Method for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network using a selected modulation and coding scheme

Abstract

A method for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network (10) using a selected modulation and coding scheme (MCS), comprising: - Receiving, by a first radio node (12) of the communication network (10), an MCS information from a second radio node (14) of the communication network (10), wherein the received MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12); - Selecting, by the first radio node (12), an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information; and - Initiating, by the first radio node (12), a transmission using the selected MCS.

Description

[0001] Specification

[0002] Title

[0003] Method for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network a selected modulation and coding scheme

[0004] The invention concerns a method for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network using a selected modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and a corresponding method for transmitting an MCS information to a radio node of a wireless communication network. Further, the invention concerns a first radio node, a second radio node, a computer program, and a non-transitory computer readable medium. Moreover, the invention concerns a control information message and a data carrier signal.

[0005] Background

[0006] In 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), the MCS index is used to determine the specific modulation and coding scheme to be applied for data transmission in wireless communication systems. It plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of data transmission.

[0007] The MCS index is used to signal the appropriate modulation scheme, which determines how the data is encoded and modulated onto the radio waves for transmission. Different modulation schemes have varying levels of complexity, data rate, and robustness against noise and interference.

[0008] Additionally, the MCS index also determines the coding scheme, which involves adding error correction codes to the data before transmission. These codes help in detecting and correcting errors that may occur during transmission, thereby improving the overall reliability of the communication link.

[0009] The selection of the MCS index by the base station (gNB) is typically based on the channel conditions, including factors such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and interference levels. By adapting the modulation and coding scheme based on the channel conditions, the MCS index allows for efficient utilization of the available radio resources and maximizes the data throughput while maintaining an acceptable level of reliability.

[0010] Typically, the MCS index is signaled through control channels or signaling messages exchanged between the base station and the user equipment (UE). One common method of signaling the MCS index is through the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The PDCCH carries control information, including the MCS index, to inform the UE about the MCS to be used for transmissions. The MCS index is typically included in the (downlink) control information as part of the Resource Block (RB) allocation.

[0011] Another method of signaling the MCS index is through higher-layer signaling messages. These messages are exchanged between the base station and the UE over dedicated control channels, such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0012] Integrated communication and sensing refers to the seamless integration of wireless communication capabilities with sensing functionalities within a network. It encompasses the capability of a wireless device or system to perform both communication tasks, such as transmitting and receiving data, and sensing tasks, such as collecting and analyzing environmental information. Depending on the specific task to be accomplished, different resource allocations, particularly different MCS are required.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network using a selected modulation and coding scheme.

[0015] The method according to the first aspect comprises:

[0016] Receiving, by a first radio node of the communication network, an MCS information from a second radio node of the communication network, wherein the received MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node;

[0017] Selecting, by the first radio node, an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information; and Initiating, by the first radio node, a transmission using the selected MCS.

[0018] The method according to the first aspect can be understood as a method for wireless communications, specifically of operating the first radio node, preferably a user equipment, of the wireless communication network.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for transmitting an MCS information to a radio node of a wireless communication network.

[0020] The method according to the second aspect comprises:

[0021] Transmitting, by a second radio node of the communication network, an MCS information to a first radio node of the communication network, wherein the MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0022] The method according to the second aspect can be understood as a method for wireless communications, specifically of operating the second radio node of the wireless communication network.

[0023] According to a third aspect, there is provided a first radio node, preferably a user equipment, of a wireless communication network. The first radio node element comprises a radio modem, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the first radio node to execute the method according to the first aspect, or its embodiments.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a second radio node of a wireless communication network. The second radio node comprises a radio modem, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the second radio node to execute the method according to the second aspect, or its embodiments.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising machine-readable instructions to cause the first radio node as defined by the third aspect to execute the method according the first aspect, and / or its embodiments, and / or the second radio node as defined by the fourth aspect to execute the method according the second aspect, and / or its embodiments.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program as defined by the fifth aspect.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a control information message, preferably transmitted on a physical control channel of a wireless communication network, comprising at least a first field and a second field, wherein the first field comprises a grant of radio resources for a transmission of a radio node of the communication network, and the second field comprises an MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission of the radio node using the granted radio resources, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the radio node.

[0028] The control information message can be embodied in a data structure comprising at least the first and the second field.

[0029] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a data carrier signal carrying the computer program as defined by the sixth aspect, or the control information message as defined by the seventh aspect.

[0030] The wireless communication network may be configured as a cellular network, preferably according to 3GPP specifications, or as a wireless Local Area Network (LAN), preferably according to IEEE specifications. The wireless communication network comprises at least the first radio node and the second radio node. The first radio node may be a user equipment, e.g., a connectivity unit of a vehicle, a smartphone, a wearable, or any other loT device. The first radio node may also be a radar unit capable of both wireless communication and radar sensing, specifically of joint or integrated communication and sensing. The second radio node may be a base station. According to an alternative embodiment, the first radio node may also be a base station. In this case, the second radio node may be configured as a network element of a core network.

[0031] The MCS information indicates that an MCS can be selected or chosen by the first radio node. In other words, the MCS information indicates the availability of at least two MCS options for the first radio node, without specifying which of the two MCS options should be used for a transmission.

[0032] The MCS information may be included as part of, or contained within, control information, preferably in the form of downlink control information (DCI). This downlink control information may be transmitted from the second radio node to the first radio node via a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Additionally, the control information may include a grant of radio resources, preferably for an uplink transmission. Here, the MCS is to be selected for initiating a transmission using the granted or allocated radio resources.

[0033] The MCS is selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs, preferably from a set of predetermined MCSs comprising or consisting of the at least two predetermined MCSs. In other words, the at least two predetermined MCSs constitute a set of MCS options, e.g., a set of Orthogonal Frequency Division (OFDM) structures, which are predefined and available for selection by the first radio node. These predetermined MCSs preferably differ in the ratio of radio resources allocated for communication and radio resources allocated for performing sensing, specifically radar sensing.

[0034] Additionally, they may differ in terms of modulation schemes, coding techniques, data rates, and error correction capabilities. The different predetermined MCS may be established based on the capabilities and requirements of the wireless communication network. They provide the first radio node with a range of choices to adapt to its specific transmission requirements, including both communication and sensing aspects. Selecting the MCS can be understood as choosing one specific MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information.

[0035] Initiating a transmission can be understood as any action performed by the first radio node to start or begin a transmission using the selected MCS. This may involve performing (radar) sensing, sending communication data, sending control signals, or any other form of wireless communication within the network using the chosen MCS. In other words, the initiated transmission is modulated and coded according to the selected MCS. The initiation process may include configuring the necessary parameters for the selected MCS.

[0036] The proposed solution addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating resources between the functionalities of (radar) sensing and (wireless) communication. It enables achieving a balanced allocation of resources within a single device, taking into consideration the specific task to be accomplished. By allowing a user equipment to autonomously select itself a suitable MCS based on the priority given to sensing or communication for the upcoming transmission, the inherent rigidity of the MCS index as defined in 3GPP TS 38.214 is effectively overcome. Consequently, this flexibility significantly enhances the performance of integrated sensing and communication.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the first radio node is configured to perform sensing of an environment of the first radio node using radio resources of the communication network, and the at least two predetermined MCSs differ by the ratio of radio resources allocated for communication and radio resources allocated for performing sensing.

[0038] Performing sensing preferably includes transmitting a radar waveform using the radio resources of the communication network. Preferably, performing sensing further includes receiving a reflection of the radar waveform of one or multiple objects or radar targets in an environment of the first radio node. The objects may be vehicles, vulnerable road users like pedestrians, infrastructure elements, buildings, etc.

[0039] For a first predetermined MCS, the ratio of the radio resources may be equal to one, i.e., 100% of the radio resources are allocated for communication (“communication intensive scheme”). For a second predetermined MCS, the ratio of the radio resources may be smaller than 1 and greater than 0.5, e.g., 0.85, i.e., 85% of the radio resources are allocated for communication and 15% of the radio resources are allocated for sensing (“default scheme”). For a third predetermined MCS, the ratio of the radio resources may be equal to 0.5, i.e., 50% of the radio resources are allocated for communication and 50% of the radio resources are allocated for sensing (“sensing intensive scheme”). For a fourth predetermined MCS, the ratio of the radio resources may be smaller than 0.5 and greater than 0, e.g., 0.25, i.e., 25% of the radio resources are allocated for communication and 75% of the radio resources are allocated for sensing. For a fifth predetermined MCS, the ratio of the radio resources may be equal to zero, i.e., 100% of the radio resources are allocated for sensing.

[0040] By flexibly allocating different ratios of radio resources for communication and sensing, the method allows for efficient utilization of network resources. This ensures that the wireless communication network can perform both communication and sensing tasks effectively without compromising performance.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the transmission is initiated for performing (radar) sensing, by the first radio node, of the environment of the first radio node using radio resources of the communication network to generate sensing data. Here, the allocated radio resources may be partly or entirely used for performing radar sensing, depending on the selected MCS. This allows the first radio node to initiate a transmission specifically for performing sensing of its environment. Consequently, sensing data are generated, which can be used for various purposes such as environmental monitoring.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprises Initiating, by the first radio node, a further transmission for transmitting the generated sensing data.

[0043] For the further transmission, radio resources granted with the control information comprising the MCS information may be used. Alternatively, additional radio resources may be requested from the second radio node by the first radio node, either with or without an MCS information allowing for flexible MCS selection by the first radio node. This allows for efficient transmission of the generated sensing data to the desired destination, preferably the network, or a further radio node, for processing, analysis, or storage. According to an alternative, the sensing data generated by the first radio node is already available to the first radio node when the MCS information is received. In other words, performing (radar) sensing is not required. In this case, the transmission is initiated for transmitting the available sensing data using the selected MCS. Accordingly, an MCS with radio resources entirely allocated to communication is selected by the first radio node.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the MCS is selected based on whether the radio resources are used primarily for performing sensing or for communication. Specifically, the MCS is selected based on a specific task or objective to be achieved by the first radio node at a given time. For the task of performing sensing, the selected MCS may comprise a share of radio resources allocated for sensing of more than or equal to 50%, e.g., 75%, 90%, or even 100%. For the task of communication, specifically for transmitting already available sensing data, selected MCS may comprise a share of radio resources allocated for communication of more than or equal to 50%, e.g., 75%, 90%, or even 100%. This allows for optimized MCS selection, ensuring that the chosen MCS is best suited for the specific task at hand, whether it is sensing or communication.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprises Receiving, by the first radio node, further sensing data from a sensor connectable or connected with the first radio node, wherein the transmission and / or a further transmission is initiated for transmitting the received further sensing data.

[0046] The sensor can be selected from a group comprising: Radar, camera, lidar, ultrasonic sensor. Accordingly, the further sensing data may be radar data, image data, point clouds, or ultrasonic data. The sensor and the first radio node may be part of the same device, e.g., the same vehicle. The sensing data may be transmitted via a wired or wireless connection from the sensor to the first radio node. Preferably, also the further transmission is modulated and coded according to the selected MCS.

[0047] Prior to receiving the further sensing data, generating and / or transmitting the further sensing data may be requested by the first radio node. To this end, a request may be transmitted from the first radio node to the sensor. The request may be transmitted to the sensor in response to or triggered by receiving the MCS information and / or a request for providing sensing data transmitted from the second radio node.

[0048] By initiating transmissions for transmitting the received further sensing data with the selected MCS, the method enables the efficient integration of data from external sensors, enhancing the overall sensing capabilities of the wireless communication network.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the method further comprises Sending, by the first radio node, a request to the second radio node for requesting the MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0050] Vice versa, according to an embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises

[0051] Receiving, by the second radio node, a request from the first radio node for requesting the MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0052] The request may be transmitted via PUCCH from the first radio node to the second radio node, e.g., during a scheduling request of the first radio node. The MCS information may be transmitted from the second radio node to the first radio node in response to this request. This introduces a request mechanism for the first radio node to specifically request the option to flexibly and dynamically select the most efficient MCS for its tasks of sensing and / or communication.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises Receiving, by the second radio node, sensing data which are generated by the first radio node by performing sensing of an environment of the first radio node using radio resources of the communication network, and / or Receiving, by the second radio node, further sensing data which are generated by a sensor connectable or connected with the first radio node.

[0054] Here, the (further) sensing data is preferably modulated and coded according to the or a further selected MCS. As an example, for generating the sensing data by performing (radar) sensing a first (sensing intensive) MCS may be selected. For transmitting the generated sensing data, a second (communication intensive) MCS may be selected. The received (further) sensing data may be transmitted from the first radio node to the second radio node via Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0055] This allows the second radio node, specifically the network, to efficiently collect sensing data generated by the first radio node and / or further sensors connected with the first radio node, thus enabling a more comprehensive environmental monitoring or data collection.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the first and / or second aspect, the MCS information is represented by an MCS index, wherein a defined value of the MCS index indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node. Here, the MCS index may have a plurality of bits, e.g., one, two, three, or four octets, wherein one or multiple of the bits are used for indicating the option to select an MCS from one or multiple sets of predetermined MCSs, and wherein another one or multiple others of the bits are used for indicating one or multiple rigid MCSs. Preferably, the one or multiple sets of predetermined MCSs consist of different MCSs as defined by the one or multiple other bits.

[0057] In 3GPP TS 38.214, an MCS index table for PUSCH is specified (Table 6.1 .4.1 - 1). Here, the MCS Index provided by the network in DCI rigidly defines the MCS, i.e., Modulation Order, Target Code Rate, and Spectral efficiency, to be used by the first radio node (user equipment) for its transmissions.

[0058] The MCS index as defined in 3GPP TS 38.214: Table 6.1 .4.1 -1 (see Table 1) may be used for indicating that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node. To this end, one of the reserved bits corresponding to MCS Index IMCS = {28, 29, 30, 31} may be used. Here, each of the reserved bits may represent a different set of predetermined MCSs between which the first radio may select. The different sets may be overlapping or disjoint regarding the MCSs they contain. E.g., signaling an MCS Index IMCS = 28 may correspond to allowing the first radio node to select between the set of MCSs with IMCS = {0, 1, 2, ..., 6, 7}, signaling an MCS Index IMCS = 29 may correspond to allowing the first radio node to select between the set of MCSs with IMCS = {8, 9, 10, ..., 14, 15} etc. Alternatively, signaling an MCS Index IMCS = 28 may correspond to allowing the first radio node to select between the set of MCSs with IMCS = {0, 2, 4, 6, ..., 24, 26}, signaling an MCS Index IMCS = 29 may correspond to allowing the first radio node to select between the set of MCSs with IMCS = {0, 8, 16, 24}.

[0059] According to an alternative, one of the MCS indices already used according to 3GPP TS 38.214: Table 6.1.4.1 -1 , i.e., lMcs = {0, 1, 2, ..., 26, 27}, may be used as a default configuration to indicate that the first radio node is allowed to flexibly select an MCS for its transmissions.

[0060] This provides a standardized and efficient way to represent and communicate MCS information, simplifying the MCS selection process and ensuring compatibility between different radio nodes within the wireless communication network. Table 1 : 3GPP TS 38.214: Table 6.1.4.1 -1 : MCS index table for PUSCH with transform precoding and 64QAM.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless communication network comprising at least the first radio node according to the third aspect and the second radio node according to the fourth aspect.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating the wireless communication network. The method of operating the communication network comprises the steps of the method according to the first aspect, or its embodiments, and the steps of the method according to the second aspect, or its embodiments.

[0063] The non-transitory computer readable medium is preferably configured to store the computer program to be executed by a processor of the first LAN element and / or the second LAN element and / or the communication network. The non- transitory computer readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, and any other non-volatile storage device.

[0064] Description of the figures

[0065] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted in the figures, which are not to be construed as limiting the claims, and are explained in greater detail below.

[0066] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication network according to an aspect of the invention;

[0067] Fig. 2A,B,C schematically illustrate different predetermined modulation and coding schemes;

[0068] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates methods according to embodiments of the invention; and

[0069] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication network 10 according to an aspect of the invention. The communication network 10 is configured as a cellular communication network 10. The communication network 10 comprises a first radio node 12 and a second radio node 14. The first radio node 12 is configured as a user equipment 12 arranged in a vehicle 16. The second radio node 14 is configured a base station 14.

[0070] The first radio node 12 is configured to perform sensing, specifically radar sensing, of an environment of the first radio node with a plurality of objects 18 using radio resources of the communication network 10. In other words, the first radio node 12 is configured to use the radio resources for communication, e.g., transmitting control or communication data, and for radar sensing, e.g., transmitting a radar waveform and receiving a reflection of the radar waveform of one of the objects 18 in the environment.

[0071] The vehicle 16 comprises at least one additional sensor 20 for monitoring the environment of the vehicle 16. The additional sensor 20 can be selected from a group comprising: Radar, camera, lidar, ultrasonic sensor.

[0072] To enhance flexibility in balancing the allocation of radio resources for the first radio node 12 between communication and radar sensing, it is proposed to enable the first radio node 12 to choose between at least two predetermined MCSs. Here, the predetermined MCS differ by the ratio of radio resources allocated for communication and radio resources allocated for performing sensing.

[0073] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates different predetermined modulation and coding schemes from which one may be selected by the first radio node 12.

[0074] For Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), the available spectrum is divided in the frequency domain into multiple narrow subcarriers that are orthogonal to each other. Each subcarrier carries a portion of the data. Together, they enable the simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, increasing the overall data rate and spectral efficiency. A resource element consists of a single subcarrier in the frequency domain and a single symbol in the time domain. Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a default MCS that allocates a larger proportion of resources for communication than for sensing. In this embodiment, 14% of the resource elements RE-S are reserved for sensing, while 86% of the resource elements are reserved for communication RE-C. This default MCS may be used by the first radio node in a default state, e.g., as long as no request for performing sensing is received.

[0075] Fig. 2B illustrates an example of a default MCS that equally divides the radio resources between communication and sensing. Consequently, 50% of the resource elements RE-S are reserved for sensing, and the remaining 50% of the resource elements RE-C are reserved for communication. This sensing intensive scheme may be deployed when the first radio node is triggered to perform sensing. In this scheme, more radio resources are allocated for sensing while still allowing the first radio node to transmit communication data.

[0076] Fig. 2C illustrates an example of a default MCS that does not allocate any radio resources for sensing. Accordingly, 100% of the resource elements RE-C are reserved for communication. This communication intensive scheme may be used, e.g., for transmitting sensor data, like camera or radar data, with high data rate to the network.

[0077] For enabling the first radio node 12 to choose between at least two predetermined MCSs, the first radio node 12 comprises a radio modem, a non- transitory computer readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the first radio node 12 to execute the method according to the first aspect of the invention, and / or its embodiments, specifically as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4.

[0078] Additionally, the second radio node 14 comprises a radio modem, a non- transitory computer readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the second radio node 14 to execute the method according to the second aspect of the invention, and / or its embodiments, specifically as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates methods according to embodiments of the invention.

[0079] Fig. 3A schematically illustrates a method 100 for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network using a selected MCS according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0080] The method 100 comprises a step 110 of receiving, by a first radio node of the communication network, an MCS information from a second radio node of the communication network, wherein the received MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0081] Further, the method 100 comprises a step 120 of selecting, by the first radio node, an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information.

[0082] Besides, the method 100 comprises a step 130 of initiating, by the first radio node, a transmission using the selected MCS.

[0083] Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a method 200 for transmitting a MCS information to a radio node of a wireless communication network.

[0084] The method 200 comprises a step 210 of transmitting, by a second radio node of the communication network, a MCS information to a first radio node of the communication network, wherein the MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0085] Fig. 3C schematically illustrates a method 300 of operating a communication network 10. The method 300 of operating the communication network 10 comprises the methods 100, 200 according to the first and the second aspect.

[0086] The method 300 comprises a step 310 corresponding to step 210 of the method 200 of transmitting, by a second radio node of the communication network, a MCS information to a first radio node of the communication network, wherein the MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0087] The method 300 comprises a step 320 corresponding to step 110 of the method 100 of receiving, by the first radio node of the communication network, the MCS information from the second radio node of the communication network, wherein the received MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0088] The method 300 comprises a step 330 corresponding to step 120 of the method 100 of selecting, by the first radio node, an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information.

[0089] The method 300 comprises a step 340 corresponding to step 130 of the method 100 of initiating, by the first radio node, a transmission using the selected MCS.

[0090] The method 300 comprises a step 340 corresponding to step 140 of the method 100 of initiating, by the first radio node, a transmission using the selected MCS.

[0091] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method 400 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0092] In step 410, the method 400 is initiated. According to one embodiment, a request for initiating the method 400 may be transmitted from a first or a further radio node of the communication network, preferably a user equipment, to a second radio node, e.g., a base station, of the communication network. The triggering event, i.e., the reason why resource allocation for communication and / or performing sensing is initiated by the second radio node, may be a request from the first or another radio node. According to an alternative embodiment, initiating the method 400 by the second radio node is independent from a request of the first or the further radio node. Initiating the method 400 may also comprise selecting, preferably by the second radio node, a radio node, here, the first radio node, from a plurality of radio nodes assigned to the second radio node. When initiating the method 400, the selected (first) radio node is preferably in a default state, i.e., using a default MCS for transmissions. The default MCS may be determined by the second radio node. In step 420, a request for providing sensing data to the second radio node is received by the first radio node. The request is preferably transmitted from the second radio node to the first radio node.

[0093] In step 430, the request for providing sensing data is either explicitly or implicitly acknowledged by the first radio node. In other words, is it agreed by the first radio node to perform sensing and / or share sensing data or results with the second radio node. Alternatively, the request for providing sensing data may also be explicitly or implicitly rejected by the first radio node, e.g., by sending a transmission to the second radio node. Then, the method may continue with step 420. According to a further alternative, the first radio node may be mandated, e.g., due to an agreement between the first and the second radio node, to perform sensing and / or share the sensing data by the second radio node.

[0094] In step 440, a control information is transmitted from the second radio node to the first radio node is received. The control information may be configured as DCI transmitted on PDCCH. Preferably, the DCI comprises a grant of radio resources for a transmission of the first radio node, and respective transmission parameters. In other words, the first radio node is scheduled or configured by the second radio node for (uplink) transmissions. Furthermore, the DCI comprises an MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission of the first radio node using the granted radio resources, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0095] Preferably, the MCS information is represented by an MCS index contained in the DCI, wherein a defined value of the MCS index indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node.

[0096] Optionally, a transmission for requesting the MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node, may be transmitted from the first radio node to the second radio node prior to step 440, e.g., via Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). Here, both the MCS information and transmission resources for performing sensing and / or transmitting sensing data may be requested by the first radio node. In step 450, an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information. In other words, the received MCS index both enables and triggers the selection of a MCS between at least two available different MCS. Here, the at least two predetermined MCSs differ by the ratio of radio resources allocated for communication and radio resources allocated for performing sensing. Accordingly, the MCS is selected based on whether the radio resources are used primarily for performing sensing or for communication. More specifically, it is determined by the first radio node whether performing sensing to generate sensing data is required, or whether (already available) sensing data shall be transmitted. The available sensing data may have been generated by the first radio node prior to receiving the request or may be or have been provided by a sensor connectable or connected with the first radio node.

[0097] In step 460, sensing data from a sensor connected via a wired or wireless connection with the first radio node is received by the first radio node. The sensor may be the at least one additional sensor 20 of the vehicle 16 comprising the first radio node 12 according to Fig. 1 . In step 470, a transmission is initiated, by the first radio node, for transmitting the received sensing data to the second radio node and / or a further radio node of the communication network. Here, an MCS with a high ratio of radio resources for communication is selected by the first radio, e.g., the communication intensive scheme illustrated in Fig. 2C.

[0098] In step 480, as an addition or alternative to steps 460 and 470, a transmission is initiated for performing sensing, by the first radio node, of an environment of the first radio node using the granted radio resources to generate sensing data. In other words, radar sensing is performed by the first radio node by transmitting with the MCS selected by itself. Here, an MCS with a balanced ratio of radio resources for communication and for sensing is selected by the first radio, e.g., the sensing intensive scheme illustrated in Fig. 2B. Optionally, a sequence of different predetermined MCS may be used by the first radio node for subsequential sensing transmissions, as enabled by the proposed MCS information.

[0099] In step 490, a further transmission is initiated by the first radio node for transmitting the generated sensing data. To this end, further radio resources may be requested by the first radio node. Alternatively, the radio resources granted in step 440 may be used. With completion of step 470 and / or step 490, the first radio node may return to its default state, i.e., transmitting using a default MCS.

Claims

Claims1 . A method (100) for initiating a transmission in a wireless communication network (10) using a selected modulation and coding scheme (MCS), comprising:Receiving (110), by a first radio node (12) of the communication network (10), an MCS information from a second radio node (14) of the communication network (10), wherein the received MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12);Selecting (120), by the first radio node (12), an MCS from the at least two predetermined MCSs based on the received MCS information; and Initiating (130), by the first radio node (12), a transmission using the selected MCS.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the first radio node (12) is configured to perform sensing of an environment of the first radio node (12) using radio resources (RE-S) of the communication network (10), and the at least two predetermined MCSs differ by the ratio of radio resources (RE-C) allocated for communication and radio resources (RE-S) allocated for performing sensing.

3. The method (100) according to claim 2, wherein the transmission is initiated for performing sensing, by the first radio node (12), of the environment of the first radio node (12) using radio resources (RE-S) of the communication network (10) to generate sensing data.

4. The method (100) according to claim 3, further comprising:Initiating, by the first radio node (12), a further transmission for transmitting the generated sensing data.

5. The method (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the MCS is selected based on whether the radio resources are used primarily for performing sensing or for communication.

6. The method (100) according to one of the proceeding claims, further comprising:Receiving, by the first radio node (12), further sensing data from a sensor (20) connectable or connected with the first radio node (12), wherein the transmission and / or a further transmission is initiated for transmitting the received further sensing data.

7. The method (100) according to one of the proceeding claims, further comprising:Sending, by the first radio node (12), a request to the second radio node (14) for requesting the MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12).

8. A method (200) for transmitting a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information to a radio node of a wireless communication network (10), comprising:Transmitting (210), by a second radio node (14) of the communication network (10), a MCS information to a first radio node (12) of the communication network (10), wherein the MCS information indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12).

9. The method (200) according to claim 8, further comprising:Receiving, by the second radio node (14), a request from the first radio node (12) for requesting the MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12).

10. The method (200) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising:Receiving, by the second radio node (14), sensing data which are generated by the first radio node (12) by performing sensing of anenvironment of the first radio node (12) using radio resources (RE-S) of the communication network (10), and / orReceiving, by the second radio node (14), further sensing data which are generated by a sensor (20) connectable or connected with the first radio node (12).11 . The method(s) (100; 200) according to one of the proceeding claims, wherein the MCS information is represented by an MCS index, wherein a defined value of the MCS index indicates that, for a transmission, an MCS may be selected from the at least two predetermined MCSs by the first radio node (12).

12. A first radio node (12), preferably a user equipment (12), of a wireless communication network (10) comprising a radio modem, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine- readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the first radio node (12), preferably the user equipment (12), to execute the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or claim 11.

13. A second radio node (14) of a wireless communication network (10) comprising a radio modem, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine- readable instructions, and a processor configured to load and to execute the machine-readable instructions to cause the second radio node (14) to execute the method (200) according to one of claims 8 to 11 .

14. A computer program comprising machine-readable instructions to cause the first radio node (12), preferably the user equipment (12), according to claim 12 to execute the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or claim 11 , and / or the second radio node (14) according to claim 13 to execute the method (200) according to one of claims 8 to 11 .

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program according to claim 14.

16. A control information message, preferably transmitted on a physical control channel of a wireless communication network (10), comprising at least a first field and a second field, wherein the first field comprises a grant of radio resources (RE-C, RE-S) for a transmission of a radio node (12) of the communication network (10), and - the second field comprises an MCS information which indicates that, for a transmission of the radio node (12) using the granted radio resources (RE-C, RE-S), an MCS may be selected from at least two predetermined MCSs by the radio node (12).

17. A data carrier signal carrying the computer program of claim 15 or the control information message according to claim 16.

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