Method for handling joint communications and sensing (JCAS) operation based on a determined mobility state

Abstract

A method performed by a first user equipment, UE, is provided. The method includes determining (600) a mobility state of the first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and / or the object. The mobility state includes the first UE, the second UE, and / or the object is in coverage, out of coverage, or moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of a network node. The method further includes performing (614), based on the mobility state, (i) continue the JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations. Methods performed by second UEs, network nodes, and related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

Method for handling joint communications and sensing (JCAS) operation based on a determined mobility state.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to joint communications and sensing (JCAS) operations. Methods, a first UE, a second UE, a network node, a system, computer programs, computer program products, related to JCAS operations are disclosed.BACKGROUND

[0002] In fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), sidelink (SL) communications facilitate the direct information exchange between nearby devices over the PC5 interface. Specifically, since Rel-16, NR supports broadcast, groupcast and unicast SL communications. When communicating UEs are under network coverage, a network node (e.g., gNodeB (gNB) or evolved NodeB (eNB)) assigns and manages SL radio resources for direct (i.e., device-to-device) communications. SL radio resources can be dedicated to SL communications, or they may be shared with resources used for uplink (UL) cellular communications. When the communication resources are assigned and managed for in-coverage SL communications by the network, the communication mode can be referred to as Mode 1 SL communications.

[0003] In contrast, in a communication mode referred to as Mode 2, UEs can autonomously select their time and frequency SL resources out of a predefined and preconfigured resource pool. Mode 2, thus, can be used even when the UEs are out of coverage. In this mode, UEs can operate over the SL using a dynamic or a semi-persistent scheduling scheme. The dynamic scheme may select the used resources for each transport block separately, whereas in semi-persistent scheduling, the same resources can be used for several subsequent transport blocks. The semi- persistent scheme can be enabled or disabled in a resource pool by pre- and re-configuring the SL resource pool by a network node.

[0004] An impact of resource allocation policies on JCAS performance has been studied. See e.g., “Sidelink 5G-V2X for Integrated Sensing and Communication: the Impact of Resource Allocation”, 2022 IEEE International Conference on Communications Workshops (ICC Workshops) / WS08 IEEE ICC 2022 Workshop on Synergies of communication, localization, and sensing towards 6G (DOI: 10.1109 / ICCWORKSHOPS53468.2022.9814586).SUMMARY

[0005] There currently exist certain challenges. Approaches may be lacking for UE behavior related to a JCAS sensing operation (e.g., how a sensing signal is transmitted) when a UE involved in bistatic or multistatic sensing and communications moves in cellular coverage (in coverage (InC)) or out of cellular coverage (out of coverage (OoC)). For example, approaches may be lacking to avoid interference between a communication (e.g., a SL communication) and a JCAS sensing operation between two UEs such that the a first UE transmitting a sensing signal omits transmitting another signal for communication purposes while involved in the JCAS sensing operation; and, similarly, a second UE involved in receiving the transmitted sensing signal omits having its receiver open to receive another signal for communication purposes while involved in the JCAS sensing operation. Approaches may be lacking for managing resource allocation for such a UE-to-UE (UE-2-UE) communication link that enables a JCAS sensing operation. For example, 3GPP lacks such functionality.

[0006] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges.

[0007] An object of the invention is to facilitate sensing of an object.

[0008] An object of the disclosure is to provide ongoing sensing of an object involving twoUEs even when the object and / or one or both of the UEs involved in the sensing move(s).

[0009] In some embodiments, a method performed by a first UE for JCAS operations is provided. The method includes determining a mobility state of at least one of the first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and the object. The mobility state comprises at least one of the first UE, the second UE, and the object is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network. The method further includes performing at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations of the object, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0010] In other embodiments, a method performed by a second UE for JCAS operations is provided. The method comprises performing sensing of an object, wherein the second UE has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE for JCAS operations of the object. The methodfurther includes determining a mobility state of the object; and reporting to a network node in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object.

[0011] In yet other embodiments, a method performed by a network node related to JCAS operations is provided. The method comprises signalling, to a first UE and at least one of a second UE and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for the JCAS operations of an object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE.

[0012] In some embodiments a system is provided to determine a mobility state of at least one of a first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and to perform at least one operation based on the mobility state. The system comprises a first UE configured to at least transmit a sensing signal, determine the mobility state, and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by a network node in a telecommunications network to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations of the object, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object. The system further comprises a second UE configured to at least (i) perform sensing of the object based on receipt by the second UE of a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE, (ii) determine the mobility state of the object, and (iii) report to the network node the mobility state of the object. The system also comprises the object; and the network node configured to at least signal to the first UE and at least one of the second UE and / or at least one candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for JCAS operations of the object for a UE-to- UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and / or the candidate UE.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first UE is provided. The first UE comprises at least one processor and at least one memory connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations. The operations comprise to determine a mobility state of at least one of the first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and the object. The mobility state comprises at least one of the first UE, the second UE, and the object is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network. The operations UE further comprise to perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the JCAS operationsof the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0014] In other embodiments, a computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor of a first UE is provided. Execution of the program code causes the first UE to perform operations. The operations comprise to determine a mobility state of at least one of the first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and the object. The mobility state comprises at least one of the first UE, the second UE, and the object is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network. The operations UE further comprise to perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0015] In yet other embodiments, a computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium including program code to be executed by at least one processor of a first UE is provided. Execution of the program code causes the first UE to perform operations. The operations comprise to determine a mobility state of at least one of the first UE, a second UE having a UE- to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and the object. The mobility state comprises at least one of the first UE, the second UE, and the object is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network. The operations UE further comprise to perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0016] In some embodiments, a second UE is provided. The second UE comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations. The operations comprise to perform sensing of an object, wherein the second UE has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE for JCAS operations of the object. The operations further comprise to determine amobility state of the object; and to report to a network node in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object.

[0017] In other embodiments, a computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor of a second UE is provided. Execution of the program code causes the second UE to perform operations. The operations comprise to perform sensing of an object, wherein the second UE has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE for JCAS operations of the object. The operations further comprise to determine a mobility state of the object; and to report to a network node in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object.

[0018] In yet other embodiments, a computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium including program code to be executed by at least one processor of a second UE is provided. Execution of the program code causes the second UE to perform operations. The operations comprise to perform sensing of an object, wherein the second UE has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE for JCAS operations of the object. The operations further comprise to determine a mobility state of the object; and to report to a network node in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object.

[0019] In some embodiments, a network node is provided. The network node comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations. The operations comprise to signal, to a first UE and at least one of a second UE and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for JCAS operations of an object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE.

[0020] In other embodiments, a computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor of a network node is provided. Execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations. The operations comprise to signal, to a first UE and at least one of a second UE and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for JCAS operations of an object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE.

[0021] In yet other embodiments, a computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium including program code to be executed by at least one processor of a network node is provided. Execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations. The operations comprise to signal, to a first UE and at least one of a second UE and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for JCAS operations of an object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of present concepts. In the drawings:

[0023] Figures 1A-1C are schematic drawings illustrating examples of different radar settings that can be deployed using cellular base stations and UEs for bistatic sensing;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a monostatic radar sensing;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing examples A) - F) of bistatic sensing scenarios for an object involving a first UE and a second UE according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing a bistatic sensing scenario involving a first UE and a second UE according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram illustrating example operations for an example according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a first UE according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a second UE according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a network node according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a UE according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a computer program product of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.Concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present / used in another embodiment.

[0037] The following description presents some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. These embodiments are presented as teaching examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded upon without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0038] Peer discovery and selection procedures play an important role in establishing device- to-device communication sessions over the SL. To this end, UE devices can use beacon signals on predetermined resources to announce their presence, detect the presence of other devices and encode important pieces of information embedded in beacons, such as basic UE capabilities, or current geographical (location) information. UEs can also perform measurements on beacon signals transmitted by other UEs, such as received signal strength or beacon periodicity, and estimate the channel between the transmitting and receiving UE device. Such information is then useful, for example, for transmit precoding in unicasting UE-to-UE communication over the SL.

[0039] JCAS is a technology that uses communication signals for radar sensing purposes. JCAS can be executed in unlicensed spectrum by integrating radar signals in WiFi or NR- unlicensed (NR-U) protocols, or in licensed spectrum using the cellular infrastructure, such as a NR cellular system. JCAS operations can include bistatic or multistatic sensing. Typically, a goal is to detect and localize a passive (that is, non-connected) object of interest (e.g., a human without an active device) using bistatic or multistatic sensing.

[0040] Figures 1A-1C are schematic drawings illustrating examples of different radar settings that can be deployed using cellular base stations and UEs for bistatic sensing. Bistatic sensing using SL resources may be feasible when one of a network node or a UE transmits a sensing signal (TX-s) and another network node or a UE acts as a sensing device that receives the sensing signal (RX-s). For example, as illustrated in Figures 1A-1C, bistatic sensing can be realized by using one network node (e.g., eNB, gNB, etc.) and a UE, or using two UEs. Figure 1A shows a first UE 100a that transmits a TX-s and network node 102a that receives RX-s to detect object 104 (illustrated as a human without an active device). Figure IB shows network node 102bthat transmits TX-s and a second UE 100b that receives RX-s to detect object 104. Figure 1C shows a first UE 100a that transmits TX-s and a second UE 100b that receives RX-s to detect object 104.

[0041] Alternatively, as shown in the example in Figure 2, multistatic sensing can be realized by designating one or more transmitters (e.g., a network node 102b transmitting TX-si and / or a first UE 100a transmitting TX-SNt, and several sensing signal receivers (e.g., a second UE 100b receiving RX-SNr and network nodel02a receiving RX-si) to detect object 104.

[0042] Some resource allocation mechanisms for Mode 1 and Mode 2 communications have been studied by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) and by academic and industrial research communities, for example. Additionally, some supporting elements for synchronization, scheduling, power control, resource allocation, channel estimation, etc., have been standardized by the 3GPP. Specifically, for example, the NR SL can be used for unicast, groupcast, and broadcast at the physical layer and corresponding resource allocation schemes are implemented in the NR specifications.

[0043] Some approaches have looked at resource allocation for JCAS, although JCAS is not part of the 3GPP specifications as of Rel-18. Later releases, however, may include study items related to radio access network (RAN) mechanisms and resource allocation aspects of JCAS.

[0044] As discussed above, there currently exist certain challenges for UE behavior related to a JCAS sensing operation (e.g., how a sensing signal is transmitted or received) when a UE involved in bistatic or multistatic sensing and communications, including when one or more of the UEs and / or an object moves InC or OoC. JCAS-based operations operating in licensed spectrum can be used in a variety of use cases, including detecting, localizing, and tracking vulnerable road objects, detecting objects (e.g., intruders) in large open areas, or counting objects (e.g., people) in shopping malls, airports, etc.

[0045] A problem with some approaches for sensing is that when a UE involved in bistatic or multistatic sensing and communications moves OoC, for example, the UE behavior related to the sensing operation (e.g. how the sensing signals are transmitted / received) is undefined. In some cases, the received sensing signal is too weak (e.g., received with a low signal-to-noise or signal- to-interference-plus-noise) ratio, which can cause detection errors (e.g., false detection or missed detection) and / or large positioning and tracking errors. Another problem may be related to determining the resources or resource pools used for JCAS (or a JCAS sensing operation) when UEs engaged in bistatic sensing move from InC to OoC in-coverage or from OoC to InC. In suchsituations, resources or resource pools that are allocated to SL communications, for example, may change and the UEs need to know which resources or resource pools to use for sensing operations.

[0046] Another problem related to JCAS operating in SL resources may be that when the transmitting UE uses transmission Mode 2, the UE does not know which transmission resources the LE should use for sensing operations. Similarly, the sensing LIE (that is, the LE receiving the sensing signal), does not know which resources in Mode 2 are used for sensing operations, since existing mechanisms, e.g., physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) subframe and resource block pool configurations do not provide information about SL resources to be used for sensing operations.

[0047] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to this or other challenges. The present disclosure relates to procedures for device discovery (e.g., using existing procedures over the PC5 interface) to identify a LE(s) for a sensing operation when moving between InC and OoC situations, and dynamically switching between resources (e.g., switching between Mode 1 and Mode 2 SL resources) for JCAS or a JCAS sensing operation when one or more of the UEs and / or the sensed object are InC or OoC. Moreover, when the sensed object moves into a coverage area, a sensing operation can be continued either by two UEs in the coverage area (e.g., using Mode 1 resources) or one or both UEs outside the coverage area (e.g., using Mode 2 resources).

[0048] . As used herein, a LE-to-LE communication link refers to a communication link between two UEs (e.g., between a first LE and a second LE) and may be considered to be similar to a SL communication link in the sense that there is a reception and transmission of radio signals between two UEs, as discussed in examples herein. The LE-to-LE communication link, however, has at least two differences from a SL communication link: (1) In SL, capability or functionality presently is lacking to perform JCAS, as JCAS transmissions may not be regarded as data transmissions. Thus, an existing SL resource allocation mechanism may not hold for JCAS; and (ii) an objective of a receiver LE in a JCAS operation is to sense transmission, not decode as is done for a typical SL data transmission. Thus, for a LE-to-LE communication link, a receiver LE is not transporting data / transport block (TB) to upper layers. Thus, a communication link of this type is referred to herein as a LE-2-LE communication link (as opposed to a SL link / communication link / interface, for example).

[0049] Examples of the present disclosure include addressing resource allocation for such an interface between two UEs (that is a LE-to-LE communication link) for the purpose of sensing transmission and receptions instead of communication (such as SL transmissions).

[0050] In some embodiments, a system is provided to determine a mobility state of at least one of a first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and to perform at least one operation based on the mobility state. The system includes a first UE configured to at least transmit a sensing signal, determine the mobility state, and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by a network node in a telecommunications network to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations of the object, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object. The system further includes a second UE configured to at least (i) perform sensing of the object based on receipt by the second UE of a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE, (ii) determine the mobility state of the object, and (iii) report to the network node the mobility state of the object. The system further includes the object; and the network node configured to at least signal to the first UE and at least one of the second UE and / or at least one candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for JCAS operations of the object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and / or the candidate UE.

[0051] Operations of a first UE can be performed by the UE 1000 of Figure 10 (discussed further herein). In some embodiments, a method performed by a first UE for JCAS operations is provided. The method includes determining (operation 600 in the flow chart of Figure 6) a mobility state of at least one of the first UE, a second UE having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE for JCAS operations of an object, and the object. The mobility state includes at least one of the first UE, the second UE, and the object is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node in the telecommunication network. The method further includes performing (operation 614 of Figure 6) at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the JCAS operations of the object with the second UE, (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations of the object, and (iii) switch from the second UE to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0052] In some embodiments, determining (operation 600 of Figure 6) the mobility state triggers a discovery procedure, and the method includes executing (operation 602 of Figure 6) the discovery procedure to identify at least one of (i) an identity of at least one candidate UE having asensing capability for the JCAS operations, and (ii) a criteria of a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and the at least one candidate UE.

[0053] Examples of the present disclosure include triggering of (1) the discovery procedure (e.g., a SL discovery procedure) and a communication (e.g., Mode 2 SL communication) to facilitate bistatic sensing that involves two UEs when either one or both UEs or the sensed object move(s) OoC, and (2) UE measurements and communications (e.g., Mode 1 SL communications) when both UEs move InC from an OoC situation.

[0054] Technical advantages provided by certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include that, based on the procedures for device discovery, an ongoing sensing service involving two UEs can continue using resources (e.g., Mode 2 SL resources) even when the sensed object and / or one or both UEs involved in the sensing operation move(s) out of the cellular coverage area. Moreover, when the sensed object moves into the coverage area, the sensing operation can be continued either by two UEs in the coverage area (e.g., using Mode 1 resources) or one or both UEs outside the coverage area (e.g., using Mode 2 resources).

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing six examples A)-F) of bistatic sensing scenarios for an object 104 involving a first UE 100a and a second UE 100b. Due to mobility events, the coverage situation of one or both UEs 100a, 100b may change during a sensing operation and switching between resources (e.g., between Mode 1 and Mode 2 SL resources) may be needed.

[0056] Situation A) in Figure 3 shows the first UE 100a, the second UE 100b, and the object 104 InC of network node 102; and Mode 1 resources are used for the sensing operation. The mobility events, relative to situation A) illustrated in Figure 3 include the following:B) Object 104 moves OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b in the coverage area can continue using Mode 1 or Mode 2 resources;C) Second UE 100b moves OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources;D) First UE 100a and second UE 100b move OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources;E) First UE 100a, second UE 100b, and object 104 move OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources; andF) First UE 100a and object 104 move OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources.

[0057] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing showing a bistatic sensing scenario involving first UE 100a and second UE 100b operating sensing on Mode 1 resources under network node 102 (e.g., a base station) control. The first UE 100a and / or the second UE 100b can move out of the coverage area, making Mode 2 (autonomous) operation advantageous and / or needed. In this example, first UE 100a transmits a sensing signal and second UE 100b receives the sensing signal. Situation A) in Figure 4 shows the first UE 100a, the second UE 100b, and the object 104 InC of network node 102; and Mode 1 resources are used for the sensing operation. The mobility events, relative to situation A) illustrated in Figure 4 include the following:B) Second UE 100b moves OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources;C) First UE 100a and object 104 move OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources; andD) First UE 100a, second UE 100b, and object 104 move OoC, and the sensing operation involving the first UE 100a and the second UE 100b can continue using Mode 2 resources.

[0058] In a first example of the present disclosure, a first UE 100a determines that a sensed object 104 and / or first UE 100a or second UE 100b, both of which are initially InC moves OoC and, based on this determination, triggers a SL discovery procedure. The SL discovery procedure can include discovering the sensing capability of a UE, and also may result in discovering a third UE 100c InC. In the first example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b can still continue performing sensing using, for example, a transmitting sensing signal (SS) from the first UE 100a that is InC and a receiving SS for the second UE 100b that is OoC but can receive the SS based on a mode of operation (e.g., Mode 1). This can be a default rule.

[0059] In some embodiments, in the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation 600 in Figure 6) the mobility state includes determining that the first UE is in coverage and the second UE is out of coverage, and the performing (operation 614 in Figure 6) includes applying a default rule to continue the JCAS operations with the second UE using resources allocated by the network node.

[0060] In other embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation 600 in Figure 6) the mobility state includes determining that the first UE is in coverage and the second UE is out of coverage, and the second UE has a subset of resources used for the JCAS operations and / or for detecting a cell of the network node.

[0061] In the first example, the first UE 100a can transmit the sensing signal, but the second UE 100b cannot continue performing sensing at all (e.g., first UE 100a is InC, and second UE100b is OoC and has limited resources that are used for SL communication and / or for detecting a cell), for example.

[0062] In other embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation 600 in Figure 6) the mobility state includes determining that the first UE is in coverage and the second UE is out of coverage, and performing (operation 614 in Figure 6) includes to switch to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations.

[0063] In the first example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b cannot continue performing sensing using Model operation, for example, and therefore need to switch to Mode2 operation, for example. The first UE 100a is InC and the second UE 100b is OoC, for example, but has limited resources for receiving a SS based on Model. Switching to using Mode 2 resources may also be needed due to a resource pool allocation by a network node 102 (e.g., a gNB) that prescribes using disjunct set of resources in Mode 1 and Mode 2, where the Mode 1 resources are reserved for InC operation.

[0064] Depending on the result of the discovery procedure (such as discovered UEs, path loss between the first UE 100a and candidate peer UEs for bi-static sensing, and UE capabilities) the first UE 100a may initiate Mode 2 communications and bi-static sensing with the second UE 100b or may switch to bistatic sensing with a third UE 100c using Mode 1 or Mode 2 resources.

[0065] In some embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation600 in Figure 6) the mobility state triggers a discovery procedure and executing (operation 602 in Figure 6) the discovery period results in at least one of (i) an identity of at least one discovered UE including the second UE and / or the at least one candidate UE, (ii) a path loss between the first UE and the at least one discovered UE, and (iii) capabilities of the at least one discovered UE; and performing (operation 614 in Figure 6) includes at least one of (i) initiate the JCAS operations with the second UE using resources selected by the first UE, and (ii) switch to a candidate UE for the JCAS operations.

[0066] The first example is illustrated with respect to Figure 4. In Figure 4, first UE 100a and second UE 100b are involved in a sensing operation. Network node 102 configures the first and second UEs 100a, 100b to operate either in Mode 1 or Mode 2 and assigns a corresponding resource pool. In the first example, the resource pool for sensing can be the same resource pool as the resource pool used for SL communications, or it can be a dedicated separate resource pool.

[0067] In some embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation600 in Figure 6) the mobility state includes a determination that the first UE is in coverage of thenetwork node based on a received signal level that is above a threshold value for at least one cell of the network node.

[0068] For example, continuing with the first example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b continuously determine if they are InC by measuring a received signal level (RSL) (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of a reference signal (RS) (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc.) transmitted by one or more cells (e.g., serving cell) of network node 102.

[0069] A UE (first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b) determines that it is InC if the RSL is above a certain threshold for at least one cell. Otherwise, the UE (first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b) determines that it is OoC or simply called as OoC.

[0070] Alternatively, if a UE (first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b) identifies (e.g., based on synchronization signals, such as SSB) at least one cell, then the UE assumes that it is InC. Otherwise, the UE (first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b) determines that it is OoC.

[0071] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram illustrating example operations for the first example. In the first example, first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b continuously or periodically determine if first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b is InC and whether a discovery procedure (e.g., a SL discovery procedure) is triggered to find a candidate / peer UE and mode (e.g., SL mode) for a bistatic sensing operation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, in operations 500 and 502, second UE 100b and first UE 100a, respectively register their respective sensing capabilities with network node 102. In operation 504, a UE-to-UE communication link is established between first UE 100a and second UE 100b. First UE 100a and second UE 100b, in operations 506 and 508, perform sensing of object 104. Object 104 is InC of network node 102. Network node 102, in operations 510 and 512, sends a reference signal(s) to first UE 100a and second UE 100b, respectively. The reference signal can be, for example, SSB, CSLRS, etc. transmitted by one or more cells of network node 102.

[0073] In operations 514 and 518, first UE 100a determines that it is InC based on measuring the RSL of the reference signal received in operation 510, and determining that the RSL is above a specified threshold for at least one cell of network node 102.

[0074] In operations 516 and 520, second UE 100b determines that is OoC, or labeled as OoC, based on measuring the RSL of the reference signal received in operation 512; and determining that the RSL is below the specified threshold for at least one cell of network node 102.

[0075] In some embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, determining (operation 600 of Figure 6) the mobility state includes receipt of a notification from the second UE that the second UE moved or is moving out of coverage of the network node. For example, second UE 100b notifies first UE 100a that second UE 100b has moved (or is moving to) OoC over the UE- to-UE communication link that was established in operation 504 of Figure 5 (e.g., using SL communications over the PC5 interface). The purpose of the notification sent by second UE 100b is to alert first UE 100a about the second UE 100b coverage status change.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second UE monitors transmitted sensing signals of the first UE using resources allocated by the network node. A default assumption, in the first example, can be that second UE 100b can still monitor first UE lOOa’s transmitted sensing signals, using Model for example. This mechanism can allow the continuation of the ongoing bistatic sensing procedure between first UE 100a and second UE 100b.

[0077] In some embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, the method further includes receiving (operation 604 of Figure 6) a notification from at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE, wherein the notification informs the first UE of at least one of the following (i) whether the second UE and / or the candidate UE can monitor sensing signals transmitted by the first UE associated based on resources allocated by the network node, and (ii) whether the second UE and / or the candidate UE can monitor sensing signals transmitted by the first UE associated based on resources allocated by the first UE.

[0078] Second UE 100b may explicitly inform first UE 100a whether second UE 100b can monitor sensing signals transmitted by first UE 100a associated with Mode 1 operation (e.g., SL sensing resource pool for Mode 1) and / or sensing signals transmitted by first UE 100a associated with Mode 2 operation (e.g., SL sensing resource pool for Mode 2), for example.

[0079] In other embodiments of the method performed by the first UE, at least one of the second UE and / or the candidate UE is out of coverage of the telecommunication network, and the notification informs the first UE that the second UE lacks capability to receive sensing signals.

[0080] For example, second UE 100b may explicitly inform first UE 100a that second UE 100b cannot continue performing a sensing procedure (e.g., cannot receive SL sensing signals) in OoC. This can account for certain UE implementation limitations (e.g., of second UE 100b in this case).

[0081] For example, second UE 100b may have limited capability or available radio / processing / memory resources to monitor SL sensing resource pools for both Model and Mode 2 operations, or second UE 100b cannot continue monitoring SL sensing resource pools forMode 1 in a OoC scenario. Other example reasons that second UE 100b may not be able to continue performing a sensing operation include, for example, (a) that second UE 100b in OoC is also identifying a cell and, due to limited resources, second UE 100b may not be able to monitor the SL sensing resources for Mode 1 operation; and / or (b) that second UE 100b upon OoC is identifying / searching a cell (e.g., to revert to InC) while performing SL communication with respect to first UE 100a or another UE, but due to limited resources, second UE 100b may not be able to also perform a SL sensing operation (e.g., cannot monitor the SL sensing resources for Model operation).

[0082] Referring to Figure 5, in this example, based on the received second UE lOOb’s indication, first UE 100a can perform one or more of the following in a discovery procedure in operation 522:• In some embodiments, the first UE determines based on at least one of (i) a default rule, and (ii) an indication from the second UE, that the second UE while out of coverage of the network node can continue supporting the JCAS operations based on resources allocated by the network node, and performing (operation 614 of Figure 6) includes to continue the JCAS operations with the second UE. For example, if second UE 100b can continue supporting Mode 1 operation for the sensing procedure while also in OoC based on default rule or based on explicit indication from second UE 100b, first UE 100a may continuing performing the sensing operation with respect to second UE 100b.• In another embodiment, determining (operation 600 of Figure 6) the mobility state includes the first UE determines, based on an indication from the second UE, that the second UE is out of coverage of the network node and cannot continue supporting the JCAS operations with resources allocated by the network node, and the method performed by the first UE includes: notifying (operation 606 of Figure 6) the network node that the second UE is out of coverage; and sending (operation 608 of Figure 6) a request to the network node for an allocation for the JCAS operations, wherein the request comprises an autonomous resource allocation mode for the first UE for JCAS operations with the second UE. For example, if second UE 100b cannot continue supporting Mode 1 operation for the sensing procedure while in OoC (e.g., based on the explicit indication as described above), then first UE 100a may take one or more actions. Examples of the one or more actions include:First UE 100a may notify the network node 102 that second UE 100b is OoC and request a Mode 2 operation for both communications and sensing with second UE 100b. In this case, if network node 102 allows first UE 100a to perform a Mode 2 operation, then first UE 100a starts using sensing with respect to second UE 100b by using sensing radio resources (e.g., SL sensing radio resources from a SL sensing resource pool) allocated for Mode 1 operation. The sensing radio resources may be pre-configured in the UEs (e.g., first UE 100a and second UE 100b via a SIM card or application program) or can be configured by the network node 102. In some embodiments, notifying (operation 606 of Figure 6) the network node includes that the first UE will not continue using resources allocated by the network node for the JCAS operations, and the method includes releasing (operation 612 of Figure 6) the resources allocated by the network node for the JCAS operations. For example, first UE 100a may notify the network node 102 that first UE 100a no longer wishes to continue using sensing radio resources allocated for Mode 1 operation. First UE 100a can further release the sensing resources configured by the network node 102 for Mode 1 operation. Further, in some embodiments, performing (operation 614) includes to switch to resources selected by the first UE for the JCAS operations with the second UE. In an example, first UE 100a may switch to Mode 2 operation and start using sensing radio resources with respect to second UE 100b in case both first UE 100a and second UE 100b are pre-configured with sensing radio resources for Mode 2 operation. In some embodiments, the discovery procedure results in an identity of at least one candidate UE having a sensing capability for the JCAS operation. In an embodiment, the identity of the at least one candidate UE includes that the second UE that is out of coverage of the network node and a third UE that is in coverage of the network node, and the second UE and the third UE are ranked in a priority order based on a criteria. In an example, first UE 100a can start a peer discovery procedure in operation 522 of Figure 5 to find alternative candidate peer UEs in the vicinity that may participate in bistatic sensing. This mechanism can be used by first UE 100a, for example, if second UE 100b can no longer perform sensing using a Mode 1 operation while in OoC. As indicated by the dashed line in Figure 5 for this option for discovery procedure 522, an example result of this option is that firstUE 100a identifies second UE 100b (OoC) and third UE 100c (InC) as sensing capable UEs in the vicinity of first UE 100a.

[0083] In some embodiments, the criteria includes at least one or more of a coverage status of the second UE as out of coverage of the network node, a coverage status of the third UE as in coverage of the network node, an estimated path loss between the first UE and the second UE, an estimated path loss between the first UE and the third UE, a received signal level between the first UE and the second UE, a received signal level between the first UE and the third UE, a relative estimated position of the second UE to a position of the object, and a relative estimated position of the third UE to a position of the object.

[0084] For example, in operation 524 of Figure 5, first UE 100a can use a preconfigured set of criteria to create a priority order for bistatic sensing among the candidate UEs discovered as a result of discovery procedure 522.

[0085] As discussed, some examples of such criteria include coverage status (InC or OoC), estimated path loss or RSL between first UE 100a and the respective candidate UE(s), and relative estimated position with respect to the recent estimated position of the passive object 104 of interest.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method performed by the first UE further includes sending (operation 608 in Figure 6) a request to the network node. The request includes a request to set up a JCAS service with at least one of the second UE and the at least one candidate UE. The method further includes receiving (operation 610 of Figure 6) a resource allocation from the network node for autonomous resource allocation by the first UE.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figure 5, in operation 526, first UE 100a sends a request to network node 102 for setting up a bistatic sensing service with any (e.g., the highest ranked K candidate UE(s)) of the UEs in the candidate list. Alternatively, in operation 526, first UE 100a can send the request for only one candidate UE (in the example of Figure 5, first UE 100a identified second UE 100b as the highest priority candidate for bistatic sensing).

[0088] In this example, the network node 102 approves one of the candidate UEs, or in the case when only one candidate UE has been identified by first UE 100a, the network node 102 can approve or disapprove the request by first UE 100a. In operation 528a of Figure 5, network node 102 sends configuration information (e.g., resource pool to use, power restriction, sensing signal configuration, etc.) to first UE 100a; and in operation 528b, if the approved other UE is incoverage, network node 102 can send configuration information to that UE (e.g., to third UE 100c in Figure 5 as indicated by the dashed line in operation 528b). In operation 530, the first UE 100a sends the configuration information to the second UE 100b.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first UE and the second UE are involved in bistatic sensing of the object using resources selected by the first UE, and determining (operation 600 in Figure 6) includes a determination that the first UE and the second UE are in coverage of the network node.

[0090] In other embodiments, wherein the determining (600) comprises that UE moved from out of coverage to in coverage, and the determining (operation 600 in Figure 6) triggers the first UE to execute the discovery procedure.

[0091] In yet other embodiments, the first UE and the second UE are involved in bistatic sensing of the object using resources selected by the first UE, and determining (operation 600 of Figure 6) includes a determination that at least one of the object, the first UE, and the second UE is out of coverage of the network node.

[0092] In further embodiments, executing (operation 602 in Figure 6) the discovery procedure includes transmitting a first beacon signal, and receiving a second beacon signal from at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE.

[0093] In a second example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b are involved in bistatic sensing of object 104 using Mode 2 resources out of network coverage. If both first UE 100a and second UE 100b move in coverage, first UE 100a first determines that first UE 100a itself has moved into coverage, then triggers a discovery procedure (that is a discovery procedure as previously discussed herein).

[0094] In some embodiments, the discovery procedure results in at least one of (i) a determination that the second UE moved to in coverage, and (ii) a determination that a third UE is in coverage, and the performing (operation 614 in Figure 6) includes initiation of JCAS operations with one of the second UE and a third UE using resources allocated by the network node.

[0095] For example, if the discovery procedure results in the determination that second UE 100b also has moved to in coverage or first UE 100a finds third UE 100c in coverage, for example, first UE 100a initiates a Mode 1 bistatic JCAS with second UE 100b or third UE 100c, respectively.

[0096] In the second example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b can continuously or periodically assess whether they are moving towards coverage or are in coverage of a network node by measuring RSL of reference signals as discussed, for example, with respect to the firstexample. If both first UE 100a and second UE 100b determine that they have moved in coverage, first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b trigger the discovery procedure.

[0097] As discussed herein, a discovery procedure includes periodically transmitting and receiving (e.g., decoding) beacon signals. The beacon signals contain information about sensing possessed capabilities, or desired sensing capabilities, for bistatic sensing (transmit, receive or both) operations.

[0098] In some embodiments, executing (operation 602 of Figure 6) the discovery procedure includes transmitting a first beacon signal, and receiving a second beacon signal from at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE. In some embodiments, the first beacon signal and / or the second beacon signal includes information about at least one of a sensing capability and a target sensing capability for a bistatic sensing operation.

[0099] Such information in the beacon signals can include, e.g., a set of sensing signal characteristics. Thus, in some embodiments, the information includes a set of sensing signal characteristics. The set of sensing signal characteristics can include a pattern of the sensing signals. The pattern may be periodic or aperiodic. Examples of sensing signal characteristics includes sensing signal periodicity, duration, or occasion (e.g., number of symbols) containing the sensing signal, location of the sensing signal occasion in time domain and / or in frequency domain, bandwidth, transmit and receive beam forming capability, full-duplex or half-duplex capability, etc.

[0100] If the discovery procedure results in the determination that second UE 100b also has moved to InC, or first UE 100a finds a suitable third UE 100c (or other UE) InC, first UE 100a can initiate a Mode 1 bistatic JCAS with second UE 100b or third UE 100c (or other UE), respectively.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first UE includes a UE that can transmit sensing signals and the second UE includes a UE that can receive sensing signals.

[0102] Operations of a second UE can be performed by the UE 1000 of Figure 10 (discussed further herein). In some embodiments, a method performed by a second UE for JCAS operations is provided. The method includes performing (operation 700 in the flow chart of Figure 7) sensing of an object, wherein the second UE has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE for JCAS operations of the object. The method further includes determining (operation 702 of Figure 7) a mobility state of the object; and reporting (operation 704 of Figure 7) to a network node in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object. Further, in some embodiments, reporting (operation 704 of Figure 7) to the network node includes an indication of whether thesecond UE prefers resources allocated by the network node or by the second UE for the sensing of the object.

[0103] In a third example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b are involved in bistatic sensing of object 104, where object 104 moves OoC of the coverage of the cellular network as shown in situations C) and / or D) in Figure 4, for example. For example, second UE 100b receives sensing signals transmitted by first UE 100a. In this situation, second UE 100b reports the mobility state (e.g., movement of object 104 including its estimated velocity vector) to network node 102 (e.g., a serving base station) and indicates whether second UE 100b prefers Mode 1 or Mode 2 SL resources for the bistatic sensing operation.

[0104] Mode 2 may be possible and advantageous when first UE 100a and second UE 100b prefer autonomous resource selection for sensing, which may save signaling between the UE devices and the network node (e.g., serving base station) or when first UE 100a and second UE 100b are using, or planning to use, Mode 2 for SL communications.

[0105] In such a situation, it may be advantageous to use the same mode and same resources for communications and sensing.

[0106] In some embodiments, the mobility state of the object includes that the object is out of coverage a network node in a telecommunication network, and the continuing (operation 706 in Figure 7) to perform the sensing of the object when the object is out of coverage and the second UE can sense the object based on use of resources allocated by at least one of (i) the second UE, and (ii) the network node.

[0107] In an example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b continue sensing object 104 using Model, even if object 104 is OoC, provided that second UE 100b can sense object 104 (e.g., second UE 100b can measure the sensing signal transmitted by first UE 100a and / or angle of arrival of the sensing signal at second UE 100b is within certain margin with respect to a reference direction).

[0108] In another example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b continue sensing object 104 using Mode 1 or Mode 2 (whichever is selected based on, e.g., second UE 100b reports) even if object 104 is OoC but second UE 100b can still sense object 104.

[0109] In some embodiments, the method performed by the second UE further includes performing (operation 708 in Figure 7) one of (i) monitor the mobility state of the object and (ii) receive an indication from the first UE that the object is moving to in coverage of the network node or is in coverage of the network node; and based on the performing (operation 708), identifying (operation 710 in Figure 7) that the object is moving to in coverage of the networknode or is in coverage of the network node. Further, in some embodiments, identifying (operation 710 in Figure 7) includes that the object is in coverage of the network node, and the method performed by the second UE further includes sensing (operation 712 in Figure 7) of the object based on use of resources configured in the second UE for in coverage sensing operations.

[0110] In an example, second UE 100b may further determine whether object 104 is moving back or has moved back from OoC to InC (e.g., based on monitoring the mobility state of object 104 and / or by receiving an indication from another device, e.g., first UE 100a). In case object 104 is InC, then first UE 100a and second UE 100b may restart sensing object 104 using SL resources configured for InC operation.[OHl] In some embodiments, the resources configured in the second UE for in coverage sensing operations comprise one of (i) resources allocated by the network node, and (ii) resources assigned by the network node to the second UE and the first UE responsive to a request of the second UE. For example, these SL resources can be preconfigured (e.g., previously assigned by a serving network node 102) or assigned by network node 102 to first UE 100a and second UE 100b upon receiving a request from second UE 100b (e.g., second UE 100b indicating that object 104 coverage status has changed from OoC to InC).

[0112] As discussed herein, second UE 100b determines a “network coverage status” of object 104 (e.g., whether object 104 is InC or OoC). As used herein, the term “network coverage status” is interchangeable with the terms “coverage status” or “coverage state”, and indicates whether the object is in network coverage, is moving out of network coverage, or has moved out of network coverage.

[0113] In some embodiments, determining (operation 702 of Figure 7) the mobility state of the object includes (i) receiving a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE, and (ii) identifying based on the received sensing signal whether the object is, or is projected to be, in coverage or out of coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network.

[0114] For example, second UE 100b can determine object 104’s coverage status autonomously (e.g., based on object 104 mobility state) and / or based on an information received from another device, e.g., a sensing signal transmitted by first UE 100a. For example, second UE 100b can autonomously determine the coverage status by regularly tracking the mobility state, including the velocity vector of object 104 and second UE lOOb’s own position relative to a network node 102 and object 104.

[0115] In some embodiments, the mobility state of the object includes that the object is out of coverage a network node in a telecommunication network, and the method performed by thesecond UE includes continuing (operation 706 in Figure 7) to perform the sensing of the object. Continuing (operation 706) uses resources allocated by the second UE based on that the second UE can perform at least one of (i) measure a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE, and (ii) measure an angle of arrival at the second UE of the sensing signal transmitted by the first UE within a specified margin with respect to a reference direction.

[0116] For example, the mobility state of object 104 can be characterized by one or more mobility related parameters, e.g., speed, velocity, direction of motion, location, acceleration, etc. For example, second UE 100b can estimate the direction of motion of object 104 based on periodic estimation of the angle of arrival of the SL signals transmitted by first UE 100a that are deflected by object 104.

[0117] Second UE 100b may also be configured with a coverage map (e.g., set of geographical coordinates) of the serving cell. If object 104 is not located within the cell coverage area, then second UE 100b can assume that object 104 is OoC. In this situation, second UE 100b reports the movement of object 104 to network node 102, based on tracking the movement of object 104, or indicates to the network node 102 that object 104 is OoC and further indicates whether second UE 100b prefers Mode 1 or Mode 2 SL resources for the bistatic sensing operation. This can be preconfigured in second UE 100b by the network node 102 and / or determined by one or more predefined rules. Examples include the following:• In one example, the network node 102 configures second UE 100b (or both first UE 100a and second UE 100b) that second UE 100b (and / or first UElOOa) must use Mode 1 for sensing as long as second UE 100b is InC of the cell (e.g., serving cell) served or managed by network node 102.• In another example, the network node 102 configures second UE 100b (or both first UE 100a and second UE 100b) that second UE 100b (and / or first UE 100a) must use Mode 1 for sensing regardless of whether second UE 100b is InC or not, provided that first UE 100a and second UE 100b are able to sense the object 104. The one or more criteria under which object 104 is considered to be sensed, or assumed to be in a sensed state, can be pre-defined or configured by the network node 102.

[0118] Examples of the one or more criteria under which object 104 is considered to be sensed, or assumed to be in a sensed state, include for example:In one example, if the RSL at second UE 100b of the sensing signal transmitted by first UE 100a is above certain threshold (e.g., RSL of SS is above a specified threshold), then it is assumed that object 104 is sensed by second UE 100b.• In another example, it is assumed that object 104 is sensed by second UE 100b provided that: (i) the RSL at second UE 100b of the sensing signal transmitted by first UE 100a is above a certain threshold; (ii) the angle of arrival (AoA) of the sensing signal at second UE 100b is within a certain margin (e.g., ±50 degrees) with respect to a first reference direction (e.g., 0 degrees in azimuth plane); and / or (iii) the AoA of the sensing signal at second UE lOObis within a certain margin (e.g., ±5(|) degrees) with respect to a second reference direction (e.g., degrees in zenith direction), then it is assumed that object 104 is sensed by second UE 100b.• In another example, the network node 102 (e.g., a base station) can configure second UE 100b to use the same set of resources and same mode of operation for sensing as the set of resources used for SL communications.• In yet another example, second UE 100b is dynamically configured to use Mode 2 operation for sensing even when operating in the coverage area when the scheduling load at the network node 102 (e.g., a base station) is high in order to offload a network node scheduler from scheduling bi-static sensing. Mode 2 may be possible and advantageous when first UE 100a and second UE 100b prefer autonomous resource selection for sensing, which may save signaling between the UE devices and network node 102, or when first UE 100a and second UE 100b are using, or planning to use, Mode 2 for SL communications. In such a situation, it may be advantageous to use the same mode and same resources for communications and sensing.

[0119] In another aspect of the third example, when object 104 is in OoC, second UE 100b also determines whether object 104 is moving back or has moved back to InC, or object 104 can be sensed (even if it is still OoC). The determination can be based on monitoring the mobility state of object 104 and / or by receiving an indication from another device, e.g. from first UE 100a. Second UE 100b monitors object 104 after object 104 moved to OoC, or when object 104 cannot be sensed, with a lower sensing activity level compared to the normal sensing activity level (e.g., when object 104 is InC or can be sensed).

[0120] As referred to herein, “sensing activity level” refers to how often second UE 100b measures the sensing signal transmitted by first UE 100a. For example, second UE 100b senses object 104 once every T / Nl seconds; where, in one example, T is the periodicity with which sensing signals are transmitted by firs UE 100a, and N1 (N1 >1) is a scaling factor.

[0121] In case object 104 is InC, in one example, first UE 100a and second UE 100b start using the preconfigured resources for SL sensing for InC operation. In another example, secondUE 100b first informs the network node 102 (e.g., the serving base station) about the updated coverage status of object 104 and requests the network node 102 to configure the SL sensing resources for sensing object 104 which is now InC.

[0122] In response, the network node 102 may configure the requested resources to first UE 100a and second UE 100b, or network node 102 may reject the allocation of the sensing resources to first UE 100a and second UE 100b. In case object 104 is OoC but can still be sensed by second UE 100b, then in one example, second UE 100b increases the sensing activity level compared to the normal SL sensing operation or sensing (e.g., second UE 100b starts sensing object 104 more frequently, such as every T / N2 seconds or every T seconds, where N2 < Nl. In case object 104 has moved back to InC, then second UE 100b may further increase the sensing activity level compared to the normal SL sensing operation or sensing (e.g., second UE 100b starts sensing object 104 once every T seconds).

[0123] Operations of a network node can be performed by the network node 1100 of Figure 11 (discussed further herein). In some embodiments, a method performed by a network node related to JCAS operations is provided. The method includes signalling (operation 800 in the flow chart of Figure 8), to a first UE and at least one of a second UE and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for the JCAS operations of an object for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE and at least one of the second UE and the candidate UE. In some embodiments, the configuration to allocate resources includes an allocation of sidelink resources for the JCAS operations of the object.

[0124] In a fourth example, a network node 102 (e.g., a base station) configures first UE 100a and / or second UE 100b via signaling (e.g., RRC signaling) to designate certain resources out of Mode 2 sidelink resources, for example (e.g., PSSCH time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, etc.) belonging to Mode 2 resources) as SL sensing resources.

[0125] In some embodiments, the resources for JCAS operations comprise physical sidelink control channel, PSCCH, time resources.

[0126] In some embodiments, the PSCCH time resources include PSCCH time resources that precede PSCCH time resources that contain sidelink control information, SCI.

[0127] An example of configuring a Mode 2 resource pool for designating some of the resources for the transmission and reception for sensing signals is when the network node 192 uses PSCCH time resources (e.g., PSCCH symbols, slots, subframes, etc.), which precede the PSSCH time resources (e.g., PSCCH symbols, slots, subframes, etc.) and contain SL control information (SCI) messages, to indicate which resources in the subsequent PSSCH time resources (e.g.,PSCCH symbols, slots, subframes, etc.) should be used for the transmission and reception of sensing signals. This can be done since the UE that receives the PSCCH time resources (e.g., PSCCH symbols, slots, subframes, etc.) decodes the SCI messages in all PSCCH resources that the UE is configured to receive.

[0128] In some embodiments, the sidelink resources comprise PSCCH time resources and the configuration includes a field in a parameter list configured in a PSCCH period and the resources to be used in the PSCCH resources.

[0129] For example, an implementation of the fourth example is to include a new field in a parameter list configured in the PSCCH period (e.g., that contains information on duplexing mode (frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD)), subcarrier spacing (SCS), cyclic prefix to be used for SL communications, etc.) on SL sensing mode (e.g., bistatic or monostatic) and sensing resources to be used in the PSSCH time resources (e.g., PSCCH symbols, slots, subframes, etc.).

[0130] In some embodiments, the allocated resources for the JCAS operation are configured in a plurality of transmit and receive resources pools in which the resources for the JCAS operations are allocated. For example, the sensing SL resources can be configured in both transmit and receive resource pools.

[0131] In some embodiments, the UE receiving the configuration to allocate resources comprises a transmitting UE, and the respective resource pools in the plurality of transmit and receive resource pools are associated with priority information for the UE to prioritize a resource pool having a higher priority than remaining resource pools in the plurality for the JCAS operations.

[0132] For example, optionally, the specific transmit and receive resource pools, in which sensing resources are allocated may be associated with a priority information such that the transmitting UE prioritizes high priority SL resource pools when selecting resource pools for sensing purposes when operating in Mode 2. Examples of priority levels include, without limitation, priority #1 for SL resource pool # XI, priority #2 for SL resource pool # X2 etc., where priority indicated by level # 1 is a lower priority compared to the priority indicated by level #2 and so on.

[0133] As referred to herein, a candidate UE, a discovered UE, a transmitting UE, and / or a receiving UE may be referred to as a UE 100 implemented using the structure of Figure 10.

[0134] Operations of the first UE (implemented using the structure of Figure 10) have been discussed with reference to the flow chart of Figure 6 according to some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1010 (also referred to herein as at least one memory) of Figure 10, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executed by respective first UE processing circuitry 1002 (also referred to herein as at least one processor), first UE 1000 performs respective operations of the flow chart of Figure 6.

[0135] In some embodiments of first UEs and related methods, operations from the flow chart of Figure 6 may be optional. For example, the operations of blocks 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and / or 612 may be optional.

[0136] Operations of the second UE (implemented using the structure of Figure 10) have been discussed with reference to the flow chart of Figure 7 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1010 (also referred to herein as at least one memory) of Figure 10, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executed by respective second UE processing circuitry 1002 (also referred to herein as at least one processor), second UE 1000 performs respective operations of the flow chart of Figure 7.

[0137] In some embodiments of second UEs and related methods, operations from the flow chart of Figure 7 may be optional. For example, the operations of blocks 706, 708, 710, and / or 712 may be optional.

[0138] Operations of the network node (implemented using the structure of Figure 11) have been discussed with reference to the flow chart of Figure 8 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, modules may be stored in memory 1104 (also referred to herein as at least one memory) of Figure 11, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the instructions of a module are executed by respective network node processing circuitry 1102 (also referred to herein as at least one processor), network node 1100 performs respective operations of the flow chart of Figure 8.

[0139] Figure 9 shows an example of a communication system 900 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0140] In the example, the communication system 900 includes a telecommunication network 902 that includes an access network 904, such as a RAN, and a core network 906, which includes one or more core network nodes 908. The access network 904 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 910a and 910b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 910), or any other similar 3 GPP access node or non-3GPP access point. The network nodes 910 facilitate direct or indirect connection of UE, such as by connecting UEs 912a,912b, 912c, and 912d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 912) to the core network 906 over one or more wireless connections.

[0141] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 900 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 900 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0142] The UEs 912 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 910 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 910 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 912 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 902 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 902.

[0143] In the depicted example, the core network 906 connects the network nodes 910 to one or more hosts, such as host 916. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 906 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 908) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 908. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0144] The host 916 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 904 and / or the telecommunication network 902, andmay be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 916 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0145] As a whole, the communication system 900 of Figure 9 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0146] In some examples, the telecommunication network 902 is a cellular network that implements 3 GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 902 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 902. For example, the telecommunications network 902 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0147] In some examples, the UEs 912 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 904 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 904. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi -RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0148] In the example, the hub 914 communicates with the access network 904 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 912c and / or 912d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 910b). In some examples, the hub 914 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 914 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 906 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 914 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 910, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 914. As another example, the hub 914 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 914 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 914 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 914 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 914 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0149] The hub 914 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 910b. The hub 914 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 914 and UEs (e.g., UE 912c and / or 912d), and between the hub 914 and the core network 906. In other examples, the hub 914 is connected to the core network 906 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 914 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 904 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 910 while still connected via the hub 914 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 914 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 910b. In other embodiments, the hub 914 may be a nondedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 910b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0150] Figure 10 shows a UE 1000 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktopcomputer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by 3 GPP, including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0151] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a UE-to-UE communication link described herein, a 3 GPP standard for SL communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0152] The UE 1000 includes processing circuitry 1002 (also referred to herein as at least one processor) that is operatively coupled via a bus 1004 to an input / output interface 1006, a power source 1008, a memory 1010, a communication interface 1012, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 7. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0153] The processing circuitry 1002 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1010. The processing circuitry 1002 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1002 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0154] In the example, the input / output interface 1006 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1000. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0155] In some embodiments, the power source 1008 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1008 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1008 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1000 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging the power source 1008. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1008 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1000 to which power is supplied.

[0156] The memory 1010 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1010 includes one or more application programs 1014, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1016. The memory 1010 may store, for use by the UE 1000, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0157] The memory 1010 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) opticaldisc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1010 may allow the UE 1000 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1010, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0158] The processing circuitry 1002 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1012. The communication interface 1012 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1022. The communication interface 1012 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1018 and / or a receiver 1020 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1018 and receiver 1020 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1022) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0159] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1012 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short- range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0160] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1012, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0161] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0162] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended reality, industrial application, and healthcare.

[0163] By way of example, the loT device for use in a city, urban, or rural areas may be connected street lighting, a connected traffic light, a traffic camera, a connected road sign, an air control / monitor, a noise level detector, a transport congestion monitoring device, a transport controlling device, an automated toll payment device, a parking payment device, a sensor for monitoring parking usage, a traffic management device, a digital kiosk, a bin, an air quality monitoring sensor, a bridge condition monitoring sensor, a fire hydrant, a manhole sensor, a tarmac sensor, a water fountain sensor, a connected closed circuit television, a scooter, a hoverboard, a ticketing machine, a ticket barrier, a metro rail, a metro station device, a passenger information panel, an onboard camera, and other connected device on a public transport vehicle.

[0164] As further way of example, the communication loT device may be a wearable device, or a device related to extended reality, wherein the device related to extended reality may be a device related to augmented reality, virtual reality, merged reality, or mixed reality. Examples of such loT devices may be a smart-band, a tracker, a haptic glove, a haptic suit, a smartwatch, clothes, eyeglasses, a head mounted display, an ear pod, an activity monitor, a fitness monitor, a heart rate monitor, a ring, a key tracker, a blood glucose meter, and a pressure meter.

[0165] As further ways of example, the loT device may be an industrial application device wherein an industrial application device may be an industrial unmanned aerial vehicle, an intelligent industrial robot, a vehicle assembly robot, and an automated guided vehicle.

[0166] As further ways of example, the loT device may be a transportation vehicle, wherein a transportation vehicle may be a bicycle, a motor bike, a scooter, a moped, an auto rickshaw, a rail transport, a train, a tram, a bus, a car, a truck, an airplane, a boat, a ship, a ski board, a snowboard, a snow mobile, a hoverboard, a skateboard, roller-skates, a vehicle for freight transportation, a drone, a robot, a stratospheric aircraft, an aircraft, a helicopter and a hovercraft.

[0167] As further ways of example, the loT device may be a health or fitness device, wherein a health or fitness device may be a surgical robot, an implantable medical device, a non-invasive medical device, and a stationary medical device which may be: an in-vitro diagnostic device, a radiology device, a diagnostic imaging device, and an x-ray device.

[0168] A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1000 shown in Figure 10.

[0169] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3 GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0170] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0171] Figure 11 shows a network node 1100 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable tocommunicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), BSs (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, eNBs, NRNodeBs (gNBs)), and UEs.

[0172] BSs may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A BS may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0173] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0174] The network node 1100 includes a processing circuitry 1102, a memory 1104 (also referred to herein as at least one memory), a communication interface 1106, and a power source 1108. The network node 1100 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1100 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1100 may be configured to support multiple RATs. In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1104 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1110 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1100 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologiesintegrated into network node 1100, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z- wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1100.

[0175] The processing circuitry 1102 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1100 components, such as the memory 1104, to provide network node 1100 functionality.

[0176] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 includes a system on a chip. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1112 and baseband processing circuitry 1114. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1112 and the baseband processing circuitry 1114 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1112 and baseband processing circuitry 1114 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0177] The memory 1104 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer- readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, RAM, ROM, mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device- readable and / or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1102. The memory 1104 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1102 and utilized by the network node 1100. The memory 1104 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1102 and / or any data received via the communication interface 1106. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 and memory 1104 is integrated.

[0178] The communication interface 1106 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1106 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 1116 to send and receive data, forexample to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1106 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1118 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1110. Radio front-end circuitry 1118 comprises filters 1120 and amplifiers 1122. The radio front-end circuitry 1118 may be connected to an antenna 1110 and processing circuitry 1102. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1110 and processing circuitry 1102. The radio front-end circuitry 1118 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio frontend circuitry 1118 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1120 and / or amplifiers 1122. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1110. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1110 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1118. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1102. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0179] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1100 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1118, instead, the processing circuitry 1102 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1110. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1112 is part of the communication interface 1106. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1106 includes one or more ports or terminals 1116, the radio front-end circuitry 1118, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1112, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1106 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1114, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0180] The antenna 1110 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1110 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 1118 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1110 is separate from the network node 1100 and connectable to the network node 1100 through an interface or port.

[0181] The antenna 1110, communication interface 1106, and / or the processing circuitry 1102 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 1110, the communication interface 1106, and / or the processing circuitry 1102 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by thenetwork node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0182] The power source 1108 provides power to the various components of network node 1100 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1108 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1100 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1100 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1108. As a further example, the power source 1108 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0183] Embodiments of the network node 1100 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 11 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1100 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1100 and to allow output of information from the network node 1100. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1100.

[0184] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1200 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1200 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized.

[0185] Applications 1202 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment 1200 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0186] Hardware 1204 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1206 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1208a and 1208b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1208), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1206 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1208.

[0187] The VMs 1208 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1206. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1202 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1208, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0188] In the context of NFV, a VM 1208 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 1208, and that part of hardware 1204 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1208 on top of the hardware 1204 and corresponds to the application 1202.

[0189] Hardware 1204 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1204 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1204 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1210, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1202. Insome embodiments, hardware 1204 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 1212 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0190] Figure 13 illustrates a computer program product 1300. The computer program product 1300 includes a computer readable medium 1302 including a computer program 1304 in the form of computer-executable components 1302. The computer program / computer-executable components 1302 may be configured to cause a device, e.g. the first UE 100a, second UE 100b, or network node 102 as discussed herein, to perform an embodiment of a method of the present disclosure. The computer program / computer-executable components may be run on the processor circuitry 1002 of a UE 100 or the processor circuitry 1102 of a network node 102 for causing the UE or network node to perform a respective method. The computer program product 1300 may be, e.g., included in a storage 1010 or 1104 included in the UE 100 or network node 102, respectively, and associated with the processor circuitry 1002 or 1102. Alternatively, the computer program product 1300 may be, or be part of, a separate, e.g. mobile, storage means, such as a computer readable disc, e.g. CD or DVD or hard disc / drive, or a solid state storage medium, e.g. a RAM or Flash memory.

[0191] Although the network nodes and UEs described herein may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise network nodes and UEs with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these network nodes and UEs may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node and / or UE(s), and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, network nodes and UEs may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitionedbetween separate components. For example, a UE-to-UE communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0192] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the network nodes and UEs, but are enjoyed by the network nodes and UEs as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.

[0193] Further definitions and embodiments are discussed below.

[0194] In the above-description of various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0195] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "responsive", or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", "directly responsive", or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, "coupled", "connected", "responsive", or variants thereof as used herein may includewirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. The term "and / or" (abbreviated “ / ”) includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0196] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another element / operation. Thus a first element / operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element / operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0197] As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "comprises", "include", "including", "includes", "have", "has", "having", or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

[0198] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (systems and / or devices) and / or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and / or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and / or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block or blocks, andthereby create means (functionality) and / or structure for implementing the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block(s).

[0199] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer- readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams and / or flowchart block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of present concepts may be embodied in hardware and / or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof.

[0200] It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and / or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added / inserted between the blocks that are illustrated, and / or blocks / operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of present concepts. Moreover, although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0201] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present concepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of present concepts. Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of present concepts are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure including the examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method performed by a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing (JCAS) operations, the method comprising: determining (600) a mobility state of at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), a second UE (100b, 1000) having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104), and the object (104), the mobility state comprising at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), the second UE (100b, 1000), and the object (104) is (i) in coverage of a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network; and performing (614) at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104) with the second UE (100b, 1000), (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000)for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104), and (iii) switch from the second UE (100b, 1000) to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104).

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state triggers a discovery procedure, and the method comprising: executing (602) the discovery procedure to identify at least one of (i) an identity of at least one candidate UE (100, 1000) having a sensing capability for the joint communications and sensing operations, and (ii) a criteria of a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the at least one candidate UE (100, 1000).

3. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein determining (600) the mobility state comprises determining that the first UE is in coverage and the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage, and the performing (614) comprises applying a default rule to continue the joint communications and sensing operations with the second UE (100b, 1000) using resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100).

4. The method of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the determining (600) themobility state comprises determining that the first UE (100a, 1000) is in coverage and the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage, and the second UE (100b, 1000) has a subset of resources used for the joint communications and sensing operations and / or for detecting a cell of the network node (102, 1100).

5. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state comprises determining that the first UE (100a, 1000) is in coverage and the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage, and the performing (614) comprises switch to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state triggers a discovery procedure and executing (602) the discovery period results in at least one of (i) an identity of at least one discovered UE comprising the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or the at least one candidate UE (100, 1000), (ii) a path loss between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the at least one discovered UE, and (iii) capabilities of the at least one discovered UE, and the performing (614) comprises at least one of (i) initiate the joint communications and sensing operations with the second UE (100b, 1000) using resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (ii) switch to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations.

7. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state comprises a determination that the first UE (100a, 1000) is in coverage of the network node (102, 1100) based on a received signal level that is above a threshold value for at least one cell of the network node (102, 1100).

8. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state comprises receipt of a notification from the second UE (100b, 1000) that the second UE (100b, 1000) moved or is moving out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100).

9. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the second UE (100b, 1000) monitors transmitted sensing signals of the first UE (100a, 1000) using resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100).

10. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising: receiving (604) a notification from at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000), wherein the notification informs the first UE (100a, 1000) of at least one of the following (i) whether the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or the candidate UE (100, 1000) can monitor sensing signals transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000) associated based on resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100), and (ii) whether the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or the candidate UE (100, 1000) can monitor sensing signals transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000) associated based on resources allocated by the first UE (100a, 1000).

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or the candidate UE (100c, 1000) is out of coverage of the telecommunication network, and the notification informs the first UE (100a, 1000) that the second UE (100b, 1000) lacks capability to receive sensing signals.

12. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the first UE (100a, 1000) determines based on at least one of (i) a default rule, and (ii) an indication from the second UE (100b, 1000), that the second UE (100b, 1000) while out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) can continue supporting the joint communications and sensing operations based on resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100), and wherein the performing (614) comprises to continue the joint communications and sensing operations with the second UE (100b, 1000).

13. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the determining (600) the mobility state comprises the first UE (100a, 1000) determines, based on an indication from the second UE (100b, 1000), that the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) and cannot continue supporting the joint communications and sensing operations with resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100), and the method comprising: notifying (606) the network node (102, 1100) that the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage; and sending (608) a request to the network node (102, 1100) for an allocation for the joint communications and sensing operations, wherein the request comprises an autonomous resource allocation mode for the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and operations with thesecond UE (100b, 1000).

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein the notifying (606) the network node (102, 1100) comprises that the first UE (100a, 1000) will not continue using resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) for the joint communications and sensing operations; and releasing (612) the resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) for the joint communications and sensing operations.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the performing (614) comprises switch to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations with the second UE (100b, 1000).

16. The method of any one of Claims 2, 11, and 13 to 15, wherein the discovery procedure results in an identity of at least one candidate UE (100, 1000) having a sensing capability for the joint communications and sensing operation.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the identity of the at least one candidate UE (100, 1000) comprises the second UE (100b, 1000) that is out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) and a third UE (100c, 1000) that is in coverage of the network node (102, 1100), and the second UE (100b, 1000) and the third UE (100c, 1000) are ranked in a priority order based on a criteria.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the criteria comprises at least one or more of: a coverage status of the second UE (100b, 1000) as out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100), a coverage status of the third UE (100c, 1000) as in coverage of the network node (102, 1100), an estimated path loss between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the second UE (100b, 1000), an estimated path loss between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the third UE (100c, 1000), a received signal level between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the second UE (100b,1000),a received signal level between the first UE (100a, 1000) and the third UE (100c,1000), a relative estimated position of the second UE (100b, 1000) to a position of the object (104), and a relative estimated position of the third UE (100c, 1000) to a position of the object (104).

19. The method of any one of Claims 16 to 18, comprising: sending (608) a request to the network node (102, 1100), wherein the request comprises a request to set up a joint communication and sensing service with at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the at least one candidate UE (100, 1000); and receiving (610) a resource allocation from the network node (102, 1100) for autonomous resource allocation by the first UE (100a, 1000).

20. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the first UE (100a, 1000) and the second UE (100b, 1000) are involved in bistatic sensing of the object (104) using resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and the determining (600) comprises a determination that at least one of the object (104), the first UE (100a, 1000), and the second UE (100b, 1000) is out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100).

21. The method of any one of Claims 2 to 20, wherein the executing (602) the discovery procedure comprises transmitting a first beacon signal, and receiving a second beacon signal from at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

22. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein the first UE (100a, 1000) and the second UE (100b, 1000) are involved in bistatic sensing of the object (104) using resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and the determining (600) comprises a determination that the first UE (100a, 1000) and the second UE (100b, 1000) are in coverage of the network node (102, 1100).

23. The method of Claims 2 and 22, wherein the determining (600) comprises that the second UE (100b, 1000) moved from out of coverage to in coverage, and the determining (600) triggers the first UE (100a, 1000) to execute the discovery procedure.

24. The method of Claim 23, wherein the discovery procedure results in at least one of(i) a determination that the second UE (100b, 1000) moved to in coverage, and (ii) a determination that a third UE (100c, 1000) is in coverage, and the performing (614) comprises initiation of joint communications and sensing operations with one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and a third UE (100c, 1000) using resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100).

25. The method of any one of Claims 23 to 24, wherein executing (602) the discovery procedure comprises transmitting a first beacon signal, and receiving a second beacon signal from at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

26. The method of Claim 25, wherein the first beacon signal and / or the second beacon signal comprises information about at least one of a sensing capability and a target sensing capability for a bistatic sensing operation.

27. The method of Claim 26, wherein the information comprises a set of sensing signal characteristics.

28. The method of any one of Claims 1 to 27, wherein the first UE (100a, 1000) comprises a UE that can transmit sensing signals and the second UE (100b, 1000) comprises a UE that can receive sensing signals.

29. A method performed by a second user equipment, UE, (100b, 1000) for joint communications and sensing (JCAS) operations, the method comprising: performing (700) sensing of an object (104), wherein the second UE (100b, 1000) has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104); determining (702) a mobility state of the object (104); and reporting (704) to a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object (104).

30. The method of Claim 29, wherein the reporting (704) to the network node (102,1100) comprises an indication of whether the second UE (100b, 1000) prefers resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) or by the second UE (100b, 1000) for the sensing of the object (104).

31. The method of any one of Claims 29 to 30, wherein the determining (702) the mobility state of the object (104) comprises (i) receiving a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (ii) identifying based on the received sensing signal whether the object (104) is, or is projected to be, in coverage or out of coverage of a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network.

32. The method of any one of Claims 29 to 31, wherein the mobility state of the object (104) comprises that the object (104) is out of coverage a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network, the method comprising: continuing (706) to perform the sensing of the object (104), wherein the continuing (706) uses resources allocated by the second UE (100b, 1000) based on that the second UE (100b, 1000) can perform at least one of (i) measure a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (ii) measure an angle of arrival at the second UE (100b, 1000) of the sensing signal transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000) within a specified margin with respect to a reference direction.

33. The method of any one of Claims 32, wherein the mobility state of the object (104) comprises that the object (104) is out of coverage a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network, and the continuing (706) to perform the sensing of the object (104) when the object is out of coverage and the second UE (100b, 1000) can sense the object (104) based on use of resources allocated by at least one of (i) the second UE (100b, 1000), and (ii) the network node (102, 1100).

34. The method of any one of Claims 29 to 33, comprising: performing (708) one of (i) monitor the mobility state of the object (104) and (ii) receive an indication from the first UE (100a, 1000) that the object (104) is moving to in coverage of the network node (102, 1100) or is in coverage of the network node (102, 1100); and based on the performing (708), identifying (710) that the object (104) is moving to in coverage of the network node (102, 1100) or is in coverage of the network node (102, 1100).

35. The method of Claim 34, wherein the identifying (710) comprises that the object (104) is in coverage of the network node (102, 1100), and the method comprising: sensing (712) of the object (104) based on use of resources configured in the second UE (100b, 1000) for in coverage sensing operations.

36. The method of Claim 35, wherein the resources configured in the second UE (100b, 1000) for in coverage sensing operations comprise one of (i) resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100), and (ii) resources assigned by the network node (102, 1100) to the second UE (100b, 1000) and the first UE (100a, 1000) responsive to a request of the second UE (100b, 1000).

37. A method performed by a network node related to a joint communications and sensing operations, the method comprising: signalling (800), to a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000) and at least one of a second UE (100b, 1000) and / or a candidate UE (100, 1000), a configuration to allocate resources for the joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104) for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

38. The method of Claim 37, wherein the configuration to allocate resources comprises an allocation of sidelink resources for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104).

39. The method of Claim 38, wherein the resources for joint communications and sensing operations comprise physical sidelink control channel, PSCCH, time resources.

40. The method of Claim 39, wherein the PSCCH time resources comprise PSCCH time resources that precede PSCCH time resources that contain sidelink control information, SCI.

41. The method of any one of Claims 37 to 40, wherein the sidelink resources comprise physical sidelink control channel, PSCCH, time resources and the configuration comprises a field in a parameter list configured in a PSCCH period and the resources to be used in thePSCCH resources.

42. The method of any one of Claims 37 to 41, wherein the allocated resources for the joint communications and sensing operation are configured in a plurality of transmit and receive resources pools in which the resources for the joint communications and sensing operations are allocated.

43. The method of Claim 42, wherein the UE receiving the configuration to allocate resources comprises a transmitting UE (100a, 1000), and the respective resource pools in the plurality of transmit and receive resource pools are associated with priority information for the UE to prioritize a resource pool having a higher priority than remaining resource pools in the plurality for the joint communications and sensing operations.

44. A system to determine a mobility state of at least one of a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000), a second UE (100b, 1000) having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104), and to perform at least one operation based on the mobility state, the system comprising: a first UE (100a, 1000) configured to at least transmit a sensing signal, determine the mobility state, and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104) with the second UE (100b, 1000), (ii) switch from resources allocated by a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunications network to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104), and (iii) switch from the second UE (100b, 1000) to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104); a second UE (100b, 1000) configured to at least (i) perform sensing of the object (104) based on receipt by the second UE (100b, 1000) of a sensing signal transmitted by the first UE (100a, 1000), (ii) determine the mobility state of the object (104), and (iii) report to the network node (102, 1100) the mobility state of the object (104); and the network node (102, 1100) configured to at least signal to the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or at least one candidate UE (100, 1000), a configuration to allocate resources for joint communications and sensing operations of the object(104) for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and / or the candidate UE (100, 1000).

45. A first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000) comprising: at least one processor (1002); and at least one memory (1010) connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: determine a mobility state of at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), a second UE (100b, 1000) having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104), and the object (104), the mobility state comprising at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), the second UE (100b, 1000), and the object (104) is (i) in coverage of a network node in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network; and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104) with the second UE (100b, 1000), (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (iii) switch from the second UE (100b, 1000) to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104).

46. The first UE of Claim 45, wherein the at least one memory (1010) is connected to the at least one processor (1002) and stores program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations according to any one of Claims 2 to 28.

47. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the first UE (100a, 1000) to perform operations comprising: determine a mobility state of at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), a second UE (100b, 1000) having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104), and the object (104), the mobility state comprising at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), the second UE (100b, 1000), and the object (104) is (i) in coverage of a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network,(ii) out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network; and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104) with the second UE (100b, 1000), (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (iii) switch from the second UE (100b, 1000) to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104).

48. The computer program of Claim 47, whereby execution of the program code cause the first UE (100a, 1000) to perform operations according to any of Claims 2 to 28.

49. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1010) including program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the first UE (100a, 1000) to perform operations comprising: determine a mobility states of at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), a second UE (100b, 1000) having a UE-to-UE communication link with the first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104), and the object (104), the mobility state comprising at least one of the first UE (100a, 1000), the second UE (100b, 1000), and the object (104) is (i) in coverage of a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network, (ii) out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network, or (iii) moving from in coverage towards out of coverage of the network node (102, 1100) in the telecommunication network; and perform at least one of the following operations based on the mobility state (i) continue the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104) with the second UE (100b, 1000), (ii) switch from resources allocated by the network node (102, 1100) to resources selected by the first UE (100a, 1000), and (iii) switch from the second UE (100b, 1000) to a candidate UE (100, 1000) for the joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104).

50. The computer program product of Claim 49, whereby execution of the program code causes the first UE (100a, 1000) to perform operations according to any of Claims 2 to 28.

51. A second user equipment, UE, (100b, 1000) comprising: at least one processor (1002); and at least one memory (1010) connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: perform sensing of an object (104), wherein the second UE (100b, 1000) has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104); determine a mobility state of the object (104); and report to a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object (104).

52. The second UE (100b, 1000) of Claim 51, wherein the at least one memory (1010) is connected to the at least one processor (1002) and stores program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations according to any one of Claims 30 to 36.

53. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a second user equipment, UE, (100b, 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the second UE (100b, 1000) to perform operations comprising: perform sensing of an object (104), wherein the second UE (100b, 1000) has a UE-to-UE communication link with a first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of the object; (104) determine a mobility state of the object (104); and report to a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object (104).

54. The computer program of Claim 53, whereby execution of the program code cause the second UE (100b, 1000) to perform operations according to any of Claims 30 to 36.

55. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1010) including program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a second user equipment, UE, (100b, 1000) whereby execution of the program code causes the second UE (100b, 1000) to perform operations comprising: perform sensing of an object (104), wherein the second UE (100b, 1000) has a UE-to-UEcommunication link with a first UE (100a, 1000) for joint communications and sensing operations of the object (104); determine a mobility state of the object (104); and report to a network node (102, 1100) in a telecommunication network the mobility state of the object (104).

56. The computer program product of Claim 55, whereby execution of the program code causes the second UE (100b, 1000) to perform operations according to any of Claims 30 to 36.

57. A network node (102, 1100) comprising: at least one processor (1102); and at least one memory (1104) connected to the at least one processor and storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: signal, to a first user equipment, UE, (100a, 1000) and at least one of a second UE (100b, 1000) and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104) for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

58. The network node of Claim 57, wherein the at least one memory (1104) is connected to the at least one processor (1102) and stores program code that is executed by the at least one processor to perform operations according to any one of Claims 38 to 43.

59. A computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1102) of a network node (102, 1100), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node to perform operations comprising: signal, to a first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of a second UE (100b, 1000) and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104) for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

60. The computer program of Claim 59, whereby execution of the program code cause the network node (102, 1100) to perform operations according to any one of Claims 38 to 43.

61. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory storage medium (1104) including program code to be executed by at least one processor (1102) of a network node (102, 1100), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node (102, 1100) to perform operations comprising: signal, to a first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of a second UE (100b, 1000) and / or a candidate UE, a configuration to allocate resources for joint communications and sensing operations of an object (104) for a UE-to-UE communication link between the first UE (100a, 1000) and at least one of the second UE (100b, 1000) and the candidate UE (100, 1000).

62. The computer program product of Claim 61, whereby execution of the program code causes the network node (102, 1100) to perform operations according to any of Claims 38 to 43.

Images