Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses how when a first node is subject to a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) condition, it may be beneficial for the first node to signal, to a second node, an uplink beam to be used for communications and/or one or more properties of the uplink beam. The first node may signal a downlink beam, from a first reciprocal beam pair, and an uplink beam, from a second reciprocal beam pair, to be used for communications, and/or may signal one or more properties of the uplink beam and/or the downlink beam. <CIT> discloses a method for performing wireless data communication which uses a first device and a second device, and which comprises the steps of a) transmitting an outgoing radar signal by the first device, b) determining, by the first device, a receive property of an incoming radar signal which is associated with the outgoing radar signal, and c) setting at least one parameter for performing the wireless data communication by the first device based on the receive property of the incoming radar signal.

The invention is defined in the appended claims to which reference should now be made. Preferable features are defined in the dependent claims. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description" one will understand how the features of this disclosure provide advantages that include an improved ability to detect an object while maintaining wireless communications between multiple network entities.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer readable mediums for detecting and measuring interference over an air interface (e.g., radio transmission interface for wireless communications), and managing transmission of a radar waveform based on an amount of interference detected. For example, if a network entity measures a relatively high level (e.g., greater than a threshold value) of interference over an air interface, the network entity may determine not to transmit the radar waveform because the radar waveform may jam or interfere with signaling from other network entities. However, if the network entity measures a relatively low level (e.g., less than a threshold value) of interference over an air interface, the network entity may determine to transmit the radar waveform in order to detect whether an object or individual is within a range of the network entity.

In some examples, the network entity receives and measures an amount of power or a rise over thermal (RoT) based on signals received over a plurality of directional receive beams. In some examples, the network entity may include a base station (BS).

The following description provides examples of radar management in communication systems, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims.

According to certain aspects, BSs <NUM> may be configured for managing radar transmissions. As shown in <FIG>, the BS 110a includes a radar manager <NUM>. The radar manager <NUM> may be configured to measure received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the radar manager <NUM> may determine whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. If the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to select a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition, and transmit a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

According to certain aspects, the UEs <NUM> may be configured for managing radar transmissions. As shown in <FIG>, UE 120a includes a radar manager <NUM>. The radar manager <NUM> may be configured to measure received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the radar manager <NUM> may determine whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. If the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to select a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition, and transmit a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

<FIG> illustrates example components <NUM> of BS 110a and UE 120a (e.g., in the wireless communication network <NUM> of <FIG>), which may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure.

In a MIMO system, the BS 110a and the UE 120a include multiple antennas (234a through 234t and 252a through 252r) to generate a plurality of signal paths between the UE 120a and the BS 110a. The use of such multiple antenna technology enables the wireless communication system to exploit the spatial domain to support spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and transmit diversity. Spatial multiplexing may be used to transmit different streams of data, also referred to as layers, simultaneously on the same time-frequency resource. The data streams may be transmitted to a single UE to increase the data rate or to multiple UEs to increase the overall system capacity, the latter being referred to as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). This is achieved by spatially precoding each data stream (i.e., multiplying the data streams with different weighting and phase shifting) and then transmitting each spatially precoded stream through multiple transmit antennas on the DL. The spatially precoded data streams arrive at the UE(s) with different spatial signatures, which enables each of the UE(s) to recover the one or more data streams destined for that UE. On the UL, each UE transmits a spatially precoded data stream, which enables the base station to identify the source of each spatially precoded data stream.

At the BS 110a, a transmit processor <NUM> may receive data from a data source <NUM> and control information from a controller/processor <NUM>. The transmit processor <NUM> may also generate reference symbols, such as for the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and cell-specific reference signal (CRS). A transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor <NUM> may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, the control symbols, and/or the reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide output symbol streams to the modulators (MODs) in transceivers 232a-232t. Each modulator may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Downlink signals from modulators of transceivers 232a-232t may be transmitted via the antennas 234a-234t, respectively.

At the UE 120a, the antennas 252a-252r may receive the downlink signals from the BS 110a and may provide received signals to the demodulators (DEMODs) in transceivers 254a-254r, respectively. Each demodulator may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. A MIMO detector <NUM> may obtain received symbols from all the transceivers 254a-254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor <NUM> may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE 120a to a data sink <NUM>, and provide decoded control information to a controller/processor <NUM>.

On the uplink, at UE 120a, a transmit processor <NUM> may receive and process data (e.g., for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) from a data source <NUM> and control information (e.g., for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) from the controller/processor <NUM>. The symbols from the transmit processor <NUM> may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor <NUM> if applicable, further processed by the demodulators in transceivers 254a-254r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to the BS 110a. At the BS 110a, the uplink signals from the UE 120a may be received by the antennas <NUM>, processed by the modulators <NUM>, detected by a MIMO detector <NUM> if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor <NUM> to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 120a.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller/processor <NUM> of the BS 110a has a radar manager <NUM> that may be configured for managing radar transmissions from the BS 110a. For example, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to measure received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the radar manager <NUM> may determine whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. If the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to select a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition, and transmit a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

Similarly, the controller/processor <NUM> of the UE 120a has a radar manager <NUM> that may be configured for managing radar transmissions from the UE 120a. For example, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to measure received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the radar manager <NUM> may determine whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. If the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition, the radar manager <NUM> may be configured to select a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition, and transmit a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

The transmission timeline for each of a downlink and an uplink may be partitioned into units of radio frames. A mini-slot is a subslot structure (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> symbols).

In NR, a synchronization signal (SS) block (SSB) is transmitted. The PSS may provide half-frame timing, and the SS may provide the CP length and frame timing.

In some examples of wireless communication, an electronic device (e.g., a UE <NUM> and/or BS 110a) may use a high transmit power to compensate for path loss associated with millimeter wave (mmW) signals. Many of these electronic devices can be physically operated by a user. Such physical proximity presents opportunities for radiation to exceed a given guideline, such as a maximum permitted exposure (MPE) limit as determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Because of these issues, it is advantageous to enable devices to detect proximity of objects (e.g., the user).

Some proximity-detection techniques may use a dedicated sensor to detect the user, such as a camera, an infrared sensor, or a radar sensor. However, many such sensors are bulky and expensive. Furthermore, a single electronic device can include multiple antennas that are positioned on different surfaces (e.g., on a top, a bottom, or opposite sides). To account for each of these antennas, multiple cameras or sensors may need to be installed near each of these antennas, which further increase cost and size of the electronic device.

Thus, in some examples, the electronic device may use a wireless transceiver to perform both radar proximity detection and wireless communication, instead of additional cameras or sensors. For example, a local oscillator circuit within the wireless transceiver can generate one or more reference signals that enable both proximity detection and wireless communication. By actively measuring a range to an object, a surrounding environment can be continually monitored and the transmission parameter can be adjusted to account for movement by the object, enabling the wireless transceiver to meet guidelines promulgated by the government or the wireless industry, such as the MPE.

In some examples, an electronic device can transmit a radar waveform during one or more slots of a radio frame, for example, during a slot reserved for a random access channel (RACH) procedure. As such, the electronic device can periodically perform radar proximity detection during certain RACH slots. However, because the radar proximity detection necessarily requires simultaneous transmission and reception, uplink RACH transmissions from other electronic devices can jam the radar detector and reduce the effectivity of proximity-detection. Thus, methods for detecting and avoiding signaling from other electronic devices would enhance the electronics device's ability to actively detect objects and adjust transmission of mmW signals to meet safety guidelines promulgated by the government or the wireless industry.

Radio detection and ranging (radar) is a complementary technology to wireless communication, and can be utilized to enhance public safety and the wireless communication experience. Radar uses electromagnetic waveforms to detect objects and determine information such as its relative speed and location. As noted above, radar can be used to enhance public safety.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a communication network <NUM> utilizing a radar waveform and uplink wireless communication signaling. <FIG> shows a wireless communication device <NUM> (e.g., user equipment (UE) 120a or base station (BS) 110a of <FIG> and <FIG>) performing radar proximity detection by transmitting a radar waveform <NUM> and receiving the reflection of the waveform off of an object <NUM>. <FIG> also shows the wireless communication device <NUM> receiving or detecting an uplink signal <NUM> transmitted from a UE <NUM> for, in one example, initiating a RACH procedure. In some examples, the UE <NUM> may be a UE <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

For a stationary ranging radar system (e.g., a radar system on the wireless communication device <NUM>), distance (D) = ½ the time delay between the transmitted and received radar waveform times the speed of the radar waveform (which may be approximated as 3x10<NUM> m/s or (C)). Transmitters and receivers (e.g., transceivers 232a-232t or 254a-254r of <FIG>) can use the same antenna, or groups of antennas (e.g., antennas 234a-234t or 252a-252r of <FIG>), and use circuitry such as a duplexer to control input and output operation. In certain aspects, it is impractical to use single pulse radar systems, as it will be appreciated that for a ten meter target, the time delay is less than <NUM>/<NUM> of a microsecond [(<NUM> * <NUM>) / (<NUM> * <NUM><NUM>) = <NUM> nanoseconds]. Thus, another approach to radar detection is to use a continuous wave (CW) radar waveform.

Unmodulated CW (UM-CW) radar detection systems transmit a radar waveform at a constant frequency and use any change in frequency in the received radar waveform to determine the speed of an object. UM-CW radar is not typically used to provide range as stationary objects do not generate a frequency change in the received radar waveform. UM-CW radar is commonly used in sports, for example to determine the speed of a baseball or a racecar.

To obtain more information, frequency modulated CW (FM-CW) radar may be used. In general, a frequency of the FM-CW signal (e.g., radar waveform <NUM> of <FIG>) increases or decreases across a time interval. Different types of frequency modulations may be used, including linear-frequency modulations (LFM) (e.g., chirp), sawtooth-frequency modulations, triangular-frequency modulations, and so forth. The FM-CW signal can be generated using existing components within the wireless transceiver 232a-232t or 254a-254r. The FM-CW signal enables radar-based ranging techniques to be utilized to determine the range to an object <NUM>. To achieve a finer range resolution (e.g., on the order of centimeters (cm)) for close-range applications, larger bandwidths can be utilized, such as <NUM> gigahertz (GHz), <NUM>, <NUM>, and so forth. For instance, the FM-CW signal can have a bandwidth of approximately <NUM> and include frequencies between approximately <NUM> and <NUM>. The finer range resolution improves range accuracy and enables one or more objects <NUM> to be distinguished in range. The FM-CW signal can provide an accurate range measurement for a variety of distances based on the bandwidth (e.g., between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> for a <NUM> bandwidth). While the FM-CW signal can be used to measure significant ranges, it should be noted that the FM-CW signal can measure ranges between approximately <NUM> and <NUM>. An amount of time for performing proximity detection can also be relatively short using the FM-CW signal, such as within approximately one microsecond.

The wireless communication device <NUM> may be configured to utilize the radar waveform <NUM> to detect the presence of an object <NUM> (e.g., human) up to <NUM> from the wireless communication device <NUM>. The wireless communication device <NUM> may perform the object <NUM> detection process to determine an appropriate transmit power that depend on whether an object <NUM> is detected, and the proximity of a detected object to the wireless communication device <NUM>. In the case that the wireless communication device <NUM> is a BS (e.g., BS 110a), the BS 110a may be configured to have a maximum permitted exposure (MPE) range of <NUM> from a radiating element (e.g., antenna 234a-234t) for transmitting at <NUM> dBm. That is, the BS 110a may be configured to detect a proximity of an object <NUM> relative to the BS 110a, and if the object is within <NUM> of the radiating element, the BS 110a will not transmit over <NUM> dBm.

Similarly, in the case that the wireless communication device <NUM> is a UE (e.g., UE 120a), the UE 120a may be configured to have a maximum permitted exposure (MPE) range of <NUM> from a radiating element (e.g., antenna 252a-252r) for transmitting at <NUM> dBm. That is, the UE 120a may be configured to detect a proximity of an object <NUM> relative to the UE 120a, and if the object is within <NUM> of the radiating element, the UE 120a will not transmit over <NUM> dBm.

<FIG> depicts three FM-CW radar waveforms (or chirps) on a frequency-time scale. Chirp <NUM> has a first slope with its frequency originating at (Fc) of zero (or zero offset). Chirp <NUM> has the same slope as chirp <NUM> and a positive (Fc) offset. Chirp <NUM> has a zero offset and a second slope that is lower than the first slope of chirp <NUM> (lower frequency delta for the same time delta).

<FIG> depicts chirp <NUM> from <FIG> on an amplitude-time scale wherein the amplitude (Ac) oscillations increase in frequency over the chirp time. It will be appreciated that in certain aspects, the phase of the chirp may be controlled to provide a desired phase. When an FM-CW chirp is received, it may experience both a change in frequency and a time delay, and therefore can be used to simultaneously measure the relative range (e.g., using the time delay) and the velocity (e.g., using the frequency change) of an object from the radar detection system.

<FIG> shows two graphs <NUM> representative of an object detected by one or more radar waveforms. Radar waveform <NUM> depicts detecting an object with a single chirp in an environment free from interference. The signal-to-noise ratio is ideal as the noise is shown as zero. It will be appreciated that environments are rarely free from interference. For example, radar waveform <NUM> depicts detecting an object with a single chirp in an environment with relatively high interference and/or high powered signaling from other sources. For example, if the wireless communication device <NUM> of <FIG> receives the radar waveform <NUM> reflection indicating the object <NUM> signaling at the same time the UE <NUM> transmits an uplink signal, the radar waveform <NUM> reflection may appear similar to the radar waveform <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the signal to noise ratio is poor because the interference is high making object detection poor. Such environments may impede object detection, and/or jam the radar waveform.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of using receive-beam beamforming for noise measurement prior to performing radar proximity detection by a BS (e.g., BS 110a of <FIG> and <FIG>) or a UE (e.g., UE 120a of <FIG>). <FIG> shows a series of contiguous slots <NUM> (e.g., similar to the slots illustrated in <FIG>) used for wireless communication over an air interface between the BS and the UE.

In this example, the wireless communication may utilize one or more duplexing algorithms. Duplex refers to a point-to-point communication link where both endpoints can communicate with one another in both directions. Full duplex means both endpoints can simultaneously communicate with one another. Half duplex means only one endpoint can send information to the other at a time. In a wireless communication, a full duplex channel generally relies on physical isolation of a transmitter and receiver, and suitable interference cancellation technologies. Full duplex emulation is frequently implemented for wireless communication by utilizing frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions operate at different carrier frequencies. In TDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from one another using time division multiplexing. That is, at some times the channel is dedicated for transmissions in one direction, while at other times the channel is dedicated for transmissions in the other direction, where the direction may change very rapidly (e.g., several times per slot).

In certain aspects, the series of slots <NUM> may be communicated using a TDD carrier. As such, the series of slots <NUM> may include a series of uplink and downlink slots, as well as a periodic random access channel (RACH) slot <NUM>. The RACH is a shared channel that may be used by the BS 110a and UE 120a to initiate access to a mobile network (e.g., TDMA/FDMA, and CDMA based network) for call set-up and data transmission. In certain aspects, the BS 110a or UE 120a may utilize the RACH slot <NUM> to measure noise and received power over the air interface, as well as to transmit a radar waveform and receive a reflection of the radar waveform.

As noted above, a slot may include a number of symbol periods. In this example, the RACH slot <NUM> includes a set of symbols <NUM> having <NUM> symbols. In certain aspects, the BS 110a may dedicate a variable number of symbols in the beginning of the set of symbols <NUM> of the RACH slot <NUM> to measuring noise and/or power in the air interface in various directions. For example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may utilize a plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to measure power received at each beam, wherein the direction of each receive-beam is different than other beams in the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). In some examples, each receive-beam includes a beam ID (e.g., BeamID<NUM>, BeamID<NUM>, BeamID<NUM>) indicative of the direction of the beam.

For example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may receive and measure power from the plurality of directional receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at the beginning of the RACH slot <NUM>, wherein each of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) has a beam ID (e.g., BeamID<NUM>, BeamID<NUM>, BeamID<NUM>) and is characterized by an azimuth angle offset relative to the other receive-beams. As shown in <FIG>, a first receive-beam <NUM> (BeamID<NUM>) is generated by the BS 110a or UE 120a during a first two contiguous symbols (e.g., symbols <NUM> and <NUM>) of the RACH slot having a duration of T<NUM>. The BS 110a or UE 120a may configure the first receive-beam <NUM> so that the direction of the beam is directed at a zero degree (<NUM>°) perpendicular angle relative to the transceiver generating the beam. Following the first receive-beam <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may generate a second receive-beam <NUM> (BeamID<NUM>) during a second two contiguous symbols (e.g., symbols <NUM> and <NUM>) of the RACH slot <NUM> having a duration of T<NUM>. The BS 110a or UE 120a may configure the second receive-beam <NUM> so that the direction of the beam is at a forty-five degree (<NUM>°) azimuth angle relative to the first receive-beam <NUM>. Then, following the second receive-beam <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may generate a third receive-beam <NUM> (BeamID<NUM>) during a third two contiguous symbols (e.g., symbols <NUM> and <NUM>) of the RACH slot having a duration of T<NUM>. The BS 110a or UE 120a may configure the first receive-beam so that the direction of the beam is at a negative forty-five degree (-<NUM>°) azimuth angle relative to the first receive-beam. It should be noted that the BS 110a or UE 120a may use any suitable angle for directing the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).

During the time that the BS 110a or UE 120a is generating the receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the BS 110a or UE 120a may be configuring a local oscillator (LO) circuit (e.g., an LO circuit in one or more of transceivers 232a-232t or 254a-254r of <FIG>) for transmission of a radar waveform <NUM>.

In certain aspects, the BS 110a or UE 120a may measure received power and calculate a rise over thermal (RoT) for each of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). In this example, the BS 110a or UE 120a measures the received power at each of the plurality of receive-beams during the RACH slot <NUM>, wherein each of the plurality of receive-beams is measured contiguously (e.g., in series) and for a duration of at least two symbols. The BS 110a or UE 120a measures power corresponding to interference, or noise, in the air interface, as well as potentially signaling from other network entities (e.g., UE <NUM> and/or BS <NUM>) in the vicinity. For example, if another UE <NUM> attempts to initiate a RACH procedure for establishing a cell connection with the BS 110a during the RACH slot <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may measure a relatively high level of power from one or more of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) if one or more of the beams intercept a RACH preamble (Msg <NUM>) transmitted by the other UE <NUM>.

The BS 110a or UE 120a may then calculate the RoT for each of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) based on the measured power associated with each beam and a configurable baseline noise power value stored on the BS 110a or UE 120a. In some examples, the RoT may represent a power-to-interference ratio calculated using the following equation: <MAT> Where RxPwr corresponds to the measured power of one of the plurality of beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), where x identifies which of the plurality of beams the measurement corresponds to, and where NoisePwr corresponds to the configurable baseline noise power value stored on the BS 110a or UE 120a.

In some examples, the baseline noise-power value indicates a ceiling power or noise level in the air interface that the BS 110a or UE 120a can tolerate for purposes of transmitting a radar waveform and receiving a reflection of the waveform. In such an example, the calculated RoT may indicate whether the measured power of each of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. For example, if the RoT value of one of the receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is greater than <NUM> (e.g., a configurable number such as <NUM>, or any number greater than <NUM>), the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine that the threshold condition is not satisfied because the measured power is greater than the baseline noise-power value. In this example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine not to transmit a radar waveform in the same direction as that receive-beam. Instead, the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine to transmit the radar waveform in a same direction as another receive-beam having an RoT value that is close to <NUM> (e.g., an RoT value between <NUM> and <NUM>). Alternatively, if the RoT value of one of the receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is close to <NUM> (e.g., an RoT value between <NUM> and <NUM>), the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine that the threshold condition is satisfied because the measured power is within range of the baseline noise-power value. In this example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine to transmit a radar waveform in the same direction as that receive-beam.

Accordingly, if the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) satisfies the threshold condition, then the BS 110a or UE 120a may select a convenient directional transmit beam with low interference relative to other beams in the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), where the direction of the transmit beam is based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition. In certain aspects, the BS 110a or UE 120a selects the directional transmit beam by determining which of the plurality of receive-beams is associated with the lowest measured power relative to the other of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). For example, if the first receive-beam <NUM> has one or more of the lowest calculated RoT or the lowest measured power relative to the other receive-beams, then the BS 110a or UE 120a may select a directional transmit beam for transmitting the radar waveform, wherein the direction of the transmit beam is the same as the direction of the first receive-beam <NUM>.

It should be noted that in certain aspects, the direction of the transmit beam may be based on a direction of two or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition. For example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may utilize a broader directional beam to transmit the radar waveform such that the radar waveform extends over the direction of two or more of the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). In certain aspects, if each of the plurality of receive-beams does not satisfy the threshold condition, then the BS 110a or UE 120a may forego transmitting the radar waveform <NUM>, and instead, wait until the next RACH slot to make another set of measurements over the plurality of receive-beams (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), or a different set of receive-beams having a different set of directions.

Thus, based on the calculated RoT, the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine to transmit a radar waveform <NUM> during one or more symbols (e.g., symbols <NUM> and <NUM>) in the RACH slot <NUM> during time T<NUM>. In certain aspects, the radar waveform <NUM> may be transmitted using a selected directional transmit beam, wherein the direction of the selected transmit beam is based on the direction of one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that have a measured power that satisfies the threshold condition. In this way, the reflection of the radar waveform that is transmitted is not "lost" in the noise, or jammed by the ambient signals in the air interface.

Once the radar waveform <NUM> is transmitted, the BS 110a or UE 120a may restore the transceiver function to an RF functionality that supports TDD carrier communication.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating example operations <NUM> for spatial sensing and detection of uplink interference, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the operations <NUM> may be performed by a BS 110a or UE 120a, and may start <NUM> at each RACH slot of a TDD communication carrier.

At a first step <NUM>, the operations <NUM> may initialize with a first receive-beam ID. The first receive-beam ID may correspond to a directional receive-beam at the BS 110a that has a first direction.

At a second step <NUM>, the operations <NUM> may detect a RACH slot in the TDD communication. For example, the BS 110a may detect a RACH slot based on a schedule or pattern of RACH slots.

At a third step <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may configure a transceiver for a receive-beam having a particular direction. For example, at the start of the RACH slot, the BS 110a may configure the transceiver for a first directional receive-beam. After a power measurement is received using the first directional receive-beam, the BS 110a or UE 120a may configure the transceiver for a second directional receive-beam.

At a fourth step <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may measure power received by the directional receive-beam. For example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may use the directional receive-beam to determine how much power is ambient in the air interface in a particular direction.

At a fifth step <NUM>, the BS 110a or UE 120a may determine whether the receive-beam scan is complete. For example, the BS 110a or UE 120a may be configured to generate two or more receive-beams during a single RACH slot to measure ambient power in the air interface in two or more particular directions. If the beam scan is not complete, then the operations <NUM> proceed to a sixth step <NUM>, where the transceiver is configured for the next receive-beam. If the beam scan is complete, meaning that the two or more receive-beams have been generated, and a power measurement of the air interface in directions corresponding to each beam has been measured, the operations <NUM> proceed to a seventh step <NUM>, where the BS 110a or UE 120a determines if a power value corresponding to a power measurement of the two or more receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition. In some examples, if a power measurement satisfies the threshold condition, the operations proceed to an eighth step <NUM>, where the BS 110a or UE 120a transmits a radar waveform in a direction corresponding to a receive-beam having the power measurement that satisfies the threshold condition. Alternatively, if none of the power measurements of each of the receive-beams satisfy the threshold condition, then the BS 110a or UE 120a may not transmit a radar waveform.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating example operations <NUM> for wireless communication, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The operations <NUM> may be performed, for example, by a BS (e.g., such as the BS 110a in the wireless communication network <NUM>) or a UE (e.g., such as the UE 120a in the wireless communication network <NUM>). Operations <NUM> may be implemented as software components that are executed and run on one or more processors (e.g., controller/processor <NUM> of <FIG>). Further, the transmission and reception of signals by the BS in operations <NUM> may be enabled, for example, by one or more antennas (e.g., antennas <NUM> of <FIG>). In certain aspects, the transmission and/or reception of signals by the BS may be implemented via a bus interface of one or more processors (e.g., controller/processor <NUM>) obtaining and/or outputting signals.

The operations <NUM> may begin, at a first step <NUM>, by measuring received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams.

The operations <NUM> then proceed to a second step <NUM>, by determining whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition.

The operations <NUM> then proceed to a third step <NUM>, wherein if the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition, the operations then proceed to a fourth step <NUM> and a fifth step <NUM>. In the fourth step <NUM>, the operations <NUM> include selecting a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition. In the fifth step <NUM>, the operations <NUM> include transmitting a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

In certain aspects, selecting the directional transmit beam further comprises determining which of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams, having measured power that satisfies the threshold condition, is associated with the lowest measured power relative to the other of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams, wherein the selected directional transmit beam has the same direction as the receive-beam having the lowest measured power relative to the other of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams.

In certain aspects, each of the plurality of receive-beams is characterized by an azimuth offset relative to the other receive-beams.

In certain aspects, the operations <NUM> further comprise measuring the received power at each of the plurality of receive-beams during a single slot, wherein each of the plurality of receive-beams is measured contiguously and for a duration of at least two symbols.

In certain aspects, the single slot is a random access channel (RACH) slot in a time division duplex (TDD) carrier.

In certain aspects, the operations <NUM> further comprise, if the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams does not satisfy the threshold condition, measuring received power at each of the plurality of receive-beams during a next RACH slot.

In certain aspects, the single slot comprises a plurality of symbols. In certain aspects, the plurality of receive-beams comprise at least a first receive-beam and a second receive-beam, wherein the first receive-beam has a duration of a first two symbols of the plurality of symbols, and wherein the second receive-beam has a duration of a second two symbols of the plurality of symbols. In certain aspects, the directional transmit beam has a duration of a third two symbols of the plurality of symbols.

In certain aspects, measuring received power at each of the plurality of receive-beams comprises measuring a power-to-interference ratio at each of the plurality of receive-beams.

<FIG> illustrates a communications device <NUM> that may include various components (e.g., corresponding to means-plus-function components) configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein, such as the operations illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The processing system <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> coupled to a computer-readable medium/memory <NUM> via a bus <NUM>. In certain aspects, the computer-readable medium/memory <NUM> is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that when executed by the processor <NUM>, cause the processor <NUM> to perform the operations illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, or other operations for performing the various techniques discussed herein for spatial sensing and avoiding interference for transmitting a radar waveform. In certain aspects, computer-readable medium/memory <NUM> stores code <NUM> for measuring received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams; code <NUM> for determining whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition; code <NUM> for selecting a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition; and code <NUM> for transmitting a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam. In certain aspects, the processor <NUM> has circuitry configured to implement the code stored in the computer-readable medium/memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> includes circuitry <NUM> for measuring received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams; circuitry <NUM> for determining whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition; circuitry <NUM> for selecting a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition; and circuitry <NUM> for transmitting a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.

In NR systems, the term "cell" and BS, next generation NodeB (gNB or gNodeB), access point (AP), distributed unit (DU), carrier, customer premises equipment (CPE), or transmission reception point (TRP) may be used interchangeably.

A UE may also be referred to as a mobile station, a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a station, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, an appliance, a medical device or medical equipment, a biometric sensor/device, a wearable device such as a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wrist band, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring, a smart bracelet, etc.), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, a satellite radio, etc.), a vehicular component or sensor, a smart meter/sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

For example, such a computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium having instructions stored (and/or encoded) thereon, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein, for example, instructions for performing the operations described herein and illustrated in <FIG> and/or <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of detecting interference by a network entity, comprising:
measuring (<NUM>), during a single slot, received power at each of a plurality of receive-beams wherein each of the plurality of receive-beams is measured contiguously and for a duration of at least two symbols;
determining (<NUM>) whether the measured power received at one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies a threshold condition;
if (<NUM>) the measured power received at the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams satisfies the threshold condition:
selecting (<NUM>) a directional transmit beam based on a direction of one of the one or more of the plurality of receive-beams that satisfy the threshold condition; and
transmitting (<NUM>), during the single slot, a radar waveform over the directional transmit beam.