Method and apparatus to control a wireless signal

Abstract

This invention describes a method and apparatus to control a wireless sensing signal comprising the following steps: receiving (706) a wireless signal transmitted by an access device, measuring or determining (707) one or more features of a wireless sensing signal from the wireless signal, determining (708) whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation, and providing (709) a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL A WIRELESS SIGNAL

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for operating a wireless device such as a user equipment to control the transmission of a wireless signal in a wireless system such as a cellular system, a Wi-Fi network or the like.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In conventional cellular networks, a primary station serves a plurality of secondary stations located within a cell served by this primary station. Wireless communication from the primary station towards each secondary station is done on downlink channels. Conversely, wireless communication from each secondary towards the primary station is done on uplink channels. The wireless communication can include data traffic (sometimes referred to User Data), and control information (also referred sometimes as signalling). This control information typically comprises information to assist the primary station and / or the secondary station to exchange data traffic (e.g. resource allocation / requests, physical transmission parameters, information on the state of the respective stations).

[0006] In the context of cellular networks as standardized by 3GPP, the primary station is referred to a base station, or a gNodeB (or gNB) in 5G (NR) or an eNodeB (or eNB) in 4G (LTE). The eNB / gNB is part of the Radio Access Network RAN, which interfaces to functions in the Core Network (CN). In the same context, the secondary station corresponds to a mobile station, or a User Equipment (or a UE) in 4G / 5G, which is a wireless client device or a specific role played by such device. The term “node” is also used to denote either a UE or a gNB / eNB.

[0007] Additionally, for example, in the case of PC5 interface or Sidelink communication, it is possible to have Direct communication between secondary stations, here UEs. It is then also possible for UEs to operate as Relays to allow for example out of coverage UEs to get an intermediate (or indirect) connection to the eNB or gNB. To be able to work as a relay, a UE may use discovery messages to establish new connections with other UEs.

[0008] Wireless systems are evolving to include wireless sensing capabilities, i.e., capabilities to sense the presence of objects by means of electromagnetic waves. Wireless sensing may be performed, e.g., by means of a radar-based system implemented in a primary station.

[0009] However, it is challenging to determine when a wireless sensing system should be used, and how the wireless sensing signals should be controlled. Furthermore, wireless (sensing) signals may cause interference in sourcing wireless devices, and thus, there is a need to deal with interfering signals. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An aim of the invention is to address above problems by defining an apparatus, method and system to control a wireless signal. This is achieved by means of the methods in claims 1-19, the apparatuses in claims 20-23, and the computer program in claim 24.

[0011] It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or above embodiments with the respective independent claim.

[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following drawings:

[0015] Fig. 1 schematically represents the overall cellular system including UEs, RAN, core network;

[0016] Fig. 2 provides a schematic representation of a UE and its components;

[0017] Fig. 3 schematically represents different entities involved in a non-terrestrial network;

[0018] Fig. 4 schematically represents a random-access procedure in a wireless network;

[0019] Fig. 5 schematically represents a signalling procedure by an access device;

[0020] Fig. 6 schematically represents the periodic transmission of SSB bursts;

[0021] Fig. 7a schematically represents a signalling procedure to control a wireless sensing signal according to an embodiment of the invention and Fig. 7b schematically represents a wireless sensing procedure according to some embodiments;

[0022] Fig. 8 schematically represents an apparatus and method for reflecting a wireless sensing signal according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Fig. 9a schematically represents an apparatus and the wireless sensing signalling;

[0024] Fig. 9b shows a second process repetition reflecting wireless sensing signals according to different reflection angles at different times;

[0025] Fig. 9c illustrates a wireless access device transmiting three reference wireless sensing signals towards a potential target;

[0026] Fig. 10 schematically represents a signalling procedure to control a wireless sensing signal according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Fig. 11 schematically represents examples of wireless devices according to some embodiments;

[0028] Fig. 12 schematically represents a scenario for interference mitigation according to some embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 13a schematically represents a general scenario for wireless sensing according to some embodiments and Fig. 13b schematically represents a wireless sensing procedure according to some embodiments; Fig. 14 schematically represents a scenario for interference mitigation according to some embodiments; and

[0030] Fig. 15 schematically represents a wireless sensing procedure according to embodiments of the invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention are now described based on a cellular communication network environment, such as 5 G or 6G. However, the present invention may also be used in connection with other wireless technologies.

[0033] Throughout the present disclosure, the abbreviation “gNB” (5G terminology) or “BS” (base station) or the term “access device” is intended to mean a wireless access device such as a cellular base station or a Wi-Fi access point or a ultrawide band (UWB) personal area network (PAN) coordinator. The gNB may consist of a centralized control plane unit (gNB-CU-CP), multiple centralized user plane units (gNB-CU-UPs) and / or multiple distributed units (gNB-DUs). The gNB is part of a radio access network (RAN), which provides an interface to functions in the core network (ON). The RAN is part of a wireless communication network. It implements a radio access technology (RAT). Conceptually, it resides between a communication device such as a mobile phone, a computer, or any remotely controlled machine and provides connection with its CN. The CN is the communication network’s core part, which offers numerous services to customers who are interconnected via the RAN. More specifically, it directs communication streams over the communication network and possibly other networks.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms “base station” (BS) and “network” may be used as synonyms in this disclosure. This means for example that when it is written that the “network” performs a certain operation it may be performed by a CN function of a wireless communication network, or by one or more base stations that are part of such a wireless communication network, and vice versa. It can also mean that part of the functionality is performed by a CN function of the wireless communication network and part of the functionality by the base station.

[0035] A cellular system is a wireless communication system that consists of three main components: user equipment (UE), radio access network (RAN), and core network (CN). These components work together to provide voice and data services to mobile users over a large geographic area.

[0036] In conventional cellular networks, a primary station serves a plurality of secondary stations located within a cell served by this primary station. Wireless communication from the primary station towards each secondary station is done on downlink channels. Conversely, wireless communication from each secondary towards the primary station is done on uplink channels. The wireless communication can include data traffic (sometimes referred to User Data), and control information (also referred sometimes as signalling). This control information typically comprises information to assist the primary station and / or the secondary station to exchange data traffic (e.g. resource allocation / requests, physical transmission parameters, information on the state of the respective stations). In the context of cellular networks as standardized by 3GPP, the primary station is referred to a base station, or a gNodeB (or gNB) in 5G (NR) or an eNodeB (or eNB) in 4G (LTE). The eNB / gNB is part of the Radio Access Network RAN, which interfaces to functions in the Core Network (CN). In the same context, the secondary station corresponds to a mobile station, or a User Equipment (or a UE) in 4G / 5G, which is a wireless client device or a specific role played by such device. The term “node” is also used to denote either a UE or a gNB / eNB.

[0037] Additionally, for example, in the case of PC5 interface or Sidelink communication, it is possible to have Direct communication between secondary stations, here UEs. It is then also possible for UEs to operate as Relays to allow for example out of coverage UEs to get an inter-mediate (or indirect) connection to the eNB or gNB. To be able to work as a relay, a UE may use discovery messages to establish new connections with other UEs. Certain UEs may communicate with each other by using device-to-device communication, also known as sidelink communication using the PC5 interface that may rely on physical sidelink (PS) broadcast channel, PS shared channel, PS control, etc. Furthermore, the role of a relay node has been introduced in 3GPP. This relay node is a wireless communication station that includes functionalities for relaying communication between a primary station, e.g. a gNB and a secondary station, e.g. a UE. This relay function for example allows to extend the coverage of a cell to an out-of-coverage (OoC) secondary station. This relay node may be a mobile station or could be a different type of device. In the specifications for 4G, the Proximity Services (ProSe) functions are defined inter alia in TS 23.303, and TS 24.334 to enable - amongst others -connectivity for the cellular User Equipment (UE) that is temporarily not in coverage of the cellular network base station (eNB) serving the cell. This particular function is called ProSe UE-to-network relay, or Relay UE for short. The Relay UE relays application and network traffic in two directions between the OoC UE and the eNB. The local communication between the Relay UE and the OoC UE is called device-to-device (D2D) communication or Sidelink (also known as PC5) communication in TS 23.303 and TS 24.334. Once the relaying relation is established, the OoC-UE is, e.g., IP -connected via the Relay UE and acts in a role of “Remote UE”. This situation means the Remote UE has an indirect network connection to selected functions of the Core Network as opposed to a direct network connection to all Core Network functions that is the normal case. Furthermore, it has been introduced the role of a UE-to-UE relay node, i.e., a relay node re-laying the communication between two UE devices. The relay node relays the communications between UE devices. UEs may connect to the core network through a base station when in-coverage. In such relay scenarios, the relay devices may receive and store some information for some time before forwarding it towards the target device. This information that may be stored and forwarded may be discovery messages received from a source UE whereby the relay UE may release them at some point of time later. This information that may be stored and forwarded may be a SIB that may contain a timestamp. User equipment (UE) is the device that a user uses to access the cellular system, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, loT device, or a wearable device. A UE typically may contain the following components:

[0038] - A universal integrated circuit card (UICC), which stores the user's identification and authentication information, such as the subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or credentials.

[0039] - A transceiver, which converts the digital signals from the processor into analog signals for transmission and reception over the air interface. The transceiver also performs modulation, demodulation, coding, decoding, and other signal processing functions.

[0040] - A processor, which controls the operation of the UE and executes the applications and services that the user requests. The processor also communicates with the RAN and the CN using various protocols.

[0041] - A display, which shows the user the information and feedback from the UE, such as the signal strength, the battery level, the call status, the messages, the contacts, the menu, etc.

[0042] - A microphone and a speaker, which enable the user to make and receive voice calls, as well as use other audio features, such as voice mail, voice recognition, etc.

[0043] - A keyboard and / or a touch screen, which allow the user to enter and select commands, text, numbers, etc.

[0044] - A camera and / or a video recorder, which enable the user to capture and send images and videos, as well as use other multimedia features, such as video calling, video streaming, etc.

[0045] - A memory, which stores the data and programs that the user needs, such as the phone book, the messages, the photos, the videos, the applications, etc as well as a computer program to perform the operations of the RAN and CN protocols.

[0046] - A battery, which provides the power supply for the UE.

[0047] Fig. 2 provides a schematic representation of a UE and its components, e.g., UICC (201), processor (202), transceiver (203), memory (204), input devices (205) such as camera, microphone, etc and output devices (206) such as display, speaker, etc.

[0048] A UE access the cellular network via the radio access network, as described below.

[0049] A UE may receive a configuration by means of different procedures:

[0050] Downlink control information (DCI) is a type of control information that is sent from the BS to the UE on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). DCI contains various parameters that instruct the UE how / when to decode and transmit data on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), such as the resource allocation, the modulation and coding scheme. The UE needs to monitor the PDCCH in each subframe to detect and decode the DCI that is addressed to it.

[0051] Uplink control information (UCI) is a type of control information that is sent from the UE to the BS on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). UCI contains various feedback signals that inform the BS about the status and quality of the downlink transmission, such as the HARQ acknowledgments (ACKs), the channel state information (CSI), and the scheduling requests (SRs). The UE needs to encode and transmit the UCI according to the configuration and timing indicated by the BS.

[0052] Sidelink control information (SCI) is a type of control information that is sent from the UE to another UE on the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) in device-to-device (D2D) communication scenarios. The main functions of SCI include resource allocation, synchronization, channel quality reporting, etc.

[0053] Medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC CE) is a type of control information that is sent from the BS to the UE or vice versa on the MAC layer. MAC CE contains various commands or indications that regulate the MAC layer functions, such as the buffer status report (BSR), the timing advance command (TAC), the discontinuous reception (DRX) command, etc. The UE needs to process the MAC CE according to the MAC protocol and the configuration provided by the BS.

[0054] Radio resource control (RRC) command is a type of control information that is exchanged between the BS and the UE on the RRC layer. RRC Command contains various messages that modify / configure RRC parameters and / or initiate, modify, or release the RRC connection or the radio bearers between the UE and the BS, such as the RRC connection setup, the RRC connection reconfiguration, the RRC connection release, the security mode command, the mobility from E-UTRA command, the handover from E-UTRA preparation request, etc. The UE needs to respond to the RRC Command according to the RRC protocol and the configuration provided by the BS.

[0055] Non-access stratum (NAS) messages are used for signalling between UE and core network (CN) on the non-access stratum (NAS) layer. NAS messages enable functionality such as registration, session establishment, security, and mobility management. The UE needs to respond to the NAS Command according to the NAS protocol and the configuration provided by the CN.

[0056] UE parameter update (UPU) is a procedure between the UE and the home network that enables the home network to update configuration parameters in mobile phones and / or USIM using tthe UDM control plane procedure (TS 23.502). The UE can receive Parameters Update Data from the UDM after the UE has registered in the 5G network.

[0057] Steering of Roaming (SoR) enables the home network to guide the user equipment (UE) when registering on a visited network. For detailed information about the interfaces and registration in the 5G System, refer to 3GPP TS.23.501 (Release 15)

[0017] and 3GPP TS 24.501 (Release 15)

[0018] , The 5G CP-SOR is activated during or after registration to update the UE's "Operator Controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology" list via secure NAS messages, as directed by the home PLMN based on specific operator policies, such as preferred networks or UE location.

[0058] UE configuration update (UCU) is used to update configuration parameters as per TS 23.502 that may include Access and Mobility Management related parameters decided and provided by the AMF, UE Policy provided by the PCF. When AMF wants to change the UE configuration for access and mobility management related parameters the AMF initiates the procedure defined in clause 4.2.4.2. When the PCF wants to change or provide new UE Policies in the UE, the PCF initiates the procedure defined in clause 4.2.4.3. If the UE Configuration Update procedure requires the UE to initiate a Registration procedure, the AMF indicates this to the UE explicitly. The procedure in clause 4.2.4.2 may be triggered also when the AAA Server that performed Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization for an S-NSSAI revokes the authorization.

[0059] Radio access network (RAN) is the part of the cellular system that connects the UEs to the CN via the air interface. The RAN consists of base stations (BSs). A base station (BS) is a fixed or mobile transceiver that covers a certain geographic area, called a cell. In 5G, a BS is also called a gNB (next generation node B). A BS can serve multiple UEs simultaneously within its cell, by using different frequencies, time slots, codes, or beams. A BS also performs functions such as power control, handover control, channel allocation, interference management, etc. A base station can be divided into two units: a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU performs the higher layer functions, such as RLC, PDCP, RRC, etc. The DU performs the lower layer functions, such as PHY and MAC. The CU and the DU can be co-located or separated, depending on the network architecture and deployment. In cellular systems, a base station may be denoted, based on context, as a cell, or gNB.

[0060] The cell may also refer to the coverage area of a base station. A BS may have different coverage areas such as a macro cell (e.g. several kilometres wide), a pico cell (e.g., for a given location such as a stadium) or a femto cell for a small location (e.g., a home or part of it).

[0061] A base station may communicate with the core network. Since there can be base stations for different cellular systems, different interfaces are required. For instance, a base station, eNB, in a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) system (also known as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) may interface with the 4G CN known as EPC through the corresponding interface. For instance, a base station, gNB, in a 5G system (i.e., 5G New Radio or Next Generation RAN) may communicate with the 5GC through a different interface. 4G and 5G base stations may communicate with each other directly or through their corresponding core networks.

[0062] The main protocols used between the UEs and the RAN are:

[0063] - The physical layer (PHY), which defines the characteristics of the air interface, such as the frequency bands, the modulation schemes, the coding rates, the frame structure, the synchronization, etc.

[0064] - The medium access control (MAC) layer, which regulates the access of the UEs to the shared radio channel, by using techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), time division duplex (TDD), frequency division duplex (FDD), etc.

[0065] - The radio link control (RLC) layer, which provides reliable data transmission over the radio channel, by using techniques such as segmentation, reassembly, error detection, error correction, retransmission, etc. - The packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, which compresses and decompresses the headers of the data packets, encrypts and decrypts the data, and performs data integrity protection.

[0066] - The radio resource control (RRC) layer, which establishes, maintains, and releases the radio bearers between the UEs and the RAN, as well as exchanges the signaling messages for functions such as connection setup, handover, measurement reporting, security activation, etc.

[0067] A transmission / reception communication unit or transceiver may be used by BS and UE to transmit / receive data. Control data may be required for a physical broadcast channel, physical downlink control channel, etc. Data may be for the physical downlink shared channel.

[0068] Data may be encoded by the UE and / or BS to obtain data symbols and / or control symbols that may be exchanged over the wireless interface. The conversion from digital data into analog symbols may be done by the transmission / reception communication unit.

[0069] A medium access control control-element (MAC-CE) is a MAC layer communication element that is used to control the communication between wireless devices. A MAC-CE may be exchanged in a shared channel, e.g., the physical downlink / uplink / sidelink shared channel.

[0070] The communication between a UE and a base station or the communication between UEs (when sidelink is used) may involve the exchange of reference signals. Reference signals may include primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a physical broadcast channel demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0071] Core network (CN) is the part of the cellular system that connects the RAN to other networks, such as the Internet, or other cellular systems. The CN consists of two main (control / user) domains. The control domain is responsible for providing signalling and control functions for the UEs, such as authentication, authorization, mobility management, session management, etc. The control plane consists of several network functions (NFs), such as the access and mobility management function (AMF), the session management function (SMF), the unified data management (UDM), the policy control function (PCF), the network exposure function (NEF), and the authentication server function (AUSF). The access and mobility management function (AMF) is a NF that handles the registration, deregistration, connection management, and mobility management for the UEs. The session management function (SMF) is a NF that handles the establishment, modification, and release of the sessions for the UEs. The SMF also communicates with the user plane devices to perform functions such as IP address allocation, tunneling, QoS, etc. The unified data management (UDM) is a NF that stores and manages the user data, such as the SUPI, the service profile, the subscription status, etc. The policy control function (PCF) is a NF that provides the policy rules and charging information for the UEs, such as the access type, the service level, the data rate, the quota, etc. The network exposure function (NEF) is a NF that exposes the network capabilities and services to external applications and devices, such as the IMS, the Internet of Things (loT), etc. The authentication server function (AUSF) is a NF that performs the primary authentication with the by using credentials and the SUPI. The user domain is responsible for providing data and multimedia services to the UEs, by using packets and IP addresses. The user plane consists of two main functions: the user plane function (UPF) and the data network (DN). The user plane function (UPF) is a device that forwards the data packets between the UEs and the DNs, as well as performs functions such as tunneling, firewall, QoS, charging, etc. The data network (DN) is a network that provides access to the services and applications that the UEs request, such as the Internet, the IMS, etc.

[0072] A residential gateway (RG) is a device that connects a home network to an external network, such as the Internet or a cellular system. An RG typically provides functions such as routing, switching, firewall, NAT, DHCP, DNS, VPN, etc. An RG can also support various types of interfaces, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, etc. A cellular-capable RG is an RG that has a cellular interface, such as a UICC slot, a cellular modem, or an antenna, that enables it to access the cellular system as a backup or an alternative to the wired or wireless broadband connection. A cellular-capable RG can provide benefits such as: (1) Enhanced reliability, by switching to the cellular connection in case of a failure or a degradation of the broadband connection; (2) Increased bandwidth, by aggregating the cellular connection and the broadband connection to achieve higher data rates or QoS.

[0073] A multi-SIM subscription is a subscription that allows a user to have multiple SIMs (or eSIMs) that are linked to the same account and service profile. A user can use the multi-SIM subscription to access the cellular system from different devices, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or a wearable device, without having to switch the SIM card or the device.

[0074] Overall system: Fig. 1 provides an overall description of a wireless system wherein devices 100, 102, and 128 can play the role of UEs. Device 102 is part of a cellular-capable RG providing connectivity to a home network 129 e.g., by means of a local area network and / or wireless local area network. Device 102 is served by base station 104.

[0075] The RAN 127 comprises base station 103 and serves UE 128. UE 128 may also be a UE to Network relay given access to remote UE 136 that is out of coverage of base station 103. UEs 134 and 136 also communicate with each other via a UE-to-UE relay 135. UE to UE communication via relays is enabled by means of sidelink communication / PC5 interface.

[0076] Within the RAN, the range of base station 103 is extended via smart repeater 137 and / or reflective intelligent surface (RIS) 138. Smart repeater 137 and RIS 138 give access to UE 142.

[0077] In some cases, the functionality offered by a RIS may be performed by a smart repeater, and vice-versa. The RAN 143 includes base station 104 tand serves as wireless access infrastructure for the home network. Base station 104 also serves a mobile access device and / or UE as a UAV 139. UAV 139 may provide connectivity to remote UE 136.

[0078] Furthermore, a satellite gateway 141 is shown that connects to satellite 140 and may provide connectivity services to remote UE 136 or UE 100.

[0079] In Fig. 1, the 5G core network 133 may include one or more an AMF 121, SMF 123, UPF 122, AUSF 124, UDM 125, PCF 131, NEF 132 and allows the connection to a data network 130. In Fig. 1, a second core network 142, e.g., a legacy core network as a 4G core network, is also shown that may interface with the 5G core network 133, interface with base stations denoted eNB in 4G, and provide a connection to the data network 130. The legacy 4G core network is denoted EPC and may include one or more mobility management entities (MME), a serving gateway, a multimedia broadcast multicast service gateway, a broadcast multicast service center, a packet data network gateway, etc. The mobility management entity may handle the signalling between UE and the 4G CN and may interact with the home subscriber server (HSS) in charge of the storage and management of subscriber data and secrets. The MME may provide connection management, similar to the AMF in 5G. The serving gateway may be used to exchange user internet protocol messages whereby the serving gateway may interact with the packet data network gateway that is connected to IP services. Multiple protocols in 4G and 5G have similar features. For example, the 5G network registration and 4G attach registration message are initially sent by the UE to establish a connection between the UE and the CN, which involves sending an initial request from the UE with its identity and capabilities, receiving an authentication request from the CN with a challenge, sending an authentication response from the UE with a response, receiving an authentication result from the CN with an indication of success or failure, and sending a security mode command from the CN with the selected security algorithms. As a result of this connection establishment procedure, NAS and AS keys are derived from the K AMF (5G) and K ASME (4G) where K AMF is managed by the AMF and K ASME is managed by the MME. A UE may connect to a serving network or serving Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). A UE may have a subscription with a home PLMN, and during the registration procedure, the (AMF of the) serving PLMN may forward the registration request to the (AUSF of the) home PLMN that may perform an initial authentication procedure between home PLMN and UE. If the authentication procedure is successful, keys are derived and the home PLMN may share derived credentials with the serving PLMN, including K SEAF, that may be used to derive K AMF, from which NAS keys and AS keys are derived. The registration request sent by the UE includes an identifier that can be used by the home PLMN to identify the UE. To prevent privacy vulnerabilities, the long-term subscriber’s identifier known as Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) may not be exchanged in the clear, but instead, either a Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) or a pseudonym known as GUTI are exchanged with the AMF of the serving PLMN. The AMF of the PLMN may then forward the SUCI to the home PLMN so that the home PLMN decrypts / verifies it.

[0080] Satellite access: Fig. 1 depicts satellite 140 providing access to one or more UEs. Satellite access can be performed by means of non-terrestrial devices at different altitudes such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellites. Other types of non-terrestrial devices may include high-altitude platform station (HAPS) or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) that may comprise a base station. Fig. 3 illustrates different elements including a GEO satellite 302, a MEO satellite 303, a LEO satellites 304 and 304’, a UAV 305, all of them potential non-terrestrial mobile access devices giving coverage to wireless device (e.g., a UE) 301. GEO satellite 302 remains static over a given earth position while MEO and LEO satellites move. MEO satellites 303 have a slower moving vector 306 in relation to the earth compared with LEO satellites 304 / 304’ that have a faster moving vector 307 / 307’. A non-terrestrial gateway 308 is included that provides connectivity to the mobile access device via a feeder link 310. A mobile access device provides service to the wireless device via a service link 311. Two mobile access devices in the same orbit may communicate with each other via an intra-orbit-satellite link 312 while two mobile access devices in different orbits may communicate with each other via an inter-orbit-satellite link 313. Fig. 3 finally also includes a terrestrial access device 309 that may also provide connectivity to wireless device 301. The terrestrial access device 309, the wireless device 301, and non-terrestrial gateway are on the earth surface 314.

[0081] Non-terrestrial devices such as satellites distribute system information in specific SIBs, in particular, SIB31 in 4G and SIB19 in 5G. S19 information element as defined in TS 38.331 18.2.0. 2024P00647WG

[0082] 13 A UE in a cellular system performs an initial random-access procedure to connect an access device. The 5Grandom access procedure is illustrated by means of Fig. 4 wherein 401 represents a user equipment and 402 represents an access device. The access device distributes signals 402. Signals

[0083] 402 can be distributed periodically or on demand. Signals 402 may comprise the Master Information

[0084] Block (MIB) transmitted together with / in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and the synchronization signals. The MIB comprises:

[0085] MIB ::= SEQUENCE { systemFrameNumber BIT STRING (SIZE (6)), subCarrierSpacingCommon ENUMERATED {scsl5or60, scs30orl20}, ssb-SubcarrierOffset INTEGER (0..15), dmrs-TypeA-Position ENUMERATED {pos2, pos3}, pdcch-ConfigSIB 1 INTEGER (0..255), cellBarred ENUMERATED {barred, notBarred}, intraFreqReselection ENUMERATED {allowed, notAllowed}, spare BIT STRING (SIZE (1))

[0086] }

[0087] MIB and PBCH are transmitted as part of a Synchronization Signal Block, and the access device may transmit multiple SSBs through different beams, allowing the user equipment to determine the preferred beam, and once the preferred beam is obtained, retrieve the MIB, and use the information in the MIB to attempt to retrieve System Information Block 1 (SIB1) that may also be distributed periodically. The UE can the use the information in SIB1 to perform the random-access procedure selecting a preamble to indicate its intention to access the cell by means of message 404, e.g., preamble transmission. This message may use a random-access radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI). Upon reception of message 404, access device 402 replies with message 405, e.g., a random access response. This message may include a time advance field to adapt the transmission timing, a value matching the preamble used by wireless device 401, and a grant (communication resources) for the wireless device. The access device also assigns a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC- RNTI). Prior to this message 405, the access device may send a PDCCH DCI message assigning resources (a communication grant). This message may be addressed using the RA-RNTI. Upon reception of message 405, wireless device uses the initial grant received in the previous message and the RA-RNTI to transmit a subsequent message 406, e.g, an RRCSetupRequest or PHY layer. This message may include a Contention Resolution Identifier (CRI). This message may be sent in the PUSCH. As a response, access device replies with message 407, e.g., RRCSetup, that includes / repeats the received CRI confirming that the access device has identified the access device. This message includes a Cell RNTI (C-RNTI). Next, wireless device replies with message 408, e.g., an RRCSetupComplete that includes the RegistrationRequest message, and UE capabilities. MIB and PBCH are transmited as part of a Synchronization Signal Block, and the access device may transmit multiple SSBs through different beams. Multiple SSBs transmited through multiple beams form an SSB burst. The multiple SSBs in an SSB burst are transmited sequentially in the first part of a frame. SSB bursts are transmited periodically, typically every 20 ms, or more.

[0088] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an access device 500 transmiting four beams, each of them transmiting an SSB, namely 501, 502, 503, and 504. A wireless device 505 can measure the signal strength, i.e., RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), of the beams. This is illustrated by means of the graph in Fig. 5 where 501’, 502’, 503’, and 504’ represent the RSRP of beams 501, 502, 503, and 504, respectively, as measured by wireless device 505. Wireless device 505 can use this information to determine which one of the beams is the preferred beam for further communication, e.g., to perform the random access procedure.

[0089] Fig. 6 further schematically illustrates SSB bursts transmited periodically. In this case, each SSB burst comprises four SSBs transmited in the first part / half of every second frame. In this figure, frames are denoted as f, f+1, f+2, f+3,... A frame has a typical duration of 10 ms.

[0090] Resource grid: in a cellular network, such as a 5G network, the resource grid is a structured framework used to allocate and manage communication resources efficiently. It is characterized by a time-frequency matrix where each element, known as a resource element, is defined by its position in both time and frequency domains. The vertical axis represents frequency, segmented into subcarriers, which are spaced at intervals. The subcarrier spacing can vary depending on the deployment scenario, with common spacings being 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz, and 480 kHz (corresponding to mu equal to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively). The horizontal axis of the grid represents time and is divided into frames, subframes, and slots, each frame has a duration of 10 ms and each subframe has a duration of 1 millisecond. Within these subframes, the time is further divided into slots. For mu, there are 2Amu symbols per subframe. Each slot typically spans 14 OFDM symbols. Each resource element in the grid, defined by the intersection of a time symbol and a frequency subcarrier, can carry a small portion of data, control information, or reference signals. These resource elements are grouped into larger units called Resource Blocks (RBs), which span 12 subcarriers in frequency and one slot in time. The allocation of these RBs is dynamically managed.

[0091] Quality of Service: a wireless system may be used to transport data belonging to different types of applications such as Machine Type Communication (MTC), Critical Machine Type Communication (CMTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (EMB), or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). MTC (e.g., smart meters, tracking,...) requires low bandwidth and non-latency critical, CMTC (e.g., industrial applications) has strict throughput, latency, and availability needs, EMB (VR / AR, 4K UDH, ...) and FWA (e.g., in the home) require high data rate, with low latency, and low end-to-end response time. In wireless network such as 5G the Quality of Service has to accommodate different applications such as EMB, MTC, ultra-reliable low latency communications. QoS is influenced by the entities involved in the communication, UE, RAN, UPF, and DN. Data exchanges between UE and DN are mapped to QoS flows, and each QoS flow is mapped to a 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) in TS 23.501 (Table 5.7.4-1) that describes resource types, priority, packet delay budget, packet error rate, maximum data burst volume. Network is configured to configure RAN and core network interfaces to achieve the requirements of a 5QI. QoS is applied to a data stream from the wireless physical layer to the core network. Between RAN and UPF, QoS is applied in terms of a QoS flow. QoS in the RAN is managed by means of Data Radio Bearers (DRB). A QoS flow on core network side is created by means of a PDU session establishment accept. The mapping between a QoS flow and a DRM is done by means of SDAP configuration in an RRC message (RRCSetup or RRCReconfiguration) The indication or identifier that connects the whole QoS pipe is called QoS flow identifier. Downlink traffic requires mapping IP messages and the QoS pipe, and this is done by the UPF. For each IP message or packet, the UPF checks (by means of a packet QoS assignment / detection rule) the packet information (source / destination / protocol / type of service / ...) and directs the IP packet to a QoS flow. The packet QoS assignment / detection rule is provided by SMF interacting with PCF. In the uplink, the UE performs a similar task by applying QoS rules provided in NAS messages (e.g., PDU session establishment) by the SMF or are pre-configured / derived by the UE.

[0092] Discontinuous reception (DRX) in cellular networks such as 5G is in two types, Idle mode DRX and Connected mode DRX. In Idle mode DRX, the UE wakes up to monitor for paging messages. If no paging message is detected, it sleeps further. In Connected DRX mode, the UE enters in sleep mode periodically and during the sleep period the UE is not required to monitor the Physical Download Control Channel. The access device configures the UE device with C-DRX parameters. Connected DRX approach reduces energy consumption of the device because it does not require monitoring the PDCCH periodically and it also reduces the transmissions of CSI or SRS signals, that also has a positive effect in the network / access devices load. There are two types of DRX cycles, long and short. A long DRX cycle consists of an on period and an off period. The on duration is in terms of milliseconds. The long DRC cycle may be configured or the long DRX cycle and short DRX cycles may be configured. The access device can configure the time (drx-onDurationTimer) during which the UE is awake and goes back to sleep if there is no PDCCH received. The access device can also configure a given drx-LongCycleStartOffiset to start to awake period at a subframe boundary and / or drx-SlotOffset relative to the subframe boundary. If there is activity in an awake period, the UE may remain awake some more time determined by the drx-InactivityTimer. Furthermore, the access device can configure long DRX cycle together with additional DRX cycle which is shorter than long DRX cycle. Configurable parameters include the drx-ShortCycle (duration of the short cycle) and drx-ShortCycleTImer that determines how many short cycles before the device should apply.

[0093] Data scheduling in a cellular network such as a 5G cellular network may be performed by means of a scheduler wherein the scheduler takes as input information such as measurements of UE / network, buffer status report, QoS requirements, associated radio bearers, or a scheduling request. In the downlink, data scheduling may be performed by means of dynamic scheduling and semi persistent scheduling (SPS). In dynamic scheduling, every data exchange in the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is scheduled by means of a downlink control information (DCI) message in the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). In SPS, the scheduling is done by means of an RRC message. In the uplink, scheduling can be performed by means of dynamic scheduling and configured scheduling (CS). In dynamic scheduling each Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) is scheduled over DCI. In CS, the PUSCH transmission is scheduled via RRC message. Furthermore, a Scheduling Request message may be sent over the PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) or in an Uplink Control Information (UCI) in the PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel). An SR may be sent by a UE device when it has data to transmit. Upon reception, the access device can allocate resources (Uplink Grant by means of the Physical Downlink Control Channel. Upon resource allocation, the UE device can transmit data in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel.

[0094] Wireless sensing and integrated wireless sensing and communication: wireless systems are evolving to include wireless sensing capabilities. These wireless sensing capabilities may be implemented e.g. by a radar functionality in wireless communication involving one or more access devices (e.g., base stations (BS)) and / or one or more terminal devices (e.g., UEs), whereby the access device(s) may act as a sensing transmitter and / or sensing receiver and / or whereby the terminal device(s) (e.g. UE) may act as a sensing transmitter and / or sensing receiver. The sensing transmitter or sensing receiver may also be a separate / dedicated device that may be communicatively connected to (e.g. through wired connection) and / or operated by an access device or terminal device. As an example, Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) mmWave radar systems can measure range, velocity, and angle of arrival (if two receivers are available) of objects in the scene which reflect radio waves. Such radar systems emit a chirp signal, e.g., a sine wave that increases in frequency over time. The chirp signal (e.g., a continuous wave pulse) has a bandwidth and a frequency increase rate. Generally, a continuous series of such chirps are emitted. The transmitted and received analogue chirp signals are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) signal which corresponds to the difference in frequencies of the two signals (outbound and inbound) and whose output phase corresponds to the difference in the phases of the two signals. Each surface of a scene or environment will therefore produce a constant frequency IF signal whose frequency relates to the distance to the surface (i.e., a first distance from the transmitter of the chirp signal to the surface plus a second distance from the surface to the receiver of the chirp signal). To resolve two surfaces at different distances, the two IF signals can be frequency resolved. A longer time window of the IF signal results in greater resolution. As the chirp time is related to its bandwidth (with constant chirp frequency change) the resolution of the radar is related to the chirp bandwidth. The IF signal may then be band pass fdtered (to remove signals below some minimal range and frequencies above the maximum frequency for a subsequent analogue-to-digital converter (ADC)) and digitized prior to further processing. The upper frequency sensing range of the bandpass filter and ADC sets the maximum range that can be detected (i.e., IF frequencies increase with range). To detect vibrations, the phase of the IF signal is important, since the phase (i.e., the difference in phases of the transmitted and received chirp signals) is a sensitive measure of small changes in the distance of a surface. Small distance changes can be detected in the phase signal but may be indiscernible in the frequency signal. Moreover, phase difference measures between two consecutive chirp signals can be used to determine the velocity of the surface. As an example, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing can be performed across multiple chirp signals to enable separation of objects with the same range but moving at different velocities. A Fourier transform converts a signal from a space or time domain into the frequency domain. In the frequency domain the signal is represented by a weighted sum of sine and cosine waves. A discrete digital signal with N samples can be represented exactly by a sum of N waves. FFT provides a faster way of computing a discrete Fourier transform by using the symmetry and repetition of waves to combine samples and reuse partial results. This method can save a huge amount of processing time, especially with real-world signals that can have many thousands or even millions of samples. As a further example, angle estimation can be performed by using the phase difference between the received chirp signal at two separated receivers.

[0095] As another option, a channel state information (CSI) can be used, which is a measure of the phases and amplitudes of many frequencies detected at a receiver, thereby forming a complex ‘map’ of the radio environment, including effects of objects within that environment. CSI characterizes how wireless signals propagate from the transmitter to the receiver at certain carrier frequencies. CSI amplitude and phase are impacted by multi-path effects including amplitude attenuation and phase shift, e.g., by the displacements and movements of the transmitter, receiver, and surrounding objects and humans. In other words, CSI captures the wireless characteristics of the nearby environment. These characteristics, assisted by mathematical modeling or machine learning algorithms, can be used for different sensing applications. A radio channel may be divided into multiple subcarriers, as is done e.g. in 5 G communication systems (using e.g. orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)). To measure CSI, the transmitter may send long training symbols (LTFs), which contain pre-defined symbols for each subcarrier, e.g., in a packet preamble. When those LTFs are received, the receiver can estimate a CSI matrix using the received signals and the original LTFs. For each subcarrier, the channel can be modeled by y = Hx + n, where y is the received signal, x is the transmitted signal, H is the CSI matrix, and n is the noise vector. The receiver estimates the CSI matrix H using a pre-defined signal x and the received signal y after signal processing such as removing cyclic prefix, de-mapping and demodulation. The estimated CSI is then a three-dimensional matrix of complex values and this matrix represents an ‘image’ of the radio environment at that time. By processing a time series of such ‘images’ information on movements, locations and vibrations of objects can be extracted. Such a processing of a CSI matrix can be used for vital signs monitoring, presence detection, and human movement recognition. As an example, neural network like recognition techniques can be used to process the CSI matrix to perform such kinds of recognition.

[0096] It is noted that systems using channel state information (CSI) are somehow related to systems with FMCW mmWave radar. In a CSI-based system, the input signal X may be defined and the receiver may use the received signal Y to obtain H, i.e., as H = (Y - N) / X . In a FMCW mmWave radar, the transmitted signal Chirp X may also be predefined, and the receiver may uses the received signal Y to obtain a transfer function as H = Y / X . This last step is in fact somehow related to multiplying the locally computed chirp signal and the received chirp signal and applying a bandpass fdter. According to various embodiments in this invention, the above-described wireless sensing techniques are implemented in a mobile communication system (e.g. 5G or 6G or other cellular or Wi-Fi communication systems), while the functional coexistence of radar and communication operating in the same frequency bands is configured to avoid interference bandwidths. Thereby, radio sensing can be integrated into large-scale mobile networks to create perceptive mobile networks.

[0097] As another example, the sensing signal may consist of a number of pulses sent, e.g., at specific frequencies and timing (sensing signal parameter information) by a sensing transmitter. The sensing receiver may include a number of bandpass filters that allow identifying the sensing signal parameter information, e.g, timing and frequency of the received pulses. In particular, if the transmitter determines a given pseudo-random sequence of frequency / timing pulses and beams it, e.g., by means of beamforming, in a specific direction, and if the transmitter communicates to the receiver the timing / frequency, in general, the sensing signal parameter information, of the transmitted sensing signal, the receiver can use its bandpass filters to identify the reception of the same transmitted pulses, i.e., sensing signal, based on the received sensing signal parameter information.

[0098] The wireless sensing signal may be part of the synchronization signal block. For instance, the wireless sensing signal may be a reference signal included in the primary synchronization signal or in the secondary synchronization signal. It may consist of a number of reference signals and / or it may be a wide band signal. This wireless sensing signal can allow the access devices to determine the presence of a wireless device. The wireless device may also use this wireless sensing signal to determine the access device that is more suitable to (re-)select.

[0099] In some cases, the wireless sensing signal may be based on an OFDM signal. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a multi-carrier modulation that partitions the system bandwidth B into N orthogonal subcarriers, each spaced by Af=B / N. In sensing, OFDM waveforms — already native to 4G / 5G — can be repurposed for target parameter estimation (range, Doppler, angle) while maintaining high spectral efficiency for data transmission, enabling tight ISAC integration in 6G. An OFDM symbol of duration T_sym=T_u+T_CP comprises a useful interval T_u=l / Af and a cyclic prefix (CP) T CP. Given a baseband transmit signal s(t), a reflected echo from a target with delay r and Doppler fD yields: r(t)=a s(t-r)eA(j27tfDt+w(t)), with a the complex scattering coefficient and w(t) noise / clutter. After CP removal and N- point FFT, per-symbol, per-subcarrier observations are:

[0100] Range and Doppler are estimated from phase slopes across frequency and time, respectively:

[0101] Range resolution: AR~c / 2B.

[0102] Unambiguous range: limited by CP and maximum resolvable delay r max <T_CP.

[0103] Doppler resolution: AfD~l / MT_sym;

[0104] Unambiguous Doppler: |fD|<l / 2Tsym.In MIMO, with NuNr antennas, the observation becomes 4D (subcarrier, symbol, Tx beam, Rx beam). Angular parameters follow from array steering vectors; joint range-Doppler-angle estimation uses 2D FFTs plus beam space processing or compressed sensing. For moving targets, micro-Doppler signatures can be extracted by time-frequency analysis of Y_{m,n}.

[0105] Wireless local area network technologies such as Wi-Fi allow devices to connect to the Internet or to each other without using cables. Wi-Fi is based on radio waves that are transmitted and received by a device called a wireless access point (AP). The AP acts as a hub that connects Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, etc., to a wired network, such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0106] The term Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry association that certifies products that comply with the IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs). These standards define the physical and data link layers of the communication protocol, such as the frequency bands, modulation schemes, encryption methods, authentication mechanisms, and data rates used by WiFi devices. The most common Wi-Fi standards are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.1 In, 802.1 lac, and 802.1 lax, which operate in different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both) and offer different levels of performance and compatibility.

[0107] To use Wi-Fi, a device needs to have a wireless network interface card (NIC) that can send and receive radio signals. The NIC scans the available wireless channels and detects the presence of nearby APs. The device then selects an AP to connect to, based on factors such as signal strength, security settings, and network name (SSID). The device and the AP exchange information, such as the MAC address, IP address, encryption key, and password, to establish a connection. This process is called association. After the connection is established, the device can communicate with the AP and other devices on the same network, or access the Internet through the AP.

[0108] IEEE 802.1 In (Wi-Fi 4) provided new features such as MIMO and frame aggregation to increase throughput. IEEE 802.1 lac (Wi-Fi 5) introduced wider bandwidth and MU-MIMO. IEEE 802.1 lax (Wi-Fi 6) included OFDMA and BSS color or spatial reuse to use spectrum resources more efficiently. IEEE 802.11 ah introduced target wake time (TWT) to support low power loT applications by allowing STAs to go into sleep when not in a wake period after negotiation with AP. IEEE 802.1 Ibe (Wi- Fi 7) aims at improving throughput and latency operating in unlicensed bands between 1GHz and 7.125 GHz. Wi-Fi 7. Increases bandwidths up to 320 MHz, 4096 QAM modulation, and supporting up to 16 spatial streams in MU-MIMO with an improved sounding procedure. Wi-Fi 7 also enables multiple resource units to be assigned to a single device. Furthermore, it includes an enhanced preamble with a universal SIG filed indicating the PHY version. It also extends the negotiated ack buffer size to 1024 bits. It also enables multilink operation (MLO) enabling multiple links between a station and an access point, for instance an AP can have two radios 2.4 and 5 GHz and use both of them for simultaneous transmission and / or reception with a multi-link capable device (MLD) capable station. Wi-Fi 7 also includes a restricted TWT providing predictable latency by assigning STAs to different rTWT types and making sure that other STAs do not transmit if they do not belong to a given rTWT type. Wi-Fi 7 also include multi-AP coordination performing, e.g., coordinated transmission, beamforming, or joint transmission.

[0109] For instance, in references to Fig. 1, devices 100, 101 and 102 can be Wi-FI access points and device 106 can be a wireless station. Station 106 and access point 101 are MLD and communicate with two links 126. Device 102 is a cellular capable residential gateway.

[0110] In this invention, a (wireless) access device may refer to a 3GPP base station (e.g., 5G gNB) or a Wi-Fi access point. In this invention, a wireless device may refer to a 3GPP phone device such as a 5G User Equipment or a Wi-Fi station.

[0111] This invention is illustrated in the context of wireless sensing in wireless networks such as a 3GPP network or a Wi-Fi network and it is motivated by the fact that devices such as wireless access devices and / or wireless devices / UEs may use wireless sensing for different purposes, e.g., improve communication. However, those devices may not know how to control the transmitted wireless sensing signals, or may require feedback to control the wireless sensing signal. This invention is also motivated by the fact that wireless sensing signals and wireless communication signals may cause interferences, and means are required to deal with them. Thus, it is an aim of the invention to address these challenges:

[0112] Section: closed-control loop

[0113] In one embodiment, the procedure for controlling a wireless sensing signal received by a wireless device, such as a UE or a STA or sensing receiver, may include several optional steps, i.e., not all of them are required: The wireless device may receive a wireless signal, e.g., a wireless communication signal and / or a wireless sensing signal transmitted by an access device. This step may involve demodulating and decoding the incoming signal to identify the sensing signal. If the device receives a wireless communication signal, e.g., a SIB, the wireless device may determine the type of wireless sensing signals available from the wireless access device as well as their features. This wireless communication signal may be received when the wireless device is not connected to the network, or when the device is connected to the network. If the device receives a wireless sensing signal, the wireless device may measure one or more features of the received wireless sensing signal. These features may include (transmitted) signal strength, signal quality, frequency shift, directivity, and / or transmission frequency, etc. Advanced signal processing techniques may be employed to accurately measure these characteristics. The wireless device may determine whether the received wireless sensing signal requires adaptation. This step may involve analyzing the measured features against predefined criteria or thresholds to decide if any changes are necessary. The wireless device may provide a signal indicating the need for adaptation of the received wireless sensing signal. This adaptation may include adjusting parameters such as the sensing signal timing, frequency, or beamforming direction to optimize the signal reception and processing. These steps describe a comprehensive procedure for effectively managing wireless sensing signals in various environments, either combined with other embodiments or used independently. Each step is optional and can be tailored to the specific requirements of the wireless device and the sensing application.

[0114] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, based on the measurements obtained or measured from the wireless (sensing) signal, the wireless device may determine whether one of the features requires adaptation, e.g., that the transmission power needs to be reduced, or alternatively whether the transmission power needs to be increased. Requesting an increase of the transmission power can be beneficial because it allows the device transmitting the wireless sensing signal, e.g., wireless access device, to start transmitting a wireless sensing signal with low power, and start increasing it based on the feedback of the wireless device (or device receiving the wireless sensing signal).

[0115] In general, multiple features of the wireless sensing signal may be measured and / or controlled via the feedback provided by the wireless device.

[0116] In an example, the wireless device (may obtain an indication indicative that the transmitted signal strength (power level) can be adapted (up or down) by some limits, e.g., an lower threshold and an upper threshold, and the wireless device may send an indication of how to adapt within those limits, e.g., it may request to increase the transmitted signal strength somewhat below the upper threshold.

[0117] Fig. 7a describes an exemplary procedure according to above embodiment wherein 700 represents a wireless device (such as UE or a STA or sensing receiver) and 701 represents a wireless access device (such as a cellular base station or an AP or sensing transmitter). In step 702, the wireless access device distributes the wireless sensing signal and / or wireless signal that is then received by the wireless device. In step 703, the wireless device 700 monitors / measures these signals determining whether the wireless sensing signal needs to be adapted. In step 704, the wireless device reports the required adaptation to the wireless access device. The wireless access device evaluates the required / proposed / indicated adaptation, and may then adapt its wireless sensing signal in step 705, accordingly.

[0118] In other words, at step 702, the wireless device such as a UE or a station STA obtains a wireless sensing signal. The wireless sensing signal can be obtained for example from a cellular base station. In an example, the wireless sensing signal is embedded in a wireless communication signal received by the wireless device from for example a base station or an access point. In such example, the wireless sensing signal is obtained by the wireless device through processing the wireless communication signal. In another example, the wireless sensing signal is directly received by the wireless device from a transmitter or a reflector.

[0119] At step 703, the wireless device determines if the wireless sensing signal needs to be adapted. This can be performed by comparing a measured property or feature of the wireless sensing signal against a defined threshold.

[0120] At step 704, the wireless device provides, to for example the cellular base station, a signal indicating that the wireless sensing signal needs adaption, in terms of certain properties or features of the wireless sensing signal. This enables the entity transmitting the wireless sensing signal directly or indirectly to perform related adjustment(s) which can adapt the transmitted wireless sensing signal.

[0121] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless sensing signal is received on demand. A wireless device may determine whether a wireless access device supports wireless sensing upon reception of a first wireless communication signal, e.g., a SIB such as SIB1. The wireless device may then transmit an indication to indicate that the wireless sensing signal requires adaptation, wherein the adaptation refers to the temporal enablement of the wireless sensing signal. The wireless access device may determine the transmission direction of the wireless sensing signal based on the communication so far. For instance, in reference to Fig. 7a, step 702 may indicate the distribution of SSBs by wireless access device 701. Wireless device 700 may determine that wireless access device 701 supports wireless sensing, e.g., to aid communication. Wireless device 700 may agree to the usage of wireless sensing when connecting to wireless access device, e.g., when performing the random access procedure, e.g., when transmitting the initial preamble message.

[0122] Fig. 7b schematically describes an exemplary procedure performed between a wireless device such as UE (or a wireless sensing receiver) and a first device such as an access device / base station (or a wireless sensing transmitter) wherein in step 706, the wireless device receives a (wireless) signal (e.g., a wireless signal if the wireless device is a UE or a wired / wireless signal if the wireless device is a wireless sensing receiver / base station) transmitted by a first device, in step 707, the wireless device measures or determines one or more characteristic or features of a wireless sensing signal based on the wireless signal, in step 708, the wireless device determines whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation, and in step 709, the wireless device provides a first signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

[0123] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device, such as a UE or a STA or sensing receiver, may measure and analyze various features of the received wireless sensing signal. Each feature is detailed and explained as follows: Received signal strength: This measures the power level of the received signal. It indicates how strong or weak the signal is when it reaches the wireless device, which can affect the quality of communication and the need for adjustments in the transmission power.

[0124] Received signal quality: This assesses the overall integrity and clarity of the signal. Factors such as bit error rate (BER) and error vector magnitude (EVM) contribute to signal quality, indicating how well the signal is being received and decoded.

[0125] Frequency shift: This measures any deviation in the carrier frequency of the received signal from its expected value. It can be caused by Doppler effects due to relative motion between the transmitter and receiver or other environmental factors.

[0126] Directivity: This refers to the direction from which the signal is received. Analyzing directivity helps in optimizing beamforming techniques and improving the focus of the signal reception. This applies, e.g., when the wireless sensing signal is beamformed and multiple beams can be measured.

[0127] Transmission frequency: This is the specific frequency at which the signal is transmitted and received. Monitoring this ensures that the wireless device operates within its designated frequency bands and can avoid interference.

[0128] Signal -to-noise ratio (SNR): This is the ratio of the power of the signal to the power of background noise. A higher SNR indicates a clearer signal, which is essential for reliable communication.

[0129] Multipath propagation effects: This describes the phenomenon where signals take multiple paths to reach the receiver due to reflections, refractions, and scattering, e.g., due to non-light of sight (NLOS). Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating issues such as signal fading and intersymbol interference.

[0130] Doppler shift: This is the change in frequency (and wavelength) of the signal due to the relative motion between the transmitter and receiver. It is important for adjusting the communication parameters to maintain signal integrity in dynamic environments.

[0131] Channel impulse response: This characterizes how the signal propagates through the wireless channel. It includes information on delay, attenuation, and phase shift of the signal, providing insights into the channel conditions and aiding in equalization and compensation techniques.

[0132] By measuring and analyzing these features, the wireless device can effectively manage and optimize the wireless sensing signals, ensuring robust performance in various scenarios. This embodiment may be combined with other embodiments or used independently.

[0133] In different scenarios, physical layer features measured and / or reported by a device such as a wireless device (e.g., UE or access device or wireless sensing receiver) may be organized in hierarchical levels, from raw data to processed object-level information. Below are the key physical layer features, grouped by their reporting level:

[0134] Level A: Raw Data

[0135] Amplitude and phase samples in the time / delay domain of the estimated channel (channel impulse response). Amplitude and phase per subcarrier in the frequency domain of the estimated channel.

[0136] Schedule (timing / frequency) of the wireless sensing signal.

[0137] Features of the wireless sensing signal.

[0138] Level B: Processed Channel Profdes

[0139] Delay-Doppler profde: Amplitude and phase samples distributed across different delays and Doppler shifts.

[0140] Delay-Angle profde: Amplitude and phase samples distributed across different delays and spatial angles (e.g., Angle of Arrival).

[0141] Delay-Doppler-Angle profde: Amplitude and phase samples distributed across delay, Doppler, and angle domains.

[0142] Delay profile: Amplitude and phase samples distributed across different delays.

[0143] Level C: Per Path / Point Measurements

[0144] Delay / Range: Time delay or physical range to the reflecting / scattering point. Doppler / Velocity: Frequency shift or velocity (radial or 3D, depending on capability).

[0145] 3D Angles: Horizontal and vertical angles (e.g., Angle of Arrival / Departure). Power / Confidence Metric: Signal strength or a confidence indicator for the measurement.

[0146] Position: (For some options) Estimated position of the detected path / point. Micro-Doppler: (Optional, for advanced sensing)

[0147] Fine Doppler features for target characterization (e.g., UAV propeller detection).

[0148] Level D: Object / Target Level Measurements

[0149] Position and velocity (in a global coordinate system) for a detected object / target. Quality / Confidence metric (optional): Indicator of the reliability of the measurement. Association of measurements across time for tracking (optional, depending on reporting option).

[0150] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, based on the measurements obtained from the wireless sensing signal, the wireless device may compute a detailed measurement report. This report may include:

[0151] - Aggregated Signal Metrics: A summary of the measured parameters such as average SNR, total attenuation, and overall signal quality index. These metrics may be computed using statistical methods to provide a comprehensive overview of the signal conditions. - Processed and Compressed Data: The raw measurement data may be processed using techniques such as fdtering, Fourier transforms, or wavelet analysis to extract relevant features. The processed data may then be compressed using algorithms like Huffman coding or run-length encoding to reduce the transmission load.

[0152] - Error Analysis: A detailed examination of any detected errors or anomalies in the signal, including their possible causes and suggested mitigation strategies. This analysis may involve comparing the measured data against expected signal profdes or historical data.

[0153] - Temporal Trends: Insights into how the signal parameters change over time, which may be visualized using time-series analysis. This helps in understanding the stability and variability of the wireless environment.

[0154] By including these elements, the measurement report provides a comprehensive and actionable overview of the wireless sensing signal's performance, enabling effective adaptation and optimization.

[0155] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the measurements made by the wireless device based on the received wireless sensing signals (as described in other embodiments) may be transmitted (e.g. as a detailed measurement report) to an access device or to a sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network, which will determine based on the measurements whether / how to adapt the wireless sensing signals to be transmitted by the wireless sensing transmitter. Based on this determination the wireless sensing transmitter will be instructed / configured with configuration parameters to perform the adaptation.

[0156] Additionally or alternatively, the measurements may be transmitted to a data storage server (e.g. in a network edge or as part of a data collection framework), after which the access device or sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network can fetch the measurements from the data storage server, which will determine based on the measurements whether to adapt the wireless sensing signals to be transmitted by the wireless sensing transmitter.

[0157] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the determination by the wireless device based on the received wireless sensing signals whether or not the wireless sensing signals require adaptation (as described in other embodiments) may be transmitted (e.g. as RRC, MAC or NAS message containing fields to indicate if the wireless sensing signal requires adaptation and / or which adaptation is desired / required (e.g. increasing signal strength)) to an access device or to a sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network, which will decide - based on the received determination - whether / how to adapt the wireless sensing signals to be transmitted by the wireless sensing transmitter and / or instruct the wireless sensing transmitter with configuration parameters to perform the adaptation. Additionally or alternatively, the determination whether or not the wireless sensing signals requires adaptation may be transmitted to a data storage server (e.g. in a network edge or as part of a data collection framework), after which the access device or sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network can fetch the determination from the data storage server, which will decide - based on the determination - whether / how to adapt the wireless sensing signals to be transmitted by the wireless sensing transmitter.

[0158] In an example, the NF collecting data may be collocated with a wireless access device acting as wireless sensing transmitter or wireless sensing receiver.

[0159] In an example, Level C or D measurements may be exchanged with a NF and the NF may control (e.g., by sending a control message) the wireless sensing transmitter based on the “high level” measurement values.

[0160] In an example, Level A or B measurements may be used by the wireless access device to adapt the wireless (sensing) signal locally, e.g., regarding beam orientation to perform target tracking. In an example, the adaptation of the wireless sensing signal may depend on raw measurements that are kept at the access device and control information received from the network function (e.g., sensing network function).

[0161] In an example, measurements of the wireless sensing signal measured by the wireless device and wireless access device may be combined for improved sensing.

[0162] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used Independently, a wireless device, such as a User Equipment (UE) or a Station (STA) or sensing receiver, may transmit an indication to trigger the transmission of a wireless sensing signal prior to receiving the wireless sensing signal transmitted by an access device. This indication may take the form of a preamble or a wake-up signal for the access device or other type of command message, e.g., uplink control information, MAC CE, or RRC message., or NAS message The procedure, which can be combined with other embodiments or used independently, may involve the following steps:

[0163] - Configuring the Indication Parameters: Before transmitting the indication, the wireless device may configure or be configured with the parameters of the indication. These parameters may include the frequency, duration, and power level of the preamble or wake-up signal, information about the target, and the type of wireless sensing signal expected. Configuring these parameters appropriately ensures that the indication is correctly recognized by the access device.

[0164] - Initiation of Indication Transmission: The wireless device may initiate the transmission of an indication to the access device. This indication serves as a trigger for the access device to prepare for the upcoming wireless sensing signal transmission. Parameters that may be included in the indication signal are timing information, frequency allocation, power control information, and synchronization data, or other parameters as described in other embodiments. The indication may be a preamble, which provides synchronization and timing information, or a wake-up signal that alerts the access device of the forthcoming communication. - Transmission of the Indication: The wireless device may transmit the configured indication to the access device. During this step, the wireless device may utilize specific transmission techniques such as beamforming or power control to optimize the delivery of the indication signal. The aim is to ensure that the indication is received clearly and promptly by the access device.

[0165] In another example, the wireless device may (additionally and / or alternatively) transmit the intent (the goal) of the wireless sensing procedure to an access device or sensing transmitter or sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network. For instance, the wireless device may indicate whether health monitoring is required, and / or support in mobility procedures and / or tracking. The wireless device may also indicate the expected Quality of Service of the wireless sensing procedure. Based on this information, the access device or sensing transmitter or sensing related network function in the core network or sensing related application operated in / via the core network may determine suitable parameters for the wireless sensing procedure.

[0166] In an embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments of used independently, the wireless device may measure a wireless sensing signal, and the wireless device may be configured to determine whether one or more wireless sensing measurements are suitable for wireless sensing, e.g., to achieve a certain Quality of Service / sensing targets.

[0167] For instance, the determination may be based on a configuration determining one or more values that allow determining whether the sensing estimation will be suitable or not to fulfil the sensing targets.

[0168] In an example, the wireless device may be further configured to report certain measurements in certain circumstances, e.g., when a measurement does not fulfil a certain condition (e.g., signal strength higher or lower than a maximum or minimum.

[0169] In an example, the wireless device may also be configured to not report certain measurements in some cases (e.g., measurements are as expected).

[0170] In an example, the wireless device may be configured to evaluate certain conditions for some amount of time, a number of frequency carriers, a number of symbols, etc. This means that a temporary drop or increase or failure to fulfil a condition may not trigger, e.g, the transmission of a message.

[0171] In an example, the decision to report certain measurements may be determined by means of an algorithm, e.g., a prediction algorithm, e.g., an Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning model that may be hint whether a given wireless sensing signal (transmitted with certain transmission parameters) is suitable or not to perform wireless sensing based on the measurement of the wireless sensing signal.

[0172] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device, such as a User Equipment (UE) or a Station (STA) or sensing receiver, may determine whether a wireless sensing signal requires adaptation based on several optional contextual parameters. These parameters may include: - Whether the wireless device is moving and the nature of its movement: The device may assess if it is stationary, moving slowly, or rapidly, and in what direction. This information may help in deciding the need for signal adaptation to maintain optimal performance. The wireless device may report movement information since it may help the wireless access device to determine a suitable wireless sensing signal.

[0173] - How the wireless device is being used or will be used: The device may consider its current or anticipated usage, such as whether it is engaged in data-heavy applications, voice calls, or idle. Different usage scenarios may demand different signal characteristics. For instance, if the device is in idle mode, there may not be need of performing wireless sensing, while if the device is in Connected mode, and moving, the wireless access device may need to keep track of the position of the device more closely.

[0174] - Whether the wireless device is in emergency mode: In emergency situations, the device may prioritize certain signals or adapt the signal to ensure reliable communication. This parameter may trigger specific adaptations to enhance signal robustness. Additionally or alternatively, this may trigger the transmission of additional and / or special wireless sensing signals to detect the object (e.g., person) carrying the wireless device.

[0175] - The physical features of the object carrying the wireless device: The device may evaluate the size, shape, and materials of the object (e.g., a vehicle, person, or structure) carrying it. These features may affect signal propagation and reflection, necessitating adjustments. The wireless access device may use this information to select suitable parameters for the wireless sensing signal.

[0176] - Whether the object carrying the wireless device allows for wireless sensing: The device may determine if the object supports or interferes with wireless sensing. For example, objects with metallic surfaces may reflect signals differently than non-metallic ones, influencing the adaptation process.

[0177] - Whether the person carrying the wireless device authorizes wireless sensing: The device may sense the presence of wireless sensing signals, and when the wireless device detects one, the wireless device may report back whether the user authorizes or not remote sensing or not.

[0178] - The purposes for which the object carrying the wireless device permits wireless sensing: The device may consider the intended use of wireless sensing, such as for location tracking, environmental monitoring, or communication enhancement. Different purposes may require tailored signal adaptations.

[0179] - Whether the wireless device is suffering or may suffer interferences from the wireless sensing signal used to monitor the environment or another wireless device. If the wireless device detects an interfering signal, the wireless device may gather measurements, and transmit them, and / or may indicate a request to adapt the (interfering) wireless sensing signal, e.g., use a different frequency band.

[0180] By incorporating these steps, the procedure ensures that the wireless sensing signal is effectively adapted to the varying conditions and requirements of the wireless device environment, thereby optimizing performance and reliability.

[0181] In an embodiment, the wireless device provides or transmits a signal, e.g., to adapt the received wireless sensing signal wherein this signal or message comprises one or more contextual parameters, e.g., as in previous embodiment. This adaptation process involves the wireless device analyzing the received signal and providing feedback (the indication) based on its context. By incorporating contextual parameters, the wireless device can optimize the signal for more accurate and reliable sensing results, enhancing overall performance and user experience. The indication may encode the contextual parameters with detailed contextual, e.g., timing, information. For example, the duration of movement may be included to help predict the future position of the device, allowing the access device to adjust the signal accordingly. Expected movement information can aid in preemptive signal adjustments to maintain connection stability. Connection timing details may indicate when the device is expected to establish or re-establish a connection, helping manage handovers and ensuring seamless connectivity. In emergency situations, specifying the emergency reason and expected duration or critical period ensures that the signal adaptation prioritizes reliability and robustness. Usage scenario timing details, such as an impending switch to a data-heavy application, enable the access device to prepare for increased bandwidth requirements. Beyond timing, other contextual parameters may also be necessary. For instance, environmental conditions like temperature or humidity could affect signal quality and need to be shared for adaptive measures. The device’s battery status might be crucial for adjusting power usage and maintaining efficient operation. Additionally, the user's activity type, such as stationary, walking, or running, could help in fine-tuning the signal for optimal performance in varying scenarios. By encoding these contextual parameters, including both timing and other relevant information, the wireless device ensures that the access device can adapt the sensing signal dynamically and efficiently, catering to the real-time needs of the wireless environment.

[0182] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device may evaluate the current conditions / context and determine how to adapt the received wireless sensing signal based on various contextual parameters. These parameters help in optimizing the wireless sensing signal for improved performance. The wireless device may assess factors such as movement, usage scenarios, emergency situations, and environmental conditions, as in other embodiments. Based on this assessment, the device may decide how to adapt the wireless sensing signal, and may communicate the required adaptations of the features of the wireless sensing signal.

[0183] For example, if the device detects that it is in idle mode, it may determine that no wireless sensing is necessary, and may indicate that a low (power or frequency) wireless sensing signal is required.

[0184] Conversely, if the device is about to enter connected mode and moving, it may decide that close tracking by the wireless access device is required, and it may request higher frequency sensing.

[0185] In emergency situations, the device may prioritize certain signals to ensure reliable communication and may determine that additional sensing signals are needed to detect the object carrying the device. Additionally, the wireless device may consider environmental conditions like temperature or humidity, which could impact signal quality. The device's movement and the physical features of the object carrying it could also influence how the signal is adapted, necessitating real-time adjustments. The wireless device (or the device receiving the wireless sensing signal) may be configured with such a policy. For instance, the policy may be configured in a wireless device (e.g., UE) by an access device. By implementing these steps, the wireless device ensures that the wireless sensing signal is dynamically and efficiently adapted to the current conditions, thereby enhancing overall performance and reliability.

[0186] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may be a UE or a tag used to track and / or give information about an object and / or subject in emergency situations. The device may be configured to act when an emergency situation happens, e.g., when it detects and senses an emergency situation. Acting may mean providing signaling to adapt a wireless sensing signal, e.g., by reflecting the wireless sensing signal.

[0187] For instance, the device may be an emergency tag, and when a user presses a button (or an emergency event is detected, e.g., by means of sensors), the tag is activated into an emergency mode that triggers the active reflection of wireless sensing signals. This can be used to determine the location of the tag, and thus, of the user.

[0188] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may be a UE and the wireless device may be adapted to protect the privacy of the user carrying the wireless device. The wireless device, upon reception of a wireless sensing signal, and if configured accordingly, may start reflecting (and / or transmitting copies of) the wireless sensing signal following a given pattern that aims at hiding the presence of the wireless device (and / or the subject carrying the wireless device). The wireless device may have received a configuration from the network, e.g., via a wireless access device, to act on a wireless sensing signal, when one is detected.

[0189] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may determine that adapting the received wireless sensing signal requires increasing the reflection of the received wireless sensing signal so that the transmitter (e.g., the wireless access device) can receive it better. This process involves several critical steps and considerations to ensure the adaptation is both efficient and effective.

[0190] - First, the wireless device may need to assess the current state and quality of the received wireless sensing signal. This may involve measuring various signal parameters / features such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, or any potential interference, etc. Based on these measurements, the device can determine whether an increase in reflection is necessary to enhance signal reception at the transmitter side.

[0191] - Upon determining the need for signal adaptation, the wireless device may compute the necessary reflection parameters. These parameters may include the angle, intensity, and timing of the reflected signal. The angle of reflection is crucial as it ensures that the signal is directed back towards the transmitter with minimal loss. The intensity of the reflected signal may be adjusted to compensate for any attenuation that occurs during transmission and reception, e.g., the intensity of the reflected signal may be increased to compensate for attenuation. Other parameters such as frequency or timing may also be essential to synchronize the reflection with the transmitter's reception window, thereby reducing latency and improving overall signal accuracy. - The computation of reflection parameters may also take into account contextual information such as the device's movement, environmental conditions, and the physical characteristics of the object carrying the device. For instance, if the device is moving, the reflection parameters need to be dynamically adjusted to account for changes in position and orientation. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect signal propagation, necessitating real-time adjustments to the reflection parameters. The material and shape of the object carrying the device can impact signal reflection, requiring specific adjustments to ensure optimal reflection.

[0192] - Once the reflection parameters are computed, the wireless device may provide a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal. This signal, which can be a command or a set of instructions, may direct the device to reflect the received wireless sensing signal according to the computed parameters. The reflection process may involve techniques such as backscattering, where the device reflects the signal with minimal modification, or more complex methods where the device modulates and / or boosts the reflected signal to enhance its reception quality.

[0193] In backscattering, the wireless device maintains the integrity of the received signal while reflecting it back to the transmitter. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios where minimal signal distortion is critical. Alternatively, the device may employ adaptive reflection techniques to modulate the signal, enhancing its reception based on the computed parameters.

[0194] Furthermore, the wireless device may continuously monitor the effectiveness of the signal adaptation and make real-time adjustments as necessary. This involves iterative computation and reflection processes to ensure that the signal remains optimal under varying conditions. The device may also communicate with the wireless access device to receive feedback on the signal quality and further refine the reflection parameters.

[0195] By incorporating these detailed steps and considerations, the wireless device can effectively adapt the received wireless sensing signal through increased reflection, ensuring enhanced signal reception at the transmitter and improving overall communication reliability and performance.

[0196] It is noted that even if in some embodiments reflection is stated, reflection may also cover other types of procedures in which an incident wireless signal is processed and, e.g., reflected or retransmitted, or refracted, etc.

[0197] In a related embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device such as a UE may not perform the reflection by itself, but it may rely on a companion device and / or other surrounding devices to perform the reflection. For instance, the companion device may be a portable RIS and / or a close by RIS. The wireless device may have a control link to control the companion device. The companion device may be associated with the wireless device, e.g., during initial registration in the network. The companion device may be associated with the wireless device as part of the user subscription. Upon association, the companion device may wait for / receive commands from the wireless device indicating how to steer its reflection capabilities. Upon association, the companion device may receive a configuration, e.g., from the wireless device, indicating, e.g., the features of the sensing signal it is expected to receive. Upon association, the companion device may report certain parameters (e.g., position information and / or measurements of the received / reflected signals).

[0198] In a related embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a reflected wireless sensing signal (Sl(t)) may be reflected by a wireless device with some delay D with regard to the wireless sensing signal reflected (S2(t)) naturally by the object or subject carrying the wireless device. The wireless device may be aware of this delay. The wireless device may communicate this delay information to the wireless access device performing wireless sensing. This delay may be communicated in the signal used to adapt the received wireless sensing signal. In this way, the wireless access device can take this delay into account to improve the wireless sensing measurement, e.g., combining the S 1 (t) and S2(t) as S 1 (t) + S2(t-D).

[0199] In general, the reflected signal may be reflected with some slightly different parameters (e.g., some delay, a frequency offset, etc). These parameters may be communicated to the wireless access device to improve the reception / sensing processing.

[0200] In some examples of the invention, the functionality of reflecting / retransmitting may be performed by a RIS and / or by a smart repeater.

[0201] In a related embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may incorporate a reflective intelligent surface (RIS), which can be used to reflect (or refract, etc) the wireless sensing signal. RIS, often referred to as metasurfaces, are advanced materials engineered with sub-wavelength structures that can manipulate electromagnetic waves in a controlled manner. These surfaces consist of an array of unit cells, each capable of adjusting its electromagnetic response through electronic control, thus enabling dynamic alteration of the wavefront of the incident signal. The wireless device can utilize the RIS to fine-tune the reflection properties of the wireless sensing signal, such as phase, amplitude, polarization, reflection / refraction angles, etc. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the RIS can enhance signal strength, directivity, and overall signal quality. For instance, the RIS can focus the reflected signal towards the transmitter, significantly improving signal reception. This capability is particularly advantageous in urban environments where obstacles and interference are prevalent. Technical details of the RIS involve the implementation of tunable elements, such as varactor diodes or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), in each unit cell. These elements allow real-time reconfiguration of the surface's electromagnetic properties in response to control signals from the wireless device. The control signals can be generated based on real-time analysis of the received signal's quality and contextual parameters, ensuring optimal reflection under varying conditions. The RIS can operate in various frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, making it versatile for different wireless applications. Additionally, the RIS can incorporate sensing capabilities to monitor the environment and further refine the reflection parameters. For example, integrated sensors can detect changes in temperature, humidity, or the presence of obstacles, and adjust the reflection properties accordingly to maintain high signal quality. Fig. 8 provides signaling illustrating previous embodiment wherein 800 and 801 represent two wireless devices in different orientations, 802 represents a wireless access device transmitting wireless sensing signals 803 and 804 towards wireless device 800 and 801, respectively. In the case of wireless device 800, the wireless sensing signal 803 propagates in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the wireless device 800 itself, so that the reflected wireless sensing signal 805 propagates back directly towards the wireless access device 802, which acts also as the wireless sensing receiver, following the same path. In the case of wireless device 801, the wireless sensing signal 804 does not propagate in a direction that is perpendicular to surface of the wireless device 801 itself. If wireless device 801 behaved as a standard reflector of electromagnetic waves, the wireless sensing signal would be reflected in direction 807, wherein the incident wave (wireless sensing signal) and the reflected wave (reflected wireless sensing signal) have the opposite angle sign with respect to the axis perpendicular to the surface of wireless device 801. The consequence would be that the wireless access device 802, acting as the wireless sensing receiver, would receive a very weak signal, if at all. Instead, wireless device 801 may be featured by the usage of a reflective intelligent surface that allows wireless device 801 to reflect the incident wireless sensing signal towards the wireless access device. This requires determining the direction of the incident wireless sensing signal, and configuring the reflective intelligent surface to reflect back in that direction.

[0202] In some examples, the reflective intelligent surface may be embedded in the wireless device itself, but in other cases, it may be implemented as part of a companion device that may be associated with the wireless device.

[0203] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may control the reflected wireless sensing signal by receiving signaling from the wireless access device. The signaling may include, e.g., the signal quality of the reflected wireless sensing signal. This information can be used by the wireless device to control the RIS (in general, of the wireless sensing signal is processed, retransmitted, etc).

[0204] Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may transmit its orientation / rotation, and the wireless access device may determine how the wireless sensing signal is to be reflected. This is important in the case that the wireless sensing signal transmitter and / or the wireless sensing signal receiver are mobile and / or are moving.

[0205] This embodiment is illustrated by means of Fig. 9a, wherein wireless device is entity 900 and wireless access device is denoted by entity 901. Wireless access device may transmit wireless sensing signal 902 towards wireless device 900. Wireless device 900 may reflect it in multiple directions, in this case, in directions 903, 904, and 905. The reflected wireless sensing signals may be reflected in different directions multiplexed at time, e.g., at time tO the reflected signal is in direction 903, at time tl the reflected signal is in direction 904, and at time t2 the reflected signal is in direction 905. These reflected wireless sensing signals in different directions may be reflected wireless sensing signals acting as pilot signals that allow the wireless access device to determine the best reflection direction, e.g., by measuring the signal strength of the reflected wireless sensing signals. Based on this information, the wireless access device may provide this information (e.g., measurements, or determined based direction) as an indication to the wireless device.

[0206] Fig. 9b further illustrates the time behavior of the wireless device when reflecting wireless sensing signals according to different reflection angles 906, 907, and 908 refer to the reflection of the wireless sensing signal in direction 903, 904, and 905, at time interval tO, tl, and t2, respectively. The wireless access device may determine that the best direction is 904, indicate this to the wireless device, that may then reflect the wireless sensing signal in this selected direction at time t3. To account for the mobility of the devices, this process can be repeated multiple times, e.g., Fig. 9b shows a second process repetition reflecting wireless sensing signals 906, 907, and 908 according to reflection angles 903, 904, and 905 at times t0’, tl’, and t2’. The wireless access device may determine that the best direction is in between 903 and 904, indicate this to the wireless device, that may then reflect the wireless sensing signal in this selected direction at time t3’.

[0207] In this procedure, the reflected wireless sensing signals in direction 903, 904, and 905 act as “reflected pilot sensing signal” with the purpose to allow the wireless sensing receiver determine the best reflection configuration, and feedback it to the wireless device. The wireless access device and / or wireless device may determine their / the reflection parameters, e.g., the number, angle, duration, frequency, etc. This phase of the procedure using the “reflected pilot sensing signal” can be denoted as a measurement phase.

[0208] In this procedure, the reflected wireless sensing signals in the main selected direction 904 act as the “reflected sensing signal” for measurement purposes and the wireless access device and / or wireless device may determine their parameters, e.g., the number, angle, duration, frequency, etc. This phase of the procedure using the “reflected sensing signal” can be denoted as a sensing phase.

[0209] It is to be noted that such a strategy may be applicable to other embodiments in this invention. For instance, wireless access device (wireless sensing transmitter) 1303 in Fig. 13 may transmit wireless sensing signals in multiple directions (similar to 903, 904, and 905). The wireless access device (wireless sensing receiver) 1304 may determine which one provides a better quality (e.g., in terms of one or more parameters / features). Wireless sensing receiver 1304 may report the preferred direction (in general, transmission parameters) to wireless sensing transmitter 1303 that may use the selected direction (in general, transmission parameters).

[0210] In this example, if the wireless sensing signal is a reference signal that is transmitted via different directional beams, the reference signal may be an on-demand reference signal used to determine the rough location of a target, and based on the feedback of the wireless sensing receiver, the wireless sensing transmitter may transmit a target specific and beam-focused wireless sensing signal.

[0211] This is further illustrated by means of Fig. 9c wherein wireless access device 901 transmits three reference wireless sensing signals 903 / 904 / 905 towards a potential target 900. The target reflects wireless sensing signal 902 that may be measured by wireless access device (wireless sensing transmitter and receiver in this case) determining that the best transmission direction corresponds to the direction of reference wireless sensing signal 904. This can be determined by wireless sensing receiver if reference wireless sensing signals 903 / 904 / 905 have one or more different features (e.g., timing, frequency, carry an identifier, etc). Additionally or alternatively, target 900 may also measure reference wireless sensing signals 903 / 904 / 905 and indicate in signal 902 which one was received best.

[0212] In this example, reference wireless sensing signals 903 / 904 / 905 may be transmitted periodically, e.g., for a given duration. Periodicity may depend on the speed of target 900.

[0213] In this example, the transmission of reference wireless sensing signals 903 / 904 / 905 may be followed by the transmission of a beam / target focused wireless sensing signal 909 (as shown in Fig. 9b).

[0214] Fig. 10 shows a message flow with the signaling illustrating embodiments in this invention. In this figure, entity 1000 refers to a wireless device and entity 1001 refers to a wireless access device implementing the functionalities of wireless sensing transmitter and wireless access receiver. In step 1002, the wireless access device may transmit a wireless sensing signal (e.g., comprising one or more (directional) reference sensing wireless signals) that may be received by the wireless device, determining, e.g., locally, reflection parameters. The reflection parameters may be applied to the wireless sensing signal in multiple steps, e.g., two steps, (step 1004-1) in a measurement phase wherein a reflected pilot sensing signal is reflected back, e.g., as illustrated in Fig. 9a and 9b, in sensing phase (step 1004-2) wherein the reflected pilot sensing signal is reflected back applying the best known parameters (e.g., best known reflection angle), or an indication phase in which measurements performed by wireless device 1000 are reported back. The wireless access device may assess the signals received in one or more of the steps, and it may determine new parameters. The parameters may be communicated to the wireless device in step 1005, that may be followed by a subsequent wireless sensing signal 1006. Wireless device may assess the received parameters in step 1007. At this point, the wireless device may repeat the measurement and sensing phases, e.g., with the reflection of signals 1008-1 and 1008-2.

[0215] It is to be noted that many parameters may be configurable, e.g.: how many sensing phases take place for each measurement phase, the duration of the phases, the time offset between the phases, the time offset between each of the “reflected pilot sensing signal” during the measurement phase,

[0216] The RIS may be embedded in a UE, e.g., by covering and / or under the whole a part of the UE surface. Fig. 11 shows illustrative examples of UEs, namely a) AR / VR glasses 1101, b) a connected car 1100, c) a mobile phone 1102, d) a smart watch, and e) a boat transporting one or more containers tracked by means of one or more UEs. The UEs make use of a RIS 1103, e.g., to improve wireless sensing as in previous embodiments. It is to be noted that the device performing the reflection / refraction of the incoming signal (e.g., RIS device) may also be implemented as a companion device.

[0217] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may provide a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal by sending a command indicating a requested modification.

[0218] This requested modification may include one or more of the following:

[0219] - increased transmission power, which may involve enhancing the power output of the transmitted signal to ensure it reaches the receiver with minimal loss / enough strength, improving overall signal strength / achieving a given signal to noise ratio, and thus, reducing the impact of noise and interference;

[0220] - a preferred beam, where the wireless device may adjust the directionality of the transmitted signal, focusing it in a specific direction, known as beamforming, which enhances the signal reception at the intended target while minimizing interference with other devices;

[0221] - a preferred transmission frequency, where by selecting an optimal frequency for signal transmission, the device may avoid congested frequency bands, thus reducing interference and improving the quality of the received signal;

[0222] - increased bandwidth of the sensing signal;

[0223] These technical adjustments may be made based on real-time analysis of the signal quality and environmental conditions. The wireless device may continuously monitor the effectiveness of the signal adaptation and may make iterative adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal performance. This dynamic control ensures that the wireless sensing signal remains robust and reliable under varying conditions, enhancing overall communication reliability and performance.

[0224] It is to be noted that multiple embodiments are described in terms of a wireless access device acting as the transmitter and receiver of wireless sensing signals (sensing transmitter and sensing receiver) and a wireless device such as a UE or STA proving a signal to control the wireless sensing signal. In this case, this is about a closed-control loop in which the wireless device is involved. In general, the transmitting wireless sensing functionalities and the receiving wireless sensing functionalities may not need to be in the same physical device, e.g., in the same wireless access device; furthermore, the transmitting wireless sensing functionalities and / or the receiving wireless sensing functionalities may be in other type of devices, e.g., in a wireless device such as a UE or STA.

[0225] Fig. 13a illustrates this general setting wherein the wireless sensing transmitter 1303 transmits a wireless sensing signal 1305 that is reflected by the object / subject to be sensed 1301 and / or a wireless device 1300 integrated or carried by the object / subject. The reflected wireless sensing signal 1306 is received by the wireless sensing receiver 1304. Wireless sensing transmitter 1303 and wireless sensing receiver 1304 may be collocated in a single device 1302 (e.g., a base station or a wireless device such as a UE) or implemented in different devices (e.g., two wireless devices such as two UEs, or a single wireless device such as a UE or a base station, etc). Wireless sensing receiver and transmitter may be connected by means of a communication link 1308, e.g., a wired or a wireless link (e.g., on top of the Xn interface, or PC5 interface or Uu interface). Wireless device 1300 may also communicate with the wireless sensing transmitter and / or receiver 1303 / 1304 / 1302 via signals 1307-1 and / or 1307-2.

[0226] In a particular instantiation, wireless receiver 1304 may receive a wireless signal 1306 from the wireless transmitter that may have been reflected by an object / subject. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless receiver may also receive a signal 1307-2 to adapt a wireless sensing signal, e.g., a signal from wireless device 1300.

[0227] The wireless receiver may measure or determine one or more characteristics / features of the wireless sensing signal based on the wireless signal 1306 or signal 1307-2.

[0228] The wireless receiver may exchange a second signal, e.g., 1308, with the wireless transmitter to adapt one of the received signals, e.g., wireless signal 1306. Wireless signal 1306 may be a wireless sensing signal.

[0229] Fig. 13b illustrates a related procedure for operating a wireless receiver comprising one or more of:

[0230] - receiving (1309), by a wireless receiver (1304), a second wireless signal, the second wireless signal being reflected by an object / subject (1301) in response to a first wireless signal from the wireless transmitter impinging or incident on the object, and / or

[0231] - receiving (1310), by the wireless receiver (1304), a first signal to adapt a wireless sensing signal, said wireless sensing signal being transmitted by wireless device (1300), said wireless device being coupled to the object / subject (1301), the first signal comprises properties or features of the wireless sensing signal;

[0232] - measuring and / or determining (1311), by the wireless receiver, one or more characteristics / features of the wireless sensing signal based on the wireless signal and / or the first signal,

[0233] - determining (1312), by the wireless receiver, whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation,

[0234] - providing (1313), by the wireless receiver, a second signal (1308) to the wireless transmitter (1303) to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

[0235] Section: Open-control loop control of a wireless sensing signal

[0236] In some cases, a sensing transmitter / receiver may not get active support / feedback / signaling from a device about how to adapt the wireless sensing signal used to sense the device and / or subject and / or object to monitor. In this case, the control of the wireless sensing signal and its features needs to be based on an open-control loop between the sensing transmitter and the sensing receiver (without involvement of the object / subject / device being sensed). Thus:

[0237] In an embodiment that may be used independently or combined with other embodiments, a wireless sensing device, which may be centralized or distributed, may perform one or more of the following steps: a. The device may receive a wireless signal transmited by another device. This step involves the initial reception of the wireless signal, which serves as the basis for further analysis and adaptation of the wireless sensing signal. The received signal may originate from a variety of devices, including access points, user equipment (UE), or other wireless entities. b. It may measure or determine one or more features of a wireless sensing signal based on the received wireless signal. This involves analyzing the received signal to extract relevant features that can indicate the current state and quality of the wireless sensing environment. These features may include signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, timing parameters, and other metrics that reflect the performance and characteristics of the wireless sensing signal.

[0238] For instance, the received signal strength may give an indication of how far the device is, obstacles, size and / or material.

[0239] The device may adapt the signal strength of the transmited wireless sensing signal accordingly.

[0240] For instance, the device may be able to obtain a timing parameter such as the timing advance of a wireless signal. The device may communicate the timing advance to the wireless device (and corresponding object / subject) that requires wireless sensing. The device may use the timing advance to determine the distance to the wireless device, and adapt correspondingly the transmission parameters of the wireless sensing signal, e.g., transmission power. c. The device (wireless sensing receiver) may then determine whether the wireless sensing signal requires adaptation. Based on the measured or determined features, the device assesses whether adjustments are needed to improve the performance of the wireless sensing signal. This decisionmaking process involves evaluating the current signal conditions and determining if enhancements such as increased transmission power, beamforming, or frequency adjustments are necessary to optimize the signal quality. d. It may provide a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal accordingly. If adaptation is deemed necessary, the device may send a command or signal that initiates the required modifications to the wireless sensing signal. These modifications may include increasing the transmission power to boost signal strength, adjusting the beam directionality to focus the signal towards the intended target, or selecting an optimal transmission frequency to avoid interference and congestion. The goal is to ensure that the wireless sensing signal is robust, reliable, and capable of providing accurate sensing information under varying environmental conditions.

[0241] Section: combined control of a wireless sensing signal

[0242] In some cases, the wireless sensing receiver may receive both a reflected (by an object / subject) wireless (sensing) signal transmited by a wireless sensing transmiter and an indication from a wireless device about the wireless sensing signal. The wireless sensing receiver may use the reflected wireless (sensing) signal and / or the indication to determine whether the wireless sensing signal requires adaptation and how to adapt it.

[0243] This is a combination of embodiments of the invention.

[0244] Section: how the signals / feedback to adapt the wireless sensing signal is provided

[0245] In an embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device may report measurements via an uplink control information message, or a MAC CE, or an RRC message, or a NAS message.

[0246] An UCI may be used for low-latency control messages (e.g., a short control message steering the current wireless sensing procedure based on one or more measurements / features of the wireless sensing signal).

[0247] An RRC message and / or NAS message may be used for the transmission of configurations and / or measurements that may, e.g., not have strict delay requirements (e.g., a bulk report providing measurements / features of the wireless sensing signal over a period of time).

[0248] For instance, the measurements that may be reported by the wireless device may indicate information about the signal used to extract wireless sensing parameters, e.g., slot / carrier, carrier, measured features / parameters.

[0249] In an embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless access device may receive a wireless sensing signal (e.g., reflected on an object / subject) as well as a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless device coupled to the object / subject. The wireless access device may combine the measurements as well as the information contained in the wireless signal to determine whether the wireless sensing signal needs to be adapted. The combination may be performed by considering, e.g., one or more values in the wireless signal (e.g., signal strength measured, indication of the movement pattern of the object / subject, etc) and one or more measurements extracted from the wireless sensing signal.

[0250] In an embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless access device may receive a wireless sensing signal (e.g., reflected on an object / subject) as well as a wireless signal transmitted by a wireless device coupled to the object / subject. The wireless access device may combine the measurements reported by the wireless device and the own measurements to improve the sensing accuracy.

[0251] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless access device may create a measurement report that comprises the own measurements and the information received from the wireless device. The measurement report may be transmitted to a network function such as a sensing function. For instance, the wireless device may have measured and / or extracted some measurements (e.g., Level C or D) so that the overhead remains manageable and for instance, the wireless sensing device may collect the sensed data. The combined measurement report may comprise both data sets. The combined measurement report may perform data compression by, e.g., removing duplicated data, e.g., data that follows the same distribution. The combined measurement report may be exchanged to a network function (e.g., sensing function) extracting measurements at a different abstraction level (e.g., Level A to D). In some cases, the network function may send a request to the wireless access device and / or wireless device to adapt the type of measurements reported, e.g., when the wireless sensing quality drops below a threshold.

[0252] This is schematically illustrated by means of Fig. 15 wherein entity 1500 represents a wireless device being coupled to an object / subject; entity 1501 represents a wireless access device, e.g., performing wireless sensing and communication, e.g., performing monostatic or bi-static sensing; entity 1502 represents a network or application function, e.g., a sensing function. In some cases, entities 1501 and 1502 may be collocated. The procedure may comprise one or more of the following steps. Some steps may be performed multiple times. Some steps may be performed in a different order. Some steps and / or actions according to other embodiments may not be described for clarity reasons:

[0253] In step 1503, the network function and / or wireless access device may start / perform a wireless sensing procedure. Sub-step 1503-1 may indicate a triggering message and / or configuration from the network function. Sub-step 1503-2 may indicate a wireless sensing signal and / or configuration (in a wireless signal) from the wireless access device;

[0254] In step 1504, the wireless device may receive a wireless signal and / or wireless sensing signal, it may perform wireless sensing measurements and / or actions, e.g., according to a configuration. The configuration may determine the level of detail of the measurements. The wireless sensing signal may be reflected in the object / subject carrying and / or coupled to the wireless device;

[0255] In step 1505-1, the wireless device may report the measurements to the wireless access device;

[0256] In step 1505-2, the wireless sensing signal (reflected on the subject / object and / or reflected by the wireless device) may be received by the wireless access device;

[0257] In step 1506, the wireless access device may make measurements of the received (reflected) wireless sensing signal and create a (combined) measurement report comprising the measurements performed by the wireless access device and / or the measurements received in step 1505-1;

[0258] In step 1507, the wireless access device may transmit the (combined) measurement report to the NF;

[0259] In step 1508, the NF may send a message, e.g., a control message indicating how the wireless sensing signal and / or measurements of both wireless device and wireless access device need to be adapted, e.g., to obtain an improved combined measurement report and / or how the wireless sensing signal transmitted by the wireless access device may be adapted;

[0260] In step 1509, wireless access device may transmit an adapted wireless sensing signal and / or send a control message to the wireless device with a new configuration to perform wireless sensing measurements. In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the request to adapt the measurements performed by the wireless device and / or operation of the wireless device (e.g., performing or not reflection) may depend on the quality of the measured reflected wireless sensing signal. For instance, if an object / subject is being tracked, the detail level of the measurements in the area where the object / subject is located may be required to be higher than in areas where the object / subject is not detected. For instance, more detailed measurements (e.g., Level A) may be requested to and transmitted from the location of the object / subject. Similarly, a lack of precision and / or low SNR etc in the received measurements may also require an adaptation of the wireless sensing signal to improve the quality of the measurements. The wireless access device may receive the request and share the measurements.

[0261] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the request to adapt one or more values (e.g., measurements) may refer to a request to adapt one or more measurements (e.g., from Level A to D), and the adaptation may refer to:

[0262] - temporal frequency (e.g., measurements at a given level of accuracy (e.g., Level A... D) and samples every t units of time)

[0263] - spatial direction (e.g., measurements at a given level of accuracy (e.g., Level A... D) and samples per direction from the sensing receiver)

[0264] - spatial distance (e.g., measurements at a given level of accuracy (e.g., Level A... D) and samples from a given distance / range)

[0265] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the request to adapt one or more values may be conditional to a local tracking event. For instance, if the wireless access device determines that an object is moving in a given direction (e.g., an angular direction with respect to the wireless access device acting as wireless sensing device), the conditional control may require the adaptation of the measurements in the area of the moving target and / or the adaptation of the wireless sensing signal that is transmitted.

[0266] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the request may require the activation / deactivation / configuration of reflection capabilities of the wireless device, e.g., according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0267] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the level of detail of the measurements (level A to D) may be configured per unit of time and / or spatial direction and / or other granularity levels such as tracked object, type of object, context, etc. For instance,

[0268] Level A detailed samples may be requested / transmitted every T A seconds from T A spatial directions, while

[0269] Level B detailed samples may be requested transmitted every T_B seconds from D_B spatial directions, while Level C detailed samples may be requested transmitted every T_C seconds from D C spatial directions, while

[0270] Level D detailed samples may be requested transmitted every T_D seconds from D_D spatial directions.

[0271] For instance, T A = 1 and D A = all directions, and T_D = 10 ms and D_D = spatial direction where a target is present.

[0272] The configuration may be valid according to a policy. The policy may determine, e.g., how long / when the configuration is valid, e.g., for a given duration of time, valid while a given (target) object / subject is detected, valid when a condition (e.g., emergency) happens, etc. The configuration itself may contain the policy under which the configuration (or part of the configuration) is valid / invalid.

[0273] This level of configurability is advantageous because it allows for the reduction of the communication and / or computational overhead.

[0274] In a related embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the request to adapt the wireless sensing signal may require the adaptation of one or more of:

[0275] 1. Waveform Characteristics: modulation scheme (e.g., OFDM, chirp, FMCW): Different schemes affect resolution and robustness.

[0276] 2. Bandwidth: Wider bandwidth improves range resolution but increases complexity; pulse duration / duty cycle: Impacts energy efficiency and sensing precision.

[0277] 3. Power Control Transmit power or beamforming gain

[0278] 4. Polarization for distinguishing materials or improving multipath handling.

[0279] 5. Coding schemes (e.g., spread spectrum, MIMO coding) to enhance robustness and sensing accuracy.

[0280] 6. Diversity techniques (frequency, spatial, polarization) to improve reliability in complex environments.

[0281] 7. Temporal Adaptation

[0282] 8. Sensing Resolution Parameters such as range resolution, controlled by bandwidth and / or waveform design.

[0283] 9 Angular resolution controlled by antenna array size and beamforming strategy.

[0284] 10. Interference Management to suppress interference from unwanted directions.

[0285] 11. Scheduling to adapt when and how sensing occurs relative to communication.

[0286] 12 Activation / deactivation of cooperative sensing enabling / disabling multiple nodes sharing sensing data for better coverage.

[0287] In is to be noted that embodiments of this invention may use the term wireless sensing signal. The wireless sensing signal may refer to a signal used for sensing purposes only, or a wireless communication signal that can also be used - simultaneously - for sensing purposes. Section: active interference mitigation

[0288] In some scenarios, a wireless device such as a UE may suffer interferences from communications with close or far by devices, e.g., other wireless devices or wireless access devices. For this reason, wireless devices may be configured to perform cross-link interference (CLI) measurements such as CSI-RSSI or CLI SRS-RSRP. Based on those measurements, wireless access devices may perform signaling for time division duplex (TDD) coordination. Still, such measurements and such coordination only provide a reactive solution to the problem. Thus, it is an aim of the invention to address this problem.

[0289] In a further embodiment of the invention that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device may use of a preventive capability to deal with CLI. In particular, a wireless device may make use of one or more RISs embedded in the wireless device, e.g., as illustrated in Fig. 11, to deal with interferences. Fig. 12 illustrates a possible scenario wherein wireless device 1200 comprises two (in general, it could be more or less) antenna panels 1201 and 1202 and two (in general, it could be more or less) RIS 1203 and 1204, respectively. Wireless device 1200 communicates via antenna panel 1202 with wireless access device 1206 via wireless beam 1205. Fig. 12 further illustrates the communication between wireless access device 1207 and wireless device 1209 via wireless beam 1208. Wireless beam 1208 may interfere with the communication of wireless device 1200. This interference may happen in certain full duplex configurations in which the same time / frequency resources are used in uplink and downlink, e.g., sub-band full duplex. To deal with this interference, wireless device 1200 may be instructed by wireless access device 1206 to switch on and / or configure RIS 1201 in such away that it protects wireless device 1200 (e.g., antenna panel 1202) from the interfering signal.

[0290] It is to be noted that a RIS may act as a reflector, and thus, in some cases, other types of reflectors may be applicable, and / or a device used to reflect interference signals may be referred to as reflector.

[0291] It is to be noted that some embodiments of the invention are described in the context of a wireless device using a RIS (as reflected) as interference mitigation strategy. However, there may be other mitigation strategy interferences, for instance, active beamforming to set a minimum beamforming in the direction of the interference (e.g., caused by a close by wireless device). Thus, embodiments of the invention may also be understood from the point of view of using multiple interference mitigation strategies, as suitable.

[0292] In scenarios where not all wireless devices are equipped with a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), it becomes essential for the wireless access device to ascertain the capabilities of each wireless device to optimize network performance. An embodiment of this approach may involve the wireless device sending a detailed report of its capabilities, including its interference mitigation capabilities. An embodiment of this approach may involve the wireless device sending a request to access the network along with a detailed report of its capabilities. This report may include information about the presence or absence of a RIS, supported frequency bands, power levels, and other relevant specifications. Upon receiving this request, the wireless access device may analyze the device's capabilities and adjust its communication strategy accordingly. For instance, if the wireless device is equipped with a RIS, the access device may utilize advanced beamforming techniques and frequency optimization to enhance the signal quality. Conversely, if the device lacks a RIS, the access device may employ alternative methods such as increased transmission power or cross-link interference mitigation strategies. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless access device may proactively query the wireless device for its capabilities. This proactive approach may ensure that the network remains adaptive and responsive to the varying capabilities of all connected devices. For example, upon detecting a new device, the access device may send a capability query, to which the wireless device responds with its specifications. Based on this information, the access device may dynamically configure its communication parameters to ensure optimal performance and minimal interference for all connected devices. This capability -aware communication strategy may not only enhance network efficiency but also ensure that each device experiences robust and reliable connectivity, regardless of its inherent features.

[0293] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless device may be equipped with multiple RIS and antenna panels, each strategically placed on / under its surface. The device may continuously monitor its orientation and the positions of the RIS and antenna panels or provide signaling so that a wireless access device can determine it.

[0294] When the wireless device connects to a wireless access device or when the wireless access device is requested, it may send a report containing one or more of:

[0295] Positions of each RIS on the device

[0296] Positions of each antenna panel

[0297] Current orientation of the device with respect to the access device Additional device capabilities relevant to signal optimization Upon receiving the report, the wireless access device may analyze the information to determine the optimal configuration for communication. The analysis may involve one or more steps:

[0298] 1. Determining Device Orientation: By comparing the reported positions of the RIS and antenna panels, the access device may determine the orientation of the wireless device. This may involve understanding which parts of the device are more likely to face potential sources of interference.

[0299] 2. Determining interfering signals: by configuring the wireless device to perform measurements of the potentially interfering signals. These measurements may need to be performed in specific time or frequency resources, e.g., specific resource blocks. These measurements may relate to the RSSI measured and / or the signal strength of a pilot signal distributed by another wireless device (e.g., SRS), etc or access devices (e.g., SSBs). These measurements may be performed by one or more antenna pannels when one or more reflectors are switch on and / or off. This approach allows determining how different reflectors help with the mitigation of the interference signal depending on which antenna panels are being used and how good the connection to the access devices is. 3. Configuring RIS for Optimal Performance: Based on the orientation and the network environment, the access device may decide which RIS should be enabled or configured. For instance, if a particular RIS is positioned to face a source of interference, it may be activated to mitigate the impact of that interference. The RIS configuration of a first device may be synchronized with the communication of a second device, e.g., so that when a second device is going to perform a transmission that may interfere with the communication of a first device, the first device activates the corresponding RIS to mitigate the interference (caused by the second device).

[0300] 4. Reducing Cross-Link Interferences: By strategically enabling or configuring the RIS, the access device may significantly reduce cross-link interferences. This may involve one or more of: a. Adjusting the beamforming direction to focus the signal away from sources of interference b. Optimizing transmission frequencies to avoid congested bands c. Increasing transmission power in specific directions to overcome potential interference

[0301] The wireless access device may continuously monitor the effectiveness of the configured RIS and make iterative adjustments as necessary. This dynamic control ensures that the wireless signal remains robust and reliable under varying conditions, enhancing overall communication reliability and performance. This embodiment showcases a sophisticated approach to managing wireless communication by leveraging detailed positional information of RIS and antenna panels. By reporting this information to the wireless access device, the network may dynamically adapt to environmental changes and maintain optimal performance. This proactive and adaptive strategy is key to ensuring robust and interference-free communication in modem wireless networks.

[0302] In an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, when a first wireless device performs (or is requested to perform) an interference measurement and / or applies (or is requested to apply) a configuration to deal with an interference, the timing and / or frequencies and / or antenna panel and / or reflector used by the first wireless device to perform the measurement or deal with the interference are synchronized with the communication (or wireless sensing) with a second wireless device.

[0303] For instance, a wireless access device may send a control message to the first wireless device to perform a measurement at time T, frequency F, using antenna panel A, and switching on reflector R (in general, an interference mitigation strategy) when at the same time is requesting the second wireless device to transmit / receive a message (e.g., reference signal) RS at time T and frequency F. In this way, the first wireless device can perform a measurement that is indicative of the performance (or lack thereof) of the interference mitigation strategy.

[0304] In some cases, the wireless access device may use a control message that is such that can be used to control the behaviour of both the first and second wireless devices, e.g., the same control message may be used to enable an interference mitigation capability in the first wireless device and trigger the transmission of a message by the second wireless device. This has the advantage of reducing the signalling overhead and improving the synchronization. This feature may also be implemented independently, and applied to other settings, e.g., in a sub-band full-duplex setting in which the first wireless device is receiving a first message while the second wireless device is transmitting a second message. In this setting, a single message (e.g., a DCI message) may be used to control both the transmission and reception and the activation of the mitigation strategy during the reception to deal with the interference caused by the transmission.

[0305] In some cases, a device (e.g., wireless access device) may control a first device and a second device indicating to the second device to perform a transmission / reception and indicating to the first device that it needs to apply its interference mitigation capabilities. However, the first and second devices may not be aware of the specific timings, e.g., the second device may not know exactly when the first device applies its interference mitigation capabilities, the first device may not know when the second device transmits / receives data, and the second device may not know when the transmission / reception of the second device will reach the first device (and thus, the specific time when the mitigation strategy capability is to be applied). Thus, in an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, the wireless devices are informed about timing (in general communication parameters) parameters to apply the interference mitigation capabilities and / or the wireless devices are adapted to consider timing parameters (in general, communication parameters) when applying the interference mitigation capabilities. For instance, consider the illustrative figures Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b wherein 1400 and 1401 represent two wireless devices (e.g., two UEs or two STAs). 1400 is a wireless device that is going to perform a transmission that may create an interference for device 1401. Device 1401 has interference mitigation capabilities. Device 1400 needs to transmit data (1408 in Fig. 14a, 1411 in Fig. 14b) to wireless access device 1402. Device 1401 needs to receive (1409 in Fig. 14a, 1410 in Fig. 14b) from wireless access device 1403. Both wireless access devices communicate via a communication link / interface 1404. In this situation, the distance between 1400 and 1401 is relatively short compared with the distance between devices 1400 / 1401 and their respective wireless access devices 1402 and 1403. Wireless devices 1400 and 1401 also communicate in such a way that their transmissions arrive aligned at the wireless access device (because otherwise, they may interfere with transmissions in other time slots) by using a timing advanced parameter. This may mean that device 1400 may start its transmission around dl400 / c before the start of a time slot, where dl400 refers to the distance between wireless device 1400 and wireless device 1402. Assume now that, e.g., the transmission (1409 in Fig. 14a,

[0306] 1410 in Fig. 14b) from 1403 to 1401 is scheduled in a time slot T and the transmission (1408 in Fig. 14a,

[0307] 1411 in Fig. 14b) from 1400 to 1402 is scheduled in a subsequent time slot T+l. The data transmission from device 1403 may arrive at device 1401 a time Delta 1 after the start of time slot T as illustrated by means of 1410 in Fig. 14b. The interfering signal from device 1400 may arrive at device 1401 a time Delta2 before the start of time slot T+l as illustrated by means of 1410 in Fig. 14b. This also means that the interference mitigation capabilities should be applied for a time Delta3. In this case, Delta3 equals Deltal + Delta2. The timing when the interference mitigation capabilities need to be applied needs to be configured and / or applied and / or determined and / or obtained by the wireless device that needs to apply the interference mitigation technique. This configuration may have been transmitted by wireless access device 1403 to wireless device 1401 in a configuration message 1407. This configuration may include:

[0308] - timing to start applying an interference mitigation strategy (e.g., switching on a reflector such as a RIS),

[0309] - timing to stop applying an interference mitigation strategy (e.g., switching off a reflector such as a RIS),

[0310] - (timing) guard band before and after the timing to start / stopping applying the interference mitigation strategies as an additional period during which an interference mitigation capability may be applied.

[0311] The timing may be measured in an absolute manner, or in reference / relative to a communication event. For instance, if a first wireless device has been scheduled a transmission or a reception in a given slot, and the first wireless device is going to be affected by an interfering signal (e.g., from a second wireless device), the first wireless device may be informed about the time of the interfering signal and / or the timing to apply an interference mitigation strategy in a relative manner to the first wireless device scheduled transmission / reception, e.g., by indicating how many slots / frames / OFDM symbols before / after its scheduled transmission / reception the interference mitigation strategy should be applied and / or how many slots / frames / OFDM symbols before / after its scheduled transmission / reception the interference mitigation strategy should be stopped and / or how long the interference mitigation strategy should be applied.

[0312] Similarly, the frequency band that should be protected from interferences may also be communicated and / or configmed. The frequency band may be related to a set of frequency resources that may be used by a wireless device to perform a transmission and / or reception. For instance, if a communication has been scheduled with a UE, and the communication has been scheduled in a set of resource blocks specified by some time / frequency resources, the frequency band that may need to be protected from interferences (e.g., by means of a reflector such as a RIS) may be (implicitly) determined by the scheduling request and an indication for the usage of an interference mitigation strategy.

[0313] It is to be noted that while the wireless access devices may determine the timing advance (that relates to the distance) with the wireless devices, some timing parameters may depend on the distance between the devices that create an interference and need to protect from the interference. Thus, in a further embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device performing interference measurements may also measure the specific time instance (e.g., within a transmission slot, within a frame, ... ) when an interfering signal is measured. This information can then be reported to a wireless access device so that the wireless access device determines configmation parameters to apply an interference mitigation capability, e.g., a (timing) guard band. Additionally or alternatively, this timing may be determined and applied locally.

[0314] In some cases, the interfering signal may evolve over time, e.g., the direction of the interfering signal may change over time, and a fixed configuration may not be sufficient. Thus, in an embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments or used independently, a wireless device may receive a configuration determining how the interference mitigation strategy is (to be) applied wherein the interference mitigation strategy may be such that it changes over time. For instance, in the case that the interference mitigation strategy consists in using a reflector such as a RIS, the configuration may determine the RIS parts that should be activated at different instants of time.

[0315] It is to be noted that even if the description of the embodiments is done in the context of a wireless device such as a UE, the different embodiments may also be applicable to wireless access devices such as a base station. The base station may be covered by a metasurface providing active protection (e.g., from interfering signals from other base stations) on demand / when / where needed.

[0316] It is to be noted that a specific type of (wireless) device that may benefit of capabilities for interference mitigation may be a UAV.

[0317] It is to be noted that embodiments related to interference mitigation may be applied to the mitigation of interferences caused by either wireless communication or wireless sensing.

[0318] In general, it is described a method to operate an apparatus for interference mitigation wherein the method comprises indicating, by the apparatus, the interference mitigation capabilities of the apparatus; receiving, by the apparatus, a first configuration to perform an interference measurement and a second configuration to mitigate an interference according to one or more interference mitigation capabilities; performing, by the apparatus, the interference measurement; controlling, by the apparatus, the interference mitigation capabilities according to the second configuration.

[0319] Furthermore, it is described a method to operate an apparatus for interference mitigation wherein the method comprises: receiving, by the apparatus, an indication of the interference mitigation capabilities of a first device; transmitting, by the apparatus, a third configuration to enable a second device to perform a transmission and / or reception; and mitigating, by the apparatus, the interference of the transmission or reception of the second device on the first device by applying the configured interference mitigation capabilities, e.g., activating the interference mitigation capabilities of the first device.

[0320] In the previous methods, the interference mitigation capabilities may comprise at least the usage of one reflector to reflect and / or absorb an interfering signal.

[0321] In the previous methods, the indication of the interference mitigation capabilities comprises one or more of: the number of reflectors; the features of the reflectors; the position of the reflectors in the apparatus; the position of the reflectors in the apparatus with respect to the one or more antenna panels of the apparatus; and a preference for using the reflectors. In the previous methods, the first configuration may comprise a set of time and / or frequency resources to perform a measurement of an interference, wherein the measurement is performed by one or more indicated antenna panels according to a given antenna panel configuration and an interference mitigation capability configuration.

[0322] In the previous methods, the second and / or third configurations may comprise configuration parameters for at least one interference mitigation capability, wherein the configuration parameters comprise one or more of: time / frequency resources wherein the interference mitigation strategy needs to be applied; mode of operation (reflection, angle of reflection, absorption,) of the interference mitigation capability. In the previous methods, the third configuration may comprise configuration parameters for at least a transceiver of the second device, wherein the third configuration parameters comprise one or more of: time / frequency resources wherein the transceiver transmits or receives data; the antenna used for the transmission or reception of data; and beamforming parameters for the transmission or reception of data.

[0323] In the previous methods, the time / frequency resources - wherein the interference mitigation capability needs to be applied - may be communicated together with and / or relative to the communication resources assigned to perform a data transmission or reception.

[0324] In the previous methods, the second and / or third configuration may comprise a timedependent interference mitigation capability configuration.

[0325] To summarize, this invention proposes a method and apparatus and system to control a wireless sensing signal comprising the following steps: receiving a wireless signal transmitted by an access device, measuring or determining one or more features of a wireless sensing signal from the wireless signal, determining whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation, providing a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

[0326] Furthermore, this invention can be applied to various types of UEs or terminal devices, such as mobile phone, vital signs monitoring / telemetry devices, smartwatches, detectors, vehicles (for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication or more general vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication), V2X devices, Internet of Things (loT) hubs, loT devices, including low-power medical sensors for health monitoring, medical (emergency) diagnosis and treatment devices, for hospital use or first-responder use, virtual reality (VR) headsets, etc.

[0327] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The foregoing de-scription details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in the text, the invention may be practiced in many ways, and is therefore not limited to the embodiments disclosed. It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. Additionally, the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” is to be understood as disjunctive, i.e., as “A and / or B and / or C”. The same applies to the expressions “A or B” and “at least one of A or B”, i.e., they may indicate all possible combinations of the listed items. A single unit or device may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0328] The described operations like those indicated in the above embodiments may be implemented as program code means of a computer program and / or as dedicated hardware of the related network device or function, respectively. The computer program may be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Claims

52CLAIMS:

1. A method for operating an apparatus, the method comprising:- receiving (706), by the apparatus, a wireless signal transmitted by a first device,- measuring or determining (707), by the apparatus, one or more characteristic or features of a wireless sensing signal based on the wireless signal, the wireless signal being associated with the wireless sensing signal,- determining (708), by the apparatus, that the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation,- providing (709), by the apparatus, a first signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal, the first signal being configured for indicating that the received wireless sensing signal needs adaptation.

2. A method for operating a second device, the method comprising:- measuring or determining (1311), by a second device, one or more characteristics / features of a wireless sensing signal based on a wireless signal received from a second device and / or a first signal received from an apparatus, where in the measuring or determining step is performed as a result of:- receiving (1309), by the second device, the wireless signal, the wireless signal being reflected by an object / subject in response to a further wireless signal transmitted by a first device impinging on the object / subject; and / or- receiving (1310), by the second device, the first signal to adapt a wireless sensing signal, said wireless sensing signal being transmitted by an apparatus, said apparatus being coupled to the object / subject,- determining (1312), by the second device, whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation,- providing (1313), by the second device, a second signal to the first device to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

3. The method of claims 1 and 2, wherein the wireless signal is one or more of an SSB, a SIB transmitted in broadcast mode, an on demand SIB, a DCI, a MAC CE, an RRC message, and a wireless sensing signal.

534. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the one or more characteristics / features of the wireless sensing signal and / or of the wireless sensing signal in the wireless signal comprise one or more of:- transmitted signal strength,- frequency band,- received signal strength,- received signal quality,- frequency shift,- directivity, and- transmission frequency.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal indicates a request to:- increase the transmitted signal strength; and / or- adapt any of the characteristics / features of the wireless sensing signal.

6. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein the first signal comprises a measurement report computed by the first device.

7. The method of any of the previous claims, comprising transmitting, by the apparatus, an indication to trigger transmission of the wireless sensing signal prior to receiving, by the apparatus, the wireless signal transmitted by the first device.

8. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein determining whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation comprises evaluating a policy based on one or more contextual parameters wherein the one or more contextual parameters include one or more of:- whether the apparatus is moving and how it is moving;- how the apparatus is being used, or how it is going to be used;- whether the apparatus is in connected, idle, or inactive mode;- whether the apparatus is in emergency mode;- the physical features of the object / subject coupled to the apparatus;- whether the object or subject coupled to the apparatus allows for wireless sensing;- the purposes for which the object or subject carrying the apparatus allows for wireless sensing; and- whether the apparatus is suffering or may suffer interferences from the wireless sensing signal.

549. The method of claim 8, wherein the first signal and / or the second signal contain the one or more contextual parameters.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein providing, by the apparatus, a first signal and / or providing, by the second device, the second signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal comprises sending an indication to adapt the features of the wireless sensing signal upon evaluating the policy based on one or more contextual parameters.

11. The method of claims 8-10, wherein the apparatus and / or the second device and / or the first device are configured with and / or determine and / or negotiate a policy based on one or more contextual parameters determining how to adapt the wireless sensing signal.

12. The method of any previous claims comprising:- computing or obtaining, by the apparatus, reflection parameters to reflect the received wireless sensing signal upon determining that the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation, and- wherein providing, by the apparatus, a first signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal comprises reflecting the received wireless sensing signal according to the computed or obtained reflection parameters.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the computed or obtained reflection parameters comprise reflection parameters applied to the wireless sensing signal during a measurement phase, and reflection parameters applied to the wireless sensing signal during a sensing phase.

14. The method of claims 12 and 13, wherein reflecting the received wireless sensing signal comprises using a backscattering device and / or a reflective intelligent surface and / or transceiver coupled to the apparatus to reflect the wireless sensing signal.

15. The method of any previous claims 2-14, wherein the one or more features measured and / or determined by the apparatus and / or second device include one or more:- a timing advance communication parameter between the first device and the apparatus and / or;- a timing advance communication parameter between the first device and the second device and / or;- a received signal strength value measured by the second device and / or apparatus; and / or- a signal strength of the received wireless signal wherein the received wireless signal is a received wireless sensing signal upon reflection on an object / subject / wireless device.5516. The method of any previous claims 2-15, wherein(1) the first device is collocated with the second device and the second device provides the second signal via a wired interface to the first device to adapt the received wireless sensing signal, or(2) the first device is not collocated with the second device and the second device provides the second signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal via a cellular communication interface between the first and the second devices.

17. A method for operating an apparatus, the method comprising:- transmitting, by the apparatus, a wireless signal to a wireless device, the wireless signal comprising a configuration of a wireless sensing signal,- transmitting, by the apparatus, the wireless sensing signal according to the configuration, and- receiving, by the apparatus, a first signal transmitted by the wireless device in response to the wireless device determining that transmission parameter(s) of the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation based on the configuration of the wireless signal and the wireless signal received by the wireless device, the reception of the first signal causing the adaptation of the transmission parameter(s).

18. A method to operate an apparatus for interference mitigation wherein the method comprises:- indicating, by the apparatus, the interference mitigation capabilities of the apparatus;- receiving, by the apparatus, a first configuration to perform an interference measurement and a second configuration to mitigate an interference signal according to one or more interference mitigation capabilities;- performing, by the apparatus, an interference measurement of the interfering signal; and- controlling, by the apparatus, the interference mitigation capabilities to mitigate the interfering signal according to the second configuration.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the interference mitigation capabilities comprise one or more of:- a reflective intelligence surface coupled to the wireless device; and- a cross-interference cancellation capability.

20. An apparatus comprising:- a receiver adapted to receive a wireless signal transmitted by an access device,- a controller to measure or determine one or more features of a wireless sensing signal from the wireless signal, and to determine whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation,-a transmitter adapted to transmit a signal to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

21. An apparatus for controlling a wireless sensing signal for improved sensing, the apparatus comprising: a receiver, said receiver being arranged for receiving a wireless signal transmitted by a first device reflected by an object / subject and / or being receiving a first signal to adapt the wireless sensing signal transmitted by a wireless device carried by, in, or on the object / subject, a controller for measuring or determining one or more features of a wireless sensing signal based on the wireless signal and / or the first signal, said controller being adapted to determine whether the wireless sensing signal needs adaptation, a transmitter, said transmitter being arranged to transmit a second signal to the first device to adapt the received wireless sensing signal.

22. An apparatus comprising:- a transmitter adapted to transmit a wireless signal to a wireless device, the wireless signal comprising a configuration of a wireless sensing signal,- a transmitter adapted to transmit the wireless sensing signal according to the configuration, and- a receiver adapted to receive a first signal transmitted by the wireless device, the reception of the first signal causing the apparatus to adapt the transmission parameters of the wireless sensing signal.

23. An apparatus comprising:- a processor,- a transceiver,- an interference mitigation module, and- a memory comprising computer instructions that when executed on the processor cause the apparatus to:- indicate the interference mitigation capabilities of the apparatus;- receive a first configuration to perform an interference measurement and a second configuration to mitigate an interference signal according to one or more interference mitigation capabilities;- perform an interference measurement of the interfering signal; and- control the interference mitigation capabilities to mitigate the interfering signal according to the second configuration,Wherein the interference mitigation capabilities are one or more of:- a reflective intelligence surface coupled to the wireless device; and- a cross-interference cancellation capability.

24. A computer program for controlling a wireless sensing signal for improved sensing, wherein the program comprises instructions implementing the steps of the methods any of claims 1 to 19.

Images