Radio access network node with wireless communication and sensing for dual connectivity

Abstract

An integrated wireless sensing and communication (ISAC) system may enable radio access network ("RAN") nodes to improve sensing. For additional sensing functionality, a secondary sensing radio link (SS-RL) may exist. Sensing signals can be used by the RAN node and / or UE to detect objects along the radio path between the RAN node and the UE and improve wireless communication through the RL. SS-RL may be added in a single connectivity system or modified in a dual connectivity system. To maximize sensing cooperation benefits between RAN nodes, SS-RL can assist communication or assist sensing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Technical field) This document is generally directed to wireless communications. More specifically, a radio access network ("RAN") node includes a secondary wireless sensing from a secondary RAN node that may assist in communication and / or sensing. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Wireless communication technologies are moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. Wireless communication relies on efficient network resource management and allocation between user mobile stations and radio access network nodes, including, but not limited to, radio access network ("RAN") nodes and radio base stations. New generation networks are expected to provide high-speed, low-latency, and ultra-reliable communication capabilities to fulfill requirements from different industries and users. User mobile stations or user equipment ("UE") are becoming more complex, and the amount of data communicated continuously is increasing. With the development of more advanced radar and sensing systems, communication between UEs can be modernized. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] (summary) This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for a radio access network ("RAN") node or base station that provide functionality for wireless sensing (e.g., sensing radio link S-RL) in addition to wireless communication (C-RL). An integrated wireless sensing and communication (ISAC) system may enable a serving RAN node to improve sensing and / or communication. A secondary sensing radio link (SS-RL) may exist in a secondary RAN node to assist sensing and assist communication. Sensing signals can be used by the RAN node and / or UE to detect objects along the wireless path between the RAN node and the UE and improve wireless communication over RL. SS-RL may be added in a single connectivity system or may be added or modified in a dual connectivity system. To maximize sensing cooperation benefits between those RAN nodes, SS-RL can assist communication or assist sensing in the master RAN node.

[0004] In one embodiment, a wireless communication method includes providing an add request for secondary sensing and receiving a sensing result report after acknowledging the add request. The providing is from the master node to the secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. A user equipment (UE) in single connectivity (SC) is changed to dual connectivity (DC) based on the add request for secondary sensing. The add request includes secondary sensing being added to the secondary node. The secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing radio link or sensing function being performed by the secondary node. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's communications. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's sensing. The sensing result report is transmitted periodically. The sensing result report is transmitted upon request. The sensing result report includes data being sensed by the secondary RAN node.

[0005] In another embodiment, a wireless communication method includes receiving an add request for secondary sensing and, after acknowledging the add request, providing a sensing result report. The receiving is from a master node to a secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. A user equipment (UE) in single connectivity (SC) is changed to dual connectivity (DC) based on the add request for secondary sensing. The add request includes secondary sensing being added to the secondary node. The secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing radio link or sensing function being performed by the secondary node. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's communications. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's sensing. The sensing result report is transmitted periodically. The sensing result report is transmitted upon request. The sensing result report comprises data being sensed by the secondary RAN node.

[0006] In one embodiment, a wireless communication method includes providing a modification request for secondary sensing and, after acknowledging the modification request, receiving a sensing result report. The providing is from a master node to a secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. A user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity (DC) is modified based on the modification request for secondary sensing. The modification request includes secondary sensing to be added or modified being provided to the secondary node. The secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing radio link or sensing function being performed by the secondary node. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's communications. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's sensing. The sensing result report is transmitted periodically. The sensing result report is transmitted upon request. The sensing result report comprises data being sensed by the secondary RAN node.

[0007] In another embodiment, a wireless communication method includes receiving a modification request for secondary sensing and, after acknowledging the modification request, providing a sensing result report. The receiving is from a master node to a secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. A user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity (DC) is modified based on the modification request for secondary sensing. The modification request includes secondary sensing to be added or modified being provided to the secondary node. The secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing radio link or sensing function being performed by the secondary node. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's communications. The secondary sensing radio link provides assistance to the master node's sensing. The sensing result report is transmitted periodically. The sensing result report is transmitted upon request. The sensing result report comprises data being sensed by the secondary RAN node.

[0008] In one embodiment, a wireless communications device comprises a processor and a memory, the processor configured to read code from the memory and implement any of the embodiments discussed above.

[0009] In one embodiment, a computer program product comprises a computer readable program medium code stored thereon which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement any of the embodiments discussed above.

[0010] In some embodiments, there is a wireless communication device comprising a processor and a memory, the processor configured to read code from the memory and implement any method recited in any of the embodiments. In some embodiments, a computer program product comprises a computer readable program medium code stored thereon, the code, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to implement any method recited in any of the embodiments. These and other aspects and implementations thereof are explained in more detail in the drawings, description, and claims. The present specification also provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) 1. A wireless communication method, comprising: providing a correction request for secondary sensing; receiving a sensing result report after acknowledging the modification request; A method comprising: (Item 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing is from a master node to a secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. (Item 3) Item 3. The method of item 2, wherein a user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity (DC) is modified based on the modification request for secondary sensing. (Item 4) 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the modification request includes providing the secondary sensing to be added or modified to the secondary node. (Item 5) Item 3. The method of item 2, wherein the secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing wireless link or sensing function performed by the secondary node. (Item 6) Item 6. The method of item 5, wherein the secondary sensing wireless link provides assistance to communications of the master node. (Item 7) 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the secondary sensing wireless link provides assistance to sensing of the master node. (Item 8) Item 10. The method of item 1, wherein the sensing result report is transmitted periodically. (Item 9) Item 10. The method of item 1, wherein the sensing result report is transmitted upon request. (Item 10) Item 10. The method of item 1, wherein the sensing report comprises sensed data. (Item 11) 1. A wireless communication method, comprising: receiving a correction request for secondary sensing; and providing a sensing result report after acknowledging the modification request. A method comprising: (Item 12) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the providing is from a master node to a secondary node, and the secondary node provides the sensing result report to the master node. (Item 13) Item 13. The method of item 12, wherein a user equipment (UE) in dual connectivity (DC) is modified based on the modification request for secondary sensing. (Item 14) Item 14. The method of item 13, wherein the modification request includes providing the secondary sensing to be added or modified to the secondary node. (Item 15) Item 14. The method of item 13, wherein the secondary sensing includes a secondary sensing wireless link or sensing function performed by the secondary node. (Item 16) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the secondary sensing wireless link provides assistance to communications of the master node. (Item 17) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the secondary sensing wireless link provides assistance to sensing of the master node. (Item 18) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the sensing result report is transmitted periodically. (Item 19) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the sensing result report is transmitted upon request. (Item 20) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the sensing report comprises sensed data. (Item 21) A wireless communication device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement a method according to any one of items 1 to 20. (Item 22) A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement a method according to any one of items 1 to 20. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary base station.

[0012] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary random access (“RA”) messaging environment.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a single connectivity wireless communication system.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a dual connectivity wireless communication system.

[0015] [Figure 5a] 5a and 5b show communication with a master node and a secondary node that are not co-located. [Figure 5b] 5a and 5b show communication with a master node and a secondary node that are not co-located.

[0016] [Figure 5c] FIG. 5c illustrates dual connectivity communication with a co-located master node and secondary node.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a dual-function radio access network ("RAN") node communicating with user equipment ("UE") over a dual-function link.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a communication diagram with a dual function RAN node communicating with a communication radio link (“C-RL”) and a sensing radio link (“S-RL”).

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless communication system that converts from single connectivity to dual connectivity.

[0020] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless communication system in dual connectivity with an additional secondary sensing radio link (“SS-RL”).

[0021] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of communication for additional requests with sensing-assisted communication.

[0022] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of communication for additional requests with sensing-assisted sensing.

[0023] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted communication.

[0024] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted communication.

[0025] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted communication.

[0026] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted sensing.

[0027] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted sensing.

[0028] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request with sensing-assisted sensing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] (Detailed explanation) The present disclosure will now be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which show, by way of illustration, specific examples of embodiments. It should be noted, however, that the present disclosure may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore, the subject matter covered or claimed is not intended to be construed as limited to any of the embodiments that will be described below.

[0030] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings that are suggested or implied in context other than their explicitly stated meaning. Similarly, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in some embodiments" as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrases "in another embodiment" or "in other embodiments" as used herein do not necessarily refer to different embodiments. The phrases "in one implementation" or "in some implementations" as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same implementation, and the phrases "in another implementation" or "in other implementations" as used herein do not necessarily refer to different implementations. For example, it is intended that the claimed subject matter include, in whole or in part, combinations of example embodiments or implementations.

[0031] Generally, terminology can be understood, at least in part, from usage in context. For example, terms such as "and," "or," or "and / or," as used herein, can include a variety of meanings that may depend, at least in part, on the context in which such terms are used. Typically, when "or" is used to relate a list such as A, B, or C, it is intended to mean A, B, and C, which are used herein in an inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, which are used herein in an exclusive sense. Additionally, the terms "one or more" or "at least one," as used herein, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense, at least in part, depending on the context. Similarly, again, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" may be understood to convey singular use or to convey plural use, at least in part, depending on the context. Additionally, the terms "based on" or "determined by" may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors, but instead may allow for the existence of additional factors not necessarily explicitly described, again depending at least in part on the context.

[0032] Radio Resource Control ("RRC") is a protocol layer between a UE and a base station at the IP level (radio network layer). Various Radio Resource Control (RRC) states may exist, such as RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_IDLE. RRC messages are transported via the Packet Data Convergence Protocol ("PDCP"). A UE can transmit non-periodic (periodic and / or aperiodic) data in the RRC_INACTIVE state without transitioning to the RRC_CONECTED state. This can save UE power consumption and signaling overhead. This can be done through a random access channel ("RACH") protocol scheme or a configuration grant ("CG") scheme. The wireless communication described herein can be done through radio access. Additionally, the described embodiments include sensing communication or sensing signals, which are either physically distinct from wireless communication or logically distinct from wireless communication. 1-2 illustrate exemplary radio access network ("RAN") nodes (e.g., base stations) and user equipment and messaging environments, which may be applicable to both wireless and sensing communications. A single RAN node can provide more flexibility and efficiency for both wireless communications and wireless sensing capabilities and services, as described herein.

[0033] In some wireless communication systems (such as 4G-LTE and 5G-NR), a RAN node may transmit downlink pilot reference signals, such as SSB and CSI-RS, which the UE receives, measures, and processes so that the UE understands the connection quality of the communication radio link ("RL"). This may occur between the serving RAN node and the UE to maintain mobility and service continuity. "UE-based measurement and reporting" is one example of sensing configured by the network. However, there may be many different measurement, sensing, and reporting examples between the network and the UE. The network and the UE may measure, detect, and sense objects other than pilot reference signals for communication. Sensing may enable measurement, detection, and sensing of the UE's local environment and the UE's resource utilization context. The sensing results may be provided to the UE's serving RAN node, so that the serving RAN node understands the UE's local environment and resource utilization context and can dynamically improve the connection quality of the communication RL with the UE.

[0034] With the development of international mobile telecommunications (IMT) wireless communication systems (such as 4G-LTE and 5G-NR) and various advanced radar and sensing systems, integration can be challenging in terms of architecture / capability design and network / air interface resource usage, etc. Future next-generation IMT wireless systems may integrate and harmonize various wireless sensing functions with their own communication capabilities so that a radio access network (RAN) node can provide both wireless communication and wireless sensing capabilities and services.

[0035] An integrated wireless sensing and communications (ISAC) system may enable a serving RAN node to actively sense a human user's body or hand gestures based on radar-type sensing techniques. This sensing may be faster, e.g., with a latency of less than 10 ms, than other implementations (e.g., legacy UE-based measurement reporting). The serving RAN node can then take more proactive and faster action to improve the connection quality of the radio link (RL). An example RL and example components are described below. C-RL = Communication Radio Link: A radio link between a RAN node and a UE, or between RAN nodes, or between UEs, that serves wireless communication purposes (e.g., transferring data). S-RL = Sensing Radio Link: A virtual radio link between a RAN node and a UE, or between a RAN node and the environment, or between RAN nodes, or between UEs, or between a UE and its environment, that serves radio sensing purposes (e.g., detecting and / or sensing something). ISAC RAN node = A RAN node that can perform both wireless communication and wireless sensing services. ISAC RAN node (C) = A RAN node (e.g., a legacy RAN node) that can only perform wireless communication services. ISAC RAN node = A RAN node (e.g., a radar-type node) that can only perform wireless sensing services. Master ISAC RAN node = ISAC RAN node that plays the master role in dual connectivity (DC) operation. Secondary ISAC RAN node = An ISAC RAN node that plays a secondary role in DC operation. · MC-RL = Master C-RL, managed by the master ISAC RAN node in DC operation. MS-RL = Master S-RL, managed by the Master ISAC RAN node in DC operation. · SC-RL = Secondary C-RL, managed by the secondary ISAC RAN node in DC operation. · SS-RL = Secondary S-RL, managed by the secondary ISAC RAN node in DC operation.

[0036] A RAN node can utilize its ISAC capability to enhance its own wireless communication capability (e.g., improve resource efficiency, save communication energy, etc.). In various networks, there may be RAN nodes that can support multiple network types (or multi-generation networks including 4G, 5G, etc.). Similarly, a RAN node may support either wireless communication or wireless sensing, or may support both. To maximize the sensing cooperation benefits between these RAN nodes, the embodiments described below include additional / secondary sensing that may assist communication or assist sensing within the master RAN node. To achieve "sensing-assisted communication" or "sensing-assisted sensing," wireless sensing cooperation between different RAN nodes is described in the embodiments below. A RAN node can cooperate with other RAN nodes for wireless sensing benefits.

[0037] 1 illustrates an exemplary (“RAN”) node or base station 102. The RAN node may also be referred to as a radio network node. The RAN node 102 may also be identified as a NodeB (NB, e.g., eNB or gNB) in a mobile telecommunications context. The exemplary RAN node may include radio Tx / Rx circuitry 113 for receiving and transmitting signaling with a user equipment (UE) 104. The RAN node may also include network interface circuitry 116 for coupling the RAN node to a core network 110, e.g., optical or wired interconnects, Ethernet, and / or other data transmission media / protocols.

[0038] The RAN node may also include system circuitry 122. The system circuitry 122 may include a processor 124 and / or a memory 126. The memory 126 may include operations 128 and control parameters 130. The operations 128 may include instructions for execution on one or more of the processors 124 to support functioning of the RAN node. For example, the operations may handle random access transmission requests from multiple UEs. The control parameters 130 may include parameters or support the execution of the operations 128. For example, the control parameters may include network protocol settings, random access messaging formatting rules, bandwidth parameters, radio frequency mapping assignments, and / or other parameters.

[0039] 2 illustrates an exemplary random access messaging environment 200. In the random access messaging environment, the UE 104 may communicate with the RAN node 102 via a random access channel 252. In this example, the UE 104 supports one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as SIM1 202. An electrical and physical interface 206 connects SIM1 202 to the rest of the user equipment hardware, for example, through a system bus 210.

[0040] The mobile device 200 includes a communications interface 212, system logic 214, and a user interface 218. The system logic 214 may include any combination of hardware, software, firmware, or other logic. The system logic 214 may be implemented using, for example, one or more systems on a chip (SoC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), discrete analog and digital circuits, and other circuitry. The system logic 214 is part of the implementation of any desired functionality within the UE 104. In that regard, system logic 214 may include, by way of example, logic to facilitate decoding and playing music and video, e.g., MP3, MP4, MPEG, AVI, FLAC, AC3, or WAV decoding and playback, launching applications, receiving user input, saving and retrieving application data, establishing, maintaining, and terminating cellular phone calls or data connections, establishing, maintaining, and terminating wireless network connections, Bluetooth connections, or other connections for Internet connectivity, and displaying related information on user interface 218. User interface 218 and input 228 may include a graphical user interface, a touch-sensitive display, tactile feedback or other tactile output, voice or facial recognition input, buttons, switches, speakers, and other user interface elements. Additional examples of input 228 include microphones, video and still image cameras, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, rotation and orientation sensors, headset and microphone input / output jacks, universal serial bus (USB) connectors, memory card slots, radiation sensors (e.g., IR sensors), and other types of inputs.

[0041] The system logic 214 may include one or more processors 216 and a memory 220. The memory 220 stores, for example, control instructions 222 that the processor 216 executes to perform desired functionality for the UE 104. Control parameters 224 provide and define configuration and operating options for the control instructions 222. The memory 220 may also store any BT, Wifi, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other data 226 that the UE 104 will transmit or receive through the communication interface 212. In various implementations, system power may be provided by a power storage device, such as a battery 282.

[0042] In the communications interface 212, radio frequency (RF) transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) circuitry 230 handles the transmission and reception of signals through one or more antennas 232. The communications interface 212 may include one or more transceivers. A transceiver may be a wireless transceiver including modulation / demodulation circuitry, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), shaping tables, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), filters, waveform shapers, filters, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and / or other logic for transmitting and receiving through one or more antennas or (for some devices) through a physical (e.g., wired) medium.

[0043] The transmitted and received signals may conform to any of a wide variety of formats, protocols, modulations (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM), frequency channels, bit rates, and encodings. As one specific example, communication interface 212 may include a transceiver supporting transmission and reception under 2G, 3G, BT, Wi-Fi, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)+, and 4G / Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. However, the techniques described below are also applicable to other wireless communication technologies, whether from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), GSM Association, 3GPP2, IEEE, or other partnership or standards body.

[0044] 3 illustrates a single connectivity wireless communication system. Single connectivity (SC) may include UEs that have only a master communication radio link (MC-RL) and / or a master sensing radio link (MS-RL) and no radio links on the secondary RAN node side. Conversely, dual connectivity (DC) includes UEs that have a secondary communication radio link (SC-RL) and / or a secondary sensing radio link (SS-RL) on the secondary RAN node side. SC and DC connectivity are further described below, including with respect to FIG. 8.

[0045] In IMT wireless communication systems (such as 4G-LTE and 5G-NR), a radio access network (RAN) node may transmit downlink (DL) pilot reference signals such as SSB, cSI-RS, etc., as shown in Figure 3. The UE receives, measures, and processes them so that the UE can know the connection quality of the radio link (RL) over the air. The UL measurement report is fed back to the serving RAN node. This can be a communication between the serving RAN node and the UE to maintain communication service continuity. This is an example of single connectivity (SC).

[0046] "UE-based DL measurements and UL reporting" is one example of wireless sensing configured by the RAN. However, there may be more types of wireless sensing between a RAN node and a UE, or between RAN nodes or UEs. The RAN and UE can measure, detect, and sense aspects and objects other than pilot reference signals locally for communication or sensing purposes. Sensing may be triggered by a higher layer or a third-party entity. For example, a UE can sense its local environment (e.g., user gestures, nearby objects, and radio conditions) and resource utilization context (e.g., radio / computing / interference status) through its local sensors. This sensing information can be provided to its serving RAN node as "sensing result information." Based on the sensing, the serving RAN node can learn about the UE's environment and resource utilization context and can make adaptive measurements to improve wireless communication with the UE.

[0047] In one example, in a mmWave (e.g., above 6 GHz) communication context, due to the larger path loss and weak mmWave channel conditions in high frequency bands, the body and hand gestures of a human user may impose deleterious disadvantages on UE wireless communications, such as RL blockage and interference. Previously, the serving RAN node relied on other reactive mechanisms to enhance the quality of RL, which were often not fast or prompt enough because they relied on time-consuming activities on the UE side. By employing an integrated wireless communication and sensing system in a dual-functionality RAN node, the serving RAN node can sense and detect the body and hand gestures of a human user based on either radar-type techniques (using sensing signals) that are identified in advance much more quickly, and thus the serving RAN node can take proactive action to enhance the quality of the communication RL.

[0048] 4 shows a dual connectivity wireless communication system. Dual connectivity (DC) includes a UE with a secondary communication radio link (SC-RL) and / or a secondary sensing radio link (SS-RL). SC and DC connectivity are further described below, including with respect to FIG. 8. For example, DC operation may include any of the following combinations of XX-RL: MC-RL+MS-RL, ·MC-RL+SC-RL, ·MC-RL+SS-RL, ·MS-RL+SC-RL, MS-RL+SS-RL, or ·SC-RL+SS-RL.

[0049] In FIG. 4, the UE communicates with RAN node 1 using both the C-RL and the S-RL. There is a second RAN node that provides only the S-RL toward the environment. The core network, RAN nodes, and UE are all ISAC-enabled in this embodiment. In other words, they are capable of both wireless communication and wireless sensing over the air. The communication wireless link is denoted here as the "C-RL" and still serves communication purposes, while the sensing wireless link is denoted as the "S-RL," which exists as a logical function but can also be physically implemented along with the "C-RL." The ISAC-enabled RAN node may perform some type of wireless sensing toward a target UE via the "S-RL," or may also perform wireless sensing toward the environment via the "S-RL," with or without UE involvement assistance.

[0050] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate communication with a master node and a secondary node that are not co-located. Multiple RAN nodes of the same or different radio access technologies ("RATs") (e.g., eNBs, gNBs, xNBs) can be deployed in a geographic area within the same or different frequency carriers, and they can cooperate with each other through dual connectivity operation to provide joint communication services for the same target UE. A multi-RAT dual connectivity ("MR-DC") architecture with a non-co-located master node ("MN") and secondary node ("SN") is shown in Figures 5a and 5b. The access mobility function ("AMF") and session management function ("SMF") are control plane entities in New Radio ("NR") or 5GC, and the user plane function ("UPF") is the user plane entity. The signaling connection between the AMF / SMF and the MN is the Next Generation-Control Plane ("NG-C") / MN interface. The signaling connection between the MN and the SN is the Xn-Control Plane ("Xn-C") interface. The signaling connection between the MN and the UE is the Uu-Control Plane ("Uu-C") RRC interface. All these connections govern the configuration and operation of the MR-DC. Figure 5a shows that the user plane connection between the UPF and the MN is an NG-U(MN) interface instance, which corresponds to the MN terminated bearer.

[0051] Figure 5b shows that the user plane connection between the UPF and the SN is the NG-U (SN) interface, which corresponds to the SN-terminated bearer. The user plane connection between the MN and the SN is the Xn-User Plane ("Xn-U") interface, which corresponds to the split bearer. The user plane connection between the MN and the UE is the Uu-U (MCG) interface instance (providing the master RL), and the user plane connection between the SN and the UE is the Uu-U (SCG) interface instance (providing the secondary RL). These user plane connections support user data forwarding of the MR-DC. From the network's perspective, the MN provides communication services via the Uu-U (MCG) through the local processing effort and MCG resources inside the MN, while the SN provides communication services in parallel towards the same target UE via the Uu-U (SCG) through the local processing effort and SCG resources inside the SN. There are two separate and independent RLs (master RL and secondary RL).

[0052] Figure 5c shows communication with a co-located master node and secondary node. An MR-DC architecture with a co-located MN and SN is shown in Figure 5c. Logically, the MN and SN still exist, but physically, they are now implemented within the same RAN node. Therefore, the external Xn interface instance between the MN and SN in Figures 5a-5b is not required; the MN and SN cooperate with each other within the internal interface. There are also two separate and independent RLs (master RL and secondary RL). The single MR-DC functional RAN node shown in Figure 5c logically integrates a primary / master radio communication RL (MC-RL) and a secondary radio communication RL (SC-RL) toward the same target UE. From the perspective of the MR-DC functional UE, it logically integrates and maintains two separate and independent RLs over the air. These two RLs may be the same or different RATs or frequency carriers. From the network perspective, the MN provides primary radio communication services via the MC-RL, and the SN provides secondary radio communication services via the SC-RL. From the perspective of a UE in a DC, it may be served over the air by two independent communication RLs: a master C-RL and a secondary C-RL.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary radio access network ("RAN") node that communicates with user equipment ("UE") through multiple links for dual functionality. One of the dual functions is wireless communication and the other is wireless sensing. Wireless communication includes at least one wireless link ("C-RL") for transmitting and receiving (signaling and / or user) data over the air between the RAN node and the UE. Wireless sensing includes a sensing wireless link ("S-RL"). The S-RL is established and used for wireless sensing and detection of something along the radial path between the RAN node and the UE. A sensing wireless link ("S-RL") is a logical wireless link that is not used for the purpose of transmitting and receiving (signaling and / or user) data over the air, but is used for the purpose of wireless sensing and detection of something along the radial path. A dual functionality RAN node includes a single RAN node that can perform both wireless communication and wireless sensing operations with a target UE. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a dual-function RAN node that transmits a sensing radio link (“S-RL”) to a UE, which then returns a signal (e.g., an echo signal / response) to the RAN node. In addition to the S-RL radio sensing, the dual-function RAN node also has a communication radio link (“C-RL”). The C-RL is a downlink from the RAN node to the UE and an uplink from the UE to the RAN node. As shown in FIG. 6, the dual-function RAN node can simultaneously establish and maintain both an S-RL and a C-RL with a target UE. The handling of the communication C-RL may be the same as in legacy systems (e.g., following 4G-LTE or 5G-NR specifications).

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a communication diagram involving a dual-function RAN node communication with a communication radio link (“C-RL”) and a sensing radio link (“S-RL”). The RAN node (also referred to as a base station) establishes a communication C-RL 702 with the UE. In addition, a second function of the RAN node provides an S-RL 704 to the UE. In response to the S-RL 704, the UE provides a response 706. The response 706 may be referred to as an echo signal transmitted by the UE in direct response to receiving the S-RL 704 as part of a sensing operation S-RL. While the S-RL may be a logically separate radio link from the communication C-RL, physically, the S-RL may share the same air / radio resources (e.g., time / frequency / space / code, etc.) as the communication C-RL or may use different ones. FIG. 7 shows an example using different air / radio resources; in this embodiment, radio signals between the RAN node and the UE carry either data information or sensing-related information, but not both.

[0055] (Secondary sensing) IMT 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and future wireless systems may integrate and harmonize various radio sensing functions with their own communication functions so that RAN nodes can provide both wireless communication and radio sensing capabilities and / or services. One of the benefits of such integration (ISAC) is that a RAN node can utilize its own radio sensing capabilities to enhance its own wireless communication capabilities, e.g., to improve resource efficiency, save communication energy, etc. Despite such integration trends, in heterogeneous networks or for any business reasons, there will still be many RAN nodes in the field that may support both, or only wireless communication or radio sensing capabilities. To maximize the sensing cooperation benefits between those RAN nodes, for example, to achieve performance gains from "sensing-assisted communication" and "sensing-assisted sensing," a method for radio sensing cooperation between different RAN nodes is needed. This patent aims to create new mechanisms, modeling, and methods to address such issues so that a "requesting" RAN node can coordinate and cooperate with other "assisting" RAN nodes for any kind of radio sensing benefit.

[0056] 8 illustrates a wireless communication system that converts from single connectivity to dual connectivity. A direct interface (denoted as Xn) exists between two ISAC RAN nodes, which can cooperate and / or collaborate with each other via various Xn procedures, at least for the following: Coordination of both sides' wireless communication capabilities, resources, and operational status; Coordination of both sides' radio sensing capabilities, resources, and operational status; and / or · Managing DC behavior.

[0057] For a UE in SC mode, the current serving RAN node (to become the master ISAC RAN node) may be enabled to add a secondary ISAC RAN node for the following: · Wireless sensing purpose (without SC-RL, only with new SS-RL, addition) [as shown in Figure 8], · For radio communication purposes (without SS-RL, with new SC-RL only, addition), or · For both radio communication and radio sensing purposes (with both new SS-RL and SC-RL, added) [compare Figure 9].

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates the cooperation between different ISAC RAN nodes for the UE DC mode. Specifically, this embodiment may refer to the case where the UE changes from "SC mode" to "DC mode." An SN is added in FIG. 8. Compared to FIG. 4, SS-RL alone may not be sufficient (the MN currently requires only SS-RL assistance from the SN, not SC-RL). In another embodiment, SS-RL+SC-RL may also exist. As shown in FIG. 8, the master ISAC RAN node establishes and maintains an MC-RL with the target UE for wireless communication purposes. Optionally, an MS-RL with the same UE may exist to achieve some type of wireless sensing benefit (e.g., the master ISAC RAN node may achieve the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via a local MS-RL). Additional / secondary sensing may provide communication assistance (i.e., "sensing-assisted communication") and / or sensing assistance (i.e., "sensing-assisted sensing").

[0059] With respect to "sensing-assisted communications," the sensing operations of the SS-RL assist the communications operations of the MC-RL. The master ISAC RAN node may determine that the local MS-RL (if configured) is not sufficient (e.g., there is not enough wireless sensing benefit of "sensing-assisted communications" via the local MS-RL), and therefore the master ISAC RAN node triggers a "secondary ISAC RAN node addition procedure" via the Xn interface to request that the secondary ISAC RAN node establish and maintain an SS-RL. The secondary ISAC RAN node may establish and maintain an SS-RL with the target UE via the SS-RL and perform the required wireless sensing operations. Feedback is provided to the master ISAC RAN node with respect to "sensing result information" via the "ISAC RAN node sensing result reporting procedure" via the Xn interface. In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC RAN node may interpret, compile, and / or use them to attempt to achieve the additional wireless sensing benefit of "sensing-assisted communications" from the SS-RL.

[0060] With respect to "sensing-assisted sensing," the sensing operations of the SS-RL assist the sensing operations of the MS-RL. The master ISAC RAN node may determine that the local MS-RL (if configured) is insufficient (e.g., there is insufficient wireless sensing-related performance via the local MS-RL), and therefore trigger a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Procedure" via the Xn interface to request that the secondary ISAC RAN node establish and maintain the SS-RL. The secondary ISAC RAN node may establish and maintain the SS-RL and perform the required wireless sensing operations via the SS-RL with the target UE. Feedback is provided to the master ISAC RAN node with respect to "sensing result information" via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Reporting Procedure" via the Xn interface. In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC RAN node may interpret, compile, and / or use them to improve its sensing-related performance and attempt to achieve the additional wireless sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" from the SS-RL.

[0061] Figure 9 shows a wireless communication system in dual connectivity with an additional secondary sensing radio link ("SS-RL"). Figure 8 illustrates an SC embodiment, while Figure 9 is a DC embodiment. For UEs already in DC mode (e.g., already having at least an SC-RL or SS-RL), the master ISAC RAN node may be enabled to modify the secondary ISAC RAN node as follows: For wireless sensing purposes (e.g., with new SS-RL additions), For wireless communication purposes (e.g., with new SC-RLs, additions), For wireless sensing purposes (e.g., with or modifying existing SS-RL), for wireless communication purposes (e.g., involving or modifying an existing SC-RL), and / or · For both radio communication and radio sensing purposes (e.g., involving both existing SS-RL and SC-RL, modifications).

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates cooperation between different ISAC RAN nodes in UE DC mode. In this embodiment, the UE is already in "DC mode" because the SC-RL on the SN side has been established but the SS-RL has not yet been established. The MN can then use assistance from the SS-RL. In FIG. 9, the master ISAC RAN node establishes and maintains an MC-RL with the target UE for wireless communication purposes. Optionally, it establishes and maintains an MS-RL with the same UE to achieve some form of wireless sensing benefit. For example, the master ISAC RAN node may achieve the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via a local MS-RL. A secondary ISAC RAN node establishes and maintains an SC-RL with the target UE for wireless communication purposes. Optionally, it establishes and maintains an SS-RL with the same UE to achieve some type of wireless sensing benefit. For example, the secondary ISAC RAN node may achieve the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via a local SS-RL.

[0063] Regarding "sensing-assisted communication" in DC operation, the SS-RL sensing operation assists the MC-RL communication operation. The master ISAC RAN node determines whether the local MS-RL is sufficient. If there is not sufficient wireless sensing benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via the local MS-RL, the master ISAC RAN node triggers a "secondary ISAC RAN node modification procedure" via the Xn interface. This may request the secondary ISAC RAN node to configure or modify the SS-RL. The secondary ISAC RAN node may configure or modify the SS-RL and perform the required wireless sensing operation via the SS-RL with the target UE. Feedback of "sensing result information" is provided to the master ISAC RAN node via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN node sensing result reporting procedure." In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC RAN node may interpret, compile, and / or use them to attempt to achieve the additional wireless sensing benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" from the SS-RL.

[0064] With regard to "sensing-assisted sensing" in DC operation, the sensing operation of the SS-RL assists the sensing operation of the MS-RL. The master ISAC RAN node determines whether the local MS-RL is sufficient. If sufficient radio sensing performance does not exist via the local MS-RL, the master ISAC RAN node triggers a "secondary ISAC RAN node modification procedure" via the Xn interface, which requests the secondary ISAC RAN node to configure and / or modify the SS-RL. The secondary ISAC RAN node may configure or modify the SS-RL and perform the required radio sensing operation via the SS-RL with the target UE. Feedback of "sensing result information" is provided to the master ISAC RAN node via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN node sensing result reporting procedure." In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC RAN node may interpret, compile, and / or use them to improve its radio sensing-related performance and attempt to achieve the additional radio sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" from the SS-RL.

[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of communication for an additional request involving sensing-assisted communication. The master ISAC xNB establishes and maintains an MC-RL with a target UE for wireless communication (e.g., in the 3.5 GHz band) and an MS-RL with the same UE for wireless sensing (e.g., in the 6 GHz band). The MS-RL can be used to improve MIMO beam management between the xNB and the UE based on a radar-type sensing mechanism implemented by the master ISAC xNB. For example, the xNB can optimize serving beam selection for the MC-RL in advance based on radar-type sensing feedback. This achieves the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via the local MS-RL. The master ISAC xNB may coordinate with other neighboring ISAC xNBs regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operation status.

[0066] The master ISAC xNB may determine that the local MS-RL is not sufficient. For example, there may be insufficient radio sensing benefit for MIMO beam management, and therefore the master ISAC xNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Procedure" via the Xn interface in block 1002. Sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Request" message toward the secondary ISAC xNB includes parameter information (e.g., expected sensing frequency band 26 GHz, "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and radio sensing signal pattern) necessary to configure the "Supplemental SS-RL."

[0067] In block 1004, the secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC xNB, and therefore the secondary ISAC xNB may establish and maintain SS-RL (e.g., within the 26 GHz band) and return a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Request Acknowledgement" message to the master ISAC xNB via the Xn interface in block 1006. Furthermore, the secondary ISAC xNB may perform the requested wireless sensing operation via SS-RL with the target UE (e.g., within the 26 GHz band). In block 1008, after obtaining certain "sensing result information," the secondary ISAC xNB provides feedback regarding the "sensing result information." This may be periodically provided to the master ISAC xNB via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report Procedure." In alternative embodiments, reports may be sent once or both, rather than periodically. When sent periodically, there may be a persistence benefit (e.g., block 1012). At block 1010, an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message is sent towards the master ISAC xNB containing the available "Sensing Result Information."

[0068] In response to obtaining the "sensing result information" in block 1012, the master ISAC xNB may interpret, compile, and use them to assist in serving beam selection for MC-RL and attempt to achieve the additional radio sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted communications" from SS-RL. The secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform radio sensing via SS-RL towards the target UE and periodically reports available "sensing result information" to the master ISAC xNB until indicated to stop for any reason, either by master ISAC xNB command or by itself.

[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of communication for an add request involving sensing-assisted sensing. The master ISAC gNB may establish and maintain an MC-RL with a target UE (e.g., within the 2.6 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes. It may also establish and maintain an MS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 2.6 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The MS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the master ISAC gNB and can be used to measure and / or estimate the target UE's position and trajectory. For example, the gNB can predict the UE's mobility profile in advance based on radar-type sensing feedback and achieve the benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" via a local MS-RL. The master ISAC gNB may coordinate with other neighboring ISAC xNBs regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operational status.

[0070] The master ISAC gNB may determine whether the local MS-RL is sufficient, including sufficiency of performance with respect to UE positioning accuracy. In block 1102, the master ISAC gNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Procedure" via the Xn interface, which may include sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Request" message toward the secondary ISAC xNB in ​​block 1104. This may further include parameter information (e.g., expected sensing frequency band 60 GHz), a "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and a wireless sensing signal pattern to configure the "Supplemental SS-RL." In block 1106, the secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC gNB, so the secondary ISAC xNB may set up and maintain SS-RL (e.g., in the 60 GHz band), and in block 1108, return a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Addition Request Acknowledgement" message via the Xn interface towards the master ISAC gNB, and further perform the requested radio sensing operations via SS-RL with the target UE (e.g., in the 60 GHz band).

[0071] After obtaining the "sensing result information," the secondary ISAC xNB may provide feedback regarding the "sensing result information." This may be provided (one time, intermittently, or periodically) to the master ISAC gNB via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Reporting Procedure" over the Xn interface in block 1110. This may include transmitting an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message including the available "sensing result information" toward the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1110. In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC gNB may interpret, compile, and use them in block 1112 to assist in assessing the target UE's location and trajectory and attempt to achieve the additional radio sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" from SS-RL. The secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform radio sensing toward the target UE via SS-RL until indicated to stop, for any reason, either by master ISAC gNB command or by itself, and periodically reports the available "sensing result information" to the master ISAC gNB. In alternative embodiments, reports may be sent once or all at once rather than periodically.

[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of communication for a modification request involving sensing-assisted communication. In FIG. 12, an SS-RL must be established. The master ISAC xNB and secondary ISAC xNB respectively establish and maintain an MC-RL and SC-RL with the target UE (e.g., in the 3.5 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes. The master ISAC xNB also establishes and maintains an MS-RL with the same UE (e.g., in the 6 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The MS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the master ISAC xNB and can be used to improve MIMO beam management between the xNB and the UE. For example, the xNB may optimize serving beam selection for the MC-RL in advance based on radar-type sensing feedback. This may achieve the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via the local MS-RL. The master ISAC xNB may coordinate with the secondary ISAC xNB regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operation status.

[0073] The master ISAC xNB determines whether the local MS-RL is sufficient, which may include determining whether there is sufficient radio sensing benefit for MIMO beam management. The master ISAC xNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, in block 1202. This may include transmitting a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message, in block 1204, to the secondary ISAC xNB, including necessary parameter information (e.g., expected sensing frequency band 26 GHz) such as a "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern and a radio sensing signal pattern, to configure the "Assisted SS-RL."

[0074] The secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC xNB in ​​block 1206, and therefore the secondary ISAC xNB shall establish and maintain SS-RL (e.g., in the 26 GHz band). In block 1208, it returns a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request Acknowledgement" message via the Xn interface toward the master ISAC xNB and further performs the requested wireless sensing operation via SS-RL with the target UE (e.g., in the 26 GHz band). After obtaining some "sensing result information," the secondary ISAC xNB feeds the "sensing result information" back to the master ISAC xNB in ​​block 1210 via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report Procedure." This may include transmitting an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message including the available "sensing result information" toward the master ISAC xNB. In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC xNB shall interpret, compile, and / or use them in block 1212 to assist in serving beam selection for MC-RL and attempt to achieve the additional wireless sensing benefit of "sensing-assisted communications" from SS-RL. In some embodiments, sensing result reports are provided periodically, and thus the benefit of block 1212 is continuous. Specifically, the secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform wireless sensing via SS-RL toward the target UE and periodically reports available "sensing result information" to the master ISAC xNB until indicated to stop for any reason, either by master ISAC xNB command or by itself.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of communication for a modification request involving sensing-assisted communication. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which an SS-RL is already configured and already exists, but now must be modified. This embodiment modifies the existing SS-RL. The master ISAC xNB and secondary ISAC xNB are already configured and continue to maintain an MC-RL and SC-RL with the target UE (e.g., within the 3.5 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes, respectively. The secondary ISAC xNB is also configured and maintains an SS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 26 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The SS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the secondary ISAC xNB and can be used to improve MIMO beam management between the master ISAC xNB and the UE. For example, the master ISAC xNB can optimize serving beam selection for the MC-RL in advance based on sensing feedback from the secondary ISAC xNB. This can achieve the benefits of "sensing-assisted communication" via SS-RL. The Master ISAC xNB may coordinate with the Secondary ISAC xNBs regarding their mutual radio sensing capabilities, resources, and operational status.

[0076] The master ISAC xNB determines whether the SS-RL is sufficient. If not, there is no wireless sensing benefit for MIMO beam management, and the master ISAC xNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, block 1302. This may include transmitting a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message, block 1304, to the secondary ISAC xNB, including updated parameter information (e.g., the expected new sensing frequency band 38 GHz, the "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and / or the wireless sensing signal pattern, etc.) to reconfigure the "auxiliary SS-RL."

[0077] The secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC xNB in ​​block 1306, and may therefore establish and maintain an SS-RL (e.g., within the 38 GHz band). In block 1308, the secondary ISAC xNB returns a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request Acknowledgement" message over the Xn interface toward the master ISAC xNB, and further performs the requested radio sensing operation (e.g., within the 38 GHz band) via the SS-RL with the target UE. In this embodiment, the SS-RL already exists and has already been established, but is modified. Other embodiments include creating and / or establishing an SS-RL.

[0078] After obtaining certain "sensing result information," the secondary ISAC xNB feeds back the "sensing result information" to the master ISAC xNB, e.g., periodically, via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report Procedure." Specifically, in block 1310, the transmission of an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message to the master ISAC xNB includes the available "sensing result information." In response to obtaining the "sensing result information," the master ISAC xNB may, in block 1312, interpret, compile, and / or use them to assist in serving beam selection for MC-RL and to attempt to achieve the additional wireless sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted communications" from SS-RL. In some embodiments involving periodic transmission of sensing result reports, the secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform wireless sensing to the target UE via SS-RL and periodically reports the available "sensing result information" to the master ISAC xNB until indicated to stop for any reason, either by master ISAC xNB command or by itself. In such an embodiment, the benefits of "sensing-assisted communication" continue.

[0079] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request involving sensing-assisted communication. The master ISAC xNB and secondary ISAC xNB establish and maintain a MC-RL and SC-RL with a target UE (e.g., within the 3.5 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes, respectively. The secondary ISAC xNB also establishes and maintains a SS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 26 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The SS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the secondary ISAC xNB, which may be used to improve MIMO beam management between the master ISAC xNB and the UE. For example, the master ISAC xNB may optimize serving beam selection for the MC-RL in advance based on sensing feedback from the secondary ISAC xNB. This may achieve the benefit of "sensing-assisted communication" via SS-RL. The master ISAC xNB may coordinate with the secondary ISAC xNB regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operation status.

[0080] The master ISAC xNB determines whether the SS-RL is sufficient. If not, there is a radio sensing benefit for MIMO beam management, and therefore the master ISAC xNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, block 1402. This may include sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message to the secondary ISAC xNB, block 1404, including updated parameter information needed to reconfigure the "auxiliary SS-RL" (e.g., the expected new sensing frequency band 38 GHz, the "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and / or the radio sensing signal pattern, etc.).

[0081] In this embodiment, if the secondary ISAC xNB denies the request from the master ISAC xNB for local resource reasons, as in block 1406, it provides a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Deny" message to the master ISAC xNB via the Xn interface in block 1408. It then stops conducting radio sensing operations via existing SS-RL with the target UE (e.g., in the 26 GHz band), and therefore no benefit is provided in block 1410. In response to receiving the "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Deny" message, the master ISAC xNB learns about the failure of the "Assisted SS-RL" reconfiguration attempt with the secondary ISAC xNB and may then take further action in block 1412.

[0082] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of communication for a modification request with sense-assisted sensing. The master ISAC gNB and secondary ISAC xNB respectively establish and maintain an MC-RL and SC-RL (e.g., within the 60 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes with a target UE. The master ISAC gNB also establishes and maintains an MS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 60 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The MS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the master ISAC gNB, which may be used to improve UE imaging management between the gNB and the UE. For example, the master ISAC gNB can monitor the UE image based on radar-type sensing feedback. This may achieve the benefit of "sense-assisted sensing" via the local MS-RL. The master ISAC gNB may coordinate with the secondary ISAC xNB regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operation status.

[0083] The master ISAC gNB determines whether the local MS-RL is sufficient. If not, there is no wireless sensing benefit for UE imaging management, and the master ISAC gNB then triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, block 1502. This may include sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message to the secondary ISAC xNB, block 1504. Parameter information (e.g., expected sensing frequency band 600 GHz, "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and / or wireless sensing signal pattern, etc.) may be included to configure the "Supplemental SS-RL."

[0084] The secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1506, so the secondary ISAC xNB may establish and maintain SS-RL (e.g., in the 600 GHz band) and return a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request Acknowledgement" message via the Xn interface to the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1508. It may also perform the requested radio sensing operations (e.g., in the 600 GHz band) via SS-RL with the target UE.

[0085] After obtaining the "Sensing Result Information," the secondary ISAC xNB feeds the "Sensing Result Information" back to the master ISAC gNB via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report Procedure." This may include sending an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message including the available "Sensing Result Information" to the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1510. In response to obtaining the "Sensing Result Information," the master ISAC gNB may interpret, compile, and use them in block 1512 to assist UE imaging and attempt to achieve the additional radio sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" from SS-RL. The secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform radio sensing, via SS-RL, toward the target UE and reports the available "Sensing Result Information" to the master ISAC gNB until indicated to stop, for any reason, either by master ISAC gNB command or by itself.

[0086] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of communication for a modification request involving sense-assisted sensing. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which an SS-RL is already configured but is now modified. The master ISAC gNB and secondary ISAC xNB configure and maintain an MC-RL and an SC-RL, respectively (e.g., within the 26 GHz band) for wireless communication purposes with a target UE, and the secondary ISAC xNB also configures and maintains an SS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 6.5 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The SS-RL may be based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the secondary ISAC xNB and can be used to improve UE imaging management between the master ISAC gNB and the UE. For example, the master ISAC gNB may monitor the UE image based on sensing feedback from the secondary ISAC xNB to achieve the benefits of "sense-assisted sensing" via SS-RL. The master ISAC gNB may coordinate with the secondary ISAC xNB regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operational status.

[0087] The master ISAC gNB determines whether the SS-RL is sufficient. If there is not sufficient wireless sensing benefit for UE imaging management, the master ISAC gNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, block 1602. This may include sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message, block 1604, to the secondary ISAC xNB, including updated parameter information (e.g., expected new sensing frequency band 70 GHz, "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and / or wireless sensing signal pattern, etc.) to reconfigure the "Supplemental SS-RL."

[0088] The secondary ISAC xNB receives the request from the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1606. The secondary ISAC xNB may establish and maintain SS-RL (e.g., in the 70 GHz band), return a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request Acknowledgement" message to the master ISAC gNB via the Xn interface in block 1608, and further perform the requested radio sensing operation (e.g., in the 70 GHz band) via SS-RL with the target UE.

[0089] After obtaining the "Sensing Result Information," the secondary ISAC xNB feeds the "Sensing Result Information" back to the master ISAC gNB via the Xn interface via the "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report Procedure." This may include sending an "ISAC RAN Node Sensing Result Report" message including the available "Sensing Result Information" to the master ISAC gNB in ​​block 1610. In response to obtaining the "Sensing Result Information," the master ISAC gNB may interpret, compile, and use them in block 1612 to assist UE imaging and attempt to achieve the additional radio sensing benefits of "sensing-assisted sensing" from SS-RL. The secondary ISAC xNB continues to perform radio sensing, via SS-RL, toward the target UE and reports the available "Sensing Result Information" to the master ISAC gNB until indicated to stop for any reason, either by master ISAC gNB command or by itself.

[0090] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of communication for a modification request involving sense-assisted sensing. The master ISAC gNB and secondary ISAC xNB establish and maintain an MC-RL and SC-RL with a target UE, respectively, for wireless communication purposes (e.g., within the 3.5 GHz band). The secondary ISAC xNB also establishes and maintains an SS-RL with the same UE (e.g., within the 65 GHz band) for wireless sensing purposes. The SS-RL can be used to improve UE imaging management between the master ISAC gNB and the UE based on a radar-type mechanism implemented by the secondary ISAC xNB. For example, the master ISAC gNB can monitor the UE image based on sensing feedback from the secondary ISAC xNB via the SS-RL to achieve the benefits of "sense-assisted sensing." The master ISAC gNB may coordinate with the secondary ISAC xNB regarding their mutual wireless sensing capabilities, resources, and operational status.

[0091] The master ISAC gNB determines whether the SS-RL is sufficient. If not, there is no wireless sensing benefit for UE imaging management, and therefore the master ISAC gNB triggers a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Procedure" via the Xn interface, block 1702. This may include sending a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Request" message, block 1704, to the secondary ISAC xNB, including updated parameter information needed to reconfigure the "auxiliary SS-RL" (e.g., the expected new sensing frequency band 70 GHz, the "Sensing Result Information" reporting pattern, and / or the wireless sensing signal pattern, etc.).

[0092] In this embodiment, the secondary ISAC xNB denies the request from the master ISAC gNB for local resource reasons in block 1706. This may include replying with a "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Deny" message to the master ISAC gNB via the Xn interface in block 1708. This causes radio sensing operations (e.g., in the 65 GHz band) to cease to be performed via the existing SS-RL with the target UE, as in block 1710, and therefore no further benefit exists. In response to receiving the "Secondary ISAC RAN Node Modification Deny" message, the master ISAC gNB learns about the failure of the "auxiliary SS-RL" reconfiguration attempt with the secondary ISAC xNB and may take other action in block 1712.

[0093] The systems and processes described above may be encoded in a signal-bearing medium such as memory, a computer-readable medium, programmed into one or more integrated circuits, one or more processors, or processed by a controller or computer. The data may be analyzed in a computer system and used to generate a spectrum. If the method is implemented by software, the software may reside in a non-volatile or volatile memory that communicates with a memory, synchronizer, communication interface, or transmitter, resident in or interfaced with a storage device. The circuit or electronic device is designed to transmit data to another location. The memory may contain an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function. The described logical function or any system element may be implemented through optical circuitry, digital circuitry, source code, analog circuitry, analog sources such as analog electrical, audio, or video signals, or a combination. The software may be embodied in any computer-readable or signal-bearing medium for use by or in connection with an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Such a system may include a computer-based system, a processor-containing system, or another system that may selectively fetch instructions from an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device that may also execute the instructions.

[0094] "Computer-readable medium," "machine-readable medium," "propagating signal" medium, and / or "signal-bearing medium" may comprise any device that contains, stores, communicates, propagates, or transports software for use by or in connection with an instruction-executable system, apparatus, or device. Machine-readable media may alternatively be, but are not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. A non-exhaustive list of examples of machine-readable media would include electrically connected "electronic devices" having one or more wires, portable magnetic or optical disks, volatile memory such as random access memory "RAM," read-only memory "ROM," erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), or optical fibers. Machine-readable media may also include tangible media upon which software is printed so that the software can be stored electronically, as an image or in another format (e.g., through optical scanning), and then compiled and / or interpreted or otherwise processed. The processed media may then be stored in computer and / or machine memory.

[0095] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure. Other embodiments may also be utilized and derived from the present disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, the present disclosure and the figures should be considered illustrative, not restrictive.

[0096] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without any intention to intentionally limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any subsequent adaptations or modifications of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the description.

[0097] The phrase "coupled with" is defined to mean directly connected or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware and software-based components. Variations in the arrangement and type of components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different, or fewer components may be provided.

[0098] The above disclosed subject matter should be considered illustrative, not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, extensions, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and should not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method executed by a master node, the wireless communication method comprising: determining a need for sensing result information by determining that wireless sensing operation associated with an operating environment of a user equipment (UE) is currently inadequate; transmitting an integrated wireless sensing and communications (ISAC) node addition or modification request for the wireless sensing operation to a secondary node in response to determining the need; receiving an acknowledgment of the ISAC node addition or modification request from the secondary node; receiving, after acknowledging the ISAC node addition or modification request, a sensing result report generated by the secondary node based on wireless sensing operations performed by the secondary node on the operating environment of the UE; the master node adjusting wireless communication or sensing operations with the UE based on the report; A wireless communication method comprising:

2. The wireless communication method described in claim 1, wherein the ISAC node addition request causes the secondary node to connect to the UE.

3. The wireless communication method described in claim 1, wherein the UE is dual-connected to the master node and the secondary node.

4. The dual connection is a sensing radio link (S-RL) between the UE and the master node; a communication radio link (C-RL) between the UE and the master node; an S-RL between the UE and the secondary node, or C-RL between the UE and the secondary node 4. The wireless communication method of claim 3, comprising any combination of two of:

5. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the reports are received periodically or on demand.

6. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the master node receives the report in a single transmission, and the report includes multiple aggregated reports.

7. The wireless communication method of claim 1, comprising transmitting a request to the secondary node to stop the reporting.

8. A wireless communication method performed by a secondary node, the wireless communication method comprising: receiving an integrated wireless sensing and communications (ISAC) node addition or modification request for wireless sensing operations transmitted by a master node, the receiving of the ISAC node addition or modification request occurring in response to the master node determining that the wireless sensing operations associated with an operating environment of a user equipment (UE) are currently inappropriate; transmitting an acknowledgment of the ISAC node addition or modification request to the master node; performing radio sensing operations associated with the operating environment of the UE; Obtaining sensing result information of the operating environment of the UE from the wireless sensing operation; preparing a report of said sensing results; After acknowledging the ISAC node addition or modification request, transmitting the report to the master node in accordance with the ISAC node addition or modification request. A wireless communication method comprising:

9. The wireless communication method of claim 8, wherein the secondary node connects to the UE in response to receiving the ISAC node addition request.

10. The wireless communication method comprises: periodically performing the wireless sensing operation using the UE; periodically acquiring sensing result information based on the wireless sensing operation; periodically preparing said report based on said wireless sensing activity; periodically transmitting the report to the master node; The wireless communication method of claim 8, comprising:

11. The wireless communication method described in claim 8, comprising transmitting the report to the master node in a single transmission by aggregating multiple reports into the report.

12. The wireless communication method of claim 8, wherein the UE is dual-connected to the master node and the secondary node.

13. The dual connection is a sensing radio link (S-RL) between the UE and the master node; a communication radio link (C-RL) between the UE and the master node; an S-RL between the UE and the secondary node, or C-RL between the UE and the secondary node 13. The wireless communication method of claim 12, comprising any combination of two of:

14. Performing the wireless sensing operation using the UE, comprising: the secondary node performing the wireless sensing operation; or The secondary node assists the UE in performing the wireless sensing operation together.

9. The wireless communication method of claim 8, comprising at least one of:

15. The wireless communication method comprises: The master node uses the sensing result to assist in performing wireless communication or sensing operations with the UE. The wireless communication method of claim 8, further comprising:

16. An apparatus, comprising: a memory storing instructions; at least one processor in communication with said memory; Equipped with 8. An apparatus, wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the wireless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. An apparatus, comprising: a memory storing instructions; at least one processor in communication with said memory; Equipped with 16. An apparatus, wherein the at least one processor executes the instructions, and the at least one processor is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the wireless communication method of any one of claims 8 to 15.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, are configured to cause the computer to perform a wireless communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, are configured to cause the computer to perform a wireless communication method described in any one of claims 8 to 15.

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