for both normal and extended cyclic prefixes can depend on the digital technique. It should be understood that the first digital technique (e.g., quantity) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15kHz) can be... μ The reference of =0 can be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0095] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided into various categories, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can support one or more operating frequency bands, such as frequency range names FR1 (410MHz-7.125GHz), FR2 (24.25GHz-52.6GHz), FR3 (7.125GHz-24.25GHz), FR4 (52.6GHz-114.25GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6GHz-71GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz-300GHz). In some implementations, network entity 102 and UE 104 can perform wireless communication on one or more operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 can be used by network entity 102 and UE 104, along with other devices or apparatuses, for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 can be used by network entity 102 and UE 104, along with other devices or apparatuses, for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0096] FR1 can be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least three digital technologies). For example, FR1 can be associated with the following: a first digital technology (e.g., μ =0), which includes a 15kHz subcarrier spacing; second digital technology (e.g., μ =1), which includes a 30kHz subcarrier spacing; third digital technology (e.g., μ =2), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz. FR2 can be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least two digital technologies). For example, FR2 can be associated with a third digital technology (e.g., μ =2), which includes a 60kHz subcarrier spacing; fourth digital technology (e.g., μ =3), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 120kHz.

[0097] In Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), multiple use cases are related to intrusion detection and target tracking, such as pedestrian / animal intrusion detection on highways, sensing for railway intrusion detection, and sensing for UAV intrusion detection. Given their large coverage area and fixed location, base stations are suitable as sensing nodes for large-area detection and long-distance tracking use cases. In these use cases, the sensing node (i.e., the base station that can cooperate with the sensing UE) detects the sensing target at specific periods and configurations. After the sensing target is detected, the sensing node reports to the CN / server and tracks the sensing target with the corresponding configuration until the sensing target moves out of the defined area, such as railways, highways, smart grid areas, etc.

[0098] During target tracking, the target may move out of the current base station's sensing coverage area due to its mobility, resulting in a change of sensing node. Unlike traditional UE mobility issues (e.g., handover), the sensing target may not be a device and may not support signal transmission and measurement. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how to ensure service continuity when sensing nodes change.

[0099] Figures 2A-2C The illustration shows an example of a network-based sensing scenario, which can provide timely, continuous, accurate, and comprehensive sensing results. In a network-based sensing scenario, only (multiple) base stations can act as (multiple) sensing nodes, without involving the sensing user (UE). For example... Figures 2A-2C As shown, this ensures service continuity in network-based scenarios. Figure 2A In this configuration, gNB1 102-1 detects the sensing target 210 and tracks its trajectory within its sensing coverage area, while gNB2 102-2 may not track the sensing target 210. Figure 2BIn this context, when the sensing target 210 moves to the boundary between gNB1 102-1 and gNB2 102-2, multiple sensing modes, including a cooperative mode (e.g., in a cooperative mode, gNB1 102-1 sends its RS configuration and gNB2 102-2 receives its RS configuration), can be configured to ensure sensing performance and service continuity. Figure 2C When the sensing target 210 moves into the sensing coverage area of ​​gNB2 102-2, gNB1 102-1 may stop tracking the sensing target 210.

[0100] Figures 3A-3C The illustration shows an example of a sensing scenario involving a UE. In a sensing scenario involving a UE, both the UE and gNB can act as sensing nodes. For example... Figures 3A-3C As shown, service continuity is guaranteed in scenarios involving the UE. Figure 3A In this configuration, gNB1 102-1 and UE3 304-3 cooperate to detect and track the sensed target 310, while gNB2 102-2, UE1 304-1, and UE2 304-2 may not track the sensed target 310. Figure 3B In the process, when the sensed target 310 moves to the boundary between gNB1 102-1 and gNB2 102-2, and gNB1 102-1 cannot find a suitable sensed UE within its coverage area (e.g., the location accuracy or sensing capability of UE1 304-1 does not meet the requirements), gNB1 102-1 cooperates with UE2 304-2, which is within the coverage area of ​​gNB2 102-2, to track the sensed target 310. Figure 3C When the sensing target 310 moves into the sensing coverage area of ​​gNB2 102-2, gNB2 102-2 is requested to cooperate with UE2 304-2 to track the sensing target 310, and gNB1 102-1 and UE1 304-1 may stop tracking the sensing target 310.

[0101] Furthermore, in the SF control architecture, the SF in the core network (CN) can be used to calculate sensing results based on received measurement reports, coordinate sensing configurations for collaborative sensing modes, and determine whether / when to start / stop tracking functions of neighboring base stations and which base stations to select. Service continuity assurance issues based on the network and involving UEs need to be investigated in the SF control architecture.

[0102] Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for supporting service continuity for sensing targets, for example, for integrating service continuity guarantees in sensing and communication. In some embodiments of this solution, at the SF, based on the determination that the target will not be within the sensing coverage of the first base station, a first request related to service continuity for sensing targets is sent to a second base station, and a first response to the first request is received from the second base station. By implementing the example embodiments of this disclosure, service continuity guarantees can be supported in network-based and UE-related sensing scenarios within the SF control architecture.

[0103] Figure 4 An example signaling process 400 for service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is illustrated. Figure 4 Combination Figures 5-8 As shown, several phases can typically be defined, including at least one of the following: neighbor determination phase, startup phase, and configuration phase.

[0104] A first solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication involves service continuity assurance in a network-based sensing scenario, wherein when a sensing target moves to the edge region of a first base station (i.e., the current base station), multiple second base stations (i.e., multiple neighboring base stations) can be identified for target sensing. Figure 6 The example process shown primarily involves the first solution.

[0105] Furthermore, a second solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication involves service continuity assurance in sensing scenarios involving UEs, wherein when there is no suitable sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the first base station, the first base station and the UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station cooperate to sense / track the sensing target. Figure 7 The example process shown primarily involves the second solution.

[0106] In addition, another solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication involves service continuity assurance in sensing scenarios involving the UE, where the SF triggers the second base station to sense / track the target when the sensing target moves into the sensing coverage area of ​​the second base station. Figure 8 The example process shown primarily involves additional solutions.

[0107] In the initial stage, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the target is not within the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station 402-1, the SF406 can send a first request 432 related to service continuity for sensing the target to the second base station 402-2. Therefore, the second base station 402-2 can receive the first request 432 related to service continuity for sensing the target from the SF406.

[0108] Subsequently, the second base station 402-2 can send a first response 438 to the first request 432 to SF 406. Therefore, SF 406 can receive a first response 440 to the first request 432 from the second base station 402-2. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the neighbor determination phase is typically performed before the start phase in order to determine the second base station 402-2.

[0109] During the neighbor determination phase, SF 406 may send a second request 412 to Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 408 to obtain information related to one or more base stations. The second request 412 also indicates the required area for sensing targets. Therefore, AMF 408 can receive the second request 412 to SF 406 from SF 406.

[0110] Subsequently, AMF 408 can send a second response 418 to SF 406 for the second request 412. Therefore, SF 406 can receive a second response 418 to the second request 412 from AMF 408. As a result, SF 406 can determine a second base station 402-2 based on information associated with one or more base stations.

[0111] In some implementations, information associated with one or more base stations includes the identifiers (IDs) of one or more base stations, the locations of one or more base stations, or the types of one or more base stations. These types include at least macro base stations or micro base stations, or the coverage areas of one or more base stations.

[0112] In some implementations, SF 406 may determine the second base station 402-2 based on additional information associated with one or more base stations. This additional information includes the sensing capabilities of the one or more base stations, the sensing modes supported by the one or more base stations, the available sensing resources of the one or more base stations, or test results from the one or more base stations. One or more base stations are triggered by SF 406 to test a sensing task for the sensing target, and the test results are compared to determine whether the one or more base stations are eligible to be used for sensing the target.

[0113] Figure 5 The illustration depicts an example process 500 for selecting one or more neighboring base stations for target sensing according to various aspects of this disclosure (i.e., Figure 5 This mainly involves the neighbor determination phase as described above.

[0114] For example, such as Figure 5 Chinese combination Figure 6 As shown, SF 506 can monitor the sensing performance from the current sensing base station 502-1 (e.g., based on...). Figure 6 The measurement report 601 shown is provided, and SF 506 can assess the quality of the sensed data, such as by signal strength, or calculate the sensed result based on the sensed data to determine whether to trigger the following operation.

[0115] Subsequently, in order to select one or more neighboring base stations for target sensing, at 510, SF 506 requests base station information from AMF 508, and the request message also indicates the required area in which the base station provides service / coverage. At 520, AMF 508 responds to SF 506 with base station information, and the base station information may include the base station's ID, location, type (e.g., macro station or micro station, where a micro station manages a small cell), and coverage area. Based on the received base station information and the location and direction of movement of the sensed target, at 530, SF 506 determines which candidate base stations 502 are selected for target sensing.

[0116] At 540, if there are multiple interfaces between SF 506 and base station 502, SF 506 communicates with candidate base stations 502 to obtain their sensing capabilities, supported sensing modes, and available sensing resources. If there is no interface between SF 506 and base station 502, the exchange is transferred by AMF 508. Optionally, SF 506 can trigger candidate base stations 502 to perform a test sensing task on the target, and the results are compared to determine their eligibility. At 550, based on the acquired information, SF 506 can determine one or more base stations for target sensing in the initial phase.

[0117] Alternatively or alternatively, for example, such as Figure 5 Chinese combination Figure 7 As shown, SF 506 can monitor the sensing performance of the sensing UE 104 within the coverage area of ​​the current sensing base station 502-1 and the second base station, and SF 506 can, for example, assess the quality of the sensing data via signal strength, or calculate the sensing results based on the sensing data to determine whether to trigger the following operations.

[0118] Subsequently, in order to select one or more neighboring base stations for target sensing, SF 506 obtains neighboring base station information from AMF 508, and the request message also indicates the required area in which the base station provides service / coverage.

[0119] At point 520, AMF 508 responds to SF 506 with base station information, which may include the base station's ID and location. Based on the received base station information and the location and direction of movement of the sensed target, at point 530, SF 506 determines which base stations to interact with.

[0120] As described above, the first solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication relates to service continuity assurance in network-based sensing scenarios, wherein neighboring base stations for target sensing can be determined when a sensing target moves to the edge region of the current base station.

[0121] For the initial stage of the first solution, refer again Figure 4 In some implementations, the first request 432 may include target-related information, which may include the target's speed, direction of movement, location, or size. Furthermore, SF 406 may send updated target-related information to the first base station 402-1.

[0122] Furthermore, in some implementations, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may include acceptance of the sensing request. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may include rejection of the sensing request due to at least one of high workload, limited sensing resources, or lack of sensing capability. The first response 438 to the first request 432 may also include a reason for rejection and auxiliary information, including when the second base station is available.

[0123] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the sensing start request message 620 may also include target information, such as speed, direction of movement, location, size, etc. Furthermore, after the sensing start request message, updated target information may be sent to the sensing base station 502-1, for example, periodically, so that the sensing base station 502-1 can be configured more accurately to track the target.

[0124] Base station 502-2 can accept or reject the sensing start request 620. For example, upon receiving the sensing start request message 620 from SF 506, base station 502-2 sends a feedback response 630 (e.g., accept or reject) to SF 506. For example, base station 502-2 may reject the request due to reasons such as high workload, limited sensing resources, or lack of sensing capability. The rejection response may include a reason for rejection and supplementary information, such as when it may be available.

[0125] As described above, the second solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication involves service continuity assurance in sensing scenarios involving UEs, wherein when there is no suitable sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the first base station, the first base station and the UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station cooperate to sense / track the sensing target.

[0126] For the initial stage of the second solution, refer again... Figure 4In some implementations, the first request 432 may include a requirement for sensing a user equipment (UE), and the requirement may include a preferred UE location, preferred UE mobility, expected UE sensing capability, or required UE location accuracy.

[0127] Furthermore, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may include information related to one or more sensing UEs 404 within the coverage area of ​​the second base station 402-2, and the information related to one or more sensing UEs 404 may include the identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs, the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs, the location and associated location accuracy of one or more sensing UEs, or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0128] In the absence of a sensing UE, the first response 438 to the first request 432 indicates that there is no sensing UE, and may include auxiliary information, including when the sensing UE is available. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, SF 506 obtains sensed UE information within the coverage area of ​​the selected neighboring base station 502-2 by requesting sensed UE information from the selected neighboring base station 502-2. The request message 710 indicates the requirements for sensed UEs, such as preferred UE location and / or mobility, expected UE sensing capability, required UE location accuracy, etc.

[0129] Furthermore, the selected neighboring base station 502-2 acquires the sensed UE information 720 based on this requirement and sends the sensed UE information 730 (e.g., UE ID, sensing capability, UE location and associated location accuracy, UE mobility, etc.) to SF 506. If the selected neighboring base station 502-2 selects to sense UE 104, then the selected neighboring base station 502-2 sends the selected sensed UE information to SF 506.

[0130] Alternatively, if SF 506 selects a sensing UE, the selected neighboring base station 502-2 sends candidate sensing UE information to SF 506, and SF 506 determines the sensing UE 104 to be selected from the candidate sensing UEs. Alternatively, if no sensing UE is available, the selected base station 502-2 indicates to SF 506 that there is no sensing UE, and provides auxiliary information, such as when a sensing UE is available.

[0131] As described above, the additional solution for service continuity assurance in integrated sensing and communication also relates to service continuity assurance in sensing scenarios involving the UE, wherein the SF triggers the second base station to sense / track the target when the sensing target moves into the sensing coverage area of ​​the second base station.

[0132] For the initial stages of additional solutions, refer again. Figure 4 In some implementations, the first request 432 may include target-related information, which may include the target's speed, direction of movement, location, or size. Furthermore, SF 406 may send updated target-related information to the first base station 402-1.

[0133] Furthermore, in some implementations, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may include acceptance of the sensing request. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may include rejection of the sensing request due to at least one of the following: high workload, limited sensing resources, lack of sensing capability, or lack of sensing UE. The first response 438 to the first request 432 may also include a reason for rejection and auxiliary information, including when a second base station is available or when a sensing UE is available.

[0134] Furthermore, when the second base station 402-2 accepts the first request 432, the first response 438 to the first request 432 may also include information related to one or more sensing UEs 404, and the information related to one or more sensing UEs 404 may include the identifier (ID) of one or more sensing UEs, the sensing capability of one or more sensing UEs, the location and associated location accuracy of one or more sensing UEs, or the mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

[0135] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sensing start request message 810 may also include target information, such as speed, direction of movement, position, size, etc., which can be used for more precise configuration. Furthermore, after the sensing start message 810, updated target information may be sent to the sensing base station 502-1, for example, periodically, so that the sensing base station 502-1 can be configured more accurately to track the target.

[0136] The second base station 502-2 can respond to the sensing start request 810. For example, the response message 820 can indicate acceptance or rejection. For example, the second base station 502-2 may reject SF 506 due to, for example, a lack of available sensing UEs, high workload, limited sensing resources, etc. The rejection response may include a rejection reason and auxiliary information, such as when the base station or sensing UE is available. Alternatively, if the second base station 502-2 accepts the sensing start request 810, the response message 820 may also include information about (candidate) sensing UEs.

[0137] During the configuration phase, coordination of sensing configuration can be performed between the first base station and the second base station, or between the first base station and the sensing UEs within the coverage area of ​​the second base station.

[0138] For the configuration phase of the first solution, refer again... Figure 4 The first request 432 includes a sensing mode, and if the sensing mode includes a cooperative mode, coordination of the sensing configuration between the first base station 402-1 and the second base station 402-2 can be performed 450. In some implementations, coordination of the sensing configuration can be performed 450 by at least one of the following.

[0139] In some implementations, SF 406 receives a first sensing configuration for the first base station from the first base station and sends the first sensing configuration to the second base station. In some implementations, SF 406 notifies the first base station of the second base station and the sensing mode, and the first base station sends the first sensing configuration for the first base station to the second base station.

[0140] In some implementations, SF 406 receives a first sensing configuration for the first base station from a first base station, receives a second sensing configuration for the second base station from a second base station, determines a third sensing configuration for the first base station, determines a fourth sensing configuration for the second base station, and sends the third sensing configuration and the fourth sensing configuration to the first base station and the second base station, respectively. It should be noted that, for the first solution, the configuration phase can be performed before, during, or after the startup phase.

[0141] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the sensing start request message 620 indicates the sensing mode and optional associated sensing configurations. If the selected sensing mode includes a cooperative sensing mode (e.g., a first base station sends its RS configuration and a second base station receives its RS configuration), then the cooperative sensing configurations for the base stations need to be coordinated at 610.

[0142] In Option 1, SF 506 acquires the configuration of the first base station 502-1 and then sends it to the second base station 502-2, whereby the second base station 502-2 coordinates its configuration to align with the first base station 502-1. In Option 2, SF 506 notifies the first base station 502-1 of selected neighboring base stations 502-2 and the sensing mode; for example, the first base station sends its RS configuration, and the second base station receives its RS configuration. Then, the first base station 502-1 sends this configuration to the second base station 502-2 via the Xn interface, and the second base station 502-2 coordinates its configuration to align with the first base station 502-1. In Option 3, SF 506 acquires available sensing configurations from the first base station 502-1 and the second base station 502-2 and determines their configurations. Then, SF 506 sends the determined configurations to both the first base station 502-1 and the second base station 502-2.

[0143] For the configuration phase of the second solution, refer again... Figure 4Based on a first response 438 to the first request 432, coordination of the sensing configuration between the first base station 402-1 and the sensing UE 404 within the coverage area of ​​the second base station 402-2 can be performed 450. In some implementations, the coordination of the sensing configuration can be performed 450 by at least one of the following.

[0144] In some implementations, SF 406 receives a sensing configuration for support of the first base station from a first base station, receives a sensing configuration for support of the sensing UE from a second base station, determines a sensing configuration for the first base station, determines a sensing configuration for the sensing UE, sends the sensing configuration for the first base station to the first base station, and sends the sensing configuration for the sensing UE to the sensing UE via the second base station.

[0145] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, for sensing configuration coordination 740, SF 506 obtains the supported sensing configuration from the first base station 502-1 (via 740A and 740C), and SF 506 obtains the supported sensing configuration for the selected sensing UE 104 from the selected neighboring base station 502-2 (via 740B and 740D if SF 506 determines the sensing UE). After determining the sensing configuration, SF 506 sends the configuration to the first base station 502-1 (e.g., via 740E) and to the sensing UE 104 via the selected neighboring base station 502-2 (e.g., via 740F and 740G). Furthermore, SF 506 can calculate sensing results based on received measurement reports (750A and 750B).

[0146] For the configuration phase of additional solutions, for example, Figure 8 As shown, the sensing start request message 810 indicates the sensing mode and optional associated sensing configuration. If the selected sensing mode is a cooperative mode between the base station and the UE (e.g., the second base station sends its RS configuration and the UE receives its RS configuration), then SF 506 and / or the second base station 502-2 can acquire UE capabilities at 830 and select the UE to sense, and SF 506 and / or the second base station 502-2 can provide sensing configuration (840B and / or 840A) for the selected UE 104.

[0147] Refer again Figure 4 In some implementations, when the target is within the sensing coverage of the sensing base station and the reception quality of the sensing reference signal (RS) from the sensing base station is higher than a configured or pre-configured threshold, SF 406 can send a sensing stop indication to other base stations.

[0148] For the first solution, such as Figure 6As shown, SF 506 notifies (multiple) base stations to stop sensing or to stop specific sensing modes used for tracking a target (e.g., via 650A and / or 650B). For example, based on measurements from sensing base stations (e.g., 640A and / or 640B) and QoS requirements, SF 506 may notify one or more sensing base stations to stop sensing a target, or to stop one or more sensing modes used for sensing a target (e.g., via 650A and / or 650B).

[0149] For example, if, for instance, the target is within the sensing coverage area of ​​a base station, and the reception quality of the sensing RS is higher than a (pre)configured threshold, then based on initial sensing reports from multiple base stations, the SF 506 can maintain a most suitable base station by sending sensing stop indications (e.g., 650A and / or 650B) to other base stations. For example, the sensing stop indication message may include the sensing mode to be disabled, the sensing configuration to be disabled, etc.

[0150] For additional solutions, such as Figure 8 As shown, SF 506 can calculate the sensing results based on the received measurement reports (850A and 850B). Based on the sensing results, SF 506 can notify the first base station 502-1 to stop tracking the sensing target, and the sensing stop indication message 860 can indicate the sensing mode to be disabled, the sensing configuration to be disabled, etc.

[0151] Figure 9 An example of a device 900 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. Device 900 may be an example of UE 104-1 as described herein. Device 900 may support wireless communication with one or more network entities 102, UE 104, or any combination thereof. Device 900 may include components for bidirectional communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications (such as processor 902, memory 904, transceiver 906, and optional I / O controller 908). These components may communicate electronically or be otherwise coupled (e.g., operational ground, communication ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0152] Processor 902, memory 904, transceiver 906, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of components used to perform the various aspects of this disclosure described herein. For example, processor 902, memory 904, transceiver 906, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the operations described herein.

[0153] In some implementations, processor 902, memory 904, transceiver 906, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuitry system). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, configured to or otherwise supporting components for performing the functions described in this disclosure. In some implementations, processor 902 and memory 904 coupled to processor 902 may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in memory 904 by processor 902).

[0154] For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, processor 902 may support wireless communication at device 900. Processor 902 may be configured to support: means for sending a first request to a second base station related to service continuity for sensing a target based on determining that the target will not be within the sensing coverage of a first base station; and means for receiving a first response to the first request from the second base station.

[0155] Processor 902 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., general-purpose processors, DSPs, CPUs, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, processor 902 may be configured to use a memory controller to operate a memory array. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 902. Processor 902 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 904) to cause device 900 to perform various functions of this disclosure.

[0156] Memory 904 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by processor 902, cause device 900 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executed by processor 902, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some implementations, memory 904 may include a basic I / O system (BIOS) that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0157] I / O controller 908 manages the input and output signals of device 900. I / O controller 908 can also manage peripheral devices not integrated into device M02. In some implementations, I / O controller 908 may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some implementations, I / O controller 908 may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, Android®, MS Windows®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, Linux®, or other known operating systems. In some implementations, I / O controller 908 may be implemented as part of a processor, such as processor 906. In some implementations, a user can interact with device 900 via I / O controller 908 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 908.

[0158] In some implementations, device 900 may include a single antenna 910. However, in other implementations, device 900 may have more than one antenna 910 (i.e., multiple antennas), including multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Transceiver 906 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 910, wired or wireless links, as described herein. For example, transceiver 906 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 906 may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing modulated packets to one or more antennas 910 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 910. Transceiver 906 may include one or more transmit chains, one or more receive chains, or combinations thereof.

[0159] The transmission chain can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmission chain may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. At least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmission chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmission chain may also include one or more antennas 910 for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

[0160] The receiver chain can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain may include one or more antennas 910 for receiving signals over the air or via a wireless medium. The receiver chain may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and acquire transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The receiver chain may include at least one decoder for decoding the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0161] Figure 10 An example of a processor 1000 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. The processor 1000 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. The processor 1000 may include a controller 1002 configured to perform various operations according to the examples described herein. The processor 1000 may optionally include at least one memory 1004, such as an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 1000 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 1000. One or more of these components may be electronically communicated or otherwise coupled (e.g., operative ground, communicative ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0162] Processor 1000 may be a processor chipset and includes a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, acquire, retrieve, send, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) according to the examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to the processor chipset or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1000)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0163] Controller 1002 can be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of processor 1000 (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, and reading) to enable processor 1000 to support various base station operations according to the examples described herein. For example, controller 1002 can operate as a control unit of processor 1000 to generate control signals for managing the operation of various components of processor 1000. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory accesses, and coordinating operation timing.

[0164] Controller 1002 may be configured to fetch (e.g., fetch, retrieve, receive) instructions from memory 1004 and determine subsequent instructions(s) to be executed, enabling processor 1000 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Controller 1002 may be configured to track the memory addresses of instructions associated with memory 1004. Controller 1002 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, controller 1002 may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of processor 1000, enabling processor 1000 to support various operations according to the examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, controller 1002 may be configured to manage data flow within processor 1000. Controller 1002 may be configured to control data transfers between registers, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and other functional units of processor 1000.

[0165] Memory 1004 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory or other memory, such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc., local to or included in processor 1000). In some implementations, memory 1004 may reside within or on the processor chipset (e.g., local to processor 1000). In some other implementations, memory 1004 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., remote from processor 1000).

[0166] Memory 1004 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by processor 1000, cause processor 1000 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. Controller 1002 and / or processor 1000 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1004 to cause processor 1000 to perform various functions. For example, processor 1000 and / or controller 1002 may be coupled to or connected to memory 1004, and processor 1000, controller 1002, and memory 1004 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, processor 1000 may include multiple processors, and memory 1004 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may be configured individually or collectively to perform the various functions described herein.

[0167] One or more ALU 1000s can be configured to support a variety of operations as described in the examples herein. In some implementations, one or more ALU 1000s may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 1000). In some other implementations, one or more ALU 1000s may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1000). One or more ALU 1000s can perform one or more calculations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALU 1000s can receive input operands and an opcode that determines the operation to be performed. One or more ALU 1000s are configured with various logic and arithmetic circuitry, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the operations. Alternatively or concurrently, one or more ALU 1000s may support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR, NOR, and NAND, enabling one or more ALU 1000s to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0168] Based on the examples disclosed herein, processor 1000 may support wireless communication. Processor 1000 may be configured or operable to support: components for sending a first request related to service continuity for sensing a target to a second base station based on determining that the target will not be within the sensing coverage of a first base station; and components for receiving a first response to the first request from the second base station.

[0169] Figure 11A flowchart illustrating a method 1100 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1100 may be implemented by a device or component thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1100 may be performed by a sensing function (SF) 406 as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0170] At 1110, the method may include sending a first request related to service continuity for sensing the target to a second base station based on determining that the target will not be within the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station. The operation of 1110 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1110 may be derived from references... Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0171] At 1120, the method may include receiving a first response to the first request from the second base station. The operation of 1120 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1120 may be derived from references... Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0172] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method 1200 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1200 can be implemented by the device or components thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1200 can be performed by a second base station 402-2 described herein. In some implementations, the device can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0173] At 1210, the method may include receiving a first request from a sensing function (SF) related to service continuity for sensing a target outside the sensing coverage area of ​​a first base station. Operation of 1210 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of operation of 1210 may be derived from references... Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0174] At 1220, the method may include sending a response to the first request to the SF. The operation at 1220 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation at 1220 may be derived from references. Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0175] Figure 13A flowchart illustrating a method 1300 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1300 may be implemented by a device or component thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1300 may be performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 408 as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0176] At 1310, the method may include receiving a request from a sensing function (SF) for acquiring information related to one or more base stations. The request also indicates a desired area for sensing a target. The operation of 1310 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1310 may be derived from references... Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0177] At 1320, the method may include sending a response to the request to the SF. The operation at 1320 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation at 1320 can be found in the references. Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0178] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a method 1400 supporting service continuity guarantees in integrated sensing and communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Operation of method 1400 may be implemented by the device or components thereof described herein. For example, operation of method 1400 may be performed by a first base station 402-1 described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Alternatively or concurrently, the device may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0179] At 1410, the method may include coordinating a sensing configuration between the first base station and the second base station, or between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station. The sensing configuration is used to sense targets outside the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station. The operation of 1410 can be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of 1410 may be derived from references... Figure 1 The aforementioned device is used to perform this action.

[0180] It should be noted that the methods described in this paper describe possible implementations, and the operations and steps can be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are also possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods can be combined.

[0181] The various illustrative blocks and components disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0182] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0183] Computer-readable media include both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, optical disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

[0184] As used herein, including in the claims, the article “a” preceding an element is unrestricted and should be understood to mean “at least one” or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a,” “at least one,” “one or more,” and “at least one of one or more” are interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, the use of “or” in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as “at least one of…” or “one or more of…” or “one or two of…”) indicates an inclusive list, such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as “based on condition A” may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase “at least partially based on.” Furthermore, as used herein, including in the claims, “set” may include one or more elements.

[0185] The description provided herein is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for performing a sensing function (SF), comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the device: Based on the determination that the target will not be within the sensing coverage of the first base station, a first request related to the service continuity of the target is sent to the second base station; as well as Receive a first response to the first request from the second base station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Send a second request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to obtain information related to one or more base stations, wherein the second request also indicates the area required for sensing the target; Receive a second response to the second request from the AMF; as well as The second base station is determined based on the information associated with the one or more base stations.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the information associated with the one or more base stations includes at least one of the following: The identifier (ID) of the one or more base stations; The location of the one or more base stations; The types of the one or more base stations, wherein the types include at least macro base stations or micro base stations; or The coverage area of ​​the one or more base stations.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: The second base station is determined based on another piece of information associated with the one or more base stations, wherein the other piece of information includes at least one of the following: The sensing capabilities of the one or more base stations; The sensing modes supported by the one or more base stations; Available sensing resources of the one or more base stations; or Test results from the one or more base stations, wherein the one or more base stations are triggered by the device to test a sensing task for sensing the target, and the test results are compared to determine whether the one or more base stations are qualified to be used for sensing the target.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first request includes information relating to the target, and the information relating to the target includes at least one of the following: The speed of the target; The direction of movement of the target; The location of the target; or The size of the target, Furthermore, the processor is configured to send updated information related to the target to the first base station.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first request includes a sensing mode, and the processor is further configured to: When the sensing mode includes a cooperative mode, the sensing configurations for the first base station and the second base station are coordinated.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to coordinate the sensing configuration by: Receive a first sensing configuration for the first base station from the first base station; and The first sensing configuration is sent to the second base station.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to coordinate the sensing configuration by: The first base station is notified of the second base station and the sensing mode.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to coordinate the sensing configuration by: Receive a first sensing configuration for the first base station from the first base station; Receive a second sensing configuration for the second base station from the second base station; Determine the third sensing configuration for the first base station; Determine the fourth sensing configuration for the second base station; as well as The third sensing configuration and the fourth sensing configuration are sent to the first base station and the second base station, respectively.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first response to the first request includes a sensed acceptance. And the first response to the first request includes a rejection of sensing due to at least one of the following: high workload, limited sensing resources, lack of sensing capability, or lack of sensing UE. Furthermore, the first response to the first request also includes a rejection reason and auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including when the second base station is available or when the sensing UE is available.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: When the target is within the sensing coverage area of ​​the sensing base station and the reception quality of the sensing reference signal (RS) from the sensing base station is higher than the configured or pre-configured threshold, a sensing stop indication is sent to other base stations.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first request includes a requirement to sense a user equipment (UE), and the requirement includes at least one of the following: Preferred UE location; Preferred UE mobility; Expected UE sensing capability; or The required UE positioning accuracy.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to: Based on the first response to the first request, the sensing configuration for the first base station and the sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station is coordinated.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to coordinate the sensing configuration for the first base station and the sensing UE by: Receive sensing configuration for support of the first base station from the first base station; Receive sensing configuration for the sensing UE from the second base station; Determine the sensing configuration for the first base station; Determine the sensing configuration for the sensing UE; Send the sensing configuration for the first base station to the first base station; as well as The sensing configuration for the sensing UE is sent to the sensing UE via the second base station.

15. A second base station, comprising: processor; as well as The transceiver is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured as follows: The transceiver receives a first request from the sensing function (SF), the first request being related to the service continuity of a target that will be outside the sensing coverage of the first base station; as well as The transceiver sends a response to the first request to the SF.

16. The second base station of claim 15, wherein the first request includes information related to the target, and the information related to the target includes at least one of the following: The speed of the target; The direction of movement of the target; The location of the target; or The size of the target.

17. The second base station of claim 16, wherein when the second base station accepts the first request, the response to the first request further includes information related to one or more sensing UEs, and the information related to the one or more sensing UEs includes at least one of the following: The identifier (ID) of the one or more sensed UEs; The sensing capability of the one or more sensing UEs; The position of the one or more sensing UEs and the associated position accuracy; or The mobility of one or more sensing UEs.

18. An apparatus for performing access and mobility management functions (AMF), comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory, and configured such that the device: Receive a request from the sensing function (SF) to acquire information related to one or more base stations, wherein the request also indicates the required area for sensing a target; as well as Send a response to the request to the SF.

19. A first base station, comprising: processor; as well as The transceiver is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured as follows: Coordination of sensing configurations between the first base station and the second base station, or between the first base station and a sensing UE within the coverage area of ​​the second base station, wherein the sensing configurations are used to sense targets that will be outside the sensing coverage area of ​​the first base station.

20. The first base station of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to perform coordination of sensing configurations between the first base station and the second base station by: The second base station and sensing mode are notified via sensing function (SF); and Send the first sensing configuration for the first base station to the second base station.

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