Adaptation of sensing resources for user equipment (UE) monostatic sensing

Abstract

Disclosed are techniques for wireless sensing. In some aspects, a network node may determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria. The network node may transmit, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

Description

Qualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO1ADAPTATION OF SENSING RESOURCES FOR USER EQUIPMENT (UE) MONOSTATIC SENSINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to wireless technologies.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication systems have developed through various generations, including a first-generation analog wireless phone service (1G), a second-generation (2G) digital wireless phone service (including interim 2.5G and 2.75G networks), a third-generation (3G) high speed data, Internet-capable wireless service and a fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). There are presently many different types of wireless communication systems in use, including cellular and personal communications service (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), etc.

[0003] A fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, referred to as New Radio (NR), enables higher data transfer speeds, greater numbers of connections, and better coverage, among other improvements. The 5G standard, according to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, is designed to provide higher data rates as compared to previous standards, more accurate positioning (e.g., based on reference signals for positioning (RS-P), such as downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals (PRS)), RF sensing, and other technical enhancements. These enhancements, as well as the use of higher frequency bands, enable improved RF sensing and 5G-based positioning.SUMMARY

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Thus, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview relating to all contemplated aspects, nor should the following summary be considered to identify key or critical elements relating to all contemplated aspects or to delineate theQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO2 scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the following summary has the sole purpose to present certain concepts relating to one or more aspects relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form to precede the detailed description presented below.

[0005] In some aspects, a method of wireless sensing at a network node includes determining, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmitting, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0006] In some aspects, a method of wireless sensing at a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and performing one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0007] In some aspects, a network node includes one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0008] In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) includes one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode isQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO3 determined based on one or more criteria; and perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0009] In some aspects, a network node includes means for determining, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and means for transmitting, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0010] In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) includes means for receiving, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and means for performing one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0011] In some aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to: determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmit, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0012] In some aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0013] Other obj ects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO4

[0014] The accompanying drawings are presented to aid in the description of various aspects of the disclosure and are provided solely for illustration of the aspects and not limitation thereof.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communications system, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 2 A, 2B, and 2C illustrate example wireless network structures, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that may be employed in a user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network entity, respectively, and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of a vehicle employing an integrated radar-camera sensor behind the windshield, according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate different types of wireless sensing, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an example call flow for a New Radio (NR)-based sensing procedure in which the network configures the sensing parameters, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of monostatic sensing performed by a vehicle, according aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 8 A, 8B and 8C illustrate examples of integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) operations, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of wireless sensing, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method of wireless sensing, according to aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Aspects of the disclosure are provided in the following description and related drawings directed to various examples provided for illustration purposes. Alternate aspects may be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of the disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the disclosure.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO5

[0026] Various aspects relate generally to wireless sensing. Some aspects more specifically relate to wireless sensing by a vehicle user equipment (UE). In some examples, the vehicle UE may perform one or more sensing operations using one or more sensing reference signal resources based on one of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes.

[0027] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by allowing a vehicle to perform one or more sensing operations regardless of whether the vehicle is within or without network coverage and regardless of whether the network coverage is in a sensing or non-sensing frequency band, the described techniques can be used by the vehicle to perform sensing operations to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects continuously or nearly continuously, thereby effectively and efficiently supporting advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) operations.

[0028] The words “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Likewise, the term “aspects of the disclosure” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0029] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description below may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the particular application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0030] Further, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of non- transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding setQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO6 of computer instructions that, upon execution, would cause or instruct an associated processor of a device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the aspects described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspects may be described herein as, for example, “logic configured to” perform the described action.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not intended to be specific or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise noted. In general, a UE may be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset locating device, wearable (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (loT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communications network. A UE may be mobile or may (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and may communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” may be referred to interchangeably as an “access terminal” or “AT,” a “client device,” a “wireless device,” a “subscriber device,” a “subscriber terminal,” a “subscriber station,” a “user terminal” or “UT,” a “mobile device,” a “mobile terminal,” a “mobile station,” or variations thereof. Generally, UEs can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network the UEs can be connected with external networks such as the Internet and with other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms of connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UEs, such as over wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specification, etc.) and so on.

[0032] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs in communication with UEs depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may be used primarily to support wireless access by UEs, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UEs. In some systems a base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions while in other systems it may provide additional control and / or network management functions.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO7A communication link through which UEs can send signals to a base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., a reverse traffic channel, a reverse control channel, an access channel, etc.). A communication link through which the base station can send signals to UEs is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, a control channel, a broadcast channel, a forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to either an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0033] The term “base station” may refer to a single physical transmission-reception point (TRP) or to multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, where the term “base station” refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be an antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. Where the term “base station” refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be an array of antennas (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming) of the base station. Where the term “base station” refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transport medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, the non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station receiving the measurement report from the UE and a neighbor base station whose reference radio frequency (RF) signals the UE is measuring. Because a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmission from or reception at a base station are to be understood as referring to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0034] In some implementations that support positioning of UEs, a base station may not support wireless access by UEs (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections for UEs), but may instead transmit reference signals to UEs to be measured by the UEs, and / or may receive and measure signals transmitted by the UEs. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when transmitting signals to UEs) and / or as a location measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from UEs).

[0035] An “RF signal” comprises an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transports information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO8However, the receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver may be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal” where it is clear from the context that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communications system 100, according to aspects of the disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labelled “BS”) and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macro cell base stations (high power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low power cellular base stations). In some aspects, the macro cell base stations 102 may include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or gNBs where the wireless communications system 100 corresponds to a NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0037] The base stations 102 may collectively form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC)) through backhaul links 122, and through the core network 170 to one or more location servers 172 (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP)). The location server(s) 172 may be part of core network 170 or may be external to core network 170. A location server 172 may be integrated with a base station 102. A UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 directly or indirectly. For example, a UE 104 may communicate with a location server 172 via the base station 102 that is currently serving that UE 104. A UE 104 may also communicate with a location server 172 through another path, such as via an application server (not shown), via another network, such as via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP 150 described below), and so on. For signaling purposes, communication between a UE 104 and a location server 172 may be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., through the core network 170, etc.) or a direct connection (e.g., as shown via direct connection 128), with the intervening nodes (if any) omitted from a signaling diagram for clarity.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO9

[0038] In addition to other functions, the base stations 102 may perform functions that relate to one or more of transferring user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC / 5GC) over backhaul links 134, which may be wired or wireless.

[0039] The base stations 102 may wirelessly communicate with the UEs 104. Each of the base stations 102 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110. In some aspects, one or more cells may be supported by a base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station (e.g., over some frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, band, or the like), and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCI), an enhanced cell identifier (ECI), a virtual cell identifier (VCI), a cell global identifier (CGI), etc.) for distinguishing cells operating via the same or a different carrier frequency. In some cases, different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband loT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that may provide access for different types of UEs. Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” may refer to either or both the logical communication entity and the base station that supports it, depending on the context. In some cases, the term “cell” may also refer to a geographic coverage area of a base station (e.g., a sector), insofar as a carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within some portion of geographic coverage areas 110.

[0040] While neighboring macro cell base station 102 geographic coverage areas 110 may partially overlap (e.g., in a handover region), some of the geographic coverage areas 110 may be substantially overlapped by a larger geographic coverage area 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (labelled “SC” for “small cell”) may have a geographic coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographic coverage area 110 ofQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO10 one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macro cell base stations may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0041] The communication links 120 between the base stations 102 and the UEs 104 may include uplink (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE 104 to a base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station 102 to a UE 104. The communication links 120 may use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication links 120 may be through one or more carrier frequencies. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to downlink and uplink (e.g., more or less carriers may be allocated for downlink than for uplink).

[0042] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 in communication with WLAN stations (STAs) 152 via communication links 154 in an unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the WLAN STAs 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen before talk (LBT) procedure prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

[0043] The small cell base station 102' may operate in a licensed and / or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell base station 102' may employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum as used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base station 102', employing LTE / 5G in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and / or increase capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in an unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, licensed assisted access (LAA), or MULTEFIRE®.

[0044] The wireless communications system 100 may further include a mmW base station 180 that may operate in millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies and / or near mmW frequencies in communication with a UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in this band may be referred to asQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO11 a millimeter wave. Near mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 millimeters. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, also referred to as centimeter wave. Communications using the mmW / near mmW radio frequency band have high path loss and a relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) over a mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Further, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also transmit using mmW or near mmW and beamforming. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed to limit the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0045] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing an RF signal in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omni-directionally). With transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal for the receiving device(s). To change the directionality of the RF signal when transmitting, a network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of the one or more transmitters that are broadcasting the RF signal. For example, a network node may use an array of antennas (referred to as a “phased array” or an “antenna array”) that creates a beam of RF waves that can be “steered” to point in different directions, without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF current from the transmitter is fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that the radio waves from the separate antennas add together to increase the radiation in a desired direction, while cancelling to suppress radiation in undesired directions.

[0046] Transmit beams may be quasi-co-located, meaning that they appear to the receiver (e.g., a UE) as having the same parameters, regardless of whether or not the transmitting antennas of the network node themselves are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relations. Specifically, a QCL relation of a given type means that certain parameters about a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is QCL Type A, the receiver can use the source referenceQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO12RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL Type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial receive parameter of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0047] In receive beamforming, the receiver uses a receive beam to amplify RF signals detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase the gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of an array of antennas in a particular direction to amplify (e.g., to increase the gain level of) the RF signals received from that direction. Thus, when a receiver is said to beamform in a certain direction, it means the beam gain in that direction is high relative to the beam gain along other directions, or the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain in that direction of all other receive beams available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to- interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signals received from that direction.

[0048] Transmit and receive beams may be spatially related. A spatial relation means that parameters for a second beam (e.g., a transmit or receive beam) for a second reference signal can be derived from information about a first beam (e.g., a receive beam or a transmit beam) for a first reference signal. For example, a UE may use a particular receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam for sending an uplink reference signal (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS)) to that base station based on the parameters of the receive beam.

[0049] Note that a “downlink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. If the UE is forming the downlink beam, however, it is a receive beam to receive the downlink reference signal. Similarly, an “uplink” beam may be either a transmit beam or a receiveQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO13 beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink receive beam, and if a UE is forming the uplink beam, it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0050] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency / wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “Sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) which is identified by the INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION® as a “millimeter wave” band.

[0051] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0052] With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0053] In a multi-carrier system, such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and theQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO14 remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCells.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by a UE 104 / 182 and the cell in which the UE 104 / 182 either performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels, and may be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). A secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that may be configured once the RRC connection is established between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier and that may be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only necessary signaling information and signals, for example, those that are UE-specific may not be present in the secondary carrier, since both primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell may have different downlink primary carriers. The same is true for the uplink primary carriers. The network is able to change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. This is done, for example, to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to a carrier frequency / component carrier over which some base station is communicating, the term “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0054] For example, still referring to FIG. 1, one of the frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 may be an anchor carrier (or “PCell”) and other frequencies utilized by the macro cell base stations 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers (“SCells”). The simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically lead to a two-fold increase in data rate (i.e., 40 MHz), compared to that attained by a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0055] In the example of FIG. 1, any of the illustrated UEs (shown in FIG. 1 as a single UE 104 for simplicity) may receive signals 124 from one or more Earth orbiting space vehicles (SVs) 112 (e.g., satellites). In some aspects, the SVs 112 may be part of a satellite positioning system that a UE 104 can use as an independent source of locationQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO15 information. A satellite positioning system typically includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SVs 112) positioned to enable receivers (e.g., UEs 104) to determine their location on or above the Earth based, at least in part, on positioning signals (e.g., signals 124) received from the transmitters. Such a transmitter typically transmits a signal marked with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code of a set number of chips. While typically located in SVs 112, transmitters may sometimes be located on ground-based control stations, base stations 102, and / or other UEs 104. A UE 104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signals 124 for deriving geo location information from the SVs 112.

[0056] In a satellite positioning system, the use of signals 124 can be augmented by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SB AS) that may be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example an SBAS may include an augmentation system(s) that provides integrity information, differential corrections, etc., such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), the Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the Global Positioning System (GPS) Aided Geo Augmented Navigation or GPS and Geo Augmented Navigation system (GAGAN), and / or the like. Thus, as used herein, a satellite positioning system may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0057] In some aspects, SVs 112 may additionally or alternatively be part of one or more nonterrestrial networks (NTNs). In an NTN, an SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to an element in a 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a terrestrial antenna) or a network node in a 5GC. This element would in turn provide access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately to entities external to the 5G network, such as Internet web servers and other user devices. In that way, a UE 104 may receive communication signals (e.g., signals 124) from an SV 112 instead of, or in addition to, communication signals from a terrestrial base station 102.

[0058] Leveraging the increased data rates and decreased latency of NR, among other things, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies are being implemented to support intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications, such as wirelessQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO16 communications between vehicles (vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)), between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure (vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)), and between vehicles and pedestrians (vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)). The goal is for vehicles to be able to sense the environment around them and communicate that information to other vehicles, infrastructure, and personal mobile devices. Such vehicle communication will enable safety, mobility, and environmental advancements that current technologies are unable to provide. Once fully implemented, the technology is expected to reduce unimpaired vehicle crashes by 80%.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 1, the wireless communications system 100 may include multiple V-UEs 160 that may communicate with base stations 102 over communication links 120 using the Uu interface (i.e., the air interface between a UE and a base station). V-UEs 160 may also communicate directly with each other over a wireless sidelink 162, with a roadside unit (RSU) 164 (a roadside access point) over a wireless sidelink 166, or with sidelink-capable UEs 104 over a wireless sidelink 168 using the PC5 interface (i.e., the air interface between sidelink-capable UEs). A wireless sidelink (or just “sidelink”) is an adaptation of the core cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that allows direct communication between two or more UEs without the communication needing to go through a base station. Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device- to-device (D2D) media-sharing, V2V communication, V2X communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications, etc. One or more of a group of V-UEs 160 utilizing sidelink communications may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102. Other V-UEs 160 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of a base station 102 or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station 102. In some cases, groups of V-UEs 160 communicating via sidelink communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each V-UE 160 transmits to every other V- UE 160 in the group. In some cases, a base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communications. In other cases, sidelink communications are carried out between V-UEs 160 without the involvement of a base station 102.

[0060] In some aspects, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may operate over a wireless communication medium of interest, which may be shared with other wireless communications between other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points, as well as other RATs. A “medium”QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO17 may be composed of one or more time, frequency, and / or space communication resources (e.g., encompassing one or more channels across one or more carriers) associated with wireless communication between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs.

[0061] In some aspects, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may be cV2X links. A first generation of cV2X has been standardized in LTE, and the next generation is expected to be defined in NR. cV2X is a cellular technology that also enables device-to-device communications. In the U.S. and Europe, cV2X is expected to operate in the licensed ITS band in sub- 6GHz. Other bands may be allocated in other countries. Thus, as a particular example, the medium of interest utilized by sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the licensed ITS frequency band of sub-6GHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this frequency band or cellular technology.

[0062] In some aspects, the sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may be dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) links. DSRC is a one-way or two-way short-range to mediumrange wireless communication protocol that uses the wireless access for vehicular environments (WAVE) protocol, also known as IEEE 802. l ip, for V2V, V2I, and V2P communications. IEEE 802.1 Ip is an approved amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard and operates in the licensed ITS band of 5.9 GHz (5.85-5.925 GHz) in the U.S. In Europe, IEEE 802.1 Ip operates in the ITS G5A band (5.875 - 5.905 MHz). Other bands may be allocated in other countries. The V2V communications briefly described above occur on the Safety Channel, which in the U.S. is typically a 10 MHz channel that is dedicated to the purpose of safety. The remainder of the DSRC band (the total bandwidth is 75 MHz) is intended for other services of interest to drivers, such as road rules, tolling, parking automation, etc. Thus, as a particular example, the mediums of interest utilized by sidelinks 162, 166, 168 may correspond to at least a portion of the licensed ITS frequency band of 5.9 GHz.

[0063] Alternatively, the medium of interest may correspond to at least a portion of an unlicensed frequency band shared among various RATs. Although different licensed frequency bands have been reserved for certain communication systems (e.g., by a government entity such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems, in particular those employing small cell access points, have recently extended operation into unlicensed frequency bands such as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) band used by wireless local area network (WLAN)QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO18 technologies, most notably IEEE 802.1 lx WLAN technologies generally referred to as “Wi-Fi.” Example systems of this type include different variants of CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, and so on.

[0064] Communications between the V-UEs 160 are referred to as V2V communications, communications between the V-UEs 160 and the one or more RSUs 164 are referred to as V2I communications, and communications between the V-UEs 160 and one or more UEs 104 (where the UEs 104 are P-UEs) are referred to as V2P communications. The V2V communications between V-UEs 160 may include, for example, information about the position, speed, acceleration, heading, and other vehicle data of the V-UEs 160. The V2I information received at a V-UE 160 from the one or more RSUs 164 may include, for example, road rules, parking automation information, etc. The V2P communications between a V-UE 160 and a UE 104 may include information about, for example, the position, speed, acceleration, and heading of the V-UE 160 and the position, speed (e.g., where the UE 104 is carried by a user on a bicycle), and heading of the UE 104.

[0065] Note that although FIG. 1 only illustrates two of the UEs as V-UEs (V-UEs 160), any of the illustrated UEs (e.g., UEs 104, 152, 182, 190) may be V-UEs. In addition, while only the V-UEs 160 and a single UE 104 have been illustrated as being connected over a sidelink, any of the UEs illustrated in FIG. 1, whether V-UEs, P-UEs, etc., may be capable of sidelink communication. Further, although only UE 182 was described as being capable of beam forming, any of the illustrated UEs, including V-UEs 160, may be capable of beam forming. Where V-UEs 160 are capable of beam forming, they may beam form towards each other (i.e., towards other V-UEs 160), towards RSUs 164, towards other UEs (e.g., UEs 104, 152, 182, 190), etc. Thus, in some cases, V-UEs 160 may utilize beamforming over sidelinks 162, 166, and 168.

[0066] The wireless communications system 100 may further include one or more UEs, such as UE 190, that connects indirectly to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. In the example of FIG. 1, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations 102 (e.g., through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain cellular connectivity) and a D2D P2P link 194 with WLAN STA 152 connected to the WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 may indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity). In an example, the D2D P2PQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO19 links 192 and 194 may be supported with any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WI-FI DIRECT®, BLUETOOTH®, and so on. As another example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 may be sidelinks, as described above with reference to sidelinks 162, 166, and 168.

[0067] FIG. 2A illustrates an example wireless network structure 200. For example, a 5GC 210 (also referred to as a Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be viewed functionally as control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212, (e.g., UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.) which operate cooperatively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210 and specifically to the user plane functions 212 and control plane functions 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, an ng-eNB 224 may also be connected to the 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to the control plane functions 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane functions 212. Further, ng-eNB 224 may directly communicate with gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, a Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNBs 224 and gNBs 222. Either (or both) gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein).

[0068] Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which may be in communication with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance for UE(s) 204. The location server 230 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The location server 230 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). Further, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively may be external to the core network (e.g., a third party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or service server).

[0069] FIG. 2B illustrates another example wireless network structure 240. A 5GC 260 (which may correspond to 5GC 210 in FIG. 2A) can be viewed functionally as control planeQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO20 functions, provided by an access and mobility management function (AMF) 264, and user plane functions, provided by a user plane function (UPF) 262, which operate cooperatively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transport for session management (SM) messages between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) and a session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy services for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transport for short message service (SMS) messages between the UE 204 and the short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with an authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives the intermediate key that was established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on a UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) subscriber identity module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves the security material from the AUSF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include security context management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF that it uses to derive access-network specific keys. The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230), transport for location services messages between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, evolved packet system (EPS) bearer identifier allocation for interworking with the EPS, and UE 204 mobility event notification. In addition, the AMF 264 also supports functionalities for non-3GPP® (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0070] Functions of the UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point of interconnect to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport level packet marking in the uplink and downlink,QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO21 downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding of one or more “end markers” to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 may also support transfer of location services messages over a user plane between the UE 204 and a location server, such as an SLP 272.

[0071] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic steering at the UPF 262 to route traffic to the proper destination, control of part of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface over which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the Ni l interface.

[0072] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which may be in communication with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for UEs 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UEs 204 that can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). The SLP 272 may support similar functions to the LMF 270, but whereas the LMF 270 may communicate with the AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UEs 204 over a control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols intended to convey signaling messages and not voice or data), the SLP 272 may communicate with UEs 204 and external clients (e.g., third-party server 274) over a user plane (e.g., using protocols intended to carry voice and / or data like the transmission control protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0073] Yet another optional aspect may include a third-party server 274, which may be in communication with the LMF 270, the SLP 272, the 5GC 260 (e.g., via the AMF 264 and / or the UPF 262), the NG-RAN 220, and / or the UE 204 to obtain location information (e.g., a location estimate) for the UE 204. As such, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a location services (LCS) client or an external client. The third- party server 274 can be implemented as a plurality of separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules spread across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternately may each correspond to a single server.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO 1

[0074] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC 260, and specifically the UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively, to one or more gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 in the NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the AMF 264 is referred to as the “N2” interface, and the interface between gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 and the UPF 262 is referred to as the “N3” interface. The gNB(s) 222 and / or ng-eNB(s) 224 of the NG-RAN 220 may communicate directly with each other via backhaul connections 223, referred to as the “Xn-C” interface. One or more of gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 over a wireless interface, referred to as the “Uu” interface.

[0075] The functionality of a gNB 222 may be divided between a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs) 228, and one or more gNB radio units (gNB-RUs) 229. A gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes the base station functions of transferring user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, and the like, except for those functions allocated exclusively to the gNB-DU(s) 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 generally host the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB 222. A gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that generally hosts the radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC) layer of the gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, and one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU 226 and the one or more gNB-DUs 228 is referred to as the “Fl” interface. The physical (PHY) layer functionality of a gNB 222 is generally hosted by one or more standalone gNB-RUs 229 that perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between a gNB-DU 228 and a gNB-RU 229 is referred to as the “Fx” interface. Thus, a UE 204 communicates with the gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, with a gNB-DU 228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and with a gNB-RU 229 via the PHY layer.

[0076] Deployment of communication systems, such as 5G NR systems, may be arranged in multiple manners with various components or constituent parts. In a 5G NR system, or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a RAN node, a core network node, a network element, or a network equipment, such as a base station, or one or more units (or one or more components) performing base station functionality,QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO23 may be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, AP, TRP, cell, etc.) may be implemented as an aggregated base station (also known as a standalone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station.

[0077] An aggregated base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A disaggregated base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more units (such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed throughout one or multiple other RAN nodes. The DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU and RU also can be implemented as virtual units, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0078] Base station-type operation or network design may consider aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, disaggregated base stations may be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (0-RAN (such as the network configuration sponsored by the 0-RAN ALLIANCE®)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C- RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as distributing functionality for at least one unit virtually, which can enable flexibility in network design. The various units of the disaggregated base station, or disaggregated RAN architecture, can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0079] FIG. 2C illustrates an example disaggregated base station architecture 250, according to aspects of the disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 250 may include one or more central units (CUs) 280 (e.g., gNB-CU 226) that can communicate directly with a core network 267 (e.g., 5GC 210, 5GC 260) via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 267 through one or more disaggregated base station units (such as a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) 259 via an E2 link, or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC 257 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework 255, or both). A CU 280 may communicate with oneQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO24 or more DUs 285 (e.g., gNB-DUs 228) via respective midhaul links, such as an Fl interface. The DUs 285 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 287 (e.g., gNB-RUs 229) via respective fronthaul links. The RUs 287 may communicate with respective UEs 204 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE 204 may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs 287.

[0080] Each of the units, i.e., the CUs 280, the DUs 285, the RUs 287, as well as the Near-RT RICs 259, the Non-RT RICs 257 and the SMO Framework 255, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the communication interfaces of the units, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, the units can include a wired interface configured to receive or transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units. Additionally, the units can include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter or transceiver (such as a RF transceiver), configured to receive or transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.

[0081] In some aspects, the CU 280 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions can include RRC, PDCP, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), or the like. Each control function can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 280. The CU 280 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit - User Plane (CU- UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., Central Unit - Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 280 can be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. The CU-UP unit can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface, such as the El interface when implemented in an 0-RAN configuration. The CU 280 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 285, as necessary, for network control and signaling.

[0082] The DU 285 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions to control the operation of one or more RUs 287. In some aspects, the DU 285 may host one or more of a RLC layer, a MAC layer, and one or more high PHY layersQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO25(such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, or the like) depending, at least in part, on a functional split, such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). In some aspects, the DU 285 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) can be implemented with an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 285, or with the control functions hosted by the CU 280.

[0083] Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RUs 287. In some deployments, an RU 287, controlled by a DU 285, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions, or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or the like), or both, based at least in part on the functional split, such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, the RU(s) 287 can be implemented to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 204. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU(s) 287 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 285. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable the DU(s) 285 and the CU 280 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0084] The SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements which may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an 01 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework 255 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 269) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an 02 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs 280, DUs 285, RUs 287 and Near-RT RICs 259. In some implementations, the SMO Framework 255 can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 261, via an 01 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework 255QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO26 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 287 via an 01 interface. The SMO Framework 255 also may include a Non-RT RIC 257 configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework 255.

[0085] The Non-RT RIC 257 may be configured to include a logical function that enables non- real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updates, or policy -based guidance of applications / features in the Near-RT RIC 259. The Non-RT RIC 257 may be coupled to or communicate with (such as via an Al interface) the Near- RT RIC 259. The Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to include a logical function that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions over an interface (such as via an E2 interface) connecting one or more CUs 280, one or more DUs 285, or both, as well as an O-eNB, with the Near-RT RIC 259.

[0086] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the Near-RT RIC 259, the Non-RT RIC 257 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from external servers. Such information may be utilized by the Near-RT RIC 259 and may be received at the SMO Framework 255 or the Non-RT RIC 257 from non-network data sources or from network functions. In some examples, the Non-RT RIC 257 or the Near-RT RIC 259 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the Non-RT RIC 257 may monitor long-term trends and patterns for performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO Framework 255 (such as reconfiguration via 01) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as Al policies).

[0087] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate several example components (represented by corresponding blocks) that may be incorporated into a UE 302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs described herein), a base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations described herein), and a network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including the location server 230 and the LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent from the NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in FIGS. 2 A and 2B, such as a private network) to support the operations described herein. It will be appreciated that these components may be implemented in different types of apparatuses in different implementations (e.g., in anQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO27ASIC, in a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components may also be incorporated into other apparatuses in a communication system. For example, other apparatuses in a system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Also, a given apparatus may contain one or more of the components. For example, an apparatus may include multiple transceiver components that enable the apparatus to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0088] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means fortuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown), such as an NR network, an LTE network, a GSM network, and / or the like. The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., some set of time / frequency resources in a particular frequency spectrum). The WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 include one or more transmitters 314 and 354, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0089] The UE 302 and the base station 304 each also include, at least in some cases, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for refraining from transmitting, etc.) with other network nodes, such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc., via at least one designated RAT (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE Direct, BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, Z-WAVE®, PC5, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), wirelessQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO28 access for vehicular environments (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra- wideband (UWB), etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest. The short- range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be variously configured for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, and so on), respectively, and, conversely, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, and so on), respectively, in accordance with the designated RAT. Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364, respectively, for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362, respectively, for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be Wi-Fi transceivers, BLUETOOTH® transceivers, ZIGBEE® and / or Z-WAVE® transceivers, NFC transceivers, UWB transceivers, or vehi cl e-to- vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to- everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0090] The UE 302 and the base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, satellite signal interfaces 330 and 370, which each include one or more satellite signal receivers 332 and 372, respectively, and may optionally include one or more satellite signal transmitters 334 and 374, respectively. In some cases, the base station 304 may be a terrestrial base station that may communicate with space vehicles (e.g., space vehicles 112) via the satellite signal interface 370. In other cases, the base station 304 may be a space vehicle (or other non-terrestrial entity) that uses the satellite signal interface 370 to communicate with terrestrial networks and / or other space vehicles.

[0091] The satellite signal receivers 332 and 372 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Where the satellite signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 are satellite positioning system receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be global positioning system (GPS) signals, global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) signals, etc. Where the satellite signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 are nonterrestrial network (NTN) receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals (e.g., carrying control and / or user data)QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO29 originating from a 5G network. The satellite signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 may comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The satellite signal receiver(s) 332 and 372 may request information and operations as appropriate from the other systems, and, at least in some cases, perform calculations to determine locations of the UE 302 and the base station 304, respectively, using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0092] The optional satellite signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374, when present, may be connected to the one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for transmitting satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Where the satellite signal transmitted s) 374 are satellite positioning system transmitters, the satellite positioning / communication signals 378 may be GPS signals, GLONASS® signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, NAVIC, QZSS signals, etc. Where the satellite signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374 are NTN transmitters, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals (e.g., carrying control and / or user data) originating from a 5G network. The satellite signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374 may comprise any suitable hardware and / or software for transmitting satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. The satellite signal transmitter(s) 334 and 374 may request information and operations as appropriate from the other systems.

[0093] The base station 304 and the network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, providing means for communicating (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, the base station 304 may employ the one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, the network entity 306 may employ the one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base station 304 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or with other network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0094] A transceiver may be configured to communicate over a wired or wireless link. A transceiver (whether a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver) includes transmitterQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO30 circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). A transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., embodying transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry in a single device) in some implementations, may comprise separate transmitter circuitry and separate receiver circuitry in some implementations, or may be embodied in other ways in other implementations. The transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit “beamforming,” as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, that permits the respective apparatus (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming, as described herein. In some aspects, the transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry may share the same plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the respective apparatus can only receive or transmit at a given time, not both at the same time. A wireless transceiver (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include a network listen module (NUM) or the like for performing various measurements.

[0095] As used herein, the various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may generally be characterized as “a transceiver,” “at least one transceiver,” or “one or more transceivers.” As such, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver may be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers will generally relate to signaling via a wired transceiver, whereas wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) will generally relate to signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0096] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 also include other components that may be used in conjunction with the operations as disclosed herein. TheQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO31UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include one or more processors 342, 384, and 394, respectively, for providing functionality relating to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functionality. The processors 342, 384, and 394 may therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In some aspects, the processors 342, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0097] The UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 include memory circuitry implementing memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device), respectively, for maintaining information (e.g., information indicative of reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, and so on). The memories 340, 386, and 396 may therefore provide means for storing, means for retrieving, means for maintaining, etc. In some cases, the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may include an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) component 348, 388, and 398, respectively. The ISAC component 348, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuits that are part of or coupled to the processors 342, 384, and 394, respectively, that, when executed, cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, the ISAC component 348, 388, and 398 may be external to the processors 342, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, the ISAC component 348, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in the memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, that, when executed by the processors 342, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. FIG. 3A illustrates possible locations of the ISAC component 348, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the memory 340, the one or more processors 342, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG. 3B illustrates possible locations of the ISAC component 388, which may be, for example, part of the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the memory 386, the one orQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO32 more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component. FIG. 3C illustrates possible locations of the ISAC component 398, which may be, for example, part of the one or more network transceivers 390, the memory 396, the one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component.

[0098] The UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to the one or more processors 342 to provide means for sensing or detecting movement and / or orientation information that is independent of motion data derived from signals received by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or the satellite signal interface 330. By way of example, the sensor(s) 344 may include an accelerometer (e.g., a micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric pressure altimeter), and / or any other type of movement detection sensor. Moreover, the sensor(s) 344 may include a plurality of different types of devices and combine their outputs in order to provide motion information. For example, the sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and orientation sensors to provide the ability to compute positions in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0099] In addition, the UE 302 includes a user interface 346 providing means for providing indications (e.g., audible and / or visual indications) to a user and / or for receiving user input (e.g., upon user actuation of a sensing device such a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, and so on). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0100] Referring to the one or more processors 384 in more detail, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 may be provided to the processor 384. The one or more processors 384 may implement functionality for an RRC layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The one or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information blocks (SIBs)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with headerQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO33 compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through automatic repeat request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0101] The transmitter 354 and the receiver 352 may implement Layer- 1 (LI) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer- 1, which includes a physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of the transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation / demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The transmitter 354 handles mapping to signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator may be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE 302. Each spatial stream may then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. The transmitter 354 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0102] At the UE 302, the receiver 312 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 316. The receiver 312 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 342. The transmitter 314 and the receiver 312 implement Layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. TheQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO34 receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 302, they may be combined by the receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The receiver 312 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station 304. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by a channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and de-interleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the one or more processors 342, which implements Layer-3 (L3) and Layer-2 (L2) functionality.

[0103] In the downlink, the one or more processors 342 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. The one or more processors 342 are also responsible for error detection.

[0104] Similar to the functionality described in connection with the downlink transmission by the base station 304, the one or more processors 342 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIBs) acquisition, RRC connections, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0105] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 may be used by the transmitter 314 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. TheQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO35 spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 may be provided to different antenna(s) 316. The transmitter 314 may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0106] The uplink transmission is processed at the base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE 302. The receiver 352 receives a signal through its respective antenna(s) 356. The receiver 352 recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the one or more processors 384.

[0107] In the uplink, the one or more processors 384 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 may be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0108] For convenience, the UE 302, the base station 304, and / or the network entity 306 are shown in FIGS. 3 A, 3B, and 3C as including various components that may be configured according to the various examples described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated components may have different functionality in different designs. In particular, various components in FIGS. 3A to 3C are optional in alternative configurations and the various aspects include configurations that may vary due to design choice, costs, use of the device, or other considerations. For example, in case of FIG. 3 A, a particular implementation of UE 302 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 310 (e.g., a wearable device or tablet computer or personal computer (PC) or laptop may have Wi-Fi and / or BLUETOOTH® capability without cellular capability), or may omit the short- range wireless transceiver(s) 320 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal interface 330, or may omit the sensor(s) 344, and so on. In another example, in case of FIG. 3B, a particular implementation of the base station 304 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi “hotspot” access point without cellular capability), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 360 (e.g., cellular-only, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal interface 370, and so on. For brevity, illustration of the various alternative configurations is not provided herein, but would be readily understandable to one skilled in the art.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO36

[0109] The various components of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may be communicatively coupled to each other over data buses 308, 382, and 392, respectively. In some aspects, the data buses 308, 382, and 392 may form, or be part of, a communication interface of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306, respectively. For example, where different logical entities are embodied in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality incorporated into the same base station 304), the data buses 308, 382, and 392 may provide communication between them.

[0110] The components of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, the components of FIGS. 3 A, 3B, and 3C may be implemented in one or more circuits such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the UE 302 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the base station 304 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). Also, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by processor and memory component(s) of the network entity 306 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of processor components). For simplicity, various operations, acts, and / or functions are described herein as being performed “by a UE,” “by a base station,” “by a network entity,” etc. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, acts, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as the processors 342, 384, 394, the transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, the memories 340, 386, and 396, the ISAC component 348, 388, and 398, etc.

[0111] In some designs, the network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, the network entity 306 may be distinct from a network operator or operation of the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, the network entity 306 may be a component of a privateQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO37 network that may be configured to communicate with the UE 302 via the base station 304 or independently from the base station 304 (e.g., over a non-cellular communication link, such as Wi-Fi).

[0112] Modem motor vehicles are increasingly incorporating technology that helps drivers avoid drifting into adjacent lanes or making unsafe lane changes (e.g., lane departure warning (LDW)), or that warns drivers of other vehicles behind them when they are backing up, or that brakes automatically if a vehicle ahead of them stops or slows suddenly (e.g., forward collision warning (FCW)), among other things. The continuing evolution of automotive technology aims to deliver even greater safety benefits, and ultimately deliver automated driving systems (ADS) that can handle the entire task of driving without the need for user intervention.

[0113] There are six levels that have been defined to achieve full automation. At Level 0, the human driver does all the driving. At Level 1, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on the vehicle can sometimes assist the human driver with either steering or braking / accelerating, but not both simultaneously. At Level 2, an ADAS on the vehicle can itself actually control both steering and braking / accelerating simultaneously under some circumstances. The human driver must continue to pay full attention at all times and perform the remainder of the driving tasks. At Level 3, an ADS on the vehicle can itself perform all aspects of the driving task under some circumstances. In those circumstances, the human driver must be ready to take back control at any time when the ADS requests the human driver to do so. In all other circumstances, the human driver performs the driving task. At Level 4, an ADS on the vehicle can itself perform all driving tasks and monitor the driving environment, essentially doing all of the driving, in certain circumstances. The human need not pay attention in those circumstances. At Level 5, an ADS on the vehicle can do all the driving in all circumstances. The human occupants are just passengers and need never be involved in driving.

[0114] Autonomous and semi-autonomous driving safety technologies use a combination of hardware (sensors, cameras, and radar) and software to help vehicles identify certain safety risks so they can warn the driver to act (in the case of an ADAS), or act themselves (in the case of an ADS), to avoid a crash. A vehicle outfitted with an ADAS or ADS includes one or more camera sensors mounted on the vehicle that capture images of the scene in front of the vehicle, and also possibly behind and to the sides of the vehicle.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO38Radar systems may also be used to detect objects along the road of travel, and also possibly behind and to the sides of the vehicle. Radar systems utilize RF waves to determine the range, direction, speed, and / or altitude of the objects along the road. More specifically, a transmitter transmits pulses of RF waves that bounce off any object(s) in their path. The pulses reflected off the object(s) return a small part of the RF waves’ energy to a receiver, which is typically located at the same location as the transmitter. The camera and radar are typically oriented to capture their respective versions of the same scene.

[0115] A processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), within the vehicle analyzes the captured camera images and radar frames and attempts to identify objects within the captured scene. Such objects may be other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, objects within the road of travel, etc. The radar system provides reasonably accurate measurements of object distance and velocity in various weather conditions. However, radar systems typically have insufficient resolution to identify features of the detected objects. Camera sensors, however, typically do provide sufficient resolution to identify object features. The cues of object shapes and appearances extracted from the captured images may provide sufficient characteristics for classification of different objects. Given the complementary properties of the two sensors, data from the two sensors can be combined (referred to as “fusion”) in a single system for improved performance.

[0116] To further enhance ADAS and ADS systems, especially at Level 3 and beyond, autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles may utilize high definition (HD) map datasets, which contain significantly more detailed information and true-ground-absolute accuracy than those found in current conventional resources. Such HD maps may provide accuracy in the 7-10 cm absolute ranges, highly detailed inventories of all stationary physical assets related to roadways, such as road lanes, road edges, shoulders, dividers, traffic signals, signage, paint markings, poles, and other data useful for the safe navigation of roadways and intersections by autonomous / semi-autonomous vehicles. HD maps may also provide electronic horizon predictive awareness, which enables autonomous / semi-autonomous vehicles to know what lies ahead.

[0117] Note that an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be, but need not be, a V-UE. Likewise, a V-UE may be, but need not be, an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is a vehicle outfitted with an ADAS or ADS.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO39A V-UE is a vehicle with cellular connectivity to a 5G or other cellular network. An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that uses, or is capable of using, cellular techniques for positioning and / or navigation is a V-UE.

[0118] Referring now to FIG. 4, a V2X-capable vehicle 400 (referred to as an “ego vehicle” or a “host vehicle”) is illustrated that includes a radar-camera sensor module 420 located in the interior compartment of the V2X-capable vehicle 400 behind the windshield 462. The radar-camera sensor module 420 includes a radar component configured to transmit radar signals through the windshield 462 in a horizontal coverage zone 465 (shown by dashed lines), and receive reflected radar signals that are reflected off of any objects within the horizontal coverage zone 465. The radar-camera sensor module 420 further includes a camera component for capturing images based on light waves that are seen and captured through the windshield 462 in a horizontal coverage zone 460 (shown by dashed lines).

[0119] Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the radar component and the camera component are co-located components in a shared housing, as will be appreciated, they may be separately housed in different locations within the V2X-capable vehicle 400. For example, the camera may be located as shown in FIG. 4, and the radar component may be located in the grill or front bumper of the V2X-capable vehicle 400. Additionally, although FIG. 4 illustrates the radar-camera sensor module 420 located behind the windshield 462, it may instead be located in a rooftop sensor array, or elsewhere. Further, although FIG. 4 illustrates only a single radar-camera sensor module 420, as will be appreciated, the V2X-capable vehicle 400 may have multiple radar-camera sensor modules 420 pointed in different directions (to the sides, the front, the rear, etc.). The various radar-camera sensor modules 420 may be under the “skin” of the vehicle (e.g., behind the windshield 462, door panels, bumpers, grills, etc.) or within a rooftop sensor array.

[0120] The radar-camera sensor module 420 may detect one or more (or none) objects relative to the V2X-capable vehicle 400. In the example of FIG. 4, there are two objects, vehicles 470 and 480, within the horizontal coverage zones 460 and 465 that the radar-camera sensor module 420 can detect. The radar-camera sensor module 420 may estimate parameters (attributes) of the detected object(s), such as the position, range, direction, speed, size, classification (e.g., vehicle, pedestrian, road sign, etc.), and the like. The radar-camera sensor module 420 may be employed onboard the V2X-capable vehicle 400QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO40 for automotive safety applications, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), FCW, collision mitigation or avoidance via autonomous braking, LDW, and the like.

[0121] Co-locating the camera and radar permits these components to share electronics and signal processing, and in particular, enables early radar-camera data fusion. For example, the radar and camera may be integrated onto a single board. A joint radar-camera alignment technique may be employed to align both the radar and the camera. However, co-location of the radar and camera is not required to practice the techniques described herein.

[0122] Wireless communication signals (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals configured to carry orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in accordance with a wireless communications standard, such as LTE, NR, etc.) transmitted between a UE and a base station can be used for environment sensing (also referred to as “RF sensing” or “wireless sensing”). Using wireless communication signals for environment sensing can be regarded as consumer-level wireless sensing with advanced detection capabilities that enable, among other things, touchless / device-free interaction with a device / system. The wireless communication signals may be cellular communication signals, such as LTE or NR signals, WLAN signals, such as Wi-Fi signals, etc. As a particular example, the wireless communication signals may be an OFDM waveform as utilized in LTE and NR. High-frequency communication signals, such as millimeter wave (mmW) RF signals, are especially beneficial to use as sensing signals because the higher frequency provides, at least, more accurate range (distance) detection.

[0123] Possible use cases of RF sensing include health monitoring use cases, such as heartbeat detection, respiration rate monitoring, and the like, gesture recognition use cases, such as human activity recognition, keystroke detection, sign language recognition, and the like, contextual information acquisition use cases, such as location detection / tracking, direction finding, range estimation, and the like, and automotive sensing use cases, such as smart cruise control, collision avoidance, and the like.

[0124] There are different types of sensing, including monostatic sensing (also referred to as “active sensing”) and bistatic sensing (also referred to as “passive sensing”). FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate these different types of sensing. Specifically, FIG. 5A is a diagram 500 illustrating a monostatic sensing scenario and FIG. 5B is a diagram 530 illustrating a bistatic sensing scenario. In FIG. 5A, the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) are coQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO41 located in the same sensing device 504 (e.g., a UE). The sensing device 504 transmits one or more RF sensing signals 534 (e.g., uplink or sidelink positioning reference signals (PRS) where the sensing device 504 is a UE), and some of the RF sensing signals 534 reflect off a target object 506 (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)). The sensing device 504 can measure various properties (e.g., times of arrival (ToAs), angles of arrival (AoAs), phase shift, etc.) of the reflections 536 of the RF sensing signals 534 to determine characteristics of the target object 506 (e.g., size, shape, speed, motion state, etc.).

[0125] In FIG. 5B, the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) are not co-located, that is, they are separate devices (e.g., a UE and a base station). Note that while FIG. 5B illustrates using a downlink RF signal as the RF sensing signal 532, uplink RF signals or sidelink RF signals can also be used as RF sensing signals 532. In a downlink scenario, as shown, the transmitter device 502 is a base station (e.g., a gNB) and the receiver device 508 is a UE (e.g., a mobile phone, a V2X-capable vehicle, a roadside unit (RSU), etc.), whereas in an uplink scenario, the transmitter device 502 is a UE and the receiver device 508 is a base station. Where the transmitter device 502 is a base station and the receiver device 508 a UE, the sensing is referred to as UE-assisted sensing. In UE-assisted sensing, the position of receiver device 508 should be known by the network (e.g., by GPS or other UE positioning method).

[0126] Referring to FIG. 5B in greater detail, the transmitter device 502 transmits RF sensing signals 532 and 534 (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) to the receiver device 508, but some of the RF sensing signals 534 reflect off a target object 506. The receiver device 508 (also referred to as the “sensing device”) can measure the times of arrival (ToAs) of the RF sensing signals 532 received directly from the transmitter device 502 and the ToAs of the reflections 536 of the RF sensing signals 534 reflected from the target object 506.

[0127] More specifically, as described above, a transmitter device (e.g., a base station) may transmit a single RF signal or multiple RF signals to a receiver device (e.g., a UE). However, the receiver may receive multiple RF signals corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. Each path may be associated with a cluster of one or more channel taps. Generally, the time at which the receiver detects the first cluster of channel taps is considered the ToA of the RF signal on the line-of-site (LOS) path (i.e., the shortest path between the transmitter and the receiver). Later clusters of channel taps are considered to haveQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO42 reflected off objects between the transmitter and the receiver and therefore to have followed non-LOS (NLOS) paths between the transmitter and the receiver.

[0128] Thus, referring back to FIG. 5B, the RF sensing signals 532 followed the LOS path between the transmitter device 502 and the receiver device 508, and the RF sensing signals 534 followed an NLOS path between the transmitter device 502 and the receiver device 508 due to reflecting off the target object 506. The transmitter device 502 may have transmitted multiple RF sensing signals 532, 534, some of which followed the LOS path and others of which followed the NLOS path. Alternatively, the transmitter device 502 may have transmitted a single RF sensing signal in a broad enough beam that a portion of the RF sensing signal followed the LOS path (RF sensing signal 532) and a portion of the RF sensing signal followed the NLOS path (RF sensing signal 534).

[0129] Based on the ToA of the LOS path, the ToA of the NLOS path, and the speed of light, the receiver device 508 can determine the distance to the target object(s). For example, the receiver device 508 can calculate the distance to the target object as the difference between the ToA of the LOS path and the ToA of the NLOS path multiplied by the speed of light. In addition, if the receiver device 508 is capable of receive beamforming, the receiver device 508 may be able to determine the general direction to a target object 506 as the direction (angle) of the receive beam on which the RF sensing signal following the NLOS path was received. That is, the receiver device 508 may determine the direction to the target object 506 as the AoA of the RF sensing signal, which is the angle of the receive beam used to receive the RF sensing signal. The receiver device 508 may then optionally report this information to the transmitter device 502, its serving base station, an application server associated with the core network, an external client, a third-party application, or some other sensing entity. Alternatively, the receiver device 508 may report the ToA measurements to the transmitter device 502, or other sensing entity (e.g., if the receiver device 508 does not have the processing capability to perform the calculations itself), and the transmitter device 502 may determine the distance and, optionally, the direction to the target object 506.

[0130] Note that if the RF sensing signals are uplink RF signals transmitted by a UE to a base station, the base station would perform object detection based on the uplink RF signals just like the UE does based on the downlink RF signals.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO43

[0131] Like conventional wireless sensing, wireless communication-based sensing signals can be used to estimate the range (distance), velocity (Doppler), and angle (AoA) of a target object. However, the performance (e.g., resolution and maximum values of range, velocity, and angle) may depend on the design of the reference signal.

[0132] FIG. 6 illustrates an example call flow 600 for an NR-based sensing procedure (e.g., a bistatic sensing procedure) in which the network configures the sensing parameters, according to aspects of the disclosure. Although FIG. 6 illustrates a network-coordinated sensing procedure, the sensing procedure could be coordinated over sidelink channels.

[0133] At stage 605, a sensing server 670 (e.g., inside or outside the core network) sends a request for network (NW) information to a gNB 622 (e.g., the serving gNB of a UE 604). The request may be for a list of the UE’s 604 serving cell and any neighboring cells. At stage 610, the gNB 622 sends the requested information to the sensing server 670. At stage 615, the sensing server 670 sends a request for sensing capabilities to the UE 604. At stage 620, the UE 604 provides its sensing capabilities to the sensing server 670.

[0134] At stage 625, the sensing server 670 sends a configuration to the UE 604 indicating one or more reference signal (RS) resources that will be transmitted for sensing. The reference signal resources may be transmitted by the serving and / or neighboring cells identified at stage 610. In some cases, the NR-based sensing procedure illustrated in FIG. 6 may be a sensing-only procedure or a joint communication and sensing (JCS) procedure. In the case of a sensing-only procedure, the reference signal resources may be reference signal resources specifically configured for sensing purposes. In the case of a JCS procedure, the reference signal resources may be reference signal resources for communication that can also be used for sensing purposes. Alternatively, the reference signal resources for sensing may be multiplexed (e.g., time-division multiplexed) with reference signal resources for communication. For example, the reference signal resources for communication may be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, while the reference signal resources for sensing may be a frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) waveform.

[0135] At stage 630, the sensing server 670 sends a request for sensing information to the UE 604. The UE 604 then measures the transmitted reference signals and, at stage 635, sends the measurements, or any sensing results determined from the measurements, to the sensing server 670.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO44

[0136] In some aspects, the communication between the UE 604 and the sensing server 670 may be via the LTE positioning protocol (LPP). The communication between the sensing server 670 and the gNB may be via NR positioning protocol type A (NRPPa).

[0137] In modern automobiles, ISAC systems are being implemented to reduce hardware cost by integrating communication and sensing functions, such as radar sensing functions. For example, a vehicle UE may perform sensing operations to detect surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and / or other objects by transmitting RF signals and receiving echoes of the RF signals in monostatic radar sensing operations.

[0138] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may perform monostatic sensing operations in a licensed spectrum for automotive use. In some implementations, the vehicle UE may transmit sensing signals in the same frequency band that has been designated for communications. For example, the vehicle UE may perform sensing operations using a millimeter wave band that is also licensed for communications (e.g., 28 GHz in the current generation or FR3 in next generation cellular networks).

[0139] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of monostatic sensing performed by a vehicle, according aspects of the disclosure. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, a first vehicle 702 may use its monostatic sensing function to detect a second vehicle 704 on a road 706. The second vehicle 704 may travel in the same direction as the first vehicle 702 or in a different direction, for example. In a monostatic sensing operation, the first vehicle 702 may transmit a radar beam 708 and detect the second vehicle 704 by sensing an echo reflected from the second vehicle 704. In some implementations, the first vehicle 702 may be a vehicle UE (e.g., UE 302) or a V2X-capable vehicle (e.g., V2X-capable vehicle 600) equipped with ISAC functions for both communication and radar sensing.

[0140] In some aspects, a sensing reference signal (S-RS) may be specified for sensing in an ISAC system to meet stringent sensing requirements for automobiles. In some aspects, resources used for S-RS transmission may be configured or allocated by a network (e.g., by a gNB). In some implementations, the vehicle UE transmitting the S-RS for sensing the range, location and / or velocity of a target may be full-duplex capable, that is, capable of transmitting a sensing signal and detecting the sensing signal reflected from the target by the same transceiver.

[0141] In some aspects, automobiles may have certain special requirements with regard to their sensing operations. For example, automotive sensing may need to be ‘always-on’ whileQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO45 in operation. For automotive applications, sensing results from an IS AC system may be provided to the ADAS to allow the ADAS to make vehicle maneuvering decisions based on the sensing results. In some scenarios, the ADAS may make maneuvering decisions based on sensing results from the ISAC system together with one or more inputs from one or more additional sensors (e.g., cameras, infrared sensors, LIDARs, etc.).

[0142] In some applications (e.g., ADAS applications), the vehicle UE may need to continuously transmit and receive sensing signals (e.g., in a periodical manner) in an automotive radar context. The vehicle UE may need to update its sensing results for the ADAS to make its vehicle maneuvering decisions relatively frequently, with a period of 100 milliseconds (ms) per update, which is equivalent to a radar update rate of 10 updates per second, for example.

[0143] In some scenarios, however, the network deployment or coverage of a mobile network operator (MNO) may vary from place to place. In some areas, there may be good network coverage, while in others, there may be poor or no network coverage. In some scenarios, the network coverage or deployment of an MNO may be different depending on its strategy. For example, some MNOs may deploy lower-frequency networks (e.g., in sub- 6 GHz bands) for broader coverage, whereas higher-frequency networks (e.g., in millimeter wave bands) may be deployed only in limited areas.

[0144] In some automotive applications such as ADAS applications, the vehicle UE may need to be able to perform its monostatic sensing operations regardless of network coverage and / or deployment, as it must maintain an “always-on” state for sensing operations to support real-time ADAS operations, including real-time maneuvering decisions.

[0145] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate examples of ISAC operations, according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 8A depicts an example of a network having a base station 802 providing millimeter wave (denoted as “mmWave”) coverage. A first vehicle 804 may communicate with the base station 802, which may grant the first vehicle 804 sensing resources for performing sensing operations in a millimeter wave band. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the first vehicle 804 may perform monostatic sensing operations by transmitting millimeter wave signals and detecting echoes of those signals from a second vehicle 806 and a pedestrian 808, for example.

[0146] FIG. 8B depicts an example of a network having a base station 822 that does not provide millimeter wave coverage, but provides communication coverage at a lower frequencyQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO46(e.g., sub-6 GHz). A first vehicle 824 may communicate with the base station 822, which may grant the first vehicle 824 sensing resources for performing sensing operations in a millimeter wave band, even though the first vehicle 824 may not be able to communicate with the base station 822 in the millimeter wave band. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the first vehicle 824 may perform monostatic sensing operations by transmitting millimeter wave signals and detecting echoes of those signals from a second vehicle 826 and a pedestrian 828, for example.

[0147] FIG. 8C depicts an example in which a first vehicle 844 is out of cellular coverage of a communication network. In some aspects, the first vehicle 844 may be pre-authorized or pre-configured with sensing resources to perform monostatic sensing operations. In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the first vehicle 844 may perform monostatic sensing operations by transmitting millimeter wave signals and detecting echoes of those signals from a second vehicle 846 and a pedestrian 848, by using pre-authorized or preconfigured sensing resources, for example.

[0148] As a vehicle moves from one location to another, the network coverage experienced by the UE of the vehicle may vary. For example, a vehicle may move from a millimeter wave network coverage area to a lower-frequency (e.g., sub-6 GHz) network coverage area, or vice versa. The vehicle may move from an area with cellular network coverage (e.g., millimeter wave or sub-6 GHz) to an area without cellular network coverage, or vice versa. In some implementations, the vehicle UE may be using millimeter wave band sensing signals for monostatic sensing operations regardless of whether the vehicle UE is within network coverage (e.g., in a millimeter wave or lower-frequency band) or out of network coverage.

[0149] In some implementations, resource allocation and / or availability for a vehicle UE to perform sensing operations may depend on network coverage. For example, in an area with network coverage in a frequency band used for sensing, sensing resources for the vehicle UE may be configured or allocated by the network by considering tradeoffs or balancing the needs between communication and sensing operations.

[0150] In an area without network coverage in a frequency band used for sensing operations but with network coverage in a different frequency band (e.g., a communication frequency band), the network may still be able to manage resources used for sensing operations. For example, the network may allocate sensing resources via a communication link for theQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO47 vehicle UE to perform sensing operations in a frequency band (e.g., a millimeter wave band) different from the frequency band used for the communication link.

[0151] In an area without network coverage, a vehicle may need to continue its sensing operations to support its ADAS operations. In some aspects, one or more preauthorization mechanisms may be provided to allow the vehicle UE to use sensing resources pre-authorized by the MNO to continually perform sensing operations when the vehicle UE is out of network coverage.

[0152] In some aspects, multiple options may be provided to the vehicle UE for sensing operations in various scenarios. In some aspects, the vehicle UE may request UE-specific sensing reference signal resources, and the network may grant such UE-specific sensing reference signal resources based on a determination that one or more certain conditions are satisfied. For example, UE-specific sensing reference signal resources may be granted when the vehicle UE is within network coverage and is permitted to use a sensing signal frequency band (e.g., a millimeter wave band) to transmit sensing signals.

[0153] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may be pre-authorized or pre-granted certain sensing reference signal resources for sensing operations. The vehicle UE may select one or more sensing reference signal resources from the pre-authorized sensing reference signal resources for transmitting sensing signals in case the vehicle UE is out of coverage area of the network, for example.

[0154] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may request and the network may configure a resource set which includes a set of sensing reference signal resources for the vehicle UE. The vehicle UE may select one or more sensing reference signal resources from the resource set for its sensing operations, regardless of whether the vehicle UE is in or out of network coverage.

[0155] In some aspects, the network may select one of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes for a vehicle UE, depending on one or more criteria, such as the location of the vehicle UE, the coverage status of the vehicle UE, a cell search by the vehicle UE, signal measurements by the vehicle UE, and / or other criteria, for example. In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission modes may include a UE- specific sensing reference signal transmission mode (denoted as “Mode 1”), in which the vehicle UE may request from the network UE-specific resources for sensing referenceQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO48 signal transmission. In some implementations, the vehicle UE may transmit the request to the network via MAC signaling or RRC signaling, for example.

[0156] Upon receiving the request for UE-specific sensing reference signal resources, the network may configure or grant UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit sensing signals. In some implementations, the network may transmit an allocation of UE-specific sensing reference signal resources via downlink signaling, for example, via a downlink control information (DCI) message, a medium access controlcontrol element (MAC-CE) message, an RRC message, or any combination thereof. For example, an RRC message may be used to configure a resource semi-statically, while a DCI message may be used to activate a resource or to trigger a transmission.

[0157] After receiving an allocation of UE-specific sensing reference signal resources from the network, the vehicle UE may be allowed to transmit sensing signals by utilizing only the resources configured by the network and granted to the vehicle UE.

[0158] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission modes may include a preauthorized sensing reference signal transmission mode (denoted as “Mode 2”), in which the network may pre-authorize the vehicle UE to transmit sensing reference signals for sensing operations in a licensed spectrum of the network. In some implementations, the licensed spectrum for sensing signal transmissions may be in a millimeter wave band, for example.

[0159] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may be allowed or pre-authorized to select resources for sensing signal transmission in the sensing frequency band as one of the options in Mode 2 (denoted as “Mode 2-Option 1”). In some aspects, the pre-authorization may indicate numerology of the resources. For example, in some implementations, the preauthorization granted to the vehicle UE may include one or more frame / slot numbers and / or a time boundary in which sensing signal transmissions are allowed. In some aspects, the frame / slot numbers and the time boundary may be determined based on a synchronization with GNSS.

[0160] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may be pre-authorized to select only resources in certain uplink slots within the sensing frequency band as a second option in Mode 2 (denoted as “Mode 2-Option 2”). In some aspects, the uplink slots may be determined based on a time division multiplexing (TDD) configuration, one or more frame / slot numbers, and a time boundary based on a synchronization with GNSS. For the TDD configuration, preQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO49 authorized sensing reference signal resources may be configured for the vehicle UE while it is within network coverage, for example. Alternatively, a default TDD configuration may be pre-determined or pre-configured for the vehicle UE to minimize potential interference with cellular communications while the vehicle UE is within network coverage.

[0161] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may be pre-authorized or pre-configured with a set of sensing reference signal resources (e.g., in a resource pool) in the sensing frequency band as a third option in Mode 2 (denoted as “Mode 2-Option 3”). The UE may select one or more sensing reference signal resources from the resource pool to perform its sensing operations.

[0162] In some aspects, the pre-authorization message may be received by the vehicle UE from the network while the vehicle UE is within a coverage area of the network. In some aspects, the pre-authorization message may be transmitted by the network to the vehicle UE in a mobility control information element, for example.

[0163] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission modes may include a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode (denoted as “Mode 3”), in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the vehicle UE. The vehicle UE may select one or more sensing reference signal resources from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the vehicle UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0164] In some aspects, the network may allow the vehicle UE to transmit sensing signals in the configured sensing reference signal transmission mode when the vehicle UE is out of network coverage in the sensing frequency band, but is in network coverage in a different frequency band (e.g., a non-sensing or communication frequency band).

[0165] In some aspects, the vehicle UE may request from the network sensing reference signal resources for sensing signal transmissions in Mode 3. Upon receiving the request form the vehicle UE, the network may configure a set of sensing reference signal resources and transmit an allocation of the set of resources to the vehicle UE.

[0166] Upon receiving the allocation from the network, the vehicle UE may select one or more resources from the set of resources for transmitting one or more sensing signals in a sensing operation.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO50

[0167] In some aspects, the network may determine the sensing reference signal transmission mode for the vehicle UE based on an identification of the coverage status of the vehicle UE. In some implementations, the coverage status of a given vehicle UE may be either in coverage or out of coverage. For example, the coverage status of a vehicle UE may be determined to be “in coverage” when the vehicle UE is within coverage of at least one cell of the network, regardless of whether the frequency band of the cell is a sensing frequency band or a non-sensing frequency band (e.g., a frequency band for communication only). In some implementations, the coverage status of a vehicle UE may have more than two possibilities, including, for example, in coverage of a sensing frequency band, in coverage of a non-sensing frequency band, and out of coverage.

[0168] In some aspects, the coverage status of a vehicle UE may be based at least in part on one or more cell searches and / or measurements by the vehicle UE. For example, the network may determine that the vehicle UE is out of coverage based on one or more of the following conditions: (1) the vehicle UE cannot identify a suitable cell (although there may be acceptable cell identified); or (2) the vehicle UE cannot identify an acceptable cell. In some aspects, the network may determine the coverage status as to whether the vehicle UE is in coverage of a suitable or acceptable cell in a sensing frequency band.

[0169] In some aspects, the network may determine the sensing reference signal transmission mode or option for the vehicle UE based on its identified coverage status. For example, the network may select Mode 1 when the vehicle UE is in network coverage of any cell. Otherwise, the network may select Mode 2 and one of the options under Mode 2 (e.g., Mode 2-Option 1, Mode 2-Option 2, or Mode 2-Option 3) for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations. In another example, the network may select Mode 3 for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations when the vehicle UE is out of coverage in the sensing frequency band but is in coverage of a non-sensing frequency band (e.g., a communication frequency band).

[0170] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission mode for the vehicle UE may be determined based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement at the vehicle UE relative to one or more RSRP thresholds. For example, an RSRP threshold may be specified in a standard or configured for the vehicle UE by the network. In another example, two RSRP thresholds may be specified in a standard or configured for the vehicle UE for sensing transmit signal adaptation.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO51

[0171] In some aspects, a single RSRP threshold may be specified or configured. For example, if the RSRP of a cell associated with a sensing frequency band measured at the vehicle UE is above the RSRP threshold, then the network may select Mode 1 for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations. Otherwise, the network may select Mode 2 (e.g., Mode 2- Option 1, Mode 2-Option 2, or Mode 2-Option 3) for sensing operations.

[0172] In another example, if the RSRP of any of the cells (regardless of whether the frequency band is a sensing or non-sensing frequency band) measured at the vehicle UE is above the RSRP threshold, then the network may select Mode 1 for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations. Otherwise, the network may select Mode 2 (e.g., Mode 2-Option 1, Mode 2-Option 2, or Mode 2-Option 3) for sensing operations.

[0173] In some aspects, two RSRP thresholds may be specified or configured. For example, a first RSRP threshold (denoted as “RSRP1”) may be specified or configured for cells in a sensing frequency band, and a second RSRP threshold (denoted as “RSRP2”) may be specified or configured for cells in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0174] In some aspects, Mode 1 may be selected for the vehicle UE if (1) the measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is above RSRP2, or (2) the measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is above RSRP1. Otherwise, Mode 2 may be selected for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations.

[0175] In some aspects, two RSRP thresholds (i.e., RSRP1 and RSRP2) may be specified or configured as above, with the condition that RSRP1 for the sensing frequency band is greater than RSRP2 for the non-sensing frequency band.

[0176] In some implementations, when the measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is less than RSRP2, then Mode 2-Option 1 may be selected for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations. In this scenario, the vehicle UE may use all slots for transmitting sensing signals.

[0177] In some implementations, when the measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is greater than RSRP2 but less than RSRP1, then Mode 2-Option 2 or Mode 3 -Option 3 may be selected for the vehicle UE to perform sensing operations. Under Mode 2-Option 2, the vehicle UE may use only certain uplink slots for transmitting the sensing signals. Under Mode 2-Option 3, the vehicle UE may select from a set of pre-authorized or preconfigured sensing reference signal resources (or a resource pool) and use that resource for transmitting sensing signals. When the measured RSRP in the sensing frequency bandQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO52 is greater than RSRP 1 , then Mode 1 may be used by the vehicle UE to transmit the sensing signals.

[0178] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission mode selected for the vehicle UE to perform its sensing operations may be determined based at least in part on the location of the vehicle UE. In some implementations, the vehicle UE may be preconfigured with a set of locations, where a particular sensing reference signal transmission mode may be used when the vehicle UE is in one of the pre-configured locations.

[0179] In some aspects, potential locations of a vehicle UE may be pre-configured in various manners. For example, a location may be represented by one or more zones (e.g., according to zone definition in the 3GPP specification). In some aspects, a zone index and a corresponding sensing reference signal transmission mode may be pre-configured or pre-authorized for the vehicle UE. In other examples, the location may be represented by geographical coordinates of the UE, geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon, geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle, or any combination thereof. In some aspects, the network may pre-authorize the vehicle UE to transmit sensing reference signals (e.g., Mode 2 transmission) when the vehicle UE is in one of the pre-configured or pre-authorized zones.

[0180] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission mode may be determined for the UE based on its real-time location. In some implementations, the real-time geographical coordinates of the vehicle UE may be available to the network. If the vehicle UE is identified to be within a location configured for a particular sensing reference signal transmission mode, then the vehicle UE may use that mode for sensing signal transmission.

[0181] For example, if the vehicle UE is pre-configured with a set of locations, when the UE is within one of the pre-configured locations, then Mode 2 and one of the options under Mode 2 (e.g., Mode 2-Option 1, Mode 2-Option 2, or Mode 2-Option 3) may be used for transmitting sensing signals.

[0182] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission mode may be selected and switched dynamically for the vehicle UE. For example, the sensing reference signal transmission mode may switch from Mode 1 to Mode 2 based on one or more RSRPQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO53 measurements by the UE or a change in its coverage status (provided that the vehicle UE has obtained pre-authorization from the network to switch to Mode 2).

[0183] In another example, the vehicle UE may transmit a request to the network to switch from Mode 1 to Mode 3 (or vice versa) based on one or more criteria (e.g., one or more RSRP measurements and / or a change in coverage status). The network may signal a change of the sensing reference signal transmission mode from Mode 1 to Mode 3 (or vice versa) based on the request from the vehicle UE.

[0184] In another example, the UE may report its RSRP measurements or coverage status to the network, and the network may determine whether to change the sensing reference signal transmission mode from Mode 1 to Mode 3 (or vice versa) and signal that change to the vehicle UE.

[0185] In some aspects, the sensing reference signal transmission mode may switch from Mode 2 to Mode 1 based on a request by the vehicle UE. For example, after the vehicle UE determines that the measured RSRP has met the RSRP threshold and / or a suitable or acceptable cell has become available, thereby indicating that the vehicle UE has moved into the coverage area of a network, then the vehicle UE may request the network to switch its transmission mode from Mode 2 to Mode 1.

[0186] Additionally and / or alternatively, to assure sensing service continuity for a vehicle UE, a set of sensing reference signal resources may be pre-configured by the network. The vehicle UE may select one or more resources from the set of sensing reference signal resources for sensing signal transmission before it establishes a connection with the network.

[0187] In some aspects, the set of resources sensing reference signal resources may be preconfigured or pre-authorized in various manners. For example, the set of resources may be configured for one or more vehicle UEs by the network in a broadcast manner (e.g., by using one or more SIBs).

[0188] FIG. 9 illustrates an example method 900 of wireless sensing, according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, method 900 may be performed by a network node (e.g., base station 304 described herein).

[0189] At 910, the network node may determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO54

[0190] Means for performing the operation of block 910 may include the processor(s), memory, or transceiver(s) of any of the base station 304 described herein. For example, the operation of block 910 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, the one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or IS AC component 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0191] At 920, the network node may transmit, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0192] Means for performing the operation of block 920 may include the processor(s), memory, or transceiver(s) of any of the base station 304 described herein. For example, the operation of block 920 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 350, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, the one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or IS AC component 388, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0193] Method 900 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0194] In some aspects, the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals, a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals, and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0195] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE, a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE, or any combination thereof.

[0196] In some aspects, the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO55

[0197] In some aspects, the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0198] In some aspects, the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0199] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0200] In some aspects, the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0201] In some aspects, the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0202] In some aspects, method 900 includes switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0203] In some aspects, the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0204] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0205] In some aspects, the location of the UE is represented by one or more zones, geographical coordinates of the UE, geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon, geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle, or any combination thereof.

[0206] In some aspects, the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0207] In some aspects, method 900 includes switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO56

[0208] Although FIG. 9 shows example operations of method 900, in some implementations, method 900 may include additional operations, fewer operations, different operations, or differently arranged operations than those depicted in FIG. 9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the operations of method 900 may be performed in parallel, or performed in a sequence different from the sequence listed in FIG. 9.

[0209] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of the method 900 is that, by allowing a vehicle to perform one or more sensing operations regardless of whether the vehicle is within or without network coverage and regardless of whether the network coverage is in a sensing or non-sensing frequency band, the described techniques can be used by the vehicle to perform sensing operations to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects continuously or nearly continuously, thereby effectively and efficiently supporting ADAS operations such as vehicle maneuvering.

[0210] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 of wireless sensing, according to aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, method 1000 may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 302 described herein).

[0211] At 1010, the UE may receive, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria.

[0212] Means for performing the operation of block 1010 may include the processor(s), memory, or transceiver(s) of any of the UE 302 described herein. For example, the operation of block 1010 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, the one or more processors 342, memory 340, and / or ISAC component 348, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0213] At 1020, the UE may perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0214] Means for performing the operation of block 1020 may include the processor(s), memory, or transceiver(s) of any of the UE 302 described herein. For example, the operation of block 1020 may be performed by the one or more WWAN transceivers 310, the one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, the one or more processors 342, memory 340,QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO57 and / or ISAC component 348, any or all of which may be considered means for performing this operation.

[0215] Method 1000 may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and / or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0216] In some aspects, the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals, a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals, and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0217] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE, a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE, or any combination thereof.

[0218] In some aspects, the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0219] In some aspects, the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0220] In some aspects, the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0221] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0222] In some aspects, the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO58

[0223] In some aspects, the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0224] In some aspects, method 1000 includes switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0225] In some aspects, the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0226] In some aspects, the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0227] In some aspects, the location of the UE is represented by one or more zones, geographical coordinates of the UE, geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon, geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle, or any combination thereof.

[0228] In some aspects, the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0229] In some aspects, method 1000 includes switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0230] Although FIG. 10 shows example operations of method 1000, in some implementations, method 1000 may include additional operations, fewer operations, different operations, or differently arranged operations than those depicted in FIG. 10. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the operations of method 1000 may be performed in parallel, or performed in a sequence different from the sequence listed in FIG. 10.

[0231] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of the method 1000 is that, by allowing a vehicle to perform one or more sensing operations regardless of whether the vehicle is within or without network coverage and regardless of whether the network coverage is in a sensing or non-sensing frequency band, the described techniques can be used by the vehicle to perform sensing operations to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects continuously or nearly continuously, thereby effectively and efficiently supporting ADAS operations such as vehicle maneuvering.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO59

[0232] In the detailed description above it can be seen that different features are grouped together in examples. This manner of disclosure should not be understood as an intention that the example clauses have more features than are explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, the various aspects of the disclosure may include fewer than all features of an individual example clause disclosed. Therefore, the following clauses should hereby be deemed to be incorporated in the description, wherein each clause by itself can stand as a separate example. Although each dependent clause can refer in the clauses to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspect(s) of that dependent clause are not limited to the specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses can also include a combination of the dependent clause aspect(s) with the subject matter of any other dependent clause or independent clause or a combination of any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The various aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations, unless it is explicitly expressed or can be readily inferred that a specific combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an electrical insulator and an electrical conductor). Furthermore, it is also intended that aspects of a clause can be included in any other independent clause, even if the clause is not directly dependent on the independent clause.

[0233] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0234] Clause 1. A method of wireless sensing at a network node, comprising: determining, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmitting, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0235] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE toQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO60 select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0236] Clause 3. The method of any of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0237] Clause 4. The method of clause 3, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0238] Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 3 to 4, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0239] Clause 6. The method of any of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0240] Clause 7. The method of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0241] Clause 8. The method of clause 7, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0242] Clause 9. The method of clause 8, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0243] Clause 10. The method of clause 9, further comprising: switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0244] Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 9 to 10, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO61

[0245] Clause 12. The method of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0246] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0247] Clause 14. The method of any of clauses 12 to 13, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0248] Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising: switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0249] Clause 16. A method of wireless sensing at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and performing one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0250] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO62

[0251] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 16 to 17, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0252] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0253] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 18 to 19, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0254] Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0255] Clause 22. The method of any of clauses 16 to 21, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0256] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0257] Clause 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0258] Clause 25. The method of clause 24, further comprising: switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0259] Clause 26. The method of any of clauses 24 to 25, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0260] Clause 27. The method of any of clauses 16 to 26, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO63

[0261] Clause 28. The method of clause 27, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0262] Clause 29. The method of any of clauses 27 to 28, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0263] Clause 30. The method of any of clauses 16 to 29, further comprising: switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0264] Clause 31. A network node, comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0265] Clause 32. The network node of clause 31, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0266] Clause 33. The network node of any of clauses 31 to 32, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO64

[0267] Clause 34. The network node of clause 33, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0268] Clause 35. The network node of any of clauses 33 to 34, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0269] Clause 36. The network node of any of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0270] Clause 37. The network node of any of clauses 31 to 36, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0271] Clause 38. The network node of clause 37, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0272] Clause 39. The network node of clause 38, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0273] Clause 40. The network node of clause 39, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0274] Clause 41. The network node of any of clauses 39 to 40, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0275] Clause 42. The network node of any of clauses 31 to 41, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0276] Clause 43. The network node of clause 42, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates ofQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO65 vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0277] Clause 44. The network node of any of clauses 42 to 43, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0278] Clause 45. The network node of any of clauses 31 to 44, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0279] Clause 46. A user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0280] Clause 47. The UE of clause 46, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0281] Clause 48. The UE of any of clauses 46 to 47, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO66

[0282] Clause 49. The UE of clause 48, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0283] Clause 50. The UE of any of clauses 48 to 49, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0284] Clause 51. The UE of any of clauses 48 to 50, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0285] Clause 52. The UE of any of clauses 46 to 51, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0286] Clause 53. The UE of clause 52, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0287] Clause 54. The UE of clause 53, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0288] Clause 55. The UE of clause 54, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0289] Clause 56. The UE of any of clauses 54 to 55, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0290] Clause 57. The UE of any of clauses 46 to 56, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0291] Clause 58. The UE of clause 57, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices ofQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO67 a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0292] Clause 59. The UE of any of clauses 57 to 58, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0293] Clause 60. The UE of any of clauses 46 to 59, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0294] Clause 61. A network node, comprising: means for determining, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and means for transmitting, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0295] Clause 62. The network node of clause 61, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0296] Clause 63. The network node of any of clauses 61 to 62, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0297] Clause 64. The network node of clause 63, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0298] Clause 65. The network node of any of clauses 63 to 64, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in aQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO68 sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0299] Clause 66. The network node of any of clauses 63 to 65, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0300] Clause 67. The network node of any of clauses 61 to 66, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0301] Clause 68. The network node of clause 67, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0302] Clause 69. The network node of clause 68, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0303] Clause 70. The network node of clause 69, further comprising: means for switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0304] Clause 71. The network node of any of clauses 69 to 70, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0305] Clause 72. The network node of any of clauses 61 to 71, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0306] Clause 73. The network node of clause 72, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0307] Clause 74. The network node of any of clauses 72 to 73, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signalQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO69 transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0308] Clause 75. The network node of any of clauses 61 to 74, further comprising: means for switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0309] Clause 76. A user equipment (UE), comprising: means for receiving, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and means for performing one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0310] Clause 77. The UE of clause 76, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0311] Clause 78. The UE of any of clauses 76 to 77, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0312] Clause 79. The UE of clause 78, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0313] Clause 80. The UE of any of clauses 78 to 79, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0314] Clause 81. The UE of any of clauses 78 to 80, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by theQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO70UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0315] Clause 82. The UE of any of clauses 76 to 81, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0316] Clause 83. The UE of clause 82, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0317] Clause 84. The UE of clause 83, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

[0318] Clause 85. The UE of clause 84, further comprising: means for switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0319] Clause 86. The UE of any of clauses 84 to 85, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0320] Clause 87. The UE of any of clauses 76 to 86, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0321] Clause 88. The UE of clause 87, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0322] Clause 89. The UE of any of clauses 87 to 88, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0323] Clause 90. The UE of any of clauses 76 to 89, further comprising: means for switching from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO71

[0324] Clause 91. A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to: determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmit, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0325] Clause 92. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 91, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE- specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0326] Clause 93. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 91 to 92, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0327] Clause 94. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 93, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0328] Clause 95. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 93 to 94, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

[0329] Clause 96. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 93 to 95, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO72

[0330] Clause 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 91 to 96, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0331] Clause 98. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 97, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0332] Clause 99. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 98, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more nonsensing operations.

[0333] Clause 100. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 99, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the network node, cause the network node to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0334] Clause 101. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 99 to 100, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0335] Clause 102. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 91 to 101, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0336] Clause 103. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 102, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0337] Clause 104. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 102 to 103, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0338] Clause 105. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 91 to 104, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the networkQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO73 node, cause the network node to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0339] Clause 106. A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

[0340] Clause 107. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 106, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE- specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

[0341] Clause 108. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 106 to 107, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

[0342] Clause 109. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 108, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

[0343] Clause 110. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 108 to 109, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO74

[0344] Clause 111. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 108 to 110, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

[0345] Clause 112. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 106 to 111, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0346] Clause 113. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 112, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

[0347] Clause 114. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 113, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more nonsensing operations.

[0348] Clause 115. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 114, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

[0349] Clause 116. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 114 to 115, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

[0350] Clause 117. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 106 to 116, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

[0351] Clause 118. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 117, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

[0352] Clause 119. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 117 to 118, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the firstQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO75 sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

[0353] Clause 120. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of clauses 106 to 119, further comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based on one or more second criteria.

[0354] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0355] Further, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0356] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO76 microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0357] The methods, sequences and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., UE). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0358] In one or more example aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usuallyQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO77 reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0359] While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, the functions, steps and / or actions of the method claims in accordance with the aspects of the disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Further, no component, function, action, or instruction described or claimed herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “set,” “group,” and the like are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and the like does not preclude the presence of one or more additional elements (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of’) or the alternatives are mutually exclusive (e.g., “one or more” should not be interpreted as “one and more”). Furthermore, although components, functions, actions, and instructions may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Accordingly, as used herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to include one or more of the stated elements. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” encompass “one” component, function, action, or instruction performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality and also “two or more” components, functions, actions, or instructions performing or capable of performing a described or claimed functionality in combination.QC2405242WO

Claims

Qualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO78CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A network node, comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: determine, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmit, via the one or more transceivers, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

2. The network node of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

3. The network node of claim 1, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO794. The network node of claim 3, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

5. The network node of claim 3, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

6. The network node of claim 3, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.

7. The network node of claim 1, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

8. The network node of claim 7, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

9. The network node of claim 8, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

10. The network node of claim 9, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a secondQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO80 measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

11. The network node of claim 9, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

12. The network node of claim 1, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

13. The network node of claim 12, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon; geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

14. The network node of claim 12, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

15. A user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories; one or more transceivers; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the one or more transceivers, the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, configured to: receive, via the one or more transceivers, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; andQC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO81 perform one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.

16. The UE of claim 15, wherein the plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes comprise: a UE-specific sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node grants one or more UE-specific sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; a pre-authorized sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node pre-authorizes one or more sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals; and a configured sensing reference signal transmission mode in which the network node configures a set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to select a sensing reference signal resource from the set of sensing reference signal resources for the UE to transmit one or more sensing reference signals.

17. The UE of claim 15, wherein the one or more criteria comprise: a criterion based on a coverage status of the UE; a criterion based on a search of one or more cells by the UE; or any combination thereof.

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage of at least one cell.

19. The UE of claim 17, wherein the coverage status of the UE is based at least in part on whether the UE is within a network coverage in a sensing frequency band or whether the UE is within a network coverage in a non-sensing frequency band.

20. The UE of claim 17, wherein the criterion based on the search of one or more cells by the UE is determined at least in part by an identification, by the UE, of a cell capable of providing, to the UE, a sensing coverage, a communication coverage, or any combination thereof.QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO8221. The UE of claim 15, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement relative to one or more RSRP thresholds.

22. The UE of claim 21, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds comprise a first RSRP threshold in a sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more sensing operations in the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

23. The UE of claim 22, wherein the one or more RSRP thresholds further comprise a second RSRP threshold in a non-sensing frequency band defining a minimum RSRP for the UE to perform one or more non-sensing operations.

24. The UE of claim 23, wherein the one or more processors, either alone or in combination, are further configured to: switch from the first sensing reference signal transmission mode to a second sensing reference signal transmission mode based a determination that a first measured RSRP in the sensing frequency band is below the first RSRP threshold and a second measured RSRP in the non-sensing frequency band is below the second RSRP threshold.

25. The UE of claim 23, wherein the first RSRP threshold is greater than the second RSRP threshold.

26. The UE of claim 15, wherein the one or more criteria comprise a criterion based on a location of the UE.

27. The UE of claim 26, wherein the location of the UE is represented by: one or more zones; geographical coordinates of the UE; geographical coordinates of vertices of a polygon;QC2405242WOQualcomm Ref. No. 2405242WO83 geographic coordinates of a center of a circle and a radius of the circle; or any combination thereof.

28. The UE of claim 26, wherein the UE is preconfigured with a set of predetermined locations, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based at least in part on the location of the UE within the set of predetermined locations.

29. A method of wireless sensing at a network node, comprising: determining, for a user equipment (UE), a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes based on one or more criteria; and transmitting, to the UE, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on the first sensing reference signal transmission mode.

30. A method of wireless sensing at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from a network node, an allocation of one or more sensing reference signal resources based on a first sensing reference signal transmission mode of a plurality of sensing reference signal transmission modes, wherein the first sensing reference signal transmission mode is determined based on one or more criteria; and performing one or more sensing operations based on the allocation of the one or more sensing reference signal resources.QC2405242WO

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