WO2024087666A1

WO2024087666A1 - Method and apparatus for transmitting integrated sensing and communication signals

Info

Publication number: WO2024087666A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/101133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haipeng Lei; Haiming Wang
Original assignee: Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
Priority date: 2023-06-19
Filing date: 2023-06-19
Publication date: 2024-05-02
Also published as: WO2024087666A9

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses for transmitting integrated sensing and communication signals. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a BS may: transmit, to a UE, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING INTEGRATED SENSING AND COMMUNICATION SIGNALS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication technology, and more particularly to integrated sensing and communication.

BACKGROUND

A wireless communications system may include one or multiple network communication devices, such as base stations, which may support wireless communications for one or multiple user communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE) , or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or multiple user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like) . Additionally, the wireless communications system may support wireless communications across various radio access technologies including third generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth generation (5G) (which is also known as new radio (NR) ) radio access technology, among other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G) ) .

Wireless sensing technologies can acquire information about a remote object and its characteristics without physically contacting it. Perception data of the object can be utilized for analysis, such that meaningful information about the object and its characteristics can be obtained. For example, radar is a widely used wireless sensing technology that uses radio waves to determine, for example, the distance (range) , angle, or instantaneous linear velocity of objects. There are other sensing technologies including non-radio frequency (RF) sensors, which have been used in other areas, e.g., time-of-flight (ToF) cameras, accelerometers, gyroscopes and LiDARs.

Integrated sensing and communication may refer to that the sensing capabilities are provided by the same wireless communication system and infrastructure (e.g., 5G NR or 6G) as used for communication. It is desirable to introduce integrated sensing and communication into a wireless communication system such as a 5G system or a 6G system. It is further desirable to improve integrated sensing and communication services to satisfy various requirements under various application scenarios.

SUMMARY

An article “a” before an element is unrestricted and understood to refer to “at least one” of those elements or “one or more” of those elements. The terms “a, ” “at least one, ” “one or more, ” and “at least one of one or more” may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” or “one or both of” ) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C) . Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on. Further, as used herein, including in the claims, a “set” may include one or more elements.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a base station (BS) . The BS may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the BS to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; perform downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; switch from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources; transmit a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources; receive an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources; switch from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and perform uplink reception from the UE.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a UE. The UE may include at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: receive, from a BS, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement, or uplink transmission; perform downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources; and perform uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a processor. The processor may include at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: receive, from a base station (BS) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; perform downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources; and perform uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for integrated sensing and communication. The method may include: transmitting, to a UE, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; performing downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; switching from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources; transmitting a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources; receiving an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources; switching from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and performing uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for integrated sensing and communication. The method may include: receiving, from a BS, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement, or uplink transmission; performing downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; performing no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources; and performing uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may include: at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions; at least one receiving circuitry; at least one transmitting circuitry; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiving circuitry and the at least one transmitting circuitry, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and the computer executable instructions may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a description of the disclosure is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an integrated sensing and communication system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary integrated sensing and communication split pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of unavailable resources in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate flow charts of exemplary procedures for integrated sensing and communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a network equipment (NE) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding, embodiments are provided under a specific network architecture (s) and new service scenarios, such as the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) 5G (NR) or 6G, 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE) Release 8, and so on. It is contemplated that along with the developments of network architectures and new service scenarios, all embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems; and moreover, the terminologies recited in the present disclosure may change, which should not affect the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of wireless communication system 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more NEs 102 (e.g., one or more BSs) , one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultrawideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi) , IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) , IEEE 802.20. The wireless communications system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Additionally, the wireless communications system 100 may support technologies, such as time division multiple access (TDMA) , frequency division multiple access (FDMA) , or code division multiple access (CDMA) , etc.

The one or more NEs 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NE 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN) , a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB) , a next-generation NodeB (gNB) , or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) over a Uu interface.

An NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area for which the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. ) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 may be moveable, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) . In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas 112 associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102.

The one or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, an Internet-of-Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

A UE 104 may be able to support wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 over a communication link. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link 114 may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, a UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 over a PC5 interface.

An NE 102 may support communications with the CN 106, or with another NE 102, or both. For example, an NE 102 may interface with other NE 102 or the CN 106 through one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or network interface) . In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other directly. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106. In some implementations, one or more NEs 102 may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC) . An ANC may communicate with the one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmission-reception points (TRPs) .

The CN 106 may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) , or a 5G core (5GC) , which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME) , an access and mobility management functions (AMF) ) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to external networks (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW) , a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) , or a user plane function (UPF) ) . In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc. ) for the one or more UEs 104 served by the one or more NEs 102 associated with the CN 106.

The CN 106 may communicate with a packet data network over one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an S1, N2, N2, or another network interface) . The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or the like) with the CN 106 via an NE 102. The CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and the like) between the UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session) . The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and the CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of the CN 106) .

In the wireless communications system 100, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may use resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers) ) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications) . In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different resource structures. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures) . The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communications system 100, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

A time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames) . Each frame may have a duration, for example, a 10 millisecond (ms) duration. In some implementations, each frame may include multiple subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, for example, a 1 ms duration. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe may also depend on the one or more numerologies supported in the wireless communications system 100. For instance, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols) . In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing) , a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on a numerology. It should be understood that reference to a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

In the wireless communications system 100, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the wireless communications system 100 may support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz –7.125 GHz) , FR2 (24.25 GHz –52.6 GHz) , FR3 (7.125 GHz –24.25 GHz) , FR4 (52.6 GHz –114.25 GHz) , FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz –71 GHz) , and FR5 (114.25 GHz –300 GHz) . In some implementations, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communications over one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for cellular communications traffic (e.g., control information, data) . In some implementations, FR2 may be used by the NEs 102 and the UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies) . For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) , which includes 15 kHz subcarrier spacing; a second numerology (e.g., μ=1) , which includes 30 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) , which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least 2 numerologies) . For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., μ=2) , which includes 60 kHz subcarrier spacing; and a fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) , which includes 120 kHz subcarrier spacing.

A UE 104 may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) , tablet computers, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet) , set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras) , vehicle on-board computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems) , or the like. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE 104 may include a portable wireless communication device, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a flip phone, a device having a subscriber identity module, a personal computer, a selective call receiver, or any other device that is capable of sending and receiving communication signals on a wireless network. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE 104 includes wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, or the like. Moreover, a UE 104 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal, or a device, or described using other terminology used in the art. A UE 104 may communicate with an NE 102 (e.g., a BS) via uplink (UL) communication signals. An NE 102 may communicate with a UE 104 via downlink (DL) communication signals.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate over licensed spectrums, whereas in some other embodiments, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate over unlicensed spectrums. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementation of any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless communication system 100 may support integrated sensing and communication. For example, in addition to supporting the communication function (e.g., NE 102 and UE 104 can communicate with each other via UL or DL communication channels) , the wireless communication system 100 also supports a sensing function. For example, an NE 102 can sense a target (e.g., target 103 in FIG. 1) , such as detect the distance, angle and speed of the target using radar signals and the corresponding radar echo signals. Although a single target 103 is depicted in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the wireless communication system 100 or an NE 102 can support the detection of any number of targets.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, to realize the sensing and communication integration, a signal waveform that can satisfy both communication and sensing functions is provided. For example, for more flexibility and resource efficiency, an integrated communication and sensing split pattern is proposed. In some embodiments, a time division multiplexing frame structure may be employed. For example, the time division multiplexing frame structure may be applied to the carrier. In some embodiments, a subband full-duplex frame structure may be employed. For example, the subband full-duplex frame structure may be applied to a specific subband. More details on the embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated in the following text in combination with the appended drawings.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, from the perspective of a BS, it may configure an integrated communication and sensing split pattern for a UE. The pattern may be determined according to, for example, the respective performance requirements of sensing and communication functions. In some embodiments, the pattern may be configured via higher layer signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling) . In some embodiments, a slot format of the pattern may be further indicated by dynamic signaling (e.g., a common DCI or a dedicated DCI or a UE-specific DCI for DL or UL scheduling) . From the perspective of a UE, it may perform transmission, reception, and measurement behaviors according to the configured pattern and the dynamic indication (if any) .

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated communication and sensing split pattern may include downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources. The flexible resources may include a set (denoted as set #1) of flexible resources for a communication function, a set (denoted as set #2) of flexible resources for a sensing function, or both. In some embodiments, set #2 may be consecutive in the time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and may be unavailable to a UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission. For example, in the case that the pattern is applied to a carrier, for a time resource (e.g., a slot or a symbol) configured or indicated as unavailable, a UE may not transmit and/or receive any signal or channel in the time resource, and may skip any measurement or monitoring in the time resource. For example, in the case that the pattern is applied to a subband, for a time resource (e.g., a slot or a symbol) configured or indicated as unavailable, a UE may not transmit and/or receive any signal or channel in the time resource on the subband, and may skip any measurement or monitoring in the time resource on the subband.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary integrated sensing and communication split pattern 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, pattern 200 may include DL resources, UL resources, and flexible resources. Some of the flexible resources (e.g., unavailable resources such as set #2) may be used for a sensing function and thus are unavailable for a UE. Some or all of the remaining flexible resources can be used for the communication function. For example, in the case that a flexible resource (e.g., a slot or symbol) is configured or indicated for the communication function (e.g., either DL or UL communication) , the BS and UE may perform the corresponding communication function on this flexible resource.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a BS may transmit a configuration for configuring pattern 200 to a UE. For example, the configuration may indicate one or more of the following:

- a configuration period of P (e.g., in ms) ;

- a reference subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration μ_ref;

- the number of slots X₁ with only downlink symbols;

- the number of downlink symbols Y₁;

- the number of slots X₂ with only uplink symbols;

- the number of uplink symbols Y₂; and

- parameters associated with the unavailable resources.

In some embodiments, when μ_ref=3, μ_ref=5 or μ_ref=6, P can be 0.625ms. In some embodiments, when μ_ref=2, μ_ref=3, μ_ref=5 or μ_ref=6, P can be 1.25ms. In some embodiments, when μ_ref=1, μ_ref=2, μ_ref=3, μ_ref= 5 or μ_ref=6, P can be 2.5ms. In some embodiments, when μ_ref=0, μ_ref= 1, μ_ref=2, μ_ref=3 or μ_ref=5, P can be 10 ms.

In some embodiments, the total of slots in pattern 200 may be determined according to For example, assuming that the SCS of 30KHz is employed (i.e., μ_ref=1) , and P = 5ms, the slot configuration period includes 10 slots. Among the T slots, the first X₁ slots include only downlink symbols and the last X₂ slots include only uplink symbols; the Y₁ symbols after the X₁ slots are downlink symbols; the Y₂ symbols before the last X₂ slots are uplink symbols; and the remaining symbols or slots within pattern 200 are flexible symbols or slots.

In some embodiments, the starting slot of pattern 200 may always include only DL symbols and the ending slot of pattern 200 may always include only UL symbols. For example, the value of X₁ or X₂ may be equal to or greater than 1. In some embodiments, the value of Y₁ or Y₂ may be equal to or greater than 0 and less than 14 (assuming that a slot includes 14 symbols) .

The unavailable resources in the flexible resources of pattern 200 are defined by the parameters associated with the unavailable resources in the configuration. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the parameters associated with the unavailable resources may indicate one or more of the following:

- an offset L associated with the unavailable resources;

- a duration associated with the unavailable resources;

- the number of slots K with only unavailable symbols;

- the number of consecutive symbols Z₁ for the communication function at the beginning of a starting slot of the unavailable resources (when partial slot is supported) ; and

- the number of consecutive symbols Z₂ for the communication function at the end of the last slot of the unavailable resources (when partial slot is supported) .

The starting slot and the last slot of the unavailable resources may include at least one unavailable symbol.

In some embodiments, the offset L may be defined with respect to the start of pattern 200. For example, the offset L may indicate an offset (e.g., L₁ in FIG. 2) between the starting slot of pattern 200 and the starting slot of the unavailable resources. In some embodiments, the offset L may be defined with respect to the flexible resources in pattern 200. For example, the offset L may indicate an offset (e.g., L₂ in FIG. 2) between the starting slot of the flexible resources and the starting slot of the unavailable resources.

In some embodiments, the unavailable resources in pattern 200 may include a duration (denoted as duration #1) for a BS to switch from the communication function to the sensing function (e.g., the number of slots or symbols O for communication-to-sensing switch) , a duration (denoted as duration #2) for the BS to transmit a sensing signal (e.g., the number of slots or symbols I for transmitting a radar signal) , a duration (denoted as duration #3) for the BS to receive an echo of the sensing signal (e.g., the number of slots or symbols J for receiving an echo of the radar signal) and a duration (denoted as duration #4) for the BS to switch from the sensing function to the communication function (e.g., the number of slots or symbols Q for sensing-to-communication switch) .

In some embodiments, duration #1 (e.g., O) may depend on the time taken by the transmitter of the BS to switch between communication and sensing functions (e.g., from the communication function to the sensing function) . Duration #4 (e.g., Q) may depend on the time of the receiver of the BS to switch from the sensing function to the communication function. Duration #2 (e.g., I) may depend on the design of a sensing signal waveform by the BS (e.g., the transmitter) . Duration #3 (e.g., J) may be flexibly configured as required by the sensing function. For example, for services with high requirements for detection range or accuracy, more flexible symbols can be allocated in the pattern to receive echo signals. In some examples, the time for receiving radar echo signals is not limited to one slot.

In some embodiments, the duration associated with the unavailable resources may indicate each of duration #1 to duration #4. From the perspective of a UE, the behavior of a BS (e.g., performing the sensing function) on the unavailable resources is irrelevant to it, where the UE may only need to know the location of the unavailable resources, and thus it may not need to specify the details of the unavailable resources. In some embodiments, the duration associated with the unavailable resources may indicate the duration of the unavailable resources (e.g., the total number of slots and/or symbols of the unavailable resources) or the sum of duration #1 to duration #4 (e.g., a sum of O, I, J and Q) in unit of slots and/or symbols. In some embodiments, the sum of duration #1 to duration #4 may be equal to the duration of the unavailable resources.

In some embodiments, the number of slots K may be flexibly configured by the BS according to the requirements for the sensing function (e.g., the required maximum detection range or accuracy) . For example, the larger K is, the greater the corresponding J and the maximum detection range are. In some embodiments, the parameters associated with the unavailable resources may indicate only one of “the number of slots K” and “the duration associated with the unavailable resources. ”

In some embodiments, a partial slot (s) is supported (i.e., an unavailable resource may include a partial slot) . For example, the unavailable resource may start from or end at a middle symbol of a slot, and then parameter Z₁, Z₂ or both may be configured or indicated to indicate the symbol-level position of the unavailable resource. In some embodiments, a partial slot (s) is not supported (i.e., an unavailable resource may not include a partial slot) . For example, the unavailable resource may always start from the first symbol (e.g., symbol 0) of a slot and end at the last symbol (e.g., symbol 13) of a slot, and then parameters Z₁ and Z₂ may not be configured or indicated.

In some other embodiments, parameters Z₁ and Z₂ may be defined differently as long as the unavailable resources can be determined. For example, parameters Z₁ may be defined as the number of consecutive symbols for the sensing function in the starting slot of the unavailable resources and parameters Z₂ may be defined as the number of consecutive symbols for the sensing function in the last slot of the unavailable resources.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration for unavailable resources in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 may be an example of the unavailable resources within pattern 200 of FIG. 2. For example, in some embodiments, the configuration for configuring pattern 200 may indicate one or more of the following parameters as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3: {L₁ (or L₂) , K, I, J, O, Q, Z₁, Z₂} . In some embodiments, the configuration for configuring pattern 200 may indicate one or more of the following parameters as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3: {L₁ (or L₂) , K, S, Z₁, Z₂} , where S denotes a sum of O, I, J and Q. In some embodiments, the value of K may not be configured or indicated.

It should be noted that although the exemplary unavailable resources in FIG. 3 include two partial slots, it is contemplated that the unavailable resources may not include any partial slot, and thus Z₁ and Z₂ may not be configured or indicated, or the unavailable resources may include only one partial slot and only one of Z₁ and Z₂ which is not equal to “0” may not be configured or indicated.

In some embodiments, the remaining flexible resources in FIG. 3 can be used for the communication function. For example, some or all of the remaining flexible resources may be configured for uplink transmission. For example, some or all of the remaining flexible resources may be configured for downlink transmission.

Persons skilled in the art can comprehend that other embodiments for implementing the parameters associated with the unavailable resources in an integrated communication and sensing split pattern to define the unavailable resources can also be employed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated communication and sensing split pattern as defined above may be applied to a carrier. For example, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a carrier. This configuration can be referred to as a time division duplex (TDD) frame structure for integrated communication and sensing. The BS may perform the sensing function in the unavailable resources of the pattern on the carrier. The UE would consider all the unavailable resources in the pattern as in an unavailable or disabled state. For example, the UE would not perform downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission in the unavailable resources on the carrier.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated communication and sensing split pattern as defined above may be applied to a subband. The configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern may further indicate one or more of an index of the subband and a bandwidth of the subband. In some embodiments, index of the subband or the bandwidth of the subband indicated in the pattern may be determined according to the bandwidth required for the sensing function or the trade-off between the performance of the communication function and sensing function. This configuration can be referred to as a subband full duplex (SBFD) frame structure for integrated communication and sensing. The BS may perform the sensing function in the unavailable resources of the pattern on the indicated subband. The UE would consider all the unavailable resources in the pattern on the indicated subband as in an unavailable or disabled state. For example, the UE would not perform downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission in the unavailable resources on the subband.

From the perspective of the BS, the SBFD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing can realize the communication function and sensing function in parallel (e.g., performing the communication function on one subband while performing the sensing function on another subband at the same time) . In some embodiments, according to the bandwidth required for the sensing function or the trade-off between the performance of the communication function and sensing function, one or multiple (e.g., two) subbands can be configured with the SBFD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing. For example, on each of the one or multiple subbands, a corresponding integrated communication and sensing split pattern may be configured and may include a set of flexible resources for the sensing function (e.g., unavailable resources from the perspective of a UE) .

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration may indicate one or more integrated communication and sensing split patterns (e.g., pattern #1A and pattern #2A) applied to respective subbands (e.g., subband #1A and subband #2A) . For example, the configuration may indicate a set of flexible resources for the sensing function (denoted as set #1A) for pattern #1A and a set of flexible resources for the sensing function (denoted as set #2A) for pattern #2A. The above descriptions regarding the integrated communication and sensing split pattern can be applied to pattern #1A and pattern #2A and the above descriptions regarding the unavailable resources can be applied to set #1A and set #2A.

In some embodiments, independent sensing function configuration per subband may be supported. For example, set #1A for subband #1A and set #2A for subband #2A may be independently configured. The resources for the sensing function (i.e., the unavailable resources from the UE’s perspective) may be determined based on the requirements of the sensing function (e.g., the detection range or accuracy) . In some other embodiments, the parameters associated with the unavailable resources may be shared among the subbands indicated in the configuration. For example, set #1A for subband #1A and set #2A for subband #2A may be determined based on the same parameters associated with the unavailable resources in the configuration. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, pattern #1A or pattern #2A may or may not include flexible resources for the communication function.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication function and sensing function may be configured on separate subbands. For example, the configuration may indicate one or more patterns (e.g., pattern #1B and pattern #2B) applied to respective subbands (e.g., subband #1B and subband #2B) . The flexible resources within pattern #1B may only support the communication function. For example, pattern #1B may not include flexible resources for the sensing function (e.g., unavailable resources as described above) . The flexible resources within pattern #2B may only support the sensing function. For example, pattern #2B may include a set of flexible resources (denoted as set #2B) for the sensing function and may not include flexible resources for the communication function. The above descriptions regarding the integrated communication and sensing split pattern can be applied to pattern #2B and the above descriptions regarding the unavailable resources can be applied to set #2B.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, depending on different service requirements of the UEs, different frame structures for integrated communication and sensing may be applied to these UEs. For example, for a UE which has a high demand for low delay and needs to send and receive information on time, the SBFD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing may be applied. For example, more than one subband may be configured for the UE, and at least one of the configured subbands may support the sensing function at the BS. For example, for a UE which has a high demand for transmission rate and needs more bandwidth, the TDD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing may be applied.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed slot format for the flexible resources (e.g., a flexible slot or symbol) within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern can be indicated by dynamic signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI) ) . For example, a BS may transmit, to a UE, a DCI indicating a slot format for the flexible resources (e.g., slot n in FIG. 2) within an integrated communication and sensing split pattern. Based on the indicated slot format, the UE may determine that a set of symbols of slot n is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a DCI may indicate (e.g., by a slot format indicator (SFI) in a common DCI) the function (e.g., sensing or communication) or the transmission direction (e.g., UL or DL) of a flexible slot or symbol, or change the function or transmission direction of a flexible slot or symbol previously configured by the BS into a different function or transmission direction. When a flexible resource (e.g., a slot or symbol) is indicated as used for the sensing function, it means that the flexible resource may be used by the BS to perform the sensing function and may be unavailable for the UE (e.g., unavailable for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission) . In some embodiments, the slot format may be applied to a carrier or a subband.

In some embodiments, the slot format may be selected from a table of slot formats, which may be preconfigured or configured for a UE or predefined, for example, in a standard (s) . For example, Table 1 below shows an exemplary slot format table. It should be understood that Table 1 is only for illustrative purposes, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Table 1: Exemplary slot format

Table 2 below shows another exemplary slot format table. It should be understood that Table 2 is only for illustrative purposes, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Table 2: Exemplary slot format per subband

In Table 1 and Table 2, it is assumed that a slot include 14 symbols which can be indexed from “0” to “13” and “U, ” “D, ” “N” and “X” refer to different states of a symbol. Specifically, U stands for an uplink symbol (i.e., for communication function) , D stands for a downlink symbol (i.e., for communication function) , N stands for an unavailable symbol (i.e., for sensing function) , and X stands for a flexible symbol. For example, a UE should not perform downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission on a symbol that is indicated as “N. ”

In some embodiments, Table 1 can be applied to a subband or a carrier.

For example, when the TDD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing is configured, a DCI can indicate a specific slot format from Table 1 (e.g., by indicating a corresponding format index) that can be applied to the carrier or a specific slot format combination from a set of slot format combinations which may be configured by RRC signaling. In some embodiments, each slot format combination may include one or multiple slot formats for one or multiple consecutive slots for the corresponding carrier. For example, a slot format combination may indicate a single slot format which can be applied to one or multiple consecutive slots of the carrier. For example, a slot format combination may indicate a plurality of (e.g., two) slot formats which can be respectively applied to multiple (e.g., two) consecutive slots of the carrier. In some embodiments, each slot format combination may indicate one or multiple format indexes from Table 1.

For example, when the SBFD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing is configured, a DCI can indicate a specific slot format from Table 1 that can be applied to each configured subband or a specific slot format combination from a set of slot format combinations which may be configured by RRC signaling. In some embodiments, each slot format combination may include one or multiple slot formats for one or multiple consecutive slots for the corresponding subband. For example, a slot format combination may indicate a single slot format which can be applied to one or multiple consecutive slots of each configured subband. For example, a slot format combination may indicate a plurality of (e.g., two) slot formats which can be respectively applied to multiple (e.g., two) consecutive slots of each configured subband. In some embodiments, each slot format combination may indicate one or multiple format indexes from Table 1.

Compared to Table 1, Table 2 defines the slot format per subband. Although Table 2 shows that each format index corresponds to respective slot formats for two subbands, it is contemplated that each format index can correspond to respective slot formats for more than two subbands in some other embodiments of the present disclosure. When the SBFD frame structure for integrated communication and sensing is configured, a DCI can indicate a format index from Table 2 and the multiple slot formats (e.g., two slot formats denoted as format #1 and format #2) corresponding to the indicated format index can be respectively applied to the configured subbands. For example, the BS may transmit a configuration indicating more than one pattern (e.g., “pattern #1A or pattern #2A” or “pattern #1B and pattern #2B” as described above) each associated with a corresponding subband, format #1 and format #2 may be respectively applied to the subbands of the more than one patterns. For example, format #1 may be applied to subband #1A (or subband #1B) , and format #1 may be applied to subband #2A (or subband #2B) . In some embodiments, similarly to the above, a DCI can indicate a specific slot format combination from a set of slot format combinations which may be configured by RRC signaling. In some embodiments, each slot format combination may include one or multiple slot formats for one or multiple consecutive slots for the configured subbands. For example, each slot format combination may indicate one or multiple format indexes from Table 2.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a DCI (e.g., a UE-specific DCI) may schedule a UE to perform downlink reception or uplink transmission within one or more of the downlink resources, the uplink resources, and the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern. For example, a BS may transmit a DCI scheduling a UE to perform a sensing function or communication function (e.g., UL or DL) on a flexible resource (e.g., a flexible slot or symbol) within an integrated communication and sensing split pattern.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of exemplary procedure 400 for integrated sensing and communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all of the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown in FIG. 4. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a BS or an NE (for example, NE 102 in FIG. 1) . In some embodiments, the BS or NE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the BS or NE to perform the described procedures, functions or operations.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, in operation 411, a BS may transmit, to a UE, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources may include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function. The second set of flexible resources may be consecutive in the time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and may be unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.

In operation 412, the BS may perform downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources. For example, the first set of flexible resources may be configured for downlink communication.

In operation 413, the BS may switch from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration (e.g., duration #1 or O) of the second set of flexible resources. In operation 414, the BS may transmit a sensing signal within a second duration (e.g., duration #2 or I) of the second set of flexible resources. In operation 415, the BS may receive an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration (e.g., duration #3 or J) of the second set of flexible resources. In operation 416, the BS may switch from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration (e.g., duration #4 or Q) of the second set of flexible resources.

In operation 417, the BS may perform uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources. For example, the first set of flexible resources may be configured for uplink communication.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates an offset (e.g., L₁) between a starting slot of the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates an offset (e.g., L₂) between a starting slot of the flexible resources and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration, or indicates a duration of the second set of flexible resources or a sum of the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates one or more of the following: a first number of consecutive symbols (e.g., Z₁) for uplink or downlink transmission at the beginning of a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources; and a second number of consecutive symbols (e.g., Z₂) for uplink or downlink transmission at the end of the last slot of the second set of flexible resources.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS may transmit, to the UE, a common DCI or a UE-specific DCI to indicate a slot format for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS may transmit a DCI to the UE. The DCI may indicate a slot format for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern. The slot format may indicate that a set of symbols of a slot within the first set of flexible resources is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot format may include a state indicating a corresponding symbol of the set of symbols is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS may transmit a DCI to the UE, wherein the DCI schedules the UE to perform downlink reception or uplink transmission within the downlink resources, the uplink resources, the first set of flexible resources, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a carrier.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a first subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the first subband and a bandwidth of the first subband.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern may include an additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern applied to a second subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the second subband and a bandwidth of the second subband. The additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern may include a third set of flexible resources for the sensing function, wherein the third set of flexible resources is consecutive in the time domain, independently configured from the second set of flexible resources and unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission on the second subband.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure 400 may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure 400 may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of exemplary procedure 500 for integrated sensing and communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all of the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown in FIG. 5. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a UE, for example, UE 104 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the function elements of the UE to perform the described procedures, functions or operations.

Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 511, the UE may receive, from a BS, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern including downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources include a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function. The second set of flexible resources may be consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and may be unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement, or uplink transmission.

In operation 512, the UE may perform downlink reception from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources. For example, the first set of flexible resources may be configured for downlink communication.

In operation 513, the UE may perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources. For example, operation 513 may be omitted.

In operation 514, the UE may perform uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources. For example, the first set of flexible resources may be configured for uplink communication.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates a first duration for the BS to switch from the communication function to the sensing function, a second duration for the BS to transmit a sensing signal, a third duration for the BS to receive an echo of the sensing signal and a fourth duration for the BS to switch from the sensing function to the communication function. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates a duration of the second set of flexible resources or a sum of the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE may receive, from the BS, a common DCI or a UE-specific DCI to indicate a slot format for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE may receive a DCI from the BS. The DCI may indicate a slot format for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern. The slot format may indicate that a set of symbols of a slot within the first set of flexible resources is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot format may include a state indicating a corresponding symbol of the set of symbols is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE may receive a DCI from the BS, wherein the DCI schedules the UE to perform downlink reception or uplink transmission within the downlink resources, the uplink resources, the first set of flexible resources, or any combination thereof.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure 500 may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure 500 may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary apparatus 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 may include at least one processor 606 and at least one transceiver 602 coupled to the processor 606. The apparatus 600 may be a UE or an NE (e.g., a BS) .

Although in this figure, elements such as the at least one transceiver 602 and processor 606 are described in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless a limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transceiver 602 may be divided into two devices, such as a receiving circuitry and a transmitting circuitry. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 600 may further include an input device, a memory, and/or other components.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 600 may be a UE. The transceiver 602 and the processor 606 may interact with each other so as to perform the operations with respect to the UE described in FIGS. 1-5. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 600 may be an NE (e.g., a BS) . The transceiver 602 and the processor 606 may interact with each other so as to perform the operations with respect to the BS or NE described in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 600 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium.

For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor 606 to implement the method with respect to the UE as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 606 interacting with transceiver 602 to perform the operations with respect to the UE described in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor 606 to implement the method with respect to the BS or NE as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 606 interacting with transceiver 602 to perform the operations with respect to the BS or NE described in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a UE 700 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a controller 706, and a transceiver 708. The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

The processor 702, the memory 704, the controller 706, or the transceiver 708, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry) . The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

The processor 702 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof) . In some implementations, the processor 702 may be configured to operate the memory 704. In some other implementations, the memory 704 may be integrated into the processor 702. The processor 702 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 704 to cause the UE 700 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

The memory 704 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 704 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 702 cause the UE 700 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 704 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

In some implementations, the processor 702 and the memory 704 coupled with the processor 702 may be configured to cause the UE 700 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 702, instructions stored in the memory 704) . For example, the processor 702 may support wireless communication at the UE 700 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the UE 700 may be configured to support means for performing the operations as described with respect to FIG. 5.

For example, the UE 700 may be configured to support a means for receiving, from a BS (or an NE) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; a means for performing downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; and a means for performing uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources. The UE 700 may perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources.

The controller 706 may manage input and output signals for the UE 700. The controller 706 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 700. In some implementations, the controller 706 may utilize an operating system such as or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 706 may be implemented as part of the processor 702.

In some implementations, the UE 700 may include at least one transceiver 708. In some other implementations, the UE 700 may have more than one transceiver 708. The transceiver 708 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 708 may include one or more receiver chains 710, one or more transmitter chains 712, or a combination thereof.

A receiver chain 710 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 710 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA) ) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 710 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

A transmitter chain 712 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) . The transmitter chain 712 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM) , frequency modulation (FM) , or digital modulation schemes like phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) . The transmitter chain 712 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 712 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the components in exemplary UE 700 may be changed, for example, some of the components in exemplary UE 700 may be omitted or modified or new component (s) may be added to exemplary UE 700, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the UE 700 may not include the controller 706.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a processor 800 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 800 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 800 may include a controller 802 configured to perform various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor 800 may optionally include at least one memory 804, which may be, for example, an L1/L2/L3 cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the processor 800 may optionally include one or more arithmetic-logic units (ALUs) 806. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses) .

The processor 800 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) in accordance with examples as described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) , read-only memory (ROM) , dynamic RAM (DRAM) , synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) , static RAM (SRAM) , ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) , magnetic RAM (MRAM) , resistive RAM (RRAM) , flash memory, phase change memory (PCM) , and others) .

The controller 802 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) of the processor 800 to cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. For example, the controller 802 may operate as a control unit of the processor 800, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of the processor 800. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating timing of operations.

The controller 802 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 804 and determine subsequent instruction (s) to be executed to cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. The controller 802 may be configured to track memory address of instructions associated with the memory 804. The controller 802 may be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 802 may be configured to interpret the instruction and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 800 to cause the processor 800 to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 802 may be configured to manage flow of data within the processor 800. The controller 802 may be configured to control transfer of data between registers, ALUs, and other functional units of the processor 800.

The memory 804 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 800 or other memory, such RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc. In some implementations, the memory 804 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 800) . In some other implementations, the memory 804 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., remote to the processor 800) .

The memory 804 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed by the processor 800, cause the processor 800 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or another type of memory. The controller 802 and/or the processor 800 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 804 to cause the processor 800 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 800 and/or the controller 802 may be coupled with or to the memory 804, the processor 800, the controller 802, and the memory 804 may be configured to perform various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 800 may include multiple processors and the memory 804 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled with one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions herein.

The one or more ALUs 806 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with examples as described herein. In some implementations, the one or more ALUs 806 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800) . In some other implementations, the one or more ALUs 806 may reside external to the processor chipset (e.g., the processor 800) . One or more ALUs 806 may perform one or more computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on data. For example, one or more ALUs 806 may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be executed. One or more ALUs 806 be configured with a variety of logical and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate the data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more ALUs 806 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive-OR (XOR) , not-OR (NOR) , and not-AND (NAND) , enabling the one or more ALUs 806 to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

The processor 800 may support wireless communication in accordance with examples as disclosed herein.

For example, the processor 800 may be configured to support means for performing the operations as described with respect to FIG. 4. For example, the processor 800 may be configured to or operable to support a means for transmitting, to a UE, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; a means for performing downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; a means for switching from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for transmitting a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for receiving an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for switching from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and a means for performing uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

For example, the processor 800 may be configured to support means for performing the operations as described with respect to FIG. 5. For example, the processor 800 may be configured to support a means for receiving, from a BS (or an NE) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; a means for performing downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; and a means for performing uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources. The processor 800 may perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the components in exemplary processor 800 may be changed, for example, some of the components in exemplary processor 800 may be omitted or modified or new component (s) may be added to exemplary processor 800, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 800 may not include the ALUs 806.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an NE 900 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The NE 900 may include a processor 902, a memory 904, a controller 906, and a transceiver 908. The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

The processor 902, the memory 904, the controller 906, or the transceiver 908, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry) . The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, an ASIC, or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

The processor 902 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof) . In some implementations, the processor 902 may be configured to operate the memory 904. In some other implementations, the memory 904 may be integrated into the processor 902. The processor 902 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 904 to cause the NE 900 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

The memory 904 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 904 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions when executed by the processor 902 cause the NE 900 to perform various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory 904 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

In some implementations, the processor 902 and the memory 904 coupled with the processor 902 may be configured to cause the NE 900 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., executing, by the processor 902, instructions stored in the memory 904) . For example, the processor 902 may support wireless communication at the NE 900 in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the NE 900 may be configured to support means for performing the operations as described with respect to FIG. 4.

For example, the NE 900 may be configured to support a means for transmitting, to a UE, a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission; a means for performing downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources; a means for switching from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for transmitting a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for receiving an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources; a means for switching from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and a means for performing uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.

The controller 906 may manage input and output signals for the NE 900. The controller 906 may also manage peripherals not integrated into the NE 900. In some implementations, the controller 906 may utilize an operating system such as or other operating systems. In some implementations, the controller 906 may be implemented as part of the processor 902.

In some implementations, the NE 900 may include at least one transceiver 908. In some other implementations, the NE 900 may have more than one transceiver 908. The transceiver 908 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 908 may include one or more receiver chains 910, one or more transmitter chains 912, or a combination thereof.

A receiver chain 910 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) over a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 910 may include one or more antennas for receive the signal over the air or wireless medium. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one amplifier (e.g., an LNA) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the receive signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during transmission of the signal. The receiver chain 910 may include at least one decoder for decoding the processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

A transmitter chain 912 may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) . The transmitter chain 912 may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal, preparing the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques such as AM, FM, or digital modulation schemes like PSK or QAM. The transmitter chain 912 may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over the wireless medium. The transmitter chain 912 may also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or wireless medium.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the components in exemplary NE 900 may be changed, for example, some of the components in exemplary NE 900 may be omitted or modified or new component (s) may be added to exemplary NE 900, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the NE 900 may not include the controller 906.

Those having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the operations or steps of the methods described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Additionally, in some aspects, the operations or steps of the methods may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

While this disclosure has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded with the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in other embodiments. Also, all of the elements of each figure are not necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art of the disclosed embodiments would be enabled to make and use the teachings of the disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In this document, the terms "includes, " "including, " or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "a, " "an, " or the like does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. Also, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. The term "having" or the like, as used herein, is defined as "including. " Expressions such as "A and/or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include any and all combinations of words enumerated along with the expression. For instance, the expression "A and/or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include A, B, or both A and B. The wording "the first, " "the second" or the like is only used to clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, but is not used to limit the substance of the present disclosure.

Claims

A base station (BS) , comprising:

at least one memory; and

at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the BS to:

transmit, to a user equipment (UE) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission;

perform downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources;

switch from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources;

transmit a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources;

receive an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources;

switch from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and

perform uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.
The BS of Claim 1, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates:

an offset between a starting slot of the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources; or

an offset between a starting slot of the flexible resources and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources.
The BS of Claim 1, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration, or indicates a duration of the second set of flexible resources or a sum of the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration.
The BS of Claim 1, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates one or more of the following:

a first number of consecutive symbols for uplink or downlink transmission at the beginning of a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources; and

a second number of consecutive symbols for uplink or downlink transmission at the end of the last slot of the second set of flexible resources.
The BS of Claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the BS to transmit downlink control information (DCI) to the UE, wherein the DCI indicates slot format (s) for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern; and

wherein the slot format (s) indicates that a set of symbols of a slot within the first set of flexible resources is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.
The BS of Claim 5, wherein the slot format (s) comprises a state indicating a corresponding symbol of the set of symbols is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.
The BS of Claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the BS to transmit downlink control information (DCI) to the UE, wherein the DCI schedules the UE to perform downlink reception or uplink transmission within the downlink resources, the uplink resources, the first set of flexible resources, or any combination thereof.
The BS of any of Claims 1-7, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a carrier; or

wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a first subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the first subband and a bandwidth of the first subband.
The BS of Claim 1-7, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprises an additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern applied to a second subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the second subband and a bandwidth of the second subband; and

wherein the additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprises a third set of flexible resources for the sensing function, wherein the third set of flexible resources is consecutive in the time domain, independently configured from the second set of flexible resources and unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission on the second subband.
A user equipment (UE) , comprising:

at least one memory; and

at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to:

receive, from a base station (BS) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission;

perform downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources;

perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources; and

perform uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.
The UE of Claim 10, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates:

an offset between a starting slot of the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources; or

an offset between a starting slot of the flexible resources and a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources.
The UE of Claim 10, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates a first duration for the BS to switch from the communication function to the sensing function, a second duration for the BS to transmit a sensing signal, a third duration for the BS to receive an echo of the sensing signal and a fourth duration for the BS to switch from the sensing function to the communication function; or

wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates a duration of the second set of flexible resources or a sum of the first duration, the second duration, the third duration and the fourth duration.
The UE of Claim 10, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern indicates one or more of the following:

a first number of consecutive symbols for uplink or downlink transmission at the beginning of a starting slot of the second set of flexible resources; and

a second number of consecutive symbols for uplink or downlink transmission at the end of the last slot of the second set of flexible resources.
The UE of Claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to receive downlink control information (DCI) from the BS, wherein the DCI indicates slot format (s) for the flexible resources within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern; and

wherein the slot format (s) indicates that a set of symbols of a slot within the first set of flexible resources is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.
The UE of Claim 14, wherein the slot format (s) comprises a state indicating a corresponding symbol of the set of symbols is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission.
The UE of Claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to receive downlink control information (DCI) from the BS, wherein the DCI schedules the UE to perform downlink reception or uplink transmission within the downlink resources, the uplink resources, the first set of flexible resources, or any combination thereof.
The UE of any of Claims 10-16, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a carrier; or

wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern is applied to a first subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the first subband and a bandwidth of the first subband.
The UE of Claim 10-16, wherein the configuration for configuring the integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprises an additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern applied to a second subband and indicates one or more of: an index of the second subband and a bandwidth of the second subband; and

wherein the additional integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprises a third set of flexible resources for the sensing function, wherein the third set of flexible resources is consecutive in the time domain, independently configured from the second set of flexible resources and unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission on the second subband.
A processor, comprising:

at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to:

receive, from a base station (BS) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission;

perform downlink reception or measurement from the BS within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources;

perform no downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission within the second set of flexible resources; and

perform uplink transmission to the BS within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.
A method for integrated sensing and communication, comprising:

transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) , a configuration for configuring an integrated communication and sensing split pattern comprising downlink resources, uplink resources, and flexible resources, wherein the flexible resources comprise a first set of flexible resources for a communication function and a second set of flexible resources for a sensing function, and wherein the second set of flexible resources is consecutive in a time domain within the integrated communication and sensing split pattern and is unavailable to the UE for downlink reception, measurement or uplink transmission;

performing downlink transmission to the UE within the downlink resources or the first set of flexible resources;

switching from the communication function to the sensing function within a first duration of the second set of flexible resources;

transmitting a sensing signal within a second duration of the second set of flexible resources;

receiving an echo of the sensing signal within a third duration of the second set of flexible resources;

switching from the sensing function to the communication function within a fourth duration of the second set of flexible resources; and

performing uplink reception from the UE within the first set of flexible resources or the uplink resources.