Communication apparatus and method for handling interference in ISAC network

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication apparatus comprising: circuitry, which in operation, determines a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; and a transceiver, which in operation, transmits and / or receives an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

Description

DESCRIPTIONCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HANDLING INTERFERENCE IN ISAC NETWORKTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method, and more particularly, a communication apparatus and a communication method for interference handling in integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) networks.BACKGROUND

[0002] Current 5G-Advanced Network (NW) design focuses primarily on data transmission, i.e., communication only. Although this design supports positioning capabilities, it does not support detecting objects that are not connected to the NW. If sensing capability is integrated into the 5G-Advanced NW design, it may be offered as a service alongside communications.

[0003] Therefore, in Rel. 19, a study item on integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) was agreed in [RP-233993] to study channel modelling and deployment scenarios to support object detection and / or tracking for various sensing targets and sensing nodes. However, it is not well studied and specified how to handle interference in ISAC network.

[0004] A need therefore arises to address the above-mentioned issue.SUMMARY

[0005] One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment facilitates providing an apparatus and methods for interference handling in ISAC networks.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure refers to a communication apparatus comprising: circuitry, which in operation, determines a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; and a transceiver, which in operation, transmits and / or receives an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure refers to A method implemented by a communication apparatus, comprising: determining a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; and transmitting and / or receiving an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

[0008] Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and / or advantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, which need not all be provided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and / or advantages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with present embodiments.

[0010] Fig 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a 3GPP new radio (NR) system.

[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a communication apparatus.

[0012] Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method of handling interference in ISAC network.

[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates a diagram for handling interference in ISAC network according to a first example.

[0014] Fig. 5 illustrates a diagram for handling interference in ISAC network according to a second example.

[0015] Fig. 6 illustrates a diagram for handling interference in ISAC network according to a third example.

[0016] Fig. 7 illustrates a diagram for handling interference in ISAC network according to a fourth example.

[0017] Fig. 8 illustrates a diagram for handling interference in ISAC network according to a fifth example.

[0018] Fig 9 illustrates a diagram of a process for configuring a set of resources.

[0019] Fig 10 illustrates exemplary frequency bands related to groups of communication apparatuses.

[0020] Fig. 11 A and 11 B illustrate sub-bands in one frequency band.

[0021] Fig. 12 illustrates resources allocated for groups in time domain.

[0022] Fig. 13 illustrates gNBs with beams configured for different sensing modes.

[0023] Fig. 14 illustrates a DDDU slot allocated for a group and a frequency band.

[0024] Fig. 15A and 15B illustrate different slot formats for different sub-bands to achieve lower latency for different sensing modes.

[0025] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been depicted to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the illustrations, block diagrams or flowcharts may be exaggerated in respect to other elements to help an accurate understanding of the present embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals and characters in the drawings refer to like elements or equivalents.

[0027] As used herein, it may be appreciated that “A and / or B” refers to A, B, or both A and B.

[0028] Compared with traditional networks (e g., communication only network and sensing only network), integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) network suffers more interference from both sensing and communication signals due to potential increase in transmissions in the ISAC network that uses shared spectrum / frequency bands.

[0029] This is because received signal in ISAC networks may be interfered from various sources, e g., interferences of communication and / or sensing from local and neighbouring cells. Current NR specifications are not sufficient to handle interference in ISAC networks because these specifications were mainly designed for communication only networks.

[0030] If interference is not handled well in ISAC network, sensing performance (e.g., target estimation resolution and accuracy) will be degraded significantly. Thus, there is a need to handle the interference in ISAC network.5G NR system architecture and protocol stacks

[0031] 5G NR system architecture assumes an NG-RAN (Next Generation - Radio Access Network) that comprises gNBs, providing the NG-radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The gNBs are interconnected with each other by means of the Xn interface. The gNBs are also connected by means of the Next Generation (NG) interface to the NGC (Next Generation Core), more specifically to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) (e.g., a particular core entity performing the AMF) by means of the NG-C interface and to the UPF (User Plane Function) (e.g., a particular core entity performing the UPF) by means of the NG-U interface. The NG-RAN architecture is illustrated in Figure 1 (see e.g., 3GPP TS 38.300 v15.6.0, section 4).

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication apparatus 200 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication apparatus 200 may be utilized for interference handling in ISAC network. The communication apparatus 200 may be implemented as a UE or a gNB in accordance with the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the communication apparatus 200 may be referred to as communication device 200 throughout the disclosure.

[0033] The communication apparatus 200 may include circuitry 214, at least one radio transmitter 202, at least one radio receiver 204, and at least one antenna 212 (for the sake of simplicity, only one antenna is depicted in Figure 2 for illustration purposes). The circuitry 214 may include at least one controller 206 for use in software and / or hardware aided execution of tasks that the at least one controller 206 is designed to perform, including control of communications with one or more other communication apparatuses in a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) wireless network.

[0034] The circuitry 214 may further include at least one transmission signal generator 208 and at least one receive signal processor 210. The at least one controller 206 may control the at least one transmission signal generator 208 for generating an ISAC signal to be sent through the at least one radio transmitter 202, and control the at least one receive signal processors 310 for processing the ISAC signal received through the at least one radio receiver 204 from the one or more other communication apparatuses.

[0035] An ISAC signal refers to a type of signal that supports sensing function only (named as case 1) or simultaneously supports both communication and sensing functions (named as case 2). In case 2, the ISAC signal may be designed to carry data for communication while also providing information for sensing tasks like object detection and localization. The ISAC signal leverages advanced signal processing techniques to optimize both data transmission and sensing accuracy, making it highly efficient for integrated applications.

[0036] The at least one transmission signal generator 208 and the at least one receive signal processor 210 may be stand-alone modules of the communication apparatus 200 that communicate with the at least one controller 206 for the above-mentioned functions, as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the at least one transmission signal generator 208 and the at least one receive signal processor 210 may be included in the at least one controller 206.

[0037] It may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the arrangement of these functional modules is flexible and may vary depending on the practical needs and / or requirements. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. In various embodiments, when in operation, the at least one radio transmitter 202, at least one radio receiver 204, and at least one antenna 212 may be controlled by the at least one controller 206.

[0038] Although not illustrated in Fig. 2, it will be appreciated that the communication apparatus 200 may comprise at least one radio transceiver that is configured to perform the functions of the at least one radio transmitter 202 and the at least one radio receiver 204.

[0039] Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method 300. As shown in the exemplified method 300 for interference handling in ISAC network, the communication apparatus 200, when in operation, may be configured to perform the following steps:Step 302: determine a set of resources for ISAC in a network.Step 304: transmits and / or receives ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

[0040] For a communication apparatus mono-static sensing mode: the communication apparatus transmits ISAC signal and receives a reflection of ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources. In this case, a transmitter and a receiver are located at the same communication apparatus.

[0041] For a communication apparatus-another communication apparatus bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: based on the determined set of resources, the communication apparatus transmits ISAC signal, while one or more another communication apparatuses receive a reflection of ISAC signal. In this case, a transmitter and receiver(s) are located at different communication apparatuses.

[0042] In method 300, the communication apparatus 200, in each of one or more groups of the communication apparatus, may determine the set of resources to perform ISAC in the network. The set of resources may be differentiated between the one or more groups, and / or between one or more sensing modes. The set of resources may be determined based on various implementations to reduce interference in the ISAC network.

[0043] The benefits of method 300 is that sensing performance is improved by reducing interference in the ISAC network.

[0044] A network (NW) may include a plurality of entities in a core network or RAN, wherein the entities may be referred to as the gNB, access and mobility management function (AMF),location management function (LMF), or a node in the core network on Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0045] For each of the one or more groups, the following sensing modes may be considered.

[0046] (1). gNB monostatic sensing mode: This mode includes gNB which transmits ISAC signal, and / or measures reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0047] (2). gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: This mode includes two or more gNBs, where the gNB transmits ISAC related signal, and / or remaining gNB(s) measure reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0048] (3). gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: This mode includes gNB and one or more UEs, where the gNB transmits ISAC signal, and / or one or more UEs measure reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0049] (4) UE monostatic sensing mode: This mode includes UE which transmits ISAC signal, and / or measures reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0050] (5). UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: This mode includes two or more UEs, where the UE transmits ISAC signal, and / or remaining UE(s) measure reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0051] (6). UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: This mode includes UE and one or more gNBs, where the UE transmits ISAC signal, and / or gNB(s) measure reflection of ISAC signal based on the set of resources.

[0052] It may be noted that, in a sensing mode, a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx) may be located in different entities (e.g., gNB or UE), and interaction between these entities is necessary to perform ISAC. gNB may be used interchangeably as gNB-CU, gNB-DU, TRP, transceiver, a base station (e.g., a base station of 5G and beyond), while UE can be used interchangeably as a device, or terminal, or a transceiver.

[0053] The method 300 may be applicable to sensing modes, based on the set of resources, where the gNB (or UE) in each group performs sensing only by using a signal / channel, or both sensing and communication by using on a signal / channel.

[0054] The method 300 may also be applicable on top of the existing schemes such as SBFD, wherein an existing method or other method can be used to reserve / determine the set of resources used for ISAC. In other words, the set of resources used for ISAC may be integrated with existing schemes.

[0055] In a first example, the radio transmitter 202 may receive a set of resources, wherein the set of resources is requested by a first entity and defined by a second entity based on the request. The communication apparatus 200 may be included in one or more groups of communication apparatuses, and wherein the set of resources is differentiated between the one or more groups, and / or between one or more sensing modes, the one or more sensing modes being one or more of the communication apparatus monostatic sensing mode, and the communication apparatus-another communication apparatus multi-static sensing mode, wherein the another communication apparatus is a terminal, user equipment, ora base station.

[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates a method 400 according to the first example. The first entity may be gNB in a NW, and the second entity may be another entity in the NW, such as AMF or LMF. As shown in method 400, interference handling in ISAC network may be done by the following steps.Step 402: The first entity in NW may request a set of resources for a gNB or UE in each of one or more groups. The set of resources may be differentiated among the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes, which will be later described in detail.Step 404: The second entity in NW may define a set of resources for the gNB or UE in each of one or more groups.Step 406: The NW (e g., AMF / LMF) may configure the set of resources to the gNB or UE in each of one or more groups.Step 408: Within each group, the gNB or UE may perform ISAC based on the set of resources.

[0057] Fig. 9 illustrates an example of how to configure the set of resources in Step 406. There are one or more groups (groups #1-n902, 904, 906, 908) including gNB(s) and / or UE(s) (not shown), one or more sensing modes (sensing mode #1-m 912, 914, 916, 918), and one or more set of resources (set of resources #1- / r 922, 924, 926, 928). Based on the request ofthe gNB, the NW determines the set of resource for a group (e.g., group #3926) for a sensing mode (e.g., sensing mode #2 914) based on the determined set of resources (e.g., set of resources #3), and configures the set of resources to the group (e.g., group #3 906) for the sensing mode (e.g., sensing mode #2914).

[0058] The set of resources may be indicated by reusing or repurposing an existing signalling (e.g., there is no dedicated signalling for ISAC). Reusing or repurposing the existing signalling may limit to reserve or weaken the interference for the set of resources. This may be applied for cases where a Tx and Rx may be located in a same entity (e.g., gNB / UE monostatic sensing mode), where the second entity may be an entity from an application layer (Application) or a non-3GPP entity (e.g., 3rd party server).

[0059] The benefit of this example is that the second entity in the ISAC network may have flexibility to handle interference to improve sensing performance in general.

[0060] Alternatively, in the first example, the first entity may be the AMF or LMF or an entity other than the gNB or UE, and the second entity may be the gNB or UE. The benefit of this example is that, since the gNB(s) and / or UE(s) would understand its own actual propagation channel and interference measurement better than the NW, the gNB(s) and / or UE(s) may determine a suitable set of resources for improving sensing performance better than the NW.

[0061] It may be noted that this example may be applicable to gNB monostatic sensing, gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, UE monostatic sensing, UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, and UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. Information of each group may or may not be configured by the NW depending on the sensing mode.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, in the first example, the NW (e.g., AMF / LMF) may configure the set of resources for the group of gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in general. However, specific resource(s) may not be indicated for the one or more sensing modes.

[0063] Several alternatives may be conceived:

[0064] (1). For gNB monostatic sensing mode: in the group, the gNB (e.g., group #1) may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for performing gNB monostatic sensing to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) over air signalling and / or F1 / Xnsignalling. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group may not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0065] (2). For UE monostatic sensing: in the group, the UE may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for performing UE monostatic sensing to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group (e.g., group #1) over air signalling. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group do not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0066] (3). For gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: In the group, NW (e.g., AMF / LMF) may configure one or more sub-groups, which includes two or more gNBs, for gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. However, specific resource(s) from the configured resources for the one or more sub-groups of gNBs may not be indicated. Within one sub-group of the one or more sub-groups, gNB may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in the group. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group may not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0067] (4). For gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: In the group, NW (e g., AMF / LMF) may configure one or more sub-groups, which includes a gNB and one or more UEs, for gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. However specific resource(s) from the configured resources for the one or more sub-groups may not be indicated. Within one sub-group of the one or more sub-groups, gNB may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in the group. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group may not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0068] (5). For UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: In the group, NW (e.g., AMF / LMF) may configure one or more sub-groups, which includes two or more UEs, for UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. However, specific resource(s) from the configured resources for the one or more sub-groups may not be indicated. Within one sub-group of the one or more sub-groups, a UE may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in the group. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group may not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0069] (6). For UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: In the group, NW(e.g., AMF / LMF) may configure one or more sub-groups, which includes a UE and one or more gNBs, for UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. However, specific resource(s) from the configured resources for the one or more sub-groups may not be indicated. Within one sub-group of the one or more sub-groups, UE may send information to reserve resource(s) from the set of resource for UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode to remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in the group. The remaining gNB(s) and / or UE(s) within the group may not use the reserved resource(s) from the set of resource.

[0070] Referring to Step 408, several examples are proposed for defining the set of resources. The set of resources may be configured to the gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in each of one or more groups as follows:

[0071] (1). gNB monostatic sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to the gNB via F1 / Xn signalling.

[0072] (2). gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to two or more gNBs (including the gNB) via F1 / Xn signalling.

[0073] (3). gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to the gNB via F1 / Xn signalling. The gNB relays the set of resources to one or more UEs over the air signalling to perform sensing among gNB and one or more UEs.

[0074] (4). UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to a gNB via F1 / Xn signalling. The gNB relays the set of resources to two or more UEs over the air signalling to perform sensing among two or more UEs.

[0075] (5). UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to one or more gNB via F1 / Xn signalling. The one of the one or more gNBs relays the set of resources a UE over the air signalling to perform sensing among the UE and one or more gNBs.

[0076] (6). UE monostatic sensing mode: The NW configures the set of resources to a gNB via F1 / Xn signalling. The gNB relays the set of resources to a UE over the air signalling to perform UE monostatic sensing

[0077] Alternatively and additionally, in the first example, the second entity in NW may determine the set of resources to each of one or more groups based on, one or more FDRAs, TDRAs, OCCs, or spatial information, for one or more groups, in frequency domain, time domain, code domain, or spatial domain, respectively. The second entity may further divide each of one or more groups into one or more sensing modes based on the frequency domain, time domain, code domain, and / or spatial domain.

[0078] In a second example, the radio receiver 204 may be configured to receive a set of resources, defined by a coordination between a plurality of entities, wherein the plurality of entities exchanges information related to defining the set of resources in the coordination.

[0079] Fig. 5 illustrates a method 500 according to the second example. As shown in method 500, interference handling in ISAC network may be done by the following steps.Step 502: The plurality of entities in NW may coordinate to define a set of resources for a gNB or UE in each of one or more groups. The set of resources may be differentiated among the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes. The plurality of entities may exchange information with each other to define their own set of resources.Step 504: The set of resources to the gNB or UE in each of one or more groups may be provided.Step 506: Within each group, the gNB or UE may perform ISAC based on the set of resources.

[0080] Specifically, each of the plurality of entities may determine the set of resources. One entity in the plurality of entities may determine the set of resources and exchange the set of resources with the remaining entities in the plurality of entities. The remaining entities may send feedback on whether to take or not a potential set of resources. If deciding not to take the potential set of resources, each of the plurality of entities may adjust or update another potential set of resources.

[0081] Here, an exchange information between the entities may be completed when the entities define their own set of resources, or via other methods, such as Xn / F1 signalling, or over the air by L1 and / or higher layer signalling.

[0082] It is conceived that the plurality of entities may be one of the following:

[0083] (1). The plurality of entities are gNBs, which know their own sets of resources for one or more groups according to their coordination. For gNB monostatic sensing mode, the gNB may perform monostatic sensing based on the set of resources. For gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, two or more gNBs may perform bistatic / multi-static sensing based on their own set of resources. For gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing, UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing, UE monostatic sensing, or UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, the gNB may configure the sets of resources to UE(s) correspondingly.

[0084] Assuming there are two entities (entity#1 and entity#2) for two groups (group #1 including gNB#1, #3 where gNB#1 is representative of group #1; group #2 including gNB#2, #5 where gNB#2 is representative of group #2), entity#1 may exchange a request for a set#1 of resources. If the set#1 of resources is available, entity#2 may not need to respond; the set of resources may be occupied by entity #1 after an offset of time, where the offset can be predefined or configured. Alternatively, entity #2 may send feedback to confirm that the set of resources may be occupied by entity #1.

[0085] If the set #1 of resources is not available, entity #2 may send feedback to confirm that the set of resources cannot be occupied by entity #1 , and entity #1 may exchange another request of another set of resources and repeat similar steps.

[0086] (2). Multiple entities are AMFs / LMFs (or entities other than gNB in core network / RAN). AMFs / LMFs (or entities other than gNB in core network / RAN) may configure the set of resources to the gNB (or UE) in each of one or more groups.

[0087] (3). Multiple entities are gNB and AML / LMF (or gNB and another entity other than gNB in core network / RAN). In this case, a hybrid alternative between (1) and (2) may be used.

[0088] The set of resources may be defined by gNB and AMF / LMF. The gNB may determine a few sets of resources for one or more groups. The gNB may then report (1) the few sets of resources to AMF / LMF, and (2) request the AMF / LMF to select one of the few sets of resources for each of one or more groups. Based on the request, the AMF / LMF may configure one of the few sets of resources to each of one or more groups to gNB.

[0089] It may be noted that the exchange between the plurality of entities may include additional information related to ISAC, such as preferred configuration of sensing mode, number of antennas, waveform, etc.

[0090] Such may be applicable to gNB monostatic sensing, gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, UE monostatic sensing, UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, and UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode. The above may also be used for performing ISAC on top of sidelink (e.g., ISAC sidelink), such as 2 groups of UEs in mode 2 sidelink.

[0091] The benefit of this example is that optimal sets of resources may be provided for maximizing sensing performance in a whole ISAC network. This is because the coordination between the plurality of entities may be considered as a kind of optimization problem (in optimization theory) to determine sets of resources for maximizing sensing performance. The plurality of entities may apply an alternative algorithm to solve the optimization problem.

[0092] Alternatively and additionally, in the first and the second examples, the set of resources configured in a gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode may be greater than or equal to that in gNB-UE or UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode to achieve better sensing performance. This is because more advanced algorithm may be used in gNB sides (e.g., more layers / RS resources / spatial information).

[0093] In a third example, the radio receiver 204 may be configured to receive a set of resources, defined by a gNB.

[0094] Fig. 6 illustrates a method 600 according to the third example. As shown in method 600, interference handling in ISAC network may be done by the following steps:Step 602: A gNB may define a set of resources for the gNB or UE in each of one or more groups.Step 604: For gNB monostatic sensing, the gNB may define the set of resources; or for bistatic / multistatic sensing, the gNB may send an indication related to the set of resources and the sensing mode to target gNB and / or UE(s) depending on the sensing mode.Step 606: Within each group, the gNB or UE may perform ISAC based on the set of resources.

[0095] For gNB monostatic sensing, the gNB may perform monostatic sensing based on the set of resources. For bistatic / multi-static sensing, a gNB#1 may send an indication related to the set of resources and the sensing mode to target gNB and / or UE(s). The target gNB and / or UE(s) may send feedback to confirm to the gNB#1 , where other than target gNB and / or UE(s) may not be required to respond. The gNB#1 may perform the sensing mode with target gNB and / or UE(s) based on the set of resources. Such may be applicable to gNB-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode and gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode.

[0096] The benefit of this example is that the gNB may understand its own actual propagation channel and interference measurement; hence the gNB may determine a suitable set of resources for sensing performance.

[0097] In a fourth example, the radio transmitter 202 may be configured to transmit a request for a set of resources to an entity in a NW, the entity being a gNB, or AMF, or LMF, or an entity other than gNB in the NW; and the transceiver is further configured to receive the set of resources, defined by the entity based on the request.

[0098] Fig. 7 illustrates a method 700 according to the fourth example. As shown in method 700, interference handling in ISAC network may be done by the following steps:Step 702: A UE may request the set of resources for the UE or gNB in each of one or more groups. The set of resources may be differentiated among the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes.Step 704: The entity in NW may define the set of resources to the UE or gNB in each of one or more groups.Step 706: The entity may configure the set of resources to the UE (or gNB) in each of one or more groups.Step 708: Within each group, the UE (or gNB) may perform ISAC based on the set of resources.

[0099] Specifically, the set of resources may be requested by the UE and defined by the entity in the NW. The UE may request the set of resources for each of one or more groups. The entity may then define set of resources.

[0100] The following alternatives may be conceived:

[0101] (1). The entity in the NW is the gNB. For UE monostatic sensing mode, the gNB may configure the set of resources to the UE based on L1 or higher layer signalling, so that UE performs monostatic sensing. For UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing modes, the gNB may configure the set of resources to two or more UE based on L1 or higher layer signalling, so that they perform UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing modes. For UE-gNB bistatic sensing mode, the gNB may configure the set of resources to the UE based on L1 or higher layer signalling, so that UE performs UE-gNB bistatic sensing with the gNB.

[0102] (2). The entity in the NW is AMF / LMF or an entity other than gNB in the NW. For UE monostatic sensing mode, the entity may configure the set of resources to gNB based on F1 / Xn signalling, then the gNB may relay the set of resources to the UE to perform monostatic sensing based on L1 or higher layer signalling. For UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, the entity may configure the set of resources to the gNB, then the gNB may relay the set of resources to two or more UEs based on L1 or higher layer signalling. Then, the two or more UEs perform UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing modes.

[0103] For UE-gNB bistatic sensing mode, the entity may configure the set of resources to gNB based on F1 / Xn signalling, so that the gNB relays it to UE based on L1 or higher layer signalling. The UE may then perform UE-gNB bistatic sensing with the gNB

[0104] The benefit of this solution is that the sensing performance of UE monostatic, UE-UE bistatic / multi-static, and UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing modes can be maximized, which are subject to UE capability. This is because the entity may define and configure a suitable set of resources, since a request sent by the UE may include info of UE capability.

[0105] Alternatively and additionally, in the fourth example, the NW (e.g., AMF / LMF) may provide a corresponding configuration for performing the ISAC. For UE-UE bistatic (or UE-UEs multi-static) sensing mode, the NW may provide the configuration to gNB #1 associated to UE#1, as well as to gNB #2 associated to another UE(s), via F1 / Xn signalling. Here, gNB#1 may relay the configuration to the UE#1 based on L1 or higher layer signalling, and gNB#2may relay the configuration to the another UE(s) based on L1 or higher layer signalling. UE #1 and another UE(s) may perform bistatic / multi-static sensing based on the configuration accordingly.

[0106] In a fifth embodiment, the set of resources may be defined by the UE. It will be appreciated that the set of resources may be determined as in the examples illustrated above.

[0107] Fig. 8 illustrates a method 800 according to the fifth example. As shown in method 800, interference handling in ISAC network may be done by the following steps:Step 802: The UE may define the set of resources for the UE or gNB in each of one or more groups. The set of resources may be differentiated among the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes.Step 804: For UE monostatic sensing, the UE may define the set of resources; or for bistatic / multi-static sensing, the UE may send an indication related to the set of resources and the sensing mode to target gNB and / or UE(s) depending on the sensing mode.Step 806: Within each group, the gNB or UE may perform ISAC based on the set of resources.

[0108] The following alternatives may be conceived:

[0109] (1). For UE monostatic sensing, the UE may perform monostatic sensing based on the set of resources.

[0110] (2). For bistatic / multi-static sensing, the UE (e.g., UE#1) may send an indication related to the set of resources and the sensing mode to target gNB and / or UE(s). The target gNB and / or UE(s) send feedback to the UE#1, and other than target gNB and / or UE(s) may not need to respond. The UE#1 may then perform the sensing mode with target gNB and / or UE(s) based on the set of resources. The same may be applied to UE-UE bistatic / multi-static sensing mode and UE-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode.

[0111] The benefit of this example is that ISAC may be performed on top of sidelink (i.e., offered as a service along with sidelink communication).

[0112] The examples presented herein work together with power domain, i.e., to reduce transmit power of the set of resources when needed to reduce interference. For example: When the first implementation is used, based on reports of one or more groups, NW may realize that there is still interference in a whole NW. In this case, NW might configure to reduce power of the sets of resources for one or more groups to reduce interference.

[0113] Hereinafter, several examples on how to define the set of resources are proposed. Referring to Steps 404, 502, 602, 704, and 804, the set of resources may be defined between the one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes as follows:

[0114] In a first option, the set of resources may be differentiated in a frequency domain. Separate frequency domain resource allocations (FDRAs) may be defined for the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes.

[0115] Particularly, a separate frequency band may be allocated to each of one or more groups of gNB(s) and / or UE(s). The separate frequency band may be divided into one or more sub-bands for one or more sensing modes, respectively, where the sub-bands include frequency domain resource allocations (e.g., RBs / PRBs) and do not overlap each other. The sets of resources for the one or more groups of gNB(s) and / or UE(s) may be frequency division multiplexed (FDMed) in frequency domain.

[0116] Among the one or more sub-bands, bandwidth of a sub-band may be same or different from each other. The set of resources may be the one or more sub-bands, wherein the one or more sub-bands may be located within a same bandwidth part (BWP) or different BWPs. For illustration purposes, Figs. 10 and 11A-B show three groups of gNB(s) and / or UE(s), and three frequency bands with five sub-bands for five sensing modes.

[0117] Referring to Figs. 10 and 11 A, all of the one or more sub-bands in the frequency band may be shared among the gNB(s) and or UE(s) in each group. For instance, the gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in group #1 904 may share sub-bands#1-5942, 944, 946, 948, 950 in frequency band#1 932. Likewise, gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in group #2904 may share sub-bands#1-5 (not illustrated) in frequency band#2934, and gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in group #3906 may share sub-bands#1-5 (not illustrated) in frequency band#3936.

[0118] Different sub-bands may be shared among different sensing modes: sub-band#5950 for gNB monostatic sensing (e.g., in downlink slots(s) or symbol(s)); sub-band#4 948 for UEmonostatic sensing (e.g., in uplink slot(s) or symbol(s)); sub-band#3946 for gNB-gNB bistatic sensing (e.g., in downlink slot(s) or symbol(s)); sub-band#2 944 for UE-UE bistatic sensing (e.g., in uplink slot(s) or symbol(s)); and sub-band#1 942 for gNB-UE bistatic sensing (e.g., in downlink slot(s) or symbol(s)). It will be appreciated that different sub-bands may be used for the described sensing modes.

[0119] Referring to Figs. 10 and 11 B, part of the one or more sub-bands in the frequency band may be shared among the gNB(s) and or UE(s) in each group. Here, the frequency band#1 932 may be allocated to group #1 904, but unlike in the example of Fig. 11A, the gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in group 1# 904 shares only part of the one or more sub-bands. For instance, gNB #1 952 and gNB #2954 may be in group #1 904, where gNB #1 512 uses only sub-band#1-3 942, 944, 946 and gNB #2 954 uses sub-band#3-5 946, 948, 950. In other words, only sub-band#3946 in frequency band#1 932 is shared (i.e., sharing part of the one or more sub-bands). Likewise, gNB(s) and / or UE(s) in group #2 904 may share a part of the sub-bands #1-5 (not illustrated) in frequency band#2904, and so on for group #3906.

[0120] Partially overlapped sub-band(s) (in this case, the sub-band#3946) may be defined as gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode, while the non-overlapped sub-band(s) (in this case, the sub-bands#1, 2, 4, 5 942, 944, 948, 950) may be defined as “Impossible gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode”. The “Impossible gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode” may refer that the sub-band may be used forgNB / UE monostatic sensing. Alternatively, the partially overlapped sub-band(s) may be defined as “Impossible gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode” used for gNB / UE monostatic sensing, while the remaining nonoverlapped sub-band(s) may be defined as “gNB-gNB bistatic / multi-static sensing mode”.

[0121] In a second option, the set of resources may be differentiated in a time domain. The separate time domain resource allocations (TDRAs) may be defined for the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes. Here, the sets of resources may be time division multiplexed (TDMed) in time domain. The set of resources may be the one or more TDRAs, where a duration of each TDRA may be same or different from each other.

[0122] Fig. 12 illustrates resources allocated for groups #1-3952, 954, 956 in time domain. Referring to Figs. 4 and 6, resources for groups #1-3 952, 954, 956, are allocated in time domain for each of groups #1-3902, 904, 906. The resources for groups #1-3 952, 954, 956 may each be further divided in time domain. For instance, the resources for group #3956 may be divided into a time domain resource for gNB monostatic sensing 956a, a time domainresource for gNB-gNB bistatic sensing, 956b, and a time domain resource for UE-UE bistatic sensing 956c, and so on. It will be appreciated that different time domains may be used for different sensing modes.

[0123] In a third option, the set of resources may be differentiated in a code domain. Separate orthogonal cover codes (OCCs) may be defined for the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes. In this option, the sets of resources may be code domain multiplexed (CDMed) in code domain. The set of resources may be one or more OCCs, where a sensing signal of the sensing mode is multiplied with each of the OCCs before transmission.

[0124] In a fourth option, the set of resources may be differentiated in a spatial domain. Different spatial information may be defined for the one or more groups and / or one or more sensing modes. Here, the set of resources may be spatial domain multiplexed (SDMed) in spatial domain. The set of resources may be one or more spatial information, where spatial information may be spatial Tx filters and / or spatial Rx filters (e.g., Tx beams and / or Rx beams).

[0125] Fig. 13 illustrates gNBs with beams configured for different sensing modes. gNB#1 1300 may have beams #0-7 1302-1316 and gNB#2 1320 may have beams #0-7 1322-1336, where each of the beams of each gNB may be configured for same or different sensing modes. For instance, Beams#2-5 1306, 1308, 1310, 1312 may be configured for gNB monostatic sensing, and beams #0, 7 1302, 1316 for gNB-gNB bistatic sensing. For the gNB-gNB bistatic sensing, beam #0 1302 may transmit a sensing signal (ISAC signal) to the communication apparatus and beam # 7 1336 may receive a reflected signal of the sensing signal from the communication apparatus.

[0126] Further, the set of resources may be differentiated in a combination of the above examples. In other words, the set of resources may be differentiated in a combination of the frequency domain, time domain, code domain, and spatial domain. For instance, a combination of frequency domain (e.g., Fig. 11 B) and spatial domain (e g., Fig. 13) can be used. Specifically, in Fig. 13, for gNB-gNB bistatic sensing, gNB#1 might transmit a sensing signal (aka ISAC signal) by using sub-band #2946 (as shown in Fig. 11B) and beam #0 1302 in Fig. 13, while gNB#2 might receive a reflection of the sensing signal by using sub-band #2 946 (as shown in Fig. 11B) and beam #01336. In Fig. 13, forgNB monostatic sensing, gNB#1 might transmit sensing signal and receive a reflection of the sensing signal by using sub-band #1 (as shown in Fig. 11 B) and beam #2 1306 in Fig. 13.

[0127] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15A-B, the set of resources may be differentiated in both time domain and frequency domain. In other words, the set of resources may be differentiated in a time-division duplex (TDD) system where a legacy TDD band is divided into different subbands for different sensing modes for a group that includes gNB(s) and / or UE(s).

[0128] The frequency band#1 932 may be allocated for group #1 902 with a DDDU slot format by NW. Frequency band #1# 932 may be divided into different sub-bands #1-5 942-950 for different sensing modes for group #1 902, where the sub-bands #1-5 942-950 are further divided into downlink and uplink slots. Different slot formats may be used for different sub-bands to achieve lower latency for different sensing modes. For instance, in Fig. 15A, the UE may perform only UE monostatic sensing mode in uplink slot n+3 when the slot format is DDDU. However, in Fig. 15B, the UE may perform UE monostatic sensing mode in four uplink slots (n, n+1, n+2, n+3) when the slot format is UUUU. This helps achieve lower latency.

[0129] The above options bring benefits to flexibly utilize resource allocations in frequency domain, time domain, code domain, and spatial domain.

[0130] Similar to the above options, the set of resources may also be differentiated by other factors, such as transmit power, bandwidth, etc.SBFD

[0131] Operations on uplink, downlink, and sidelink symbols in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to symbols (for example, SBFD (Subband nonoverlapping full duplex) symbols, Subband full duplex) on which an SBFD operation or control is performed. For SBFD symbols, the frequency domain (or frequency resource or frequency bandwidth) is divided into a plurality of frequency domains (also referred to as, for example, sub-bands, RB sets, sub-bandwidths, orsub-BWPs (Bandwidth parts)). The terminal performs transmission and reception in a direction (for example, a downlink or uplink direction) in units of sub-bands that are the divided domains. For SBFD symbols, the terminal may perform transmission / reception in one direction of uplink and downlink directions, and may not perform transmission / reception in the other direction. The base station, on the other hand, may be capable of performing both uplink and downlink transmissions / receptions simultaneously. SBFD symbols may have a fewer frequency domain usable for downlink compared to symbols for which only downlink transmission / reception is performed. Further, SBFD symbols mayhave a fewer frequency domain usable for uplink compared to symbol for which only uplink transmission / reception is performed.

[0132] Further, for SBFD symbols, the terminal may perform uplink and downlink transmissions / receptions simultaneously. At this time, the frequency domain transmitted by the terminal and the frequency domain received by the terminal may not be adjacent and a frequency interval (also referred to as a frequency gap) may be provided therebetween.

[0133] Further, sidelink transmission / reception may also be included as a transmission / reception direction in units of sub-bands which are the divided domains.XDD: Cross Division Duplex

[0134] Operations on uplink, downlink, and sidelink symbols in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to symbols (for example, Full duplex symbols) on which a Full duplex operation or control is performed. For Full duplex symbols, both the terminal and the base station are capable of performing uplink and downlink transmissions / receptions simultaneously. For Full duplex symbols, the terminal and the base station may operate to perform transmission / reception simultaneously in available frequency domains (or frequency resources or frequency bandwidths) or may operate to perform transmission / reception simultaneously in one or some of frequency domains (that is, may operate to perform transmission or reception in the other frequency domains). At this time, the frequency domain transmitted by the base station or the terminal and the frequency domain received by the base station or the terminal may not be adjacent and a frequency interval (also referred to as a frequency gap) may be provided therebetween. Further, for example, for the purpose of reduction in interference or the like, one of the terminal and the base station may operate to perform transmission / reception simultaneously (that is, the other may operate to perform transmission or reception).

[0135] Further, the Full duplex operation may be applied to an operation in which the terminal is capable of performing sidelink transmission / reception simultaneously. Further, the Full duplex operation may be applied to an operation in which the terminal is capable of performing sidelink transmission / reception and uplink or downlink transmission / reception simultaneously.Control Signals

[0136] In the present disclosure, the downlink control signal (information) related to the present disclosure may be a signal (information) transmitted through PDCCH of the physical layer or may be a signal (information) transmitted through a MAC Control Element (CE) of the higher layer or the RRC. The downlink control signal may be a pre-defined signal (information).

[0137] The uplink control signal (information) related to the present disclosure may be a signal (information) transmitted through PUCCH of the physical layer or may be a signal (information) transmitted through a MAC CE of the higher layer or the RRC. Further, the uplink control signal may be a pre-defined signal (information). The uplink control signal may be replaced with uplink control information (UCI), the 1st stage sidelink control information (SCI) or the 2nd stage SCI.Base Station

[0138] In the present disclosure, the base station may be a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a clusterhead, an access point, a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an eNodeB (eNB), a gNodeB (gNB), a Base Station (BS), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a base unit or a gateway, for example. Further, in sidelink communication, a terminal may be adopted instead of a base station. The base station may be a relay apparatus that relays communication between a higher node and a terminal. The base station may be a roadside unit as well.Uplink / Downlink / Sidelink

[0139] The present disclosure may be applied to any of uplink, downlink and sidelink.

[0140] The present disclosure may be applied to, for example, uplink channels, such as PUSCH, PUCCH, and PRACH, downlink channels, such as PDSCH, PDCCH, and PBCH, and side link channels, such as Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), and Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0141] PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH are examples of a downlink control channel, a downlink data channel, an uplink data channel, and an uplink control channel, respectively. PSCCH and PSSCH are examples of a sidelink control channel and a sidelink data channel, respectively. PBCH and PSBCH are examples of broadcast channels, respectively, and PRACH is an example of a random access channel.Data Channels / Control Channels

[0142] The present disclosure may be applied to any of data channels and control channels. The channels in the present disclosure may be replaced with data channels including PDSCH, PUSCH and PSSCH and / or control channels including PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PSCCH, and PSBCH.Reference Signals

[0143] In the present disclosure, the reference signals are signals known to both a base station and a mobile station and each reference signal may be referred to as a Reference Signal (RS) or sometimes a pilot signal. The reference signal may be any of a DMRS, a Channel State Information - Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), and a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).Time Intervals

[0144] In the present disclosure, time resource units are not limited to one or a combination of slots and symbols, and may be time resource units, such as frames, super-frames, subframes, slots, time slot sub-slots, mini-slots, or time resource units, such as symbols, OFDM symbols, Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (SC-FDMA) symbols, or other time resource units. The number of symbols included in one slot is not limited to any number of symbols exemplified in the embodiment(s) described above, and may be other numbers of symbols.Frequency Bands

[0145] The present disclosure may be applied to any of a licensed band and an unlicensed band.Communication

[0146] The present disclosure may be applied to any of communication between a base station and a terminal (Uu-link communication), communication between a terminal and a terminal (Sidelink communication), and Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication, andcommunication between Ambient loT Reader and Ambient loT Device. The channels in the present disclosure may be replaced with PSCCH, PSSCH, Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH), PSBCH, Physical Reader-to-Device Channel (PRDCH), Physical Device-to-Reader Channel (PDRCH), PDCCH, PUCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PBCH. Control information in the present disclosure may be referred to as DCI, UCI, Sidelink control information (SCI), R2D control information or D2R control information.

[0147] In addition, the present disclosure may be applied to any of a terrestrial network or a network other than a terrestrial network (NTN: Non-Terrestrial Network) using a satellite or a High Altitude Platform Satellite (HAPS). In addition, the present disclosure may be applied to a network having a large cell size, and a terrestrial network with a large delay compared with a symbol length or a slot length, such as an ultra-wideband transmission network.Antenna Ports

[0148] An antenna port refers to a logical antenna (antenna group) formed of one or more physical antenna(s). That is, the antenna port does not necessarily refer to one physical antenna and sometimes refers to an array antenna formed of multiple antennas or the like. For example, it is not defined how many physical antennas form the antenna port, and instead, the antenna port is defined as the minimum unit through which a terminal is allowed to transmit a reference signal. The antenna port may also be defined as the minimum unit for multiplication of a precoding vector weighting.

[0149] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment described above can be partly or entirely realized by an LSI such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment may be controlled partly or entirely by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be individually formed as chips, or one chip may be formed so as to include a part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include a data input and output coupled thereto. The LSI here may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI depending on a difference in the degree of integration. However, the technique of implementing an integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI and may be realized by using a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a special-purpose processor. In addition, a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the manufacture of the LSI ora reconfigurable processor in which the connections and the settings of circuit cells disposed inside the LSI can be reconfigured may be used. The presentdisclosure can be realized as digital processing or analogue processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSIs as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or other derivative technology, the functional blocks could be integrated using the future integrated circuit technology. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0150] The present disclosure can be realized by any kind of apparatus, device or system having a function of communication, which is referred to as a communication apparatus.

[0151] The communication apparatus may comprise a transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The transceiver may comprise and / or function as a receiver and a transmitter. The transceiver, as the transmitter and receiver, may include an RF (radio frequency) module including amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators and the like, and one or more antennas.

[0152] Some non-limiting examples of such a communication apparatus include a phone (e.g., cellular (cell) phone, smart phone), a tablet, a personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop, desktop, netbook), a camera (e g., digital still / video camera), a digital player (digital audio / video player), a wearable device (e.g., wearable camera, smart watch, tracking device), a game console, a digital book reader, a telehealth / telemedicine (remote health and medicine) device, and a vehicle providing communication functionality (e.g., automotive, airplane, ship), and various combinations thereof.

[0153] The communication apparatus is not limited to be portable or movable, and may also include any kind of apparatus, device or system being non-portable or stationary, such as a smart home device (e.g., an appliance, lighting, smart meter, control panel), a vending machine, and any other “things” in a network of an “Internet of Things (loT)”.

[0154] The communication may include exchanging data through, for example, a cellular system, a wireless LAN system, a satellite system, etc., and various combinations thereof.

[0155] The communication apparatus may comprise a device such as a controller or a sensor which is coupled to a communication device performing a function of communication described in the present disclosure. For example, the communication apparatus may comprise a controller or a sensor that generates control signals or data signals which are used by a communication device performing a communication function of the communication apparatus.

[0156] The communication apparatus also may include an infrastructure facility, such as a base station, an access point, and any other apparatus, device or system that communicates with or controls apparatuses such as those in the above non-limiting examples.

[0157] According to the present disclosure, various examples below have been described:1. A communication apparatus comprising:circuitry, which in operation, determines a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; anda transceiver, which in operation, transmits and / or receives an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.2. The communication apparatus of example 1 , wherein the communication apparatus is included in one or more groups of communication apparatuses, and wherein the set of resources is differentiated between the one or more groups, and / or between one or more sensing modes, the one or more sensing modes being one or more of the communication apparatus monostatic sensing mode, and the communication apparatus-another communication apparatus multi-static sensing mode, wherein the another communication apparatus is a terminal, a user equipment, or a base station.3. The communication apparatus of example 2, where the transceiver further receives the set of resources, wherein the set of resources is requested by a first entity and defined by a second entity based on the request.4. The communication apparatus of example 3, wherein the first entity is a base station or the communication apparatus and wherein the second entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a location management function (LMF).5. The communication apparatus of example 3, wherein the first entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or a location management function (LMF), and wherein the second entity is a base station and / or the communication apparatus.6. The communication apparatus of example 4 or 5, wherein the circuitry reserves a resource from the set of resources; and the transceiver transmits information of reserved resource to one or more remaining communication apparatuses in each of the one or moregroups, wherein the one or more communication apparatuses do not use the reserved resource.7. The communication apparatus of example 2, wherein the transceiver further receives a set of resources, defined by a coordination between a plurality of entities, wherein the plurality of entities exchanges information related to defining the set of resources in the coordination.8. The communication apparatus of example 7, wherein the plurality of entities is a plurality of base stations.9. The communication apparatus of example 7, wherein the plurality of entities is a plurality of AMFs and / or LMFs, or entities other than base station.10. The communication apparatus of example 7, wherein the plurality of entities is a combination of base station and / or AM F and / or LMF, or a combination of the base station and another entity other than the base station.11. The communication apparatus of example 3 or 7, wherein the set of resources defined in a base station - base station multi-static sensing mode is greater than or equal to that in a base station - communication apparatus multi-static sensing mode or the communication apparatus - another communication apparatus multi-static sensing mode.12. The communication apparatus of example 2, wherein the transceiver further receives a set of resources, defined by a base station.13. The communication apparatus of example 2, wherein the transceiver further transmits a request for the set of resources to an entity in a network, the entity being a base station, or AMF, or LMF, or an entity other than a base station in the network; andreceives the set of resources, defined by the entity based on the request.14. The communication apparatus of example 2, wherein the set of resources is defined by the communication apparatus.15. The communication apparatus of example 14, wherein the transceiver further performs monostatic sensing based on the set of resources.16. The communication apparatus of example 14, wherein the transceiver furthertransmits an indication related to the set of resources and a sensing mode to one or more target communication apparatuses;receives feedback from the target communication apparatus; andperforms a transmission and / or a reception of the ISAC signal with the one or more target communication apparatuses based on the set of resources in the indicated sensing mode.17. The communication apparatus of any one of examples 3-16, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in frequency domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein separate frequency domain resource allocations (FDRAs) are defined for one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.18. The communication apparatus of example 17, wherein all of one or more sub-bands in a frequency band are shared between the communication apparatuses in each of the one or more groups.19. The communication apparatus of example 17, wherein a part of one or more subbands in a frequency band are shared between the communication apparatuses in each of the one or more groups.20. The communication apparatus of example 19, wherein a part of one or more subbands are located within a same bandwidth part or different bandwidth parts.21. The communication apparatus of any one of examples 3-16, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in time domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein different time domain resource allocations (TDRAs) are defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.22. The communication apparatus of any one of examples 3-16, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in code domain between one or more groups and / or between oneor more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein separate orthogonal cover codes (OCCs) are defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.23. The communication apparatus of any one of examples 3-16, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in spatial domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein different spatial information is defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.24. A method implemented by a communication apparatus, comprising:determining a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; andtransmitting and / or receiving an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

[0158] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the present disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A communication apparatus comprising:circuitry, which in operation, determines a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; anda transceiver, which in operation, transmits and / or receives an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

2. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus is included in one or more groups of communication apparatuses, and wherein the set of resources is differentiated between the one or more groups, and / or between one or more sensing modes, the one or more sensing modes being one or more of the communication apparatus monostatic sensing mode, and the communication apparatus-another communication apparatus multi-static sensing mode, wherein the another communication apparatus is a terminal, a user equipment, or a base station.

3. The communication apparatus of claim 2, where the transceiver further receives the set of resources, wherein the set of resources is requested by a first entity and defined by a second entity based on the request.

4. The communication apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first entity is a base station or the communication apparatus and wherein the second entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a location management function (LMF).

5. The communication apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first entity is an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a location management function (LMF), and wherein the second entity is a base station or the communication apparatus.

6. The communication apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transceiver further receives a set of resources, defined by a coordination between a plurality of entities, wherein the plurality of entities exchanges information related to defining the set of resources in the coordination.

7. The communication apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of entities is a combination of base station and / or AM F and / or LMF, or a combination of the base station and another entity other than the base station.

8. The communication apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transceiver further transmits a request for the set of resources to an entity in a network, the entity being a base station, or AMF, or LMF, or an entity other than a base station in the network; andreceives the set of resources, defined by the entity based on the request.

9. The communication apparatus of claim 2, wherein the set of resources is defined by the communication apparatus.

10. The communication apparatus of claim 9, wherein the transceiver further performs monostatic sensing based on the set of resources.

11. The communication apparatus of any one of claims 3-10, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in frequency domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein separate frequency domain resource allocations (FDRAs) are defined for one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.

12. The communication apparatus of any one of claims 3-10, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in time domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein different time domain resource allocations (TDRAs) are defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.

13. The communication apparatus of any one of claims 3-10, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in code domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein separate orthogonal cover codes (OCCs)are defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.

14. The communication apparatus of any one of claims 3-10, wherein the set of resources is differentiated in spatial domain between one or more groups and / or between one or more sensing modes associated with the groups, wherein different spatial information is defined for the one or more groups and / or the one or more sensing modes.

15. A method implemented by a communication apparatus, comprising:determining a set of resources for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) in a network; andtransmitting and / or receiving an ISAC signal based on the determined set of resources.

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