WO2025145430A1

WO2025145430A1 - Device, method and computer readable medium for integrated sensing and communication

Info

Publication number: WO2025145430A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/070865
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jin Yang; Gang Wang
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 2024-01-05
Filing date: 2024-01-05
Publication date: 2025-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-05

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to device, method and computer readable medium for ISAC. A first device identifies an assistant node for a sensing service and obtains assistant information about the assistant node. In turn, the first device determines a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.

Description

DEVICE, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR INTEGRATED SENSING AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication, and in particular, to device, method and computer readable medium for Integrated Sensing And Communication (ISAC) .

BACKGROUND

ISAC is considered as a promising topic for future wireless network extension. In the early stage of ISAC discussion in the third generation partnership project (3GPP) , it may aim to build communication based sensing system.

To perform a sensing procedure, a sensing initiator device may need to identify assistant nodes for the sensing procedure to provide assistant information for the sensing requirement. The sensing assistant nodes may include not only the network devices and terminal devices, but also some other types of devices or nodes. Based on device types of the assistant nodes, the sensing initiator device should obtain a sensing result.

SUMMARY

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, method and computer readable medium for ISAC.

In a first aspect, there is provided a first device. The first device comprises a processor. The processor is configured to cause the first device to: identify an assistant node for a sensing service; obtain assistant information about the assistant node; and determine a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method for ISAC. The method comprises: identifying an assistant node for a sensing service; obtaining assistant information about the assistant node; and determining a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.

In a third aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

It is to be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Through the more detailed description of some embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent, wherein:

Figs. 1A and 1B illustrate an example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented, respectively;

Figs. 2 to 8 illustrate a signaling chart illustrating an example process for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively;

Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitations as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to any device having wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of the terminal device include, but not limited to, user equipment (UE) , personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) , portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, internet of things (IoT) devices, Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, device on vehicle for V2X communication where X means pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure/network, devices for Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) , Small Data Transmission (SDT) , mobility, Multicast and Broadcast Services (MBS) , positioning, dynamic/flexible duplex in commercial networks, reduced capability (RedCap) , Space borne vehicles or Air borne vehicles in Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) including Satellites and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) encompassing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) , eXtended Reality (XR) devices including different types of realities such as Augmented Reality (AR) , Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) , the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) commonly known as a drone which is an aircraft without any human pilot, devices on high speed train (HST) , or image capture devices such as digital cameras, sensors, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, or Internet appliances enabling wireless or wired Internet access and browsing and the like. The ‘terminal device’ can further has ‘multicast/broadcast’ feature, to support public safety and mission critical, V2X applications, transparent IPv4/IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, software delivery over wireless, group communications and IoT applications. It may also incorporate one or multiple Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) as known as Multi-SIM. The term “terminal device” can be used interchangeably with a UE, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile terminal, a user terminal or a wireless device.

The term “network device” refers to a device which is capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage where terminal devices can communicate. Examples of a network device include, but not limited to, a Node B (NodeB or NB) , an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) , a next generation NodeB (gNB) , a transmission reception point (TRP) , a remote radio unit (RRU) , a radio head (RH) , a remote radio head (RRH) , an IAB node, a low power node such as a femto node, a pico node, a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) , Network-controlled Repeaters, and the like.

The terminal device or the network device may have Artificial intelligence (AI) or Machine learning capability. It generally includes a model which has been trained from numerous collected data for a specific function, and can be used to predict some information.

The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, e.g. FR1 (410 MHz –7125 MHz) , FR2 (24.25GHz to 71GHz) , frequency band larger than 100GHz as well as Tera Hertz (THz) . It can further work on licensed/unlicensed/shared spectrum. The terminal device may have more than one connection with the network devices under Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) application scenario. The terminal device or the network device can work on full duplex, flexible duplex and cross division duplex modes.

The network device may have the function of network energy saving, Self-Organizing Networks (SON) /Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) . The terminal may have the function of power saving.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed in test equipment, e.g. signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal device, test network device, channel emulator

The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G) , the second generation (2G) , 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G) , the fourth generation (4G) , 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced networks, or the sixth generation (6G) networks.

As used herein, the singular forms ‘a’ , ‘an’ and ‘the’ are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term ‘includes’ and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean ‘includes, but is not limited to. ’ The term ‘based on’ is to be read as ‘at least in part based on. ’ The term ‘some embodiments’ and ‘an embodiment’ are to be read as ‘at least some embodiments. ’ The term ‘another embodiment’ is to be read as ‘at least one other embodiment. ’ The terms ‘first, ’ ‘second, ’ and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus are referred to as ‘best, ’ ‘lowest, ’ ‘highest, ’ ‘minimum, ’ ‘maximum, ’ or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many used functional alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, higher, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication network 100A in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown in Fig. 1A, the communication network 100A may include a terminal device 110, a terminal device 120, a control node 130, an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) 140 and a Sensing Function (SF) 150.

It is to be understood that the number of devices in Fig. 1A is given for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations to the present disclosure. The communication network 100A may include any suitable number of devices adapted for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may comprise at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as shown in Fig. 1A, the terminal device 110 comprises a sensing module 110-1 and a communication module 110-2.

In some embodiments, the sensing module 110-1 in the terminal device 110 may comprise at least one of a Uu sensing module 110-11 or a sidelink sensing module 110-12.

In some embodiments, the Uu sensing module 110-11 may be configured to perform a Uu sensing function based on the network assistance or control, and the Uu sensing function may comprise at least one of a downlink sensing function and an uplink sensing function. The sidelink sensing module 110-12 may be configured to perform a sidelink sensing function.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the terminal device 120 may comprise at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as shown in Fig. 1A, the terminal device 120 comprises a sensing module 120-1 and a communication module 120-2.

In some embodiments, the control node 130 may comprise at least one of a sensing module and a communication module. For example, as shown in Fig. 1A, the control node 130 comprises a sensing module 130-1 and a communication module 130-2.

In some embodiments, the control node 130 may be implemented as a network device (such as a gNB in NR) . In such embodiments, the control node 130 may be referred to as a network device 130.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control node 130 may be implemented as a Road Side Unit (RSU) . In such embodiments, the control node 130 may be referred to as RSU 130.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control node 130 may be implemented as a sensing Transmission-Reception Point (TRP) . In such embodiments, the control node 130 may be referred to as TRP 130.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the terminal device 120 may be implemented as a sensing TRP. In such embodiments, the terminal device 120 may be referred to as TRP 120.

In some embodiments, the AMF 140 may be a node in a core network. The AMF 140 may provide matching information about the control node 130 or the terminal device 110 according to sensing requirement.

The communications in the communication network 100A may conform to any suitable standards including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) , LTE, LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) , Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) , GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) , Machine Type Communication (MTC) and the like. Furthermore, the communications may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G) , the second generation (2G) , 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G) , the fourth generation (4G) , 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) , the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols.

In some embodiments, the communications in the communication network 100A may comprise ISAC. The communication network with ISAC may structure sharing hardware architectures, channel characteristics and signal processing, and integrate types of sensing information, such as sensory data from the environment and radar based sensing information, and communication information to achieve higher resource efficiency and provide more intelligent and integrated network solutions. The ISAC network can be applied to more extensive scenarios, including smart home, smart manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and so on.

In some embodiments, the control node 130 may comprise at least one of the following:

● a first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110,

● a second interface between the control node 130 and the AMF 140, or

● a third interface between the control node 130 and the SF 150.

In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may comprise at least one of the following:

● the first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110,

● a fourth interface between the terminal device 110 and the AMF 140, or

● a fifth interface between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120.

In embodiments where the control node 130 is a gNB, the first interface between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110 may be a Uu interface. In some embodiments, between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110, sidelink sensing related information may be exchanged on the Uu interface.

In some embodiments, Uu sensing procedure may be performed between the control node 130 and the terminal device 110, and Uu sensing function related information may be exchanged, e.g., between the sensing module 130-1 of the control node 130 and the sensing module 110-1 of the terminal device 110.

In some embodiments, the fifth interface between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120 may be a Unified Air Interface, such as PC5 interface. In such embodiments, between the terminal device 110 and the terminal device 120, a sidelink sensing procedure may be performed and sidelink sensing function related information may be exchanged on the PC5 interface, i.e., between the sensing module 110-1 the terminal device 110 and the sensing module 120-1 of the terminal device 120.

In the example communication network 100A, the SF 150 comprises no interface with the control node 130. Thus, the SF 150 indirectly exchanges information with the control node 130 through the AMF 140.

In the example communication network 100A, the terminal device 110 comprises the fourth interface between the terminal device 110 and the AMF 140. The AMF 140 may transmit the sensing related information about the terminal device 110 to the terminal device 110 via the fourth interface.

Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of another example communication network 100B in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The example communication network 100B is similar to the example communication network 100A. The example communication network 100B is different from the example communication network 100A in that in the example communication network 100B, the control node 130 comprises the third interface between the control node 130 and the SF 150. The SF 150 may exchange sensing related information with the sensing module 130-1 in the control node 130 via the third interface.

In addition, in the example communication network 100B, the terminal device 110 does not comprise the fourth interface between the terminal device 110 and the AMF 140. The terminal device 110 may exchange information with the AMF 140 through the control node 130.

To perform a sensing service, there may be a need for at least one assistant node which can provide assistant information for the sensing service, and the at least one assistant node for the sensing service should be identified.

In view of the above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for ISAC. In this solution, a first device identifies an assistant node for a sensing service and obtains assistant information about the assistant node. In turn, the first device determines a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information. With the assistant node and/or the assistant information, the first device may derive the sensing result with higher precision, less latency, and more reliability.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 10.

Fig. 2 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 200 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 200 may involve a first device 202 and an assistant node 204 for a sensing service. Hereinafter, an assistant node for a sensing service is also referred to as an assistant node for brevity.

As shown in Fig. 2, the first device 202 may initiate 210 a sensing service.

The first device 202 identifies 220 the assistant node 204 for the sensing service.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may support at least one of the following: a sensing function, or a communication function.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may comprise a terminal device. For example, the first device 202 may comprise the terminal device 110 or 120 in Fig. 1A or 1B.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first device 202 may comprise a network device. In such embodiments, the first device 202 may comprise a gNB. For example, the first device 202 may comprise the control node 130 in Fig. 1A or 1B.

In some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may be a node that can provide assistant information for the sensing service.

In some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a first node with or without a sensing function.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a second node with or without a communication function.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a third node with or without energy storage capability. For example, the assistant node 204 may be battery free.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a fourth node with power supply.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a fifth powerless node.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a sixth node which have active or passive radio signal transmission capability.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a seventh node supporting the 3GPP technology.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise an eighth node supporting non-3GPP technology.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a fixed node.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a mobile node.

In some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In such embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise an eighth node supporting non-3GPP technology.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a terminal device. For example, the assistant node 204 may comprise an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) .

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a sensing transmission reception point (TRP) .

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a network device. In such embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a gNB. For example, the assistant node 204 may comprise the control node 130 in Fig. 1A or 1B.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a sensor.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assistant node 204 may comprise a camera.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 via a sensing procedure of the sensing service.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 via a communication procedure.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 via a procedure related to an A-IoT.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 via a signal related to the A-IoT.

With continued reference to Fig. 2, the first device 202 obtains 230 assistant information about the assistant node 204.

In some embodiments, the assistant information may be used for determining a sensing result of the sensing service;

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may be used for determining an assistant node to be further involved in a sensing procedure of the sensing service.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may obtain the assistant information about the assistant node 204 from the assistant node 204 or a network device.

In some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise an identity (ID) of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise a device type of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise capability of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise a position of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise velocity of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise a power status of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise sensor data obtained by the assistant node 204. For example, the sensor data may comprises at least one of the following: distance, temperature, humidity, rainfall, pressure, altitude, wind power, blood pressure, heart rate, or body temperature.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise an image captured by the assistant node 204.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the assistant information may comprise a video captured by the assistant node 204.

In turn, the first device 202 determines 240 a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.

With the process 200, the first device 202 may derive the sensing result with higher precision, less latency, and more reliability.

It shall be understood that the number of assistant nodes involved in the process 200 are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations. The process 200 may involve any suitable number of assistant nodes adapted for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a process for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure may involve two assistant nodes as shown in Fig. 3, or involve more than two assistant nodes. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

Fig. 3 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 300 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 300 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 300 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2 as well as an assistant node 206 for a sensing service.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first device 202 may initiate 310 a sensing service.

The first device 202 identifies 320 assistant nodes for the sensing service. For example, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 for the sensing service and the assistant node 206 for the sensing service.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may identify the assistant nodes 204 and 206 via a sensing procedure of the sensing service.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant nodes 204 and 206 via a communication procedure.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant nodes 204 and 206 via a procedure related to an A-IoT.

Alternatively or additionally, the first device 202 may identify the assistant nodes 204 and 206 via a signal related to the A-IoT.

With continued reference to Fig. 3, the first device 202 obtains 330 assistant information about the assistant nodes. For example, the first device 202 may obtain first assistant information about the assistant node 204 and second assistant information about the assistant node 206.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may obtain the first assistant information about the assistant node 204 from the assistant node 204 or a network device.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may obtain the first assistant information about the assistant node 206 from the assistant node 206 or a network device.

Then, the first device 202 may identify 340 capabilities of the assistant nodes based on the assistant information. For example, the first device 202 may identify capabilities of the assistant nodes 204 and 206 based on the first assistant information and the second assistant information.

Subsequently, the assistant node 204 transmits 350 a first sensing signal indicating the first assistant information. The assistant node 206 transmits 360 a second sensing signal indicating the second assistant information.

Accordingly, the first device 202 may detect, receive and measure the first sensing signal from the assistant node 204 and the second sensing signal from the assistant node 206.

In turn, the first device 202 determines 370 a sensing result of the sensing service based on measurements of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.

In some embodiments, active identification of an assistant node for a sensing service and active providing of assistant information may be applied. In such embodiments, the assistant node 204 may transmit an identification signal and the identification signal indicates the assistant information about the assistant node 204. For example, the assistant node 204 may transmit the identification signal periodically. In some embodiments, the identification signal may comprise at least one of the following: a sensing signal, a discovery signal, or an announcement signal.

Accordingly, the first device 202 may detect and receive the identification signal from the assistant node 204. In turn, the first device 202 may obtain the assistant information about the assistant node 204 from the identification signal and identify the assistant node 204 based on the identification signal.

Fig. 4 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 400 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 400 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 400 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2.

Generally, in the process 400, active identification of an assistant node for a sensing service and active providing of assistant information are applied.

As shown in Fig. 4, the assistant node 204 transmits 410 a first sensing signal. The first sensing signal may indicate at least one of the following: an ID of the assistant node 204 or a position of the assistant node 204.

In addition, the assistant node 204 transmits 420 a second sensing signal. The second sensing signal may indicate other assistant information than the ID and the position of the assistant node 204. For example, the second sensing signal may indicate at least one of the following: sensor data obtained by the assistant node 204, an image captured by the assistant node 204, or a video captured by the assistant node 204.

Accordingly, the first device 202 may detect and receive, based on sensing resource set allocation, the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal from the assistant node 204. In turn, the first device 202 may obtain 430 the ID and the position of the assistant node 204 from the first sensing signal and obtain other assistant information from the second sensing signal.

With the process 400, the first device 202 may obtain the assistant information without setting connection with a network device or the assistant node 204. Types of signals may be used as the identification signal which can provide at least identification information of the assistant node 204.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, passive identification of an assistant node for a sensing service may be applied. In such embodiments, the first device 202 may transmit a first signal and receive a second signal from the assistant node 204. The second signal indicates the assistant information. The first device 202 may obtain the assistant information from the second signal. In turn, the first device 202 may identify the assistant node 204 based on the second signal.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may transmit the first signal to activate the assistant node 204.

In some embodiments, the first signal is used as a trigger or activation signal.

In some embodiments, the first signal may comprise a first sensing signal and the second signal may comprise a second sensing signal. In this way, a sensing signal may be used as an activation signal to trigger a procedure of identification of an assistant node. The first device 202 may obtain the assistant information without setting connection with a network device or the assistant node 204.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first signal may comprise a carrier wave and the second signal may comprise a backscattering signal of the carrier wave. In such embodiments, the assistant node 204 may be an A-IoT device and the second signal is triggered or energy provided by the first signal. In this way, a carrier wave for an A-IoT device may be used to trigger a procedure of identification of an assistant node. The first device 202 may obtain the assistant information without setting connection with a network device or the assistant node 204.

Fig. 5 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 500 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 500 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 500 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2.

Generally, in the process 500, passive identification of an assistant node for a sensing service is applied. The assistant node 204 is with a sensing function and the first device 202 is a gNB.

As shown in Fig. 5, the first device 202 broadcasts 510 a first sensing signal as the first signal. The first sensing signal is a trigger signal to discovery surrounding assistant nodes. The first sensing signal indicates an ID of a sensing group. For example, the first device 202 may use a dedicated resource or sequence for the first sensing signal, and the first sensing signal indicates the ID of the sensing group.

The assistant node 204 detects the first sensing signal and belongs to the sensing group which is indicated through the first sensing signal. The assistant node 204 feedbacks 520 a second sensing signal and indicates an ID of the assistant node 204 or the group member ID of the assistant node 204.

Then, the first device 202 tries to detect the second sensing signal, obtains the assistant information from the second sensing signal, and identifies 530 the ID of the assistant node 204.

Fig. 6 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 600 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 600 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 600 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2.

Generally, in the process 600, passive identification of an assistant node for a sensing service is applied. The assistant node 204 is an A-IoT device and the first device 202 is an A-IoT reader device.

As shown in Fig. 6, the first device 202 transmits 610 a carrier wave as a first signal to activate surrounding A-IoT devices.

The assistant node 204 acting as an A-IoT device detects the carrier wave, and transmits 620 a backscattering signal of the carrier wave. The backscattering signal indicates the assistant information. For example, the backscattering signal indicates a device ID of the assistant node 204 and a device type of the A-IoT device.

For example, the device type of the A-IoT device may be a type A or type B. If the device type of the A-IoT device is a type A device, the A-IoT device has no energy storage, no independent signal generation or amplification. That is, the A-IoT device performs backscattering transmission. If the device type of the A-IoT device is a type B device, the A-IoT device has energy storage but has no independent signal generation. That is, the A-IoT device performs backscattering transmission. Use of stored energy can include amplification for reflected signals.

The first device 202 acting as an A-IoT reader device obtains 630 the assistant information from the backscattering signal.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 may determine the assistant information as the sensing result of the sensing service directly. In such embodiments, the assistant information may be provided from the assistant node 204 through the second signal as described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. The first device 202 does not need to process the assistant information. That is, the assistant information is used as raw data to compose the sensing result. This will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 700 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 700 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 700 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2.

Generally, in the process 700, the assistant node 204 acts as a sensor and the first device 202 acts as a sensor collector. The first device 202 triggers a sensing procedure to identify and collect sensor data from surrounding sensors periodically.

As shown in Fig. 7, the first device 202 indicates 710 a sensing service requirement. For example, the first device 202 may transmit the first signal and the first signal comprises the sensing service requirement. Alternatively, the first device 202 may transmit a signaling which is separate from the first signal and the signaling comprises the sensing service requirement.

In some embodiments, the sensing service requirement may comprise a requirement for at least one assistant node. For example, the requirement for at least one assistant node may comprise at least one device type of the at least one assistant node. Alternatively or additionally, the requirement for at least one assistant node may comprise at least one ID of the at least one assistant node. For example, a list of sensor IDs is assigned for sensors, and the requirement for at least one assistant node may comprise the list of sensor IDs to request the sensor data of the indicated sensors.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensing service requirement may comprise a requirement for the assistant information. For example, the requirement for the assistant information may comprise types of sensor data.

The assistant node 204 acting as the sensor detects the first signal and provides assistant information according to the sensing service requirement. If the ID of the assistant node 204 matches an assigned ID in the list of sensor IDs, the assistant node 204 transmits 720 a feedback sensing signal to provide the required sensor data to the first device 202 acting as the sensor collector. For example, the assistant node 204 may transmit the second signal comprising the feedback sensing signal.

In some embodiments, the sensor data is measurement of ambient temperature.

Upon receiving the feedback sensing signal, the first device 202 obtains 730 the assistant information (i.e., the sensor data) from the assistant node 204, and packages the sensor data as a sensing result, and further reports the sensing result to higher layer.

The process 700 may be used for the out of coverage scenario to obtain sensing result, i.e., no network device/management is needed. It needs less signal exchange and power consumption.

It shall be understood that although only one assistant node is illustrated in Fig. 7 by way of example, the process 700 may involve more than one assistant nodes.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first device 202 may determine the sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information. The assistant information is provided from at least one assistant node. The first device 202 may use all or part of the assistant information from the at least one assistant node. The selection may be performed based on implementation of the first device 202. In such embodiments, the first device 202 may use the assistant information as an input for determining the sensing result or use the assistant information to generate the sensing result. Such embodiments may improve the precision and reliability of the sensing result based on the assistant information. In addition, the first device 202 may determine the sensing result by combining more types of information, i.e., not only the assistant information obtained from the at least one assistant node.

In such embodiments, for the at least one assistant node with a sensing function, sensing signal transmission/reception among the first device 202 and the at least one assistant node may be performed to generate or derive the sensing result.

Fig. 8 illustrates a signaling chart illustrating an example process 800 for ISAC in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 800 may be considered as an example implementations of the process 200. The process 800 may involve the first device 202 and the assistant node 204 in Fig. 2 as well as an assistant node 206 for a sensing service.

Generally, in the process 800, the first device 202 acts as a vehicle device, the assistant node 204 acts as a node with sensing function, and the assistant node 206 acts as an A-IoT device.

As shown in Fig. 8, the first device 202 transmits 810 a sensing signal to discovery and identify assistant nodes nearby. The sensing signal is also used as a carrier wave for an A-IoT device.

Upon receiving the sensing signal, the assistant node 206 transmits 820 a backscattering signal of the sensing signal. The backscattering signal indicates an ID and a position of the assistant node 206.

The first device 202 detects the backscattering signal from the assistant node 206, and obtains 830 the ID and position of the assistant node 206. In addition, the first device 202 may detect and measure an echo signal from the assistant node 206 of the sensing signal is detected by the first device 202, and determine a sensing measurement of the echo signal. For example, the measurement of the echo signal may indicate the distance between the first device 202 and the assistant node 206.

Upon receiving the sensing signal, the assistant node 204 determines 840 measurement of the sensing signal from the first device 202. For example, the measurement of the sensing signal may indicate a distance between the first device 202 and the assistant node 204. Then, the assistant node 204 transmits 850 a sensing feedback signal to the first device 202. The sensing feedback signal indicates a position of the assistant node 204 and the measurement of the sensing signal from the first device 202.

The first device 202 detects the sensing feedback signal from the assistant node 204, and obtains the position of the assistant node 204 and the measurement of the sensing signal.

Then, the first device 202 determines 860 a position of the first device 202 based on the assistant information from the assistant node 204 and the assistant node 206. In turn, the first device 202 determines the position of the first device 202 as the sensing result.

Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 900 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 900 can be implemented at a first device, such as the first device 202 as shown in Figs. 2 to 8. For the purpose of discussion, the method 900 will be described with reference to any of Figs. 2 to 8.

At block 910, the first device 202 identifies an assistant node for a sensing service.

At block 920, the first device 202 obtains assistant information about the assistant node.

At block 930, the first device 202 determines a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.

In some embodiments, identifying an assistant node comprises identifying the assistant node via at least one of the following: a sensing procedure of the sensing service, a communication procedure, a procedure related to an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) , or a signal related to the A-IoT.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 supports at least one of the following: a sensing function, or a communication function.

In some embodiments, the first device 202 comprises a terminal device or a network device.

In some embodiments, obtaining the assistant information about the assistant node comprises obtaining the assistant information about the assistant node from the assistant node or a network device.

In some embodiments, the assistant node comprises one of the following: a first node with or without a sensing function, a second node with or without a communication function, a third node with or without energy storage capability, a fourth node with power supply, a fifth powerless node, a sixth node which have active or passive radio signal transmission capability, a seventh node supporting the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technology, an eighth node supporting non-3GPP technology, a fixed node, or a mobile node.

In some embodiments, the assistant node comprises one of the following: a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, a terminal device, a sensing transmission reception point (TRP) , a network device, a sensor, or a camera.

In some embodiments, the assistant information comprises at least one of the following: an identity of the assistant node, a device type of the assistant node, capability of the assistant node, a position of the assistant node, velocity of the assistant node, a power status of the assistant node, sensor data obtained by the assistant node, an image captured by the assistant node, or a video captured by the assistant node.

In some embodiments, identifying the assistant node comprises: receiving an identification signal from the assistant node, wherein the identification signal indicates the assistant information about the assistant node; and identifying the assistant node based on the identification signal.

In some embodiments, the identification signal comprises at least one of the following: a sensing signal, a discovery signal, or an announcement signal.

In some embodiments, identifying the assistant node comprises: transmitting a first signal; and receiving a second signal from the assistant node, wherein the second signal indicates the assistant information; and identifying the assistant node based on the second signal.

In some embodiments, the first signal comprises a first sensing signal and the second signal comprises a second sensing signal.

In some embodiments, the first signal comprises a carrier wave and the second signal comprises a backscattering signal of the carrier wave.

In some embodiments, the first device is further caused to indicate at least one of the following: a requirement for the assistant node, or a requirement for the assistant information.

In some embodiments, the requirement for the assistant node comprises at least one of the following: a device type of the assistant node, or an identity of the assistant node.

In some embodiments, determining the sensing result comprises: determining the assistant information as the sensing result.

In some embodiments, determining the sensing result comprises: determining the sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information by at least one of the following: using the assistant information as an input for determining the sensing result; or using the assistant information to generate the sensing result.

In some embodiments, determining the sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information comprises: determining the sensing result based on first assistant information about a first assistant node and second assistant information about a second assistant node.

Fig. 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1000 can be considered as a further example embodiment of the first device 202, the assistance node 204, or the assistance node 206 as shown in Figs. 2 to 8. Accordingly, the device 1000 can be implemented at or as at least a part of the first device 202, the assistance node 204, or the assistance node 206.

As shown, the device 1000 includes a processor 1010, a memory 1020 coupled to the processor 1010, a suitable transceiver 1040 coupled to the processor 1010, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 1040. The memory 1020 stores at least a part of a program 1030. The transceiver 1040 may be for bidirectional communications or a unidirectional communication based on requirements. The transceiver 1040 may include at least one of a transmitter 1042 and a receiver 1044. The transmitter 1042 and the receiver 1044 may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 1040 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, though in practice an Access Node mentioned in this application may have several ones. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements, such as X2/Xn interface for bidirectional communications between eNBs/gNBs, S1/NG interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) /Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) /SGW/UPF and the eNB/gNB, Un interface for communication between the eNB/gNB and a relay node (RN) , or Uu interface for communication between the eNB/gNB and a terminal device.

The components included in the apparatuses and/or devices of the present disclosure may be implemented in various manners, including software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, one or more units may be implemented using software and/or firmware, for example, machine-executable instructions stored on the storage medium. In addition to or instead of machine-executable instructions, parts or all of the units in the apparatuses and/or devices may be implemented, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) , Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs) , System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs) , Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) , and the like.

Claims

A first device, comprising:

a processor configured to cause the first device to:

identify an assistant node for a sensing service;

obtain assistant information about the assistant node; and

determine a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to identify the assistant node via at least one of the following:

a sensing procedure of the sensing service,

a communication procedure,

a procedure related to an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) , or

a signal related to the A-IoT.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device supports at least one of the following:

a sensing function, or

a communication function.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device or a network device.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the assistant information about the assistant node from the assistant node or a network device.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the assistant node comprises one of the following:

a first node with or without a sensing function,

a second node with or without a communication function,

a third node with or without energy storage capability,

a fourth node with power supply,

a fifth powerless node,

a sixth node which have active or passive radio signal transmission capability,

a seventh node supporting the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technology,

an eighth node supporting non-3GPP technology,

a fixed node, or

a mobile node.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the assistant node comprises one of the following:

a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag,

an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device,

a terminal device,

a sensing transmission reception point (TRP) ,

a network device,

a sensor, or

a camera.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the assistant information comprises at least one of the following:

an identity of the assistant node,

a device type of the assistant node,

capability of the assistant node,

a position of the assistant node,

velocity of the assistant node,

a power status of the assistant node,

sensor data obtained by the assistant node,

an image captured by the assistant node, or

a video captured by the assistant node.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to identify the assistant node by:

receiving an identification signal from the assistant node, wherein the identification signal indicates the assistant information about the assistant node; and

identifying the assistant node based on the identification signal.
The first device of claim 9, wherein the identification signal comprises at least one of the following:

a sensing signal,

a discovery signal, or

an announcement signal.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to identify the assistant node by:

transmitting a first signal;

receiving a second signal from the assistant node, wherein the second signal indicates the assistant information; and

identifying the assistant node based on the second signal.
The first device of claim 11, wherein the first signal comprises a first sensing signal and the second signal comprises a second sensing signal.
The first device of claim 11, wherein the first signal comprises a carrier wave and the second signal comprises a backscattering signal of the carrier wave.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to indicate at least one of the following:

a requirement for the assistant node, or

a requirement for the assistant information.
The first device of claim 14, wherein the requirement for the assistant node comprises at least one of the following:

a device type of the assistant node, or

an identity of the assistant node.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to determine the sensing result by:

determining the assistant information as the sensing result.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to determine the sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information by at least one of the following:

using the assistant information as an input for determining the sensing result; or

using the assistant information to generate the sensing result.
The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to determine the sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information by:

determining the sensing result based on first assistant information about a first assistant node and second assistant information about a second assistant node.
A method for communications, comprising:

identifying an assistant node for a sensing service;

obtaining assistant information about the assistant node; and

determining a sensing result of the sensing service based on the assistant information.
A computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed on at least one processor of a device, causing the device to carry out the method according to claim 19.