Discovery and selection mechanisms for UE-based sensing

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for discovery and selection mechanisms for user equipment-based (UE- based) sensing are provided. The method may comprise: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, a response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the response for the sensing service.

Description

DISCOVERY AND SELECTION MECHANISMS FOR UE-BASED SENSINGTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to communication networks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program for discovery and selection mechanisms for user equipment-based (UE-based) sensing.Background

[0002] A mobile telecommunication network or cellular network (generally referred to herein as a communication network) enables communications between two or more communication devices, provides communication devices access to a data network, delivers services provided by third-party applications to communication devices, or provides services offered by the communication network to communication devices.

[0003] A communication network and communication devices may operate in accordance with cellular technologies (otherwise referred to as radio access technologies), such as GSM, UTMS, LTE, LTE-A, and NR. Cellular technologies are standardized by various standards organization, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). 3 GPP is currently developing standards for 5th generation cellular technologies (generally referred to a 5G or NR standards) and 6thgeneration cellular technologies (generally referred to a 6G standards). Communication networks that operate in accordance with 5G or NR standards are generally referred to as 5G networks and communication networks that operate in accordance with 6G standards are generally referred to as 6G networks.

[0004] A communication network (e.g., a 5G network or a 6G network) includes access networks (e.g., radio access networks) that can communicate wirelessly with one or multiple communication devices by sharing available resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.) of the access network (e.g., radio access network). A communication network can also establish reliable, secure connectivity between communication devices and a core network of the communication network via access networks. A communication network (e.g., a 5 G network) may provide enhanced mobile broadband services (e.g., telephony, video, data, short message services), ultra-reliable low-latency communication services (e.g., XR services), or massive machine typecommunication services to communication devices.

[0005] Improvements to communication networks are desirable.Summary

[0006] The present disclosure relates to how to enhance UE -based sensing service.

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; means for broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, means for selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0008] In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0009] In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, wherein execution of the computer program by at least one processor of an apparatus that causes the apparatus to perform: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0010] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0011] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0012] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the apparatus is further caused to perform: sending, to the selected apparatuses, information representing at least one configuration for sensing measurement; receiving, from at least one of the selected apparatuses, at least one measurement report relating to the at least one configuration; and, determining a subset of the selected apparatuses based on the at least one measurement report.

[0013] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0014] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the subset of the selected apparatuses is determined by evaluating of at least one sensing QoS parameter and / or at least one sensing radio parameter according to at least one measurement report.

[0015] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the sensing discovery criteria is determined by at least one of the following: a type of the sensing service, a target sensing area, a type of at least one of object to be sensed or at least one target sensing QoS parameter.

[0016] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the requests comprise at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, a current location of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

[0017] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensing capability of the at least one selected apparatus, status information of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensing related measurement of the at least one selected apparatus, or at least one of confidentiality interval.

[0018] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0019] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, wherein the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0020] In some or all examples of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, location information of the at least one selected apparatus, mobility information of the at least one selected apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the at least one selected apparatus towards at least one object or sensing area.

[0021] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; means for determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, means for sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0022] In accordance with an seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0023] In accordance with a eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, wherein execution of the computer program by at least one processor of an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service;and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0024] In accordance with a nineth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus causes the apparatus to perform receiving, from a device, a request including information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0025] In accordance with an tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0026] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving, from the device, at least one configuration for sensing measurement; performing a measurement phase according to the at least one configuration; sending, to the device, a measurement report relating a result of the measurement phase.

[0027] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0028] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the device, a current location of the device, mobility information of the device, an expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute for the apparatus, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

[0029] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus, status information of the apparatus, at least one sensing relatedmeasurement of the apparatus, or at least one confidentiality interval.

[0030] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0031] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0032] In some or all examples of the sixth, seventh, eighth, nineth, and tenth aspects, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, location information of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the apparatus towards at least one of the object or sensing area.

[0033] The above summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present disclosure. Nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of example implementations in conjunction with the accompanying figures.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example implementations of the present application, and in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a user equipment, a communication network, and a data network in accordance with an example implementation.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an example of a control apparatus for controlling / implementing a (network) function or a network entity of the access network of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating physical and logical components of an apparatus for the communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with an example implementation.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating physical and logical components of a user equipment in accordance with an example implementation.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates examples of UE -based sensing operations.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation.

[0041] FIG. 7 is another flowchart of a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation.

[0042] FIG. 8 is another flowchart of a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation.

[0043] FIG.9 is a flowchart of a method of an apparatus.

[0044] FIG.10 is a flowchart of a method of an apparatus.

[0045] FIG.11 is a flowchart of a method of an apparatus.

[0046] FIG.12 is a flowchart of a method of a network entity.

[0047] FIG.13 is a flowchart of a method of an apparatus.

[0048] FIG.14 is a flowchart of a method of an apparatus.

[0049] FIG.15 is a flowchart of a method of a network entity.

[0050] Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components. Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Detailed Description

[0051] The subject matter is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example implementations are shown. However, many different example implementations may be used, and thus the description should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same elements, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements, operations or steps in alternative example implementations. Separation of logical elements illustrated by separate boxes in illustrated systems and devices does not necessarily require physical separation of such logical elements, as communication between such logical elements may occur by way of messaging, function calls,shared memory space, and so on, without any such physical separation. As such, logical elements need not be implemented in physically or logically separated platforms, although such logical elements are illustrated separately for ease of explanation herein. Different devices may have different designs, such that although some devices implement some logical elements in hardware, other devices may implement such logical elements in a programmable processor with code obtained from a machine-readable medium. Lastly, elements referred to in the singular may be plural and vice versa, except wherein indicated otherwise either explicitly or inherently by context.

[0052] References in the present disclosure to “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “an example implementation,” and the like indicate that the implementation described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every implementation includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same implementation. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an implementation, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other implementations whether or not explicitly described.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, user equipment (UE) 100 that communicates with application servers (not shown) hosting third party application functions (not shown) of a data network 102 via a communication network 104 is shown. The communication network 104 includes a radio access network 106 (e.g., a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN)) and a core network 108 (e.g., a 5G core network (5GC)) that operate based on the 5th generation radio access technology described, for example, in the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3 GPP) standard for new radio. The core network 108 includes network functions (generally referred to a network function 110 and collective referred to as network functions 110) may be connected to a management system 112 configured to manage the communication network 104 as described in further detail below.

[0054] Radio access network 106 comprises one or more radio access network (RAN) nodes (otherwise referred to as base stations). A RAN node may provide one or more cells. A cell may be, for example, a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell. A cell defines a coverage area or a service area of a RAN node. A RAN node may be, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a lowpower node. RAN nodes may be deployed in non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices, such as satellites (e.g., low earth orbit (LEO) satellites or geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites), aircrafts, or drones, where such NTN devices form a non-terrestrial network such as a ground station, or. RAN nodes may also be deployed on the group in which case the RAN nodes may be referred to as terrestrial network device. A RAN comprising terrestrial network devices is generally referred to as a terrestrial network.

[0055] A RAN node may have a split architecture where functions of the RAN node (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) are split between various entities. A RAN node that has a split architecture may comprise a radio unit (RU) (otherwise referred to as a remoter radio read (RRH), a centralized unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DUs). A DU may be connected to a RU via a fronthaul. A DU may be connected to a CU via a midhaul or Fl interface. A CU may be connected to a core network (e.g., core network 108) via a backhaul. In a RAN node with a split architecture, operations of the RAN node may be carried out, by the CU, the DU. One CU may control one or more DUs.

[0056] A RU converts radio signals sent to and from an antenna into a digital signal for transmission over packet network, handles the digital front end (DFE) and the lower PHY layer, and includes digital beamforming functionality. A DU is a logical entity (e.g., software) that is hosted and run on a server located near an RU. A CU is a logical entity (e.g., software) that is hosted and run on a server. The CU may be hosted and run on its own server or may be hosted and run on the same server that hosts and runs the DU. located near an RU. The DU includes a subset of the functions of a RAN node (e.g., eNB or gNB) depending on the split of functions and the CU includes the other functions of a RAN node that are not in the subset of functions of the DU. A DU may comprise a subset of the layers of a protocol stack of a RAN node and a CU may comprise the other layers of the protocol stack that are not in the subset of layers in the DU. For example, in some implementations, a DU may include a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer of a protocol stack for a RAN node, whereas a CU may comprise the layers of the protocol stack of a RAN node above the RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer and an internet protocol (IP) layer. The operations of a DU are controlled by a CU.

[0057] The core network 108 has a service-based architecture. The network functions 110 of the core network 108 include an access and mobility function (AMF), an authentication serverfunction (AUSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a network slicing selection function (NSSF), a policy control function (PCF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a united data repository (UDM), and a network data analytics function (NWDAF). Other network functions of the core network 108, such as a binding support function (BSF), a charging function (CHF), are not shown in FIG. 1 for ease of illustration.

[0058] The AMF handles access, authorization, authentication of user equipment, including the UE 100 and manages the mobility of user equipment 100 as the user equipment 100 moves between different radio access networks, cells, or locations.

[0059] The SMF is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and terminating protocol data unit sessions in the core network 108. The SMF manages user plane resources and interacts with the UPF of the core network 108 to ensure data packets are correctly routed and forwarded.

[0060] The UDM performs authentication procedures, stores and manages user data, including such as subscriber profiles, authentication credentials, and authorization policies, implements security mechanisms to protect user data and resources of the communication network (e.g., the core network 108) from unauthorized access attacks and vulnerabilities, and interacts with other network functions of the core network 108, such as the PCF, to enforce access control policies, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, and service restrictions based on user profiles and subscription plans. The UDM is also responsible for managing the registration of network functions 110 that serve the user equipment 100.

[0061] The BSF manages and maintains binding information between network functions 110. The BSF allows any particular NF 110 of the core network 108 to register and remove binding information and allows the AF or NEF to discover the binding information (e.g., the address information of the particular network function 110).

[0062] In order to enable 5G or beyond-5G wireless sensing, a functionality may be introduced in 5G core network (5GC) (e.g., sensing management function (SeMF) functionality) that may be responsible to receive different types of sensing requests from a sensing client (e.g., a UE or an application function (AF) or a network exposure function (NEF)), configure and coordinate sensing functions, collect sensing measurement (or sensing data) and provide sensing data and / or sensing outputs to the sensing client either directly or via the NEF, for example, if the requesting client is a third party external application or AF. Alternatively, it may be referred as the Sensing Function (SF).

[0063] The SeMF can be divided into two main components: sensing control dunction (SCF) and sensing processing function (SPF). Sensing control function (SCF): This component is responsible for managing and controlling the sensing operations. Sensing processing function (SPF): This component handles the processing of the sensed data. These functions are part of the broader efforts in 5G and beyond to integrate sensing capabilities with communication networks, often referred to as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC).

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling / implementing a (network) function or a network entity of the access network 106 of FIG. 1 (e.g., the (R)AN 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 or a next-generation RAN (NG-RAN)). The control apparatus 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211b, one or more processors 212, 213 and a network interface 214. The processors 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The processors 212, 213 may be configured to execute software code 215 which may be stored in the ROM 211b. Execution of the software code 215 may, for example, cause the apparatus 200 to perform operations for controlling a (network) function of the access network 102. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 for controlling another (network) function or another network entity of the access network 102. In some embodiments, each (network) function or each network entity of access network 102 is deployed or hosted on respective control apparatus 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more (network functions) or network entities of the access network 102 may share the same control apparatus.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows physical and logical components of an exemplary apparatus 300 comprising one or more network functions 110 of the communication network 104, including SeMF, AMF or PCF in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although an example implementation of the apparatus 300 is shown and discussed below, other apparatus may be used to implement examples of SeMF, AMF or PCF disclosed herein, which may include logical and physical components that are different from those shown in FIG.3. Also, although FIG. 3 shows a single instance of each logical and / or physical component of the apparatus 300, there may be multiple instances of each logical and / or physical component shown in FIG. 3.

[0066] The apparatus 300 includes one or more processors 302, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated logic circuitry, a graphics processing unit (GPU), atensor processing unit, a neural processing unit, a dedicated artificial intelligence processing unit, a hardware accelerator, a quantum processor, or any combinations thereof. The one or more processors 302 may generally be referred to as processor 302 and collectively be referred to as processors 302.

[0067] The apparatus 300 also includes one or more memories 304 (generally referred to a memory 304 and collectively referred to herein as “memories 304”), which may include volatile or non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, a random-access memory (RAM), and / or a readonly memory (ROM)). Memory 304 may store machine-executable instructions for execution by at least one of the one or more processors 302. For example, the A machine-executable instructions 306 of a SeMF described herein is shown stored in the memory 304, which may be executed by at least one of the one or more processors 302, cause the apparatus 300 to perform the operations of the SeMF described herein. The memory 304 may store machine-executable instructions for execution by the processor 104, such as machine-executable instructions of other network functions of the core network 108 described above in reference to FIG. 1.

[0068] The memory 304, in addition to the machine-executable instructions 306 may store data, information, rules, and / or policies.

[0069] In some examples, the apparatus 300 may also include one or more electronic storage units (not shown), such as a solid-state drive, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive and / or an optical disk drive. In some examples, one or more datasets and / or modules may be provided by an external memory (e.g., an external drive in wired or wireless communication with the computing system 100) or may be provided by a transitory or non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include a RAM, a ROM, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, a CD-ROM, or other portable memory storage. The storage units and / or external memory may be used in conjunction with memory 112 to implement data storage, retrieval, and caching functions of the apparatus 300.

[0070] The processor and memory 304 of the apparatus 300 may communicate with each other via a communication bus, for example. In some implementations, the apparatus 300 is a distributed computing system that includes multiple computing devices (e.g., servers) in communication with each other over a data network, as well as optionally one or more additional components. The various operations described herein may be performed by different computingdevices (e.g., servers) of a distributed computing system in some implementations. In some implementations, the apparatus 100 is a virtual machine provided by the infrastructure (e.g., a hypervisor, processors, and memories) of a cloud computing system.

[0071] A core network function as described herein may be implemented as a core network entity that includes a combination of hardware processing circuit and software and / or firmware comprising machine-readable instructions, or software comprising machine-readable instructions that are executable by at least one processor of hardware processing circuit of an apparatus. A hardware processing circuit includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing machine-readable instructions that are executable by the at least one processor of the hardware processing circuit. A processor includes any or some combination of an accelerator, a microprocessor, a core of a multi-core microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, a central processing unit, a graphic processing unit, a tensor processing unit. Memory includes any or some combination of volatile or non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, cache, a random-access memory (RAM), and / or a read-only memory (ROM)). The memory stores the machine-readable instructions of the software and / or firmware for execution by the at least one processor of the hardware processing circuit. The machine-readable instructions are executable by the at least one processor of the hardware processing circuit cause the hardware processing circuit to perform the actions or operations of the methods described herein. For example, the session management function described herein may be implemented as a session management entity and the session management policy control function described herein may be implemented as a session management policy control entity, respectively.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, an example of user equipment 100 is shown. Although FIG. 4 shows a single instance of each physical and / or logical component of the user equipment 100, the user equipment 100 may include multiple instances of each physical and / or logical component shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] User equipment 100 may be any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples of a user equipment include a mobile station (MS), a mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a vehicle, a drone, a robot,a machine-type communications (MTC) device, an Internet of things (loT) type communication device or any combinations of these.

[0074] The user equipment 100 also includes one or more processors 401, one or more memories 402 (collectively referred to as memory 402) and other components or circuitry 403 for use in software and hardware aided execution of operations the user equipment 100 is configured to perform, including control of access to and communications with radio access networks (e.g., the RAN illustrated in FIG. 1). The processor 401 is coupled to the memory 402. The one or more processors 401 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, multi core processor, a tensor processing unit (TPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a dedicated logic circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated artificial intelligence processing unit, a hardware accelerator, a quantum processor, or any combinations thereof. The memory 402 may include a volatile or non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, a random-access memory (RAM), and / or a read-only memory (ROM)).

[0075] The processor 401 may be configured to execute software code 408 (e.g., the processor may execute instructions of the software code 408). The execution of the software code 408 (or the execution of the instructions of the software code) may for example cause the user equipment 100 to perform one or more operations, including the operations described herein with respect to FIG. 9-11, FIG.13 and FIG. 14. The software code 408 may be stored in memory 402.

[0076] The user equipment 100 also include an antenna array 404 and a transceiver 406 for transmitting wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) to access nodes of an access network (e.g., a radio access network nodes of a RAN) and / or receiving wireless signals from access nodes of an access network (e.g., a radio access network nodes of a RAN) over an air interface 407. The wireless signals (e.g., radio signals) may carry communications, such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia data, and / or machine data. The antenna array 406 may be arranged internally or externally to the user equipment 100. The antenna array 406 may comprise one or more antenna elements. The antenna array 406 may be a multi-input multi output (MIMO) antenna.

[0077] The processor 401, the at least one memory 402, the transceiver 406 and other components or circuitry 403 of the user equipment 100 (e.g., a modem) can be provided on a circuit board, in chipsets, or in a system on chip (SOC). The circuit board, chipsets or SOC is denoted byreference 404 in Figure 3. User equipment lOOmay optionally include display device 405, such as a touch-sensitive display device. The user equipment 100 also includes a battery (not shown). The user equipment 100 may also include a speaker (not shown) and a microphone (not shown). The user equipment 100 may also include a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) (not shown) or an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) (not shown).

[0078] There are different sensing approaches or types that may be used in an ISAC system. RAN nodes (e.g., base station (BS)) and / or UEs may participate in a sensing procedure either for monostatic sensing, bi-static sensing or for multi-static sensing. In mono-static UE -based sensing, a UE acts as transmitter or sounder (to transmit a sensing signal) and the same UE acts as a receiver or sensor (to receive the sensing signal). This sensing approach or type employs a system in which the transmit and receive arrays are placed together in one UE. In bi-static sensing or multi-static UE-based sensing, a UE acts as transmitter or sounder (to transmit a sensing signal) and one or more other UE act as receiver(s) or sensor(s) (to receive the sensing signal). In multistatic RAN and UE sensing, RAN (e.g., a BS) transmits a sensing signal and UE(s) receives it to obtain sensing data; or UE transmits a sensing signal and RAN receives it to obtain sensing data.

[0079] The sensing data (or sensing measurement or sensing measurement information) may include data derived from radio signals impacted (e.g. reflected, refracted or diffracted) by an object or environment of interest for sensing purposes, and optionally processed (e.g., a UE, within a 5G or 6G system, an external server, an application server, an edge server, and / or the like). Sensing output(s) may include processed sensing data for example, requested by a service consumer (or sensing client).

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 5 A to 5C, examples of UE-based sensing operations are shown. FIG. 5A shows mono-static sensing operations are shown. A UE 510 (e.g., a vehicle in FIG. 5A) in a sensing session acts as a transmitter (Tx) of sensing signals as well as a receiver (Rx) of sensing signals to analyze an object 511. FIG. 5B shows bi-static sensing operations. A UE 520 in a sensing session acts as a Tx of sensing signals to analyze an object 521 and a UE 522 in the sensing session acts as a Rx of sensing signals to analyze the object 521. FIG. 5C shows multistatic sensing operations. A UE 530 in a sensing session acts as a Tx of sensing signals to analyze an object 531 and an object 532; a UE 533 in the sensing session acts as a Rx of sensing signals to analyze the object 531; and a UE 534 and UE 535 in the sensing session act as Rx(s) of sensing signals to analyze the object 532.

[0081] The UE-based sensing operation involves a set of UEs (e.g., UE 100 in FIG. 1) that perform multi-static, bi-static and / or mono-static sensing operations. Hence, discovery and selection of the appropriate UEs is critical for success of a UE-based sensing operation. Not only for the fulfillment of target sensing QoS requirements but also to avoid wasting communication and computation resources. Especially some UE’s processing and reporting of sensing data are an “expensive” task in terms of required computational and communication resources.

[0082] Existing sensing discovery schemes, like those schemes proposed in ranging or positioning, are not adequate to fulfill sensing-specific discovery requirements. Nowadays study is focusing on identification of an anchor UE to transmit positioning signals to a target UE and estimate location of the target UE or range between two connected UEs. Existing 5G and 5G- advanced systems (Release 19 or prior) do not provide any sensing functionality and there is no study on UE-based sensing using 3 GPP means to obtain awareness of the surroundings of a sensing device.

[0083] Therefore, the following problems need to be solved in present disclosure:• How to efficiently search and discover one / more of the discoveree UEs to participate in UE- based sensing operation.• How to select suitable discoveree UEs to be involved in UE-based sensing operation.• How and when the network can assist a sensing discovery when the UEs are under network coverage.

[0084] In present disclosure, the set of UEs for sensing discovery includes a discoverer UE(e.g. a first UE in FIG. 6) and a plurality of discoveree UEs(e.g. second UEs in FIG. 6). The discoverer UE is demanding side of UE-based sensing which needs to ‘draw support’ from sensing capabilities of at least one discoveree UEs in the plurality of discoveree UEs, and each of discoveree UE in the plurality of discoveree UEs is supporting side of the UE-based sensing which may be a candidate for support the discoverer UE’s sensing service. Present disclosure proposes schemes for identification of the appropriate discoveree UEs to establish a multi-static, bi-static and / or monostatic UE-based sensing operation.

[0085] The schemes enable the discoverer UE to identify a set of discoveree UEs and their sensing role, based on sensing capabilities matching and assessment at the discoveree UEs side based on determined sensing discovery criteria. Additionally, the discoverer UE or SeMF(some functions of discoverer UE may transfer to the SeMF) may configure sensing measurementconfiguration(s) for at least one discoveree UE of the plurality of discoveree UEs, to help the discoverer UE collect more granular sensing information, and said sensing information further drives a more effective selection of the discoveree UEs and assignment of their sensing role towards expected sensing goals.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation is shown. Before steps listed in FIG. 6, a first UE (discoverer UE) as well as a plurality of second UEs (discoveree UEs) are pre-provisioned and authorized to participate in the sensing related activities(e.g., UE-based sensing operation) on a PLMN radio resources. This pre-provisioning and authorization can be done, for example, as part of registration procedure and / or while the first UE and each of second UE in the plurality of the second UEs are in network coverage. This pre-provisioning may include among other information, such as, radio resources dedicated to sensing services, UE IDs (e.g., broadcast or unicast IDs to be used for discovery purposes), list of track area identities (TAIs), security information (e.g., security tokens, security credentials can be used over discovery procedures).

[0087] By way of example, but not limitation, the selection of discoveree UEs of FIG. 6 is illustrated with the following steps:

[0088] In step 601, the first UE triggers a sensing service.

[0089] The sensing service may be triggered by multiple means: by an application layer request from an application located at the same device (the first UE), by a communication component request of the first UE or by an external request (e.g., from another UE, from a RAN or form an application function).

[0090] In step 602, the first UE determines sensing discovery criteria.

[0091] The first UE may determine the sensing discovery criteria according to at least one of: type(s) of sensing service, target(s) sensing area, type(s) of at least one object to be sensed, target sensing QoS parameter(s), target sensing attribute(s) as well as target sensing parameter(s) / threshold(s). Thus, the sensing discovery criteria may help each second UE in the plurality of the second UEs to decide whether to participate to the UE-based sensing operation (the sensing service) of the first UE.

[0092] Optionally, the first UE may obtain or update the sensing discovery criteria from the core network (e.g., the PCF in FIG. 1).

[0093] In step 603, the first UE sends discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to thesecond UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0094] The first UE may broadcast discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs to identify the appropriate second UEs to participate in the UE-based sensing operation in the step 603.

[0095] For saving energy of the first UE, optionally, the first UE may choose a specific number of the second UEs to send the discovery request (e.g., the first UE may limit scope of broadcast to 10m / a specific power firstly. If the number of the second UEs is not satisfied, the first UE may amplify the scope of broadcast / the power for broadcast).

[0096] The discovery request for UE sensing assistance comprises at least one or more of the below types of information:

[0097] • An ID of the first UE

[0098] •A current location and mobility information (e.g., speed, heading, trajectory) of the first UE

[0099] •An expected duration of sensing operation (in ms / sec)

[0100] ’Target UE-based sensing attributes:-Sensing area(s) described via i) (absolute) geographic coordinates, or ii) as a reference to the first UE (e.g., 50 meters ahead of the first UE), or iii) a set of sensing areas based on UEs mobility. -UE sensing role: Rx or Tx or both-Target radar cross section (RCS), according to the target object(s) type and necessary for the estimation of achieved sensing accuracy-Capability to process sensing signals and indication of the required sensing data processing (e.g., periodogram creation, target point cloud creation, clutters removal, creation of object maps) in case of Rx.-Capability to report sensing data e.g., via a device-to-device communication technology such as the sidelink (SL) interface or via a cellular interface, such as the Uu interface, or both-Sensing service type-Sensing requirements (required sensing bandwidth, sensing pulse repetition rate and / or sensing pulse width)-UE with connection to the cellular system (e.g., Uu)-PLMN ID(s)

[0101] ’Sensing relevant thresholds to support the decision of the second UEs in theplurality of the second UEs for preparing the UE assistance response (to be checked by the second UEs and determine their response)-Threshold(s) on measured (e.g., sidelink) received power of the discover request message at the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs (e.g., the second UE that receives reflected sensing signals, as an indication for the sensing accuracy).-UE speed threshold(s) in 2D or 3D space, to avoid involving in the sensing operations UEs which may not have the same relative speed with the first UE.-Threshold(s) on availability local sensing resources (e.g., sensing resources congestion, sensing channel busy ratio) that could be used e.g., as an indication that the target resolution can be achieved-Threshold(s) of sensing QoS related parameters

[0102] Optionally, the discovery requests to the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs may be different or same.

[0103] In step 604, at least one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs check their (at least one) capabilities related to the sensing service.

[0104] Taking one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs which may be with sensing capabilities qualified for the sensing service as an example, after the second UE received the discovery request for UE sensing assistance, the second UE may check its capabilities according the discovery request and determines whether the capabilities of the second UE matches with the information of the discovery request in step 603, by considering current UE status and local policies of the second UE. Then the second UE may also conduct measurements and calculations according to the information brought by the discovery request and thus the second UE may decide whether it is a candidate to assist thesensing service of the first UE according to the thresholds / parameters in the information of the discovery request in step 603. For instance, whether the second UE is located inside or near the sensing area of the first UE, whether the measured received power of the second UE is below the defined threshold and in relation with the target RCS and / or object type to estimate, whether the second UE can facilitate the sensing operation, or whether the second UE is an available sensing resource for the first UE in the sensing area.

[0105] Alternatively, in the step 604, the second UE choose the information according to the discovery request without checking, and this ‘checking’ will done by the first UE after the firstUE received the information chose by the second UE.

[0106] Optionally, in step 605, at least one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs may determine whether to send a response to the first UE. To save the resource / energy of the second UE, the second UE may determine whether to send a response to the first UE according to the result of checking capabilities in the step 604. If the capabilities of the second UE are satisfied the information of the discovery request in the step 603, the second UE may send a response to the first UE. Otherwise, the second UE could not send any response to the first UE. The details of the response will be illustrated in step 606.

[0107] In step 606, at least one the second UE in the plurality of the seconds sends a discovery response for UE assistance to the first UE.

[0108] Specifically, the discovery response for UE assistance may comprise at least one or more of:-The second UE’s ID-The second UE’s sensing capabilitie(s)-The second UE status information, such as location of the second UE, mobility information of the of the second UE (speed, heading, trajectory)-The second UE sensing related measurement(s), such as measured reference signal received power (RSRP) of the discovery response at the second UE, sensing resources availability information of the second UE (e.g., sensing resources congestion, busy ratio) -Confidentiality interval(s) for above measurements and / or indications

[0109] Alternatively, the second UE may send a rejection message to the first UE with / without the reason of rejection.

[0110] In step 607, the first UE selects a first list related to the second UE.

[0111] After the first UE received the discovery responses from the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs, the first UE determines (or selects) a first list related to the second UEs based on the discovery response, wherein the second UEs in first list are a subset of the plurality of the second UEs. For example, the first UE may check target criteria for sensing discovery and compare the parameters of discovery response with the target criteria and select satisfied second UEs from the second UEs that send the discovery response to the first UE.

[0112] Optionally, the information of the second UEs in the first list is stored in the first UE in a prioritized order according to one or more information of the second UE, for example, theorder of the second UEs in the first list may be sorted by the second UE’s sensing capabilities.

[0113] Optionally, if the number of the second UEs in the first list is not satisfied with a threshold for the sensing service, the first UE could repeat step 601 to step 607 in an amplified scope of broadcast to update the first list.

[0114] Once the first UE obtained the first list, the first UE may start the UE-based sensing operation under assistance of the second UEs in the first list to enhance accuracy and efficiency of the UE based sensing.

[0115] In case that the first list is a relative long list related to the second UEs and / or if there is not enough information / confidence of the second UEs in the first list to assist UE-based sensing of the first UE. From following step 608, the first UE may initiate a process to determine a second list based on the first list of the step 607.

[0116] Optionally, in step 608, the first UE may determine whether to initiate measurement phase.

[0117] The purpose of initiate measurement phase to narrow the scope of the first list / find out more information for UE-based sensing based on measurement phase. The decision of whether to initiate measurement phase may base on the information / confidence brought by the first list. For example, the first UE could make this decision according to the length of the first list compared with a target length of the list.

[0118] Optionally, in step 609, the first UE may determine sensing measurement configuration(s) for the second UEs in the first list.

[0119] The sensing measurement configuration provides information that sensing measurement of the second UEs in the first list as well as the required reported information by the second UEs in the first list will use.

[0120] The sensing measurement configuration may comprise at least one or more of:- Selected resour ce(s) (resources configurations)- Timing configuration(s) (e.g., slots, resources, duration, periodicity)- Directivity-related configuration(s)-Sensing data processing configuration s) (e.g., Maximum number of points (reflected signals) to be reported, Thresholds of power values, above which the reporting of the specific point should happen, and Minimum range distance, angle distance (both azimuth and elevation), position distance, speed distance between reported points). And the reported points refer to detected objectsand / or scatering points from transmited sensing signals(this transmitted sensing signals will be illustrate in following step 611).The maximum number of points, thresholds of power values and minimum range distance, angle distance (both azimuth and elevation), position distance, speed distance between reported points are used to avoid reporting multiple points that are similar in the different parameters (such as angle and range) and report only one point to reduce the reporting size.

[0121] Optionally, the sensing measurement configurations could be configured before the whole procedure, like during registration procedure and / or while the first UE is in the network coverage.

[0122] Optionally, the sensing measurement configurations for different second UE may different or same. For example, the first UE could configure different sensing measurement configurations for the different second UEs (e.g., Tx or Rx).

[0123] Optionally, the first UE may obtain or update the sensing measurement configurations from the core network (e.g., the PCF in FIG. 1).

[0124] In step 610, the first UE sends the sensing measurement configuration(s) to the second UEs in the first list.

[0125] Optionally, for saving bandwidth for the first UE, the first UE may send the sensing measurement configurations to partial of the second UEs in the first list according to the priority of second UEs stored in the first list.

[0126] Optionally, in an emergency service, the sensing measurement configurations may be sent in the discovery request of the step 603 for enhance the efficiency of communication between the first UE and the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0127] Optionally, in step 611, the first UE may send sensing signal(s) for measurement phase to the second UEs in the first list.

[0128] The sensing signal(s) for measurement phase is for trigger the second UE to perform the measurement phase.

[0129] Optionally, The second UE could perform measurement phase once it received the sensing measurement configuration without trigger, if no sensing signal(s) for measurement phase is received from the first UE.

[0130] Optionally, in an emergency service, the sensing signal(s) for measurement phase may be sent in the discovery request of the step 603 or in the sensing measurement configurationin the step 610 for enhance the efficiency of communication between the first UE and the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0131] In step 612, the second UEs in the first list perform the measurement phase.

[0132] Optionally, if the second UE received the sensing measurement configuration from the first UE in the step 603, the second UE may perform the measurement phase after the step 603.

[0133] In step 613, at least one the second UE in the first list sends management report to the first UE.

[0134] After the step 612, the second UEs in the first list would obtain results of the measurement phase and provide these results to the first UE in the measurement report(s). The information in the report may comprise at least one or more of: an ID of the second UE, location information of the second UE, mobility information of the second UE, received power of (reflected) sensing signals (e.g., sidelink RSRP) measured at the second UE, an angle of arrival of (reflected) sensing signals measured at second UE, timing information (e.g., timestamp) about the detection of sensing signals at the second UE, or Line-of-Sight (LoS) / Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) information of the second UE or Line-of-Sight (LoS) / Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) information about the second UE towards the target sensing area and / or the target object.

[0135] Optionally, in an emergency service, the second UE may send measurement report back to the first UE in the discovery request in step 606 for enhance the efficiency of communication between the first UE and the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0136] Optionally, in case the second UE identifies, after the measurement phase that the sensing discovery criteria (provided by the discovery request in the step 603) are not fulfilled, the second UE in the first list may send a rejection message to the first UE with / without the reason of rejection.

[0137] In step 614, the first UE determines the second list related to the second UEs.

[0138] The first UE based on collected measurement reports and provided measurement configurations may have more granular information about the second UEs (e.g., UE directivity information and sensing related parameters, like sensing range). The second list related to the second apparatuses is determined by evaluating of sensing QoS parameters and / or sensing radio parameters according to the measurement reports of the second UEs, wherein the sensing radio parameters that are used to estimate sensing QoS and the sensing radio parameters could be signal strength of received sensing signals, doppler information, or angular information. And then thefirst UE may decide the second list related to the second UEs that should be selected to support the sensing service, and specifically to cover adequately the target sensing area and the target sensing parameters (e.g., sensing range, sensing resolution, or sensing accuracy).

[0139] Optionally, the second UEs in the second list is a subset of the second UEs in the first list. The number of the second UEs in the second list may be same as the number of the second UEs in the first list, but add more / extra information for the sensing service of the second UEs.

[0140] Optionally, the information of the second UEs in the second list is stored in the first UE in a prioritized order according to one or more information of the second UE, for example, the order of the second UEs in the second list may be sorted by the second UE’ s sensing capabilities.

[0141] Optionally, if the number of the second UEs in the second list is not satisfied with the threshold for the sensing service, the first UE could repeat step 608 to step 614 or re-determine the second list according to the measurement reports in the step 613.

[0142] In step 615, the first UE performs UE-based sensing operation.

[0143] Once the first UE obtained the second list, the first UE may initiate the UE-based sensing operation under assistance of the second UE(s) in the second list to further enhance accuracy and efficiency of the UE based sensing of the first UE.

[0144] Specifically, the method from step 608 to step to step 615 to determine a candidate list (the second list) of the second UEs from the plurality of the second UEs may be implemented in the first UE independently without step 601 to step 607. The first list as an input of the step 608 to step 615 could be replaced by a full list of the plurality of the second UEs, and the second list as an output would be the candidate list of the second UEs to support UE-based sensing operation.

[0145] In addition, some of the functions of first UE may be removed from the first UE to core network. Referring now to FIG. 7, another flowchart of a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation is shown.

[0146] In step 701, a device-to-device (e.g., sidelink) based sensing discovery is performed between the first UE and the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0147] The device-to-device (e.g., sidelink) based sensing discovery may refer to step 601-step 607 in FIG. 6. In the step 701, the first UE may determine / select the first list related the second UEs from the plurality of the second UEs.

[0148] In step 702, the first UE sends a UE based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF.

[0149] The UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request may comprise at least one of the following: information of the first UE (e.g., ID of the first UE), sensing service types, sensing areas, sensing QoS, sensing requirements, information of the second UEs in the first list (e.g., IDs of the second UEs, UE status information, measurements via the device-to-device (e.g., sidelink) discovery). Optionally, the information of first UE or the second UE could be: IP address, 5G Core allocated unique UE ID, ID allocated by 5G Core for the purpose of discovery procedure, and thus this ID can be internally mapped by 5G Core to identify a particular UE.

[0150] Optionally, the first UE may send the UE based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF via a base station and / or AMF. The first UE may send the UE based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF via the base station without the AMF.

[0151] Optionally, before step 702, for saving transmitting resource of the firs UE or reducing the processing time of the SeMF, the first UE could choose a specific number of the second UEs from the first list which is comprised in the UE based sensing request / sensing discovery request.

[0152] Optionally, In the step 703, the SeMF may determine sensing measurement configuration(s) for the second UEs in the first list.

[0153] The sensing measurement configuration provides information that sensing measurement of the second UEs in the first list as well as the required reported information by the second UEs in the first list will use.

[0154] The sensing measurement configuration may further comprise at least one or more of:- Selected resour ce(s) (resources configuration)- Timing configuration(s) (e.g., slots, resources, duration, periodicity)- Directivity-related configuration(s)- Sensing data processing configuration(s) (e.g., Maximum number of points (reflected signals) to be reported, thresholds of power values, above which the reporting of the specific point should happen, and Minimum range distance, angle distance (both azimuth and elevation), position distance, speed distance between reported points). And the reported points refer to detected objects and / or scattering points from transmitted sensing signals.

[0155] The maximum number of points, thresholds of power values and minimum range distance, angle distance (both azimuth and elevation), position distance, speed distance betweenreported points are used to avoid reporting multiple points that are similar in the different parameters (such as angle and range) and report only one point to reduce the reporting size.

[0156] Optionally, the SeMF may also configure a sensing measurement configuration for the first UE in step 703.

[0157] Optionally, the sensing measurement configuration could be configured before the whole procedure, like during registration procedure and / or while the first UE / the second UE is in the network coverage.

[0158] Optionally, the sensing measurement configurations for different first UE / second UE(s) may different or same. For example, the first UE could configure different sensing measurement configurations for the different second UEs (e.g., Tx or Rx). In addition, the sensing measurement configurations for the first UE and second UE may different or same.

[0159] Optionally, the SeMF may obtain or update the sensing measurement configurations from other entity of the core network (e.g., the PCF in FIG. 1).

[0160] Optionally, in the step 704, the SeMF may send the sensing measurement configuration to the first UE.

[0161] Usually, the role of the first UE would be Tx, the SeMF may configure the sensing measurement configuration of the first UE in step 703 and send the sensing measurement configuration of the first UE in step 704.

[0162] Optionally, the SeMF may send the sensing measurement configuration to the first UE via a base station and / or AMF. The SeMF may send the sensing measurement configuration to the first UE via the base station without the AMF.

[0163] In the step 705, the SeMF sends the sensing measurement configuration(s) to the second UE(s) in the first list.

[0164] Usually, the role of the first UE would be Rx, the SeMF may configure the sensing measurement configuration of the second UEs in step 703 and send the sensing measurement configuration of the second UEs in step 704.

[0165] Optionally, the SeMF may send the sensing measurement configurations to the second UEs in the first list via a base station and / or the AMF. The SeMF may send the sensing measurement configuration to the second UEs in the first list via the base station without the AMF.

[0166] Optionally, in the step 706, the first UE may determine whether to initiate measurement phase.

[0167] Alternatively, step 706 also could be done by the SeMF and send to the second UEs in the first list in step 607.

[0168] Optionally, in step 707, the first UE may send sensing signal(s) for measurement phase to the second UEs in the first list.

[0169] The sensing signal(s) for measurement phase is for trigger the second UE to perform the measurement phase. Alternatively, the second UE could perform measurement phase once it received the sensing measurement configuration without trigger, if no sensing signal(s) for measurement phase is received from the first UE.

[0170] Optionally, in an emergency service, the sensing signal(s) for measurement phase may be sent in the discovery request of the step 701 for enhance the efficiency of communication between the first UE and the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0171] Optionally, the sensing signal(s) for measurement phase may be sent to SeMF first and then the SeMF may send to the second UE(s) in the second list.

[0172] In step 708, at least one the second UE in the first list performs the measurement phase.

[0173] In step 709, at least one the second UE in the first list sends management report to the SeMF.

[0174] After the step 708, the second UEs in the first list may obtain results of the measurement phase and provide these results to the SeMF in the measurement report(s). The information in the report may comprise at least one or more of: an ID of the second UE, location information of the second UE, mobility information of the second UE, received power of (reflected) sensing signals measured at the second UE, an angle of arrival of (reflected) sensing signals measured at second UE, timing information (e.g., timestamp) about the detection of sensing signals at the second UE, Line-of-Sight (LoS) / Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) information of the second UE or Line-of-Sight (LoS) / Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) information about the second UE towards the target sensing area and / or the target object.

[0175] Optionally, in case the second UE identifies, after the measurement phase that criteria are not fulfilled, the second UE in the first list may send a rejection message to the SeMF with / without the reason of rejection.

[0176] Optionally, the second UE may send the management report to the SeMF via a base station and / or AMF. The second UE may send the management report to the SeMF via thebase station without the AMF.

[0177] In step 710, the SeMF determines the second list of the second UEs.

[0178] The SeMF based on collected measurement reports and provided measurement configurations may have more granular information about the second UEs (e.g., UE directivity information and sensing related parameters, like sensing range). The second list related to the second apparatuses is determined by evaluating of sensing QoS parameters and / or sensing radio parameters according to the measurement reports of the second UEs, wherein the sensing radio parameters that are used to estimate sensing QoS and the sensing radio parameters could be signal strength of received sensing signals, doppler information, or angular information. And then the SeMF may decide the second list related to the second UEs that should be selected to support the sensing service, and specifically to cover adequately the target sensing area and the target sensing parameters e.g., sensing range, sensing resolution, sensing accuracy.

[0179] Optionally, the second UEs in the second list is a subset of the second UEs in the first list. The number of the second UEs in the second list may be same as the number of the second UEs in the first list, but add more / extra information for the sensing service of the second UEs.

[0180] Optionally, the information of the second UEs in the second list is stored in the SeMF in a prioritized order according to one or more information of the second UE, for example, the order of the second UEs in the second list may be sorted by the second UE’ s sensing capabilities.

[0181] Optionally, if the number of the second UEs in the second list is not satisfied with the threshold for the sensing service, the SeMF could repeat step 703 to step 710 or re-determine the second list according to the measurement reports in the step 710.

[0182] In step 711, the SeMF may send a UE-based response or sensing discovery response to the first UE.

[0183] The UE-based response or sensing discovery response to the first UE is related to the second list of the second UEs for sensing assistance of the first UE. The UE-based response or sensing discovery response to the first UE may comprises at least one of: an ID second UEs in the second list, or status of the second UE in the second list and configuration assistance information.

[0184] Optionally, in the UE-based response or sensing discovery response, the SeMF may further provide to the first UEs assistance information to support its own decisions for the configuration of the sensing operation related with selected Tx antennas / beams for a specific UEand sensing resources configuration.

[0185] Optionally, the SeMF may send the UE-based response or sensing discovery response to the second UEs in the first list via a base station and / or AMF. The SeMF may send the UE-based response or sensing discovery response to the second UEs in the first list via the base station without the AMF.

[0186] In step 712, the first UE performs UE-based sensing operation.

[0187] Once the first UE obtained the information of second list from the SeMF in the step 711, the first UE may initiate the UE-based sensing operation under assistance of the second UEs in the second list to further enhance accuracy and efficiency of the UE-based sensing of the first UE. Because some function of the first UE is transferred to the SeMF, the first UE could save resources of itself under powerful capabilities of the SeMF.

[0188] In addition, some functions of the first UE related to determining the first list of the second UEs also could remove to core network (e.g., SeMF). Referring now to FIG. 8, another flowchart of a method of a selection of discoveree UEs to participate in UE-based sensing operation is shown.

[0189] In step 801, the first UE sends UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF.

[0190] The function of UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request for the first UE is ‘asking help’ from the SeMF of UE based sensing operation.

[0191] The UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request may comprise at least one of following information: an identity of the first UE, current location of the first UE, mobility information of the first UE (e.g., speed, heading, trajectory), target sensing service, the target sensing areas, type of at least one object to be sensed or the target sensing QoS parameters.

[0192] Optionally, the UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request may comprise the information of a plurality of the second UEs (e.g. an ID of the second UE(s)) in the scope of broadcast of the first UE.

[0193] Optionally, the first UE may send the UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF via a base station and / or AMF. The first UE may send UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request to the SeMF via the base station without the AMF.

[0194] In the step 802, the SeMF determines sensing discovery criteria.

[0195] The SeMF based on received information from the UE-based sensing request / sensing discovery request in step 801 and optional information about the first UE’s sensing capabilities can determine the configuration of the discovery procedure. Moreover, specifically, the SeMF may define the target sensing attributes as well as parameters / thresholds can be used by each candidate UE and thus help to decide whether to participate to the UE-based sensing operation.

[0196] Optionally, the SeMF may obtain or update the sensing discovery criteria from the core network (e.g., the PCF in FIG. 1).

[0197] In step 803, the SeMF sends discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs.

[0198] The SeMF may broadcast the discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs to identify the appropriate second UEs to participate in the UE-based sensing operation of the first UE. Optionally, the SeMF may determine the plurality of the second UEs by itself, like according to the current location of the first UE in step 801.

[0199] The SeMF may identify the base station(s) that should transmit (broadcast) the sensing discovery request, according to the target sensing area, to identify the appropriate second UEs to participate in the UE-based sensing operation. The SeMF may transmit firstly the sensing discovery request message to the AMF, which according to the identified base station(s), forwards the sensing discovery request to the base station(s), which undertakes then to broadcast the sensing discovery request to the second UE in the plurality of UE.

[0200] The discovery request for UE sensing assistance comprises at least one or more of the below types of information:

[0201] «An ID of the first UE

[0202] •An ID of the sensing discovery procedure (in case the second UEs receive multiple request)

[0203] • An ID of the SeMF

[0204] •A current location and mobility information (e.g., speed, heading, trajectory) of the first UE

[0205] •An expected duration of sensing operation (in ms / sec)

[0206] ’Target UE-based sensing attributes:-Sensing area(s) described via i) (absolute) geographic coordinates, or ii) as a reference to the first UE (e.g., 50 meters ahead of the first UE), or iii) a set of sensing areas based on UEs mobility.-UE sensing role: Rx or Tx or both-Target radar cross sections (RCS), according to the target object(s) type and necessary for the estimation of achieved sensing accuracy-Capabilities to process sensing signals and indication of required sensing data processing (e.g., periodogram creation, target point cloud creation, clutter removal, creation of object maps) in case of Rx.-Capability to report sensing data e.g., via a device-to-device communication technology such as the sidelink (SL) interface or via a cellular interface, such as the Uu interface, or both -Sensing service types-Sensing requirements (required sensing bandwidth, sensing pulse repetition rate and / or sensing pulse width)-UE with connection to the cellular system (e.g., Uu)-PLMN ID(s)

[0207] ’Sensing relevant threshold(s) to support the decision of receiving UE (the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs) for preparing the UE assistance response (to be checked by the second UEs and decide their response):-Threshold(s) on measured (e.g., sidelink) received power of the discover request message at the second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs (e.g., the second UE that receives reflected sensing signals, as an indication for the sensing accuracy).-UE speed thresholds in 2D or 3D space, to avoid involving in the sensing operations UEs which may not have the same relative speed with the first UE.-Threshold(s) on availability local sensing resources (e.g., sensing resources congestion, busy ratio) as indication that the target resolution can be achieved -Threshold(s) of sensing QoS related parameters

[0208] Optionally, the SeMF may send the discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to the second UEs via a base station and / or AMF. The SeMF may send the discovery requests for UE sensing assistance to the second UEs via the base station without the AMF.

[0209] In step 804, at least one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs checks their capabilities related to sensing assistance.

[0210] Taking one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs which may be with sensing capabilities qualified for the sensing service as an example, after the second UE receivedthe discovery request for UE sensing assistance, the second UE may check its capabilities according the discovery request and determines whether the capabilities of the second UE matches with the information of the discovery request in step 803, by considering current UE status and local policies of the second UE. Then the second UE may also conduct measurements and calculations according to the information brought by the discovery request and thus the second UE may decide whether it is a candidate to assist in the discovery operation of the first UE according to the thresholds / parameters in the information of the discovery request in step 803.

[0211] Alternatively, in the step 804, the second UE choose the information according to the information in the discovery request in the step 804 without checking, and this ‘checking’ will be done by the SeMF after the SeMF received the information chose by the second UE.

[0212] Optionally, in step 805, at least one second UE in the plurality of the second UEs may determine whether to send the response to the SeMF. To save the resource of the second UE, the second UE may determine whether to send a response to the SeMF according to the result of checking capabilities in the step 804. If the capabilities of the second UE are satisfied the information of the discovery request in the step 803, the second UE could send a request to the SeMF. Otherwise, the second UE could not send any response to the SeMF.

[0213] In step 806, at least one the second UE in the plurality of the second UEs sends discovery response for UE assistance to the SeMF.

[0214] Specifically, the discovery response for UE assistance may comprise at least one or more of:-An ID of second UE-An ID of the sensing discovery procedure-An ID of the SeMF that handles the sensing discovery procedure- Second UE’s sensing capabilities- Second UE status information, such as location of the second UE, mobility info of the of the second UE (speed, heading, trajectory)- Second UE sensing related measurements, such as measured reference signal received power (RSRP) of the discovery response at the second UE, sensing resources availability information of the second UE (e.g., sensing resources congestion, busy ratio)-Confidentiality intervals for above measurements and / or indications

[0215] Alternatively, the second UE may send a rejection message to the SeMFwith / without the reason of rejection.

[0216] Optionally, the second UE may send the discovery response for UE sensing assistance to the SeMF via a base station and / or AMF. The second UE may send the discovery response for UE sensing assistance to the SeMF via the base station without the AMF.

[0217] In step 807, the SeMF selects a first list related to the second UE.

[0218] After the SeMF received at least one the discovery response from the at least one second UEs in the plurality of the second UEs, the SeMF determines a first list related to the second UEs based on the discovery response, wherein the second UEs in first list are a subset of the plurality of the second UEs. For example, the SeMF may check target criteria for sensing discovery and compare the parameters of discovery response with the target criteria and select satisfied second UEs from the second UEs that send the discovery response to the SeMF.

[0219] Optionally, the information of the second UEs in the first list is stored in the SeMF in a prioritized order according to one or more information of the second UE, for example, the order of the second UEs in the first list may be sort by the second UE’s sensing capabilities.

[0220] Optionally, if the number of the second UEs in the first list is not satisfied with a threshold for the sensing service, the SeMF could repeat step 801 to step 807 in an amplified scope of broadcast to update the first list.

[0221] Optionally, in step 808, the SeMF may send information related to the first list to the first UE.

[0222] Optionally, the SeMF may send the information related to the first list to the first UE via a base station and / or AMF. The SeMF may send the information related to the first list to the first UE via the base station without the AMF.

[0223] Once the first UE obtained the information related to first list, the first UE may start the UE-based sensing operation under assistance of the second UEs in the first list to enhance accuracy and efficiency of the UE based sensing.

[0224] In case that the first list is a relative long list of the second UEs and / or if there is not enough information / confidence of the second UEs in the first list to assist UE-based sensing of the first UE, the SeMF may initiate a process to determine a second list based on the first list of the step 807. The following steps refer to step 703 to step 712 in the FIG. 7.

[0225] Once the first UE obtained the second list from the SeMF in the step 711, the first UE may initiate the UE-based sensing operation under assistance of the second UEs in the secondlist to further enhance accuracy and efficiency of the UE based sensing of the first UE. Because some functions of the first UE are transferred to the SeMF, the first UE could save resources of itself under powerful capability of the SeMF.

[0226] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a method of an apparatus, for example the user equipment 100, is shown.

[0227] At 901, the apparatus determines sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service;

[0228] At 902, the apparatus broadcasts requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria;

[0229] At 903, the apparatus receives, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses;

[0230] At 904, the apparatus selects the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

[0231] In some implementations, the apparatus sends, to the selected apparatuses, information representing at least one configuration for sensing measurement; receives, from at least one of the selected apparatuses, at least one measurement report relating to the at least one configuration; and, determines a subset of the selected apparatuses based on the at least one measurement report.

[0232] In some implementations, the subset of the selected apparatuses is determined by evaluating of at least one sensing QoS parameter and / or at least one sensing radio parameter according to at least one measurement report.

[0233] In some implementations, the sensing discovery criteria is determined by at least one of the following: a type of the sensing service, a target sensing area, a type of at least one of object to be sensed or at least one target sensing QoS parameter.

[0234] In some implementations, the requests comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, a current location of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

[0235] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensing capability of the at least one selected apparatus, status information of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensingrelated measurement of the at least one selected apparatus, or at least one of confidentiality interval.

[0236] In some implementations, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0237] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0238] In some implementations, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, location information of the at least one selected apparatus, mobility information of the at least one selected apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the at least one selected apparatus towards at least one object or sensing area.

[0239] In some implementations, the apparatus sends at least one sensing signals for measurement phase based on the selected apparatuses.

[0240] In some implementations, the apparatus performs the sensing service based on a subset of the selected apparatuses.

[0241] In some implementations, the configurations for the different apparatuses in the selected apparatuses are different.

[0242] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart of a method of an apparatus, for example the user equipment 100, is shown.

[0243] At 1001, the apparatus receives, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service;

[0244] At 1002, the apparatus determines, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service;

[0245] At 1003, the apparatus sends, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

[0246] In some implementations, the apparatus receives, from the device, at least one configuration for sensing measurement; performs a measurement phase according to the at least one configuration; and, sends, to the device, a measurement report relating a result of the measurement phase.

[0247] In some implementations, the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the device, a current location of the device, mobility information of the device, an expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute for the apparatus, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

[0248] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus, status information of the apparatus, at least one sensing related measurement of the apparatus, or at least one confidentiality interval.

[0249] In some implementations, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0250] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0251] In some implementations, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, location information of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the apparatus towards at least one of the object or sensing area.

[0252] Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart of a method of an apparatus, for example the user equipment 100, is shown.

[0253] At 1101, the apparatus selects one or more apparatuses for a sensing service based on at least one capability of the one or more apparatuses;

[0254] At 1102, the apparatus sends, to a network entity, a request which is based on theselected apparatuses;

[0255] At 1103, the apparatus receives, from the network entity, a response indicative of a subset of the selected apparatuses for the sensing service; and,

[0256] At 1104, the apparatus performs the sensing service according to the subset of the selected apparatuses.

[0257] In some implementations, the apparatus receives, from the network entity, a configuration for sensing measurement; and performs a measurement phase based on the configuration.

[0258] In some implementations, the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, a sensing service type, a sensing area, a sensing QoS, at least one of sensing requirement, the selected apparatuses, an identity of the selected apparatuses, status information of the selected apparatuses, at least one of collected measurement via device-to-device sensing discovery, or the status information of the apparatus.

[0259] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus in the subset of the selected apparatuses or the status information of the at least one selected apparatus in the subset of the selected apparatuses.

[0260] In some implementations, the response further comprises configuration assistance information for support the sensing service.

[0261] In some implementations, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0262] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one of threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0263] Referring now to FIG. 12, a flowchart of a method of a network entity of a communication network, for example, the SeMF of the communication network 108 shown in FIG. 1, is shown.

[0264] At 1201, the network entity receives, from a device, a request indicative of one or more apparatuses for a sensing service;

[0265] At 1202, the network entity receives, from the at least one apparatus for the sensing service , at least one measurement report;

[0266] At 1203, the network entity selects the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one measurement report; and,

[0267] At 1204, the network entity sends, to the device, a response indicative of the selected apparatuses.

[0268] In some implementations, the network entity determines at least one configuration for sensing measurement of the at least one apparatus; sends, to at least one apparatus, the at least one configuration for sensing measurement of the at least one apparatus; and / or, determines a configuration for sensing measurement of the device; sends, to the device, the configuration for sensing measurement of the device.

[0269] In some implementations, the network entity receives, from the device via a second network entity and / or a base station, a request indicative of one or more apparatuses for a sensing service; and, sends, to the device via the second network entity and / or the base station, indicative of the selected apparatuses.

[0270] In some implementations, the network entity the second network entity comprises access and mobility function (AMF).

[0271] In some implementations, the configuration for sensing measurement of the at least one apparatus comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration for the at least one of apparatus, a timing configuration for the at least one of apparatus, a directivity related configuration for the at least one of apparatus, or a sensing data processing configuration for the at least one of apparatus; and / or, the configuration for sensing measurement of the device comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration for the device, a timing configuration for the device, a directivity related configuration for the device, or a sensing data processing configuration for the device.

[0272] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration for the device / for the at least one apparatus comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one of threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0273] In some implementations, the measurement report comprising at least one of: anidentity of the at least one apparatus, location information of the at least one apparatus , mobility information of the at least one apparatus , received power of the sensing signals at the at least one apparatus , an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the at least one apparatus , timing information of measured sensing signals at the at least one apparatus , information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the at least one apparatus towards at least one of the object or sensing area.

[0274] In some implementations, the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the device, a sensing service type, a sensing area, a sensing QoS, at least one of sensing requirement, an identity of the at least one apparatus , the status information of the at least one apparatus, at least one of the collected measurement via device-to-device sensing discovery, or the status information of the device.

[0275] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus or the status information of the at least one selected apparatus .

[0276] In some implementations, the selected apparatuses are determined by evaluating by at least one sensing QoS parameter and / or at least one sensing radio parameter according to measurement report.

[0277] Referring now to FIG. 13, a flowchart of a method of an apparatus, for example the user equipment 100, is shown.

[0278] At 1301, the apparatus sends, to a network entity, a request for discovering at least one device for a sensing service;

[0279] At 1302, the apparatus receives, from the network entity, a response comprising an indication of one or more devices for the sensing service;

[0280] At 1303, the apparatus processes the response;

[0281] At 1304, the apparatus performs the sensing service after the response.

[0282] In some implementations, before receives, from the network entity, the response comprising the indication of one or more devices for the sensing service, the apparatus receives, from the network entity, a second response comprising an indication of one or more devices for the sensing service in which the one or more devices indicated by the response is a subset of the devices indicated by the second response, and performs the sensing service based on the second response.

[0283] In some implementations, the request comprises at least one of the following: asensing service type, a sensing area, a sensing QoS, sensing requirements, an identity of the apparatus, a current location of the apparatus, or mobility information of the apparatus.

[0284] In some implementations, the response further comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the one or more devices ,or status information of the one or more devices.

[0285] In some implementations, the response further comprises configuration assistance information for support the sensing service.

[0286] In some implementations, the apparatus receives, from the network entity, a configuration for sensing measurement ; and performing a measurement phase according to the configuration.

[0287] In some implementations, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0288] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one of threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0289] Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a method of an apparatus, for example the user equipment 100, is shown.

[0290] At 1401, the apparatus receives, from a network entity, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for the sensing service;

[0291] At 1402, the apparatus determines at least one capability of the apparatus for a sensing service; and,

[0292] At 1402, the apparatus sends, to the network entity, a response indicative of the at least one capability of the apparatus.

[0293] In some implementations, the apparatus receives, form the network entity, a configuration for sensing measurement; performs a measurement phase according to the configuration; sends, to the network entity, a measurement report based on a result of the measurement phase.

[0294] In some implementations, the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of a device requiring the sensing service, a current location of the device, mobilityinformation of the device, an identity of the network entity, an identity of sensing discovery, an expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute for the second apparatus, at least one sensing relevant threshold related to discovery response for the sensing service, or a configuration for the response.

[0295] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, an identity of the network entity, an identity of sensing discovery, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus, status information of the apparatus, at least one sensing related measurement of the apparatus, at least one confidentiality interval, or acknowledge information for the request.

[0296] In some implementations, the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0297] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0298] In some implementations, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, location information of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the apparatus, or information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the apparatus towards the sensing object or sensing area.

[0299] Referring now to FIG. 15, a flowchart of a method of a network entity of a communication network, for example, the SeMF of the communication network 108 shown in FIG. 1, is shown.

[0300] At 1501, the network entity determines sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service;

[0301] At 1502, the network entity sends, to one or more apparatuses, requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria;

[0302] At 1503, the network entity receives, from the at least one apparatus, a responseindicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and,

[0303] At 1504, the network entity selects the one or more apparatuses based on the response for the sensing service.

[0304] In some implementations, the network entity receives, from a device, a second request indicative of one or more apparatuses for the sensing service.

[0305] In some implementations, the network entity determines at least one configuration for sensing measurement of the selected apparatuses; sends, to at least one selected apparatuses, at least one the configuration for sensing measurement of the at least one selected apparatus; and / or, determines a configuration for sensing measurement of the device; sends, to the device, the configuration for sensing measurement of the device.

[0306] In some implementations, the network entity receives, from at least one selected apparatus, a measurement report; determines a subset of the selected apparatuses based on the at least one measurement report; and sends, to the device, a response indicative of the subset of the selected apparatuses.

[0307] In some implementations, the second request comprises at least one of the following: a sensing service type, a sensing area, a sensing QoS, at least one sensing requirement, an identity of the device, a current location of the device, or mobility information of the device.

[0308] In some implementations, each of the requests comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the device, a current location of the device, mobility information of the device, an identity of the network entity, an identity of sensing discovery, an expected duration of sensing operation, at least one of sensing attribute, at least one sensing relevant threshold related to discovery response for the sensing service, or a configuration for the response or an identity of apparatuses for the sensing service.

[0309] In some implementations, the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the one or more apparatuses, an identity of the network entity, an identity of sensing discovery, at least one of sensing capability of the apparatus, status information of the one or more apparatuses, at least one of sensing related measurement of the one or more apparatuses, at least one of confidentiality interval, or acknowledge information for the request which is based on the sensing discovery criteria.

[0310] In some implementations, the configuration for sensing measurement of the selected apparatuses / device comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, atiming configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

[0311] In some implementations, the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least on of threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

[0312] In some implementations, the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, location information of the at least one selected apparatus, mobility information of the at least one selected apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, or information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the at least one selected apparatus towards the sensing object or sensing area.

[0313] In some implementations, the response further comprising a configuration assistance information for support the sensing service.

[0314] In some implementations, the network entity sends, to the device, information indicative of the one or more selected apparatuses.

[0315] Through the descriptions of the preceding implementations, the subject matter disclosed may be implemented by using hardware only, or by using software and a necessary hardware platform, or by a combination of hardware and software. The coding of software for carrying out the above-described methods described is within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art having regard to the present disclosure. Based on such understandings, the technical solution of the subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product may be stored in a non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium, which may be, for example, an optical storage medium, flash drive, a hard disk, a solid-state drive, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, etc. The software program or product (otherwise referred to as a computer program or computer product) includes instructions that enable a computing device (e.g., a user equipment or a core network apparatus as described herein) to execute the methods provided in the implementations of the present disclosure.

[0316] The operations (otherwise referred to as steps) of the methods shown in theflowcharts in the drawings and described herein are for purposes of illustration only. There may be many variations to these operations or steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, the operations may be performed in a differing order, or operations may be added, deleted, or modified, as appropriate.

[0317] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog circuitry, digital circuit, and / or quantum circuit);(b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as:(i) a combination of analog, digital, and / or quantum hardware circuit(s); and(ii) any or all portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal and / or quantum processor(s)) with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone device, computing device, a computing system, or server, to perform various operations); and(c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as microprocessor(s), processor(s) and / or quantum processor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when the software is not needed for operation.

[0318] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0319] All values and sub-ranges within disclosed ranges are also disclosed. Also, although the systems, devices and processes disclosed and shown herein may comprise a specific plurality of elements, the systems, devices and assemblies may be modified to comprise additional or fewer of such elements. Although several example implementations are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions,additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the example methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding steps to the disclosed methods.

[0320] It is anticipated that features from one or more of the above-described implementations may be selected to create alternate implementations comprised of a subcombination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described implementations may be selected and combined to create alternate implementations comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as a whole.

[0321] In addition, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations described herein. It will, however, be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known methods, procedures, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example implementations described herein. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

[0322] Although the subject matter disclosed herein and some of its advantages (e.g., technological improvements) have been described in detail, other advantages (e.g., other technological improvements) may be apparent from the present disclosure. It should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the subject matter disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0323] The subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied or implemented in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the claims. The described example implementations are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. The subject matter disclosed herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the implementations set forth in the examples or implementations described herein but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one of processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, at least one response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the at least one response for the sensing service.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: sending, to the selected apparatuses, information representing at least one configuration for sensing measurement; receiving, from at least one of the selected apparatuses, at least one measurement report relating to the at least one configuration; and, determining a subset of the selected apparatuses based on the at least one measurement report.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the subset of the selected apparatuses is determined by evaluating of at least one sensing QoS parameter and / or at least one sensing radio parameter according to at least one measurement report.

5. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the sensing discovery criteria is determined by at least one of the following: a type of the sensing service, a target sensing area, a type of at least one of object to be sensed or at least one target sensing QoS parameter.

6. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the requests comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, a current location of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

7. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensing capability of the at least one selected apparatus, status information of the at least one selected apparatus, at least one of sensing related measurement of the at least one selected apparatus, or at least one of confidentiality interval.

8. The apparatus of any one of claim 2-7, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

10. The apparatus of any one of claim 3-9, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the at least one selected apparatus, location information of the at least one selected apparatus, mobility information of the at least one selected apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the at least one selected apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the at least one selected apparatus towards at least one object or sensing area.

11. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one of processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria for a sensing service; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving, from the device, at least one configuration for sensing measurement; performing a measurement phase according to the at least one configuration; sending, to the device, a measurement report relating a result of the measurement phase.

13. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

14. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the request comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the device, a current location of the device, mobility information of the device, an expected duration of sensing operation, at least one sensing attribute for the apparatus, or at least one sensing relevant threshold related to the response for the sensing service.

15. The apparatus of any one of preceding claims, wherein the response comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus, status information of the apparatus, at least one sensing related measurement of the apparatus, or at least one confidentiality interval.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: a resources configuration, a timing configuration, a directivity related configuration, or a sensing data processing configuration.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sensing data processing configuration comprises at least one of the following: a maximum number of points to be reported, at least one threshold of power values, a minimum range distance between reported points, a minimum angle distance between reported points, a minimum position distance between reported points, or a minimum speed distance between reported points.

18. The apparatus of any one of claim 12-17, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the apparatus, location information of the apparatus, mobility information of the apparatus, received power of the sensing signals at the apparatus, an angle of arrival of the sensing signals at the apparatus, timing information of measured sensing signals at the apparatus, information of LoS or NLoS conditions of the apparatus towards at least one of the object or sensing area.

19. A method comprising: determining sensing discovery criteria for selecting at least one apparatus for a sensing service; broadcasting requests which are based on the sensing discovery criteria; receiving, from one or more apparatuses, a response indicative of at least one sensing capability of one or more apparatuses; and, selecting the one or more apparatuses based on the response for the sensing service.

20. A method comprising: receiving, from a device, a request comprising information representing sensing discovery criteria; determining, based on the information, at least one sensing capability of the apparatus for the sensing service; and, sending, to the device, a response indicative of the at least one sensing capability of the apparatus.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when runon a computer, causes the computer to execute the method of claim 19 or 20.

22. An apparatus comprising means for preforming the method according to claim 19 or20.

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