A method for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node (10) of a communication network, comprising: * Receiving (101) a request for a resource allocation for sensing via a sidelink channel from a device (20) in the communication network, * Determining (102) the resource allocation for the device (20) based on the received (101) request, wherein the resource allocation specifies a time and / or a frequency resource and / or a code index to be used by the device (20) for the sensing via the sidelink channel of the device (20), wherein the code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes, * Providing (103) a message based on the determined (102) resource allocation, * Sending (104) the message to the device (20).

Description

[0001] R.414501

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[0003] Description

[0004] Title

[0005] A method for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node

[0006] The invention relates to a method for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node. Furthermore, the invention relates to a node, a system, and a message for this purpose.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Radio resource allocation for sidelink communication, in particular for sensing, is specified in 3GPP standardization, which outlines the physical layer procedures for New Radio (NR) in 5G systems. Sidelink communication refers to direct communication between devices without going through the network. It is known that the communication network controls the resource allocation also for sidelink communication. In particular, the gnode B (next-generation Node B) is responsible for scheduling and allocating the radio resources for sidelink communication. This means, the gnode B controls the resources for direct device-to-device communication. Information is provided to the devices with specific instructions on when and how to transmit.

[0009] However, due to scarce spectrum resources, and high bandwidth requirements of sensing for reasonable range resolution and separability, it is still problematic to ensure the fulfilment of the communication and sensing requirements for example often due to interference problems between the devices during sensing.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the existing radio resource allocation procedures for sidelink communications. R.414501

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[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] According to aspects of the invention a method with the features of claim 1 , a node with the features of claim 10, a system with the features of claim 11 as well as a message with the features of claim 12 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in the context of the inventive method also correspond to the inventive node, the inventive system as well as the inventive message, and vice versa in each case.

[0014] According to an aspect of the invention a method for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node of a communication network, comprises:

[0015] Receiving a request for a resource allocation for sensing via a sidelink channel, specifically of the communication network, from a device in the communication network,

[0016] Determining the resource allocation for the device based on the received request, wherein the resource allocation specifies a time and / or a frequency resource and / or a code index to be used by the device for the sensing via the sidelink channel of the device, wherein the code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes,

[0017] Providing a message based on the determined resource allocation, Sending the message to the device.

[0018] Receiving a request may comprise receiving a request message wherein the request message comprises a request for a resource allocation for sensing via a sidelink channel. The request may be understood as a request for the allocation of radio resources of the sidelink channel for performing sensing. Here, sensing may comprise generating sensing data, e.g., of a defined region of interest, by transmitting a radio sensing signal and receiving a reflection of the transmitted radio sensing signal, wherein radio resources of the communication network are used for transmitting and receiving the sensing signal. The request message and / or the provided message may be transmitted on one of a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), a Physical Downlink Shared R.414501

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[0020] Channel (PDSCH), a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) of the communication network. As an example, the request message may be transmitted on the PUCCH and the provided message may be transmitted on the PDCCH. Preferably, the provided message comprises an indication or representation of the determined resource allocation, specifically of radio resources of the sidelink channel allocated for performing sensing by the device.

[0021] The method may be understood as a method, specifically for operating the node of the communication network, carried out or performed by the operating node.

[0022] The invention leverages the sidelink channel for efficient communication between devices or user equipment (UEs). This allows for efficient and collaborative sensing by enabling multiple devices to share resources while minimizing interference. Sending the determined resource allocation as a message to the device enables coordinated sensing operations. These codes are specifically chosen for their auto- and cross-correlation properties, enabling an enhanced interference cancellation by identifying and mitigating interference from other devices performing sensing using the same sidelink channel.

[0023] A code can be understood as a sequence of symbols, which yield beneficial properties when come together. Further, this has the advantage that a more efficient use of existing cellular resources can be realized by effectively supporting multiple users to share the same resource pool. The node's capability to exchange information about allocated code indices with other nodes fosters collaborative sensing, potentially leading to more robust and accurate results.

[0024] It is also possible that the code index is associated with a validity zone, wherein the validity zone specifies an area of the communication network in which the specific code index is valid to perform sensing via the sidelink channel by the device, and / or the code index is associated with a validity time, wherein the validity time is defined as the time or time duration for which the code index is valid.

[0025] It is possible for the code index to be timely limited and / or geographically limited to a specific area within the communication network, referred to as the validity R.414501

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[0027] time and the validity zone. This time and / or spatial restriction ensures that only devices located within the defined zone utilize the assigned code index for sensing through the sidelink channel for a defined time or time period, mitigating potential interference from devices outside the designated area. The localized nature of the code index assignment enhances the accuracy and efficiency of sensing operations by confining transmissions to specific regions.

[0028] It is further possible that the method further comprises:

[0029] Providing a further message for at least one other device of the communication network, wherein the further message comprises further resource allocation information regarding available code indices for sensing for the at least one other device,

[0030] Sending the further message to the at least one other device.

[0031] By providing additional resource allocation information, including available code indices for sensing, devices can make informed decisions about their sensing activities. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of conflicts or interference between devices, leading to more effective coordinated sensing operations. Furthermore, it enables a dynamic allocation of resources based on real-time needs and availability, optimizing the utilization of communication network bandwidth, and improving overall system performance.

[0032] It is possible that the method further comprises:

[0033] Providing, by the node, a notification message regarding already allocated code indices for sensing for a / the at least one other device of the communication network,

[0034] Sending, by the node, the notification message to the at least one other device.

[0035] This feature enhances the coordination among devices within the communication network. By notifying devices about already allocated code indices for sensing, potential conflicts can be avoided, ensuring efficient and effective utilization of resources. This proactive approach minimizes interference and promotes smoother operation of the coordinated sensing process. The notification message serves as a valuable information sharing mechanism, allowing devices to make informed decisions regarding their sensing activities. R.414501

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[0037] It is further possible that the method further comprises:

[0038] Exchanging the respective allocated code index between the device and the at least one other device to enable cancelling the sensing signal of the at least one other device in case of interference on the sidelink channel.

[0039] Exchanging the respective allocated code index can be understood as transmitting, by the device, an indication or representation of the codex index allocated to the device to the at least one other device, and

[0040] receiving, by the device, an indication or representation of the codex index allocated to the at least one other device from the at least one other device and vice versa.

[0041] The exchange of allocated code indices advantageously enables real-time interference mitigation. By knowing each other's assigned code indices, devices can identify and suppress sensing transmissions originating from interfering sources. This dynamic adjustment enhances sensing accuracy and efficiency, as it minimizes the impact of unwanted signals. Furthermore, this collaborative approach promotes efficient resource utilization by allowing multiple devices to share the same time and frequency resources while avoiding mutual interference.

[0042] It is also possible that the sending further comprises:

[0043] Sending, by the node, the determined resource allocation based on a grant of the received request via a Downlink Control Information message.

[0044] This allows for efficient communication and coordination between the node and the device, ensuring timely transmission of resource allocation information. DCI messages within cellular networks are well-suited for conveying control information such as resource allocation parameters.

[0045] It is possible that the set of codes comprises a predefined mutually independent encoding scheme or a predefined set of codes comprising specific correlation features, in particular orthogonal or semi-orthogonal codes.

[0046] This enables a simultaneous sensing by multiple devices without interference. Further, this advantageously enhances the efficiency and scalability of coordinated sensing within the network. The usage of these codes ensures that the transmissions from different devices do not overlap in frequency domain, allowing for parallel sensing operations. R.414501

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[0048] It is also possible that the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0049] Defining a validity zone for sensing within a coverage area of the communication network, wherein each validity zone is associated with one and / or a subset of code indices,

[0050] Assigning a device to a specific validity zone based on its location in the communication network and / or its sensing requirement based on the determined resource allocation.

[0051] This has the advantage that the defined validity zones enable spatially organized sensing activities within the network. This localization can enhance accuracy and efficiency by grouping devices with similar sensing requirements in specific areas. By associating code indices with these zones, the system can further reduce interference and optimize resource allocation based on the spatial distribution of sensing needs. This localized approach allows for more targeted and efficient use of resources, potentially improving overall network performance and reducing energy consumption.

[0052] It is further possible that the sensing comprises a bi-static and / or multistatic sensing.

[0053] This allows for more accurate and robust measurements. Further, this advantageously can enhance target detection and localization capabilities by leveraging multiple perspectives and signal reflections. The bi-static sensing further refines the inventive method by incorporating a dedicated transmitter and receiver device, allowing for precise range estimation and detailed characterization of the sensed environment.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention is a node comprising means for carrying out the method according to the invention. Thus, the node according to the invention can have the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0055] In another aspect of the invention, a system for Integrated Sensing and Communication in a communication network is provided, wherein the system comprises at least one node according to the invention to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the system according to the invention brings the R.414501

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[0057] same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0058] Another aspect of the invention is a message, preferably a Downlink Control Information message of a communication network, for a resource allocation for sensing,

[0059] comprising a first data field representing an information regarding a resource allocation with respect to a time and / or a frequency resource for a device for sensing via a sidelink channel, wherein the message further comprises a second data field representing a code index, wherein the code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes. The first and the second data field may be contained in a RRC Information Element comprised by the message. The message may be configured as a data structure comprising a plurality of data fields. Preferably, the message is to be transmitted on a PDCCH of the communication network.

[0060] It is also possible that the message further comprises a third data field representing a validity time for the code index, wherein the validity time is defined as the time or time duration for which the code index is valid, and / or a fourth data field representing validity zone, wherein the validity zone specifies an area of the communication network in which the specific code index is valid to perform sensing via the sidelink channel by the device. The third and / or the fourth data field may be contained in a RRC Information Element comprised by the message. Thus, the message according to the invention brings the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0061] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program may be provided, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention can have the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0062] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for data processing may be provided, which is configured to execute the method according to the invention. R.414501

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[0064] As the apparatus, for example, a computer can be provided which executes the computer program according to the invention. The computer may include at least one processor that can be used to execute the computer program. Also, a nonvolatile data memory may be provided in which the computer program may be stored and from which the computer program may be read by the processor for being carried out.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention a computer-readable storage medium may be provided which comprises the computer program according to the invention and / or instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention. The storage medium may be formed as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card and / or a solid state drive. The storage medium may, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0066] Furthermore, the method according to the invention may be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps may be computer-implemented and / or automated.

[0067] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Showing:

[0068] Fig. 1 : A method, a node, a system, and a message according to embodiments of the invention,

[0069] Fig. 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the invention.

[0070] In the following figures, the identical reference signs are used for the same technical features even of different embodiment examples.

[0071] The main idea of the invention is to modify and enhance mode 1 radio resource allocation for sidelink to enable ISAC via the PC5 interface. Thus, the invention comprises novel extensions to the existing signalling’s between a node 10 such R.414501

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[0073] as a gNB and a device 20 such as a user equipment Further, the signalling between user equipment is adapted for the allocation of resources via a sidelink or sidelink channel.

[0074] Furthermore, it is the core of the invention that the resource allocation is based on a code index for sensing at the network. Hence, any device or user equipment requesting a sensing service, will be granted with a code index alongside the allocated resources, e.g., time and spectrum.

[0075] The codes are comprised in a set of codes or a code index pool and are designed for “sensing only” purposes, i.e., they have good sensing-specific features, like sharp ambiguity function and / or good auto- and cross-correlation properties.

[0076] The rationale behind using code indices instead of granted resources as it is for the standardized mode 1 is that devices 20, 21 with allocated code indices can leverage advantages like for example:

[0077] 1. no need for decoding for bi-static sensing and knowing a code index is enough.

[0078] 2. good auto- and cross-correlation features can be used for simple code-index based scheduling.

[0079] 3. all time and frequency spectrum can be used and (semi-)orthogonality is provided in the code domain. As message transfer is not the intention for “sensing-only”, the code dimension can be exploited in a proper manner.

[0080] A code can be understood as a sequence of symbols, which yield beneficial properties when come together. Preferably, codes are orthogonal to each other like for example, Hadamard codes, to modulate multiple antennas with orthogonal codes, e.g., (1 ,-1 ) and (-1 ,1 ) for a 2-antenna system. However, the cardinality of such fully orthogonal code sets is limited. In single antenna systems, there are sequences with very good auto- and cross-correlation features, e.g., Zadoff Chu sequences, Gold sequences.

[0081] If such codes are used and for example each device receives a unique code index for its sensing in an I SAC architecture interference from other devices performing ISAC sensing are elevated, when doing mono-static ISAC sensing. With bi-static sensing the bi-static receiver device does not need to decode the R.414501

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[0083] signal to do sensing, and it simply needs to know the code indices that are assigned with code indices in a particular zone.

[0084] A validity zone or sensing zone can be a sub-region of a cellular structure, where sensing resources are assigned or allocated. One of these resources are code indices.

[0085] A validity zone structure and area needs to be defined for example based on the congestion of other devices such as for example, I SAC devices in a particular geographical space.

[0086] Fig. 1 shows a method and message according to embodiments of the invention. Particularly, a method 100 for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node 10 of a communication network is depicted in Fig. 1. The method comprises the following steps:

[0087] At a step 101 a request for a resource allocation for sensing is received via a sidelink channel from a device 20 in the communication network. In step 102 the resource allocation for the device 20 is determined or allocated based on the request received in step 101. The resource allocation specifies a time and / or a frequency resource and / or a code index to be used by the device 20 for the sensing via the sidelink channel of the device 20. The code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes.

[0088] Then at step 103 a message is provided based on the determined 102 resource allocation, and at step 104 the message is sent to the device 20.

[0089] Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the invention. In particular, an exemplary process flow according to embodiments of the invention is shown. In Fig. 2 a node 10, a device 20 and another device 21 in a communication network are depicted. The node 10 can be designed as a gNode B or a base station of the communication network. The device a20 and the other device 21 can be designed as a user equipment and / or as a vehicle and / or as a Vulnerable Road User such as for example a bicycle or a pedestrian.

[0090] Further Fig. 2 depicts a system 30 comprising a node 10, a device 20 and one other device 21 in a communication network. The system can be adapted as an Integrated Sensing and Communication system 30. R.414501

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[0092] In a step 201 a request for radio resources allocation on a sidelink is received by the node 10 or in other words sent by the device 20. In a step 202 the node 10 determines or allocates a code index for sensing. Optionally, a respective validity time for the allocated code index can be determined to be used by the device 20 in addition to a scheduling information regarding time and frequency. As a further option, the code index can be associated with a validity zone, wherein the validity zone is specified as the location and / or zone where a code index is valid. In a step 203 the device 20 informs one or more other devices 21 about the code index and resources being allocated to the device 20, which will be used for sensing by the device 20 via its sidelink channel. In an optional step 204 the node 10 can also inform or configure one or more other devices 21 about free or allocated code indices for sensing such as for example for bi-static sensing and / or interference cancellation.

[0093] In another embodiment, the node may also inform the one or more other devices 21 about validity or sensing zones in addition to necessary information and configurations for the sidelink communication and sensing.

[0094] In another embodiment, the node 10 can also inform the one or more other devices 21 about allocated resources to help them to re-use the resources by interference cancellation.

[0095] In another embodiment a message such as for example a DCI message may be sent by the node 10 via a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to the device 20. In a respective RRC Information Element (IE) based on the DCI message scheduling information is comprised regarding time and frequency information of allocated radio resource for the device 20, wherein the scheduling information comprises information which radio resources to use on sidelink or via the sidelink channel for direct communication to another device 21. Further, the node 10 can provide sidelink resource allocation through a grant, which is transmitted to the device 20 via a Downlink Control Information (DCI) message. The specific DCI format used for sidelink resource allocation can comprise information such as for example time and frequency resources for sidelink R.414501

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[0097] transmission, modulation, and coding scheme (MCS), Power control parameters, or number of transmissions.

[0098] In another embodiment this can enable an Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) via sidelink, which is coordinated by at least one node 10 of the communication network. The at least one node 10 can select and inform a code index for the device 20 or can alternatively pre-configure the device 20 in addition to the existing fields of DCI or RRC IE.

[0099] Therefore, a message 300 as depicted in Fig. 1 such as for example a DCI message or for example the RRC information element may comprise a plurality of data fields representing or indicating the following information 310, for example resource allocation information:

[0100] a code index 320, which can be selected as a code out of a set of codes, for example based on a lookup table. The code index 320 can be determined or allocated by the node 10 for the device 20 in response to a request of the device 20 for “sensing only” resources, which is associated with an index for its transmission,

[0101] a validity time 330 for the code index 320, which is the time or time duration when a code index 320 is valid, and

[0102] a validity zone 340 or sensing zone for the code index 320, which is the location and / or zone where a code index 320 is valid.

[0103] Further, different code indices can be associated with different validity zones for sensing. The validity zones can be also defined and / or (pre-)configured by a node 10 or gNB or by the communication network or by higher layers. In such a case, one or more devices 20, 21 can also be (pre-)configured with the association between a respective validity zone and a respective code index by the node 10 or by the communication network or by higher layers. Thus, for example as a device 20 - when moving in the communication network - enters a particular validity zone, the device 20 can select one of the (idle) code indices belonging to that zone. The code index pool for a validity zone can be updated as one device selects one index. Depending on the presence of that device in that specific zone, the selected code index will not be released, unless for example a release signal is initiated by the respective device itself. This process for R.414501

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[0105] selection and release of a code index by a device can be carried out for example based on a 1st or 2nd stage Sidelink Control Information (SCI) message.

[0106] In another embodiment it is possible to perform bi-static sensing by devices 20, 21 of the communication network. Bi-static sensing by these devices 20, 21 can be considered as a service which can be also optionally advertised priorly by the nodelO, for example, through RRC signalling or System Information Blocks (SIBs).

[0107] In another embodiment it is possible that based on the code index knowledge at other devices a re-usage of resources can be performed by exchanging code indices between the devices. Used or allocated code index information can be provided by the node 10 or exchanged directly by devices. Given the code index of a transmitting device 20 for “sensing only” purposes, other devices 21 can cancel the interference in case they are not interested in the bi-static sensing. This allows for re-using the same resources except the code by the node 10. Further, given the code index at the other devices 21 , the interference caused on communication signals that are transmitted over the same time and frequency resources can be cancelled. Thus, the node 10 can allocate the same resources for communication via sidelink. This is comparable to Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), where given the common message (code index for sensing) is known at the receiver and does not degrade the communication data rate (data messages).

[0108] In further embodiments according to the invention the device 20 like for example an ISAC device, which is assigned to a particular validity zone, can leverage each others transmission for coordinated sensing and / or multi-static sensing.

[0109] In further embodiments according to the invention a re-assignment of a code index or code indices can be allowed only for distant validity zones, even within one cell) of the node 10. Code index assigned to ISAC UEs in a zone can not be re-assigned to the ISAC UEs in that zone, unless released by the UE. The node 10 can keep the record of assigned or allocated code indices to the devices in the validity zones. R.414501

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[0111] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other, provided that this is technically reasonable, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

Claims

R.414501- 15 -Claims1. A method (100) for determining a resource allocation for sensing at a node (10) of a communication network, comprising:Receiving (101) a request for a resource allocation for sensing via a sidelink channel from a device (20) in the communication network, Determining (102) the resource allocation for the device (20) based on the received (101) request,wherein the resource allocation specifies a time and / or a frequency resource and / or a code index to be used by the device (20) for the sensing via the sidelink channel of the device (20),wherein the code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes, Providing (103) a message based on the determined (102) resource allocation,Sending (104) the message to the device (20).

2. The method (100) of claim 1 ,characterized in thatthe code index is associated with a validity zone, wherein the validity zone specifies an area of the communication network in which the specific code index is valid to perform sensing via the sidelink channel by the device (20), and / orthe code index is associated with a validity time, wherein the validity time is defined as the time or time duration for which the code index is valid.

3. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Providing a further message for at least one other device (21) of the communication network, wherein the further message comprises further resource allocation information regarding available code indices for sensing for the at least one other device (21), Sending the further message to the at least one other device (21).R.414501- 16 -4. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Providing, by the node (10), a notification message regarding already allocated code indices for sensing for a / the at least one other device (21) of the communication network,Sending, by the node (10), the notification message to the at least one other device (21).

5. The method (100) of claim 4,characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Exchanging the respective allocated code index between the device (20) and the at least one other device (21) to enable cancelling the sensing signal of the at least one other device (21) in case of interference on the sidelink channel.

6. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sending (104) further comprises:Sending, by the node (10), the determined (102) resource allocation based on a grant of the received (101) request via a Downlink Control Information message.

7. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of codes comprises a predefined mutually independent encoding scheme or a predefined set of codes comprising specific correlation features, in particular orthogonal or semi-orthogonal codes.

8. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises at least one of the following:Defining a validity zone for sensing within a coverage area of the communication network, wherein each validity zone is associated with one and / or a subset of code indices,Assigning a device (20) to a specific validity zone based on its location in the communication network and / or its sensing requirement based on the determined (102) resource allocation.R.414501- 17 -9. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensing comprises a bi-static and / or multistatic sensing.

10. A node (10) comprising means for carrying out the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A system (30) for Integrated Sensing and Communication in a communication network, wherein the system (30) comprises at least one node (10) of claim 10 to carry out the method (100) of any one of the claims 1 to 9.

12. A message (300), preferably a Downlink Control Information message (300) of a communication network, for a resource allocation for sensing, comprising a first data field representing an information (310) regarding a resource allocation with respect to a time and / or a frequency resource for a device (20) for sensing via a sidelink channel,characterized in that the message (300) further comprises a second data field representing a code index (320), wherein the code index defines a specific code out of a set of codes.

13. The message (300) of claim 12,characterized in that the message (300) further comprises- a third data field representing a validity time (330) for the code index (320), wherein the validity time is defined as the time or time duration for which the code index is valid, and / or- a fourth data field representing a validity zone (340), wherein the validity zone specifies an area of the communication network in which the specific code index is valid to perform sensing via the sidelink channel by the device (20).

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